...
Keeping a cautious distance from the surrounding cultivators, Yan Xiaobao tried to stay ahead of the perceivable assaults aimed at him.
The ground shifted constantly. Boulders erupted from stable earth and hurtled towards Hui Yue, earth nails emerged from the terrain, and sudden walls appeared to harm or block the nimble young man.
Yan Xiaobao no longer underestimated his opponent and issued commands to his clones to coordinate their attacks against the opposing cultivator. They needed to avoid the earth-based assaults while focusing intently on striking with the Qi Sword.
The entire confrontation resembled a dance in which Yan Xiaobao used his speed to penetrate the Master-level cultivator's range, delivering strikes or slashes before rapidly retreating to deplete more spiritual energy. Each assault demanded Qi from Yan Xiaobao, and his Qi Pool drained rapidly, though it was worth noting that his adversary was similarly strained.
