Chapter 114: [Copying Ability]

Without a second thought, Luo Chen unleashed a Hadouken. When facing an opponent of unknown strength, the first move is usually a mid-to-long-range attack to probe their capabilities. However, Luo Chen immediately followed up with two more Hadoukens, as this opponent was certainly powerful; a single Hadouken would hardly reveal much.

The energy sphere from the Hadouken struck the shadow and was instantly absorbed, leaving no clue as to how it was countered. Luo Chen was taken aback once again.

The next two energy spheres collided midair and exploded violently—an advanced technique Luo Chen had learned from Feng Sao during their military training skirmishes: Hadouken counter-explosion.

This move generates a powerful airflow that disrupts the opponent’s movements, and the loud explosion can also attract others. Luo Chen didn’t want to get entangled with this hunchbacked old man any longer; escaping quickly was best.

Suddenly, the shadow on the ground rose up like a black curtain, engulfing the two exploding Hadoukens and silencing even the sound. Luo Chen’s scalp tingled—his attacks were completely nullified, even the noise was erased. What a strange man, what a bizarre skill!

Battling such a profoundly mysterious opponent was too dangerous; at least, Luo Chen felt it unnecessary. Without hesitation, he kicked off and leapt toward the nearest main road of the academy. But the shadow was faster, rapidly extending underground; before Luo Chen could complete two bounds, it was already behind him. It rose again and lunged toward him.

Luo Chen was startled and kicked off once more.

Eighty percent spiral boost activated—Lightness Technique!

Under the eighty percent spiral boost, Luo Chen’s speed nearly doubled. He burst out from beneath the black curtain, shouting loudly, “Help!”

The hunchbacked old man hidden within the black curtain was shocked. What kind of Lightness Technique could increase speed so drastically? Even if Luo Chen had mastered the sixth-level psychic warrior’s Rage ability, the boost wouldn’t be so great.

But even this speed wasn’t enough. The shadow extended again, faster than before, attaching itself to Luo Chen’s back. Luo Chen’s spiritual sensitivity was sharp; sensing the foreign force behind him, he turned to see the black curtain rapidly enveloping him. Alarmed, he gritted his teeth: “Damn it! If I can’t outrun you, I’ll fight to the death!”

His fist erupted with light as radiant as the sun—Psychic Combat Technique: Luminous Starburst!

Like a meteor shower, relentless punches flew out in a dense flurry. Yet, this devastating move vanished into the black curtain, completely swallowed, not a single burst of star energy escaping.

Even his strongest attack had no effect. Luo Chen gasped, suddenly understanding that this hunchbacked old man was far more formidable than he had imagined.

Who exactly would invite such a powerful expert just over a petty matter of jealousy?

The black curtain that swallowed the Luminous Starburst flickered, then shattered, revealing the hunchbacked old man’s true face. His expression showed equal astonishment.

Divine Combat Qi!

Divine Combat Qi was the bane of his dark-element Combat Qi; otherwise, he couldn’t have broken through his Shadow Assault. The hunchback frowned, surprised that this young man also possessed Divine Combat Qi—even if only through a combination of combat technique and transformation, it was impressive. Yet he also saw that after unleashing this blow, Luo Chen was clearly spent. Expressionless, he said, “Divine Combat Qi or not, it’s useless before me. Stop your futile resistance!”

With that, the old man turned into shadow once more, extending toward Luo Chen again. Luo Chen cursed silently; after using Luminous Starburst, his psychic energy was depleted, and he could not recover quickly. Now, he was at the mercy of his enemy. He didn’t know if anyone had heard his cry for help earlier; even if they had, it would be too late to save him. He could only hope this old man wasn’t cruel enough to kill him outright.

Suddenly, a burst of intense light accompanied a voice: “Divine Combat Qi might not be much, but it’s more than enough to beat someone as sneaky as you!”

A shower of meteor-like energy struck the shadow.

Luo Chen was both astonished and delighted—this meteor shower was none other than his own Luminous Starburst! Moreover, the one who released it now was even more fierce and enduring than Luo Chen himself, delivering relentless and overwhelming strikes. Under this formidable assault, the shadow emitted a muffled groan and revealed its true form once more.

The intense light faded, and a white-bearded old man appeared before them, smiling warmly—it was none other than the dean of Blue Emperor Academy, Celestial Ulysses.

The hunchback frowned; Ulysses’ attack had caused a minor setback, though not severe. Knowing today was not a day for reconciliation, and seeing Ulysses acted decisively without seeking glory, the hunchback glanced at him and swiftly melted into the darkness, vanishing quickly.

Ulysses did not pursue. Night was when dark combat qi was most potent; if the man wielding it wanted to flee, intercepting him wouldn’t be easy. Besides, if he turned vicious, innocent students might get hurt—that would be troublesome.

Luo Chen, both shocked and grateful, said, “Dean, what are you doing here?”

“No reason,” Ulysses chuckled. “I was just wandering around, running some errands.”

Then, as if remembering something, he added, “Oh, by the way, Luo Chen, a few days ago I mentioned that if you had time, you should show me that meteor-like combat technique of yours. But I haven’t seen you.”

Luo Chen hurriedly replied, “Dean, I thought you were busy and didn’t want to disturb you.”

“Haha, not busy at all! I’m always quite free!” Ulysses laughed heartily. “It’s really something—very splendid, just like a meteor!”

In fact, Ulysses had seen it just now and had immediately learned the technique himself. Luo Chen was amazed. It was said that Celestials could copy others’ combat techniques at will, as long as the techniques weren’t too complex and were within their domain. Ulysses, being a Celestial with Divine Combat Qi, found Luo Chen’s Luminous Starburst not too complicated.

However, the version of Luminous Starburst that Ulysses copied differed slightly. When Luo Chen used it, his psychic energy and body resonated at their peak, greatly enhancing his attack power. Ulysses, on the other hand, did not gain the same effect because his body was already perfectly attuned to the elemental forces of his domain. Every combat technique he wielded was inherently powerful, like a master effortlessly using any weapon—be it sword, spear, or hammer. Thus, to Ulysses, Luminous Starburst was no different from any other skill he casually employed.