Chapter 181 – Extraordinary Martial Arts, Second… Super Killer Move!

“Zzzzz—”

The body of the Molybdenum Demon oozed thick black-red liquid, as if it were about to melt, rapidly shrinking in size.

These unknown liquids, mixed with mechanical components and flesh impurities, quickly solidified after being expelled from the Molybdenum Demon’s body.

Gradually, they wrapped around the entire body of the Molybdenum Demon, forming what looked like a cocoon.

Lu Yuan watched silently.

Then he pulled up his professional panel.

On the [Martial Artist] panel, two new skills appeared.

lv1 [True Essence of Dragon Form].

lv1 [Super Killer Move—Dragon Moves Through Clouds].

These were the Dragon sect Martial Arts Legacies that Lu Yuan had unlocked with a burst of inspiration and insight during his battle with the Molybdenum Demon.

It was when Lu Yuan unlocked the second True Essence that he couldn’t help but ponder a question.

—What is True Essence?

“Glug glug—”

A boiling sound came from ahead, and Lu Yuan looked up.

He saw that the cocoon surrounding the Molybdenum Demon was almost fully formed.

A giant black-red oval cocoon.

The surface of the cocoon was violently rising and falling, as if something was gestating inside.

“Tap tap tap—”

The combat mechanical bodies that had stopped attacking when Lu Yuan was fighting the Molybdenum Demon now started to gather around again and continually fired at the cocoon on the ground.

It seemed that the system had determined that the cocoon contained an extremely dangerous aura.

However, these combat mechanical bodies, mostly at level C and level B, equipped with thermal weapons, could hardly cause any damage to the cocoon.

Various shells and energy beams bombarded the cocoon, producing only a few sparks without any substantial effect.

“Whoosh—”

A long tentacle suddenly shot out from the cocoon, grabbing a nearby combat mechanical body.

Then it quickly retracted, swallowing the entire mechanical body whole in a few gulps as if feeding.

It then expelled a large mass of broken black sticky liquid, wrapping the cocoon even more tightly.

“This is straight out of a sci-fi horror movie,” Lu Yuan couldn’t help but sigh.

But he paid no mind, continuing his own thoughts.

“Buzz—”

Lu Yuan released his Mental Power.

The mist-like Mental Power spread around him.

His eyes flickered.

The mist-like Mental Power immediately condensed, forming a giant white crane, hovering above his body.

“Sharp, penetrating, swift, ethereal…”

Lu Yuan squinted, carefully experiencing the various enhancements brought by the True Essence of the Spirit Crane.

[True Essence of Dragon Form]!

With the activation of another True Essence, the enormous white crane instantly dispersed, turning back into a mist.

Then, in this mist, a vague Dragon Shadow swam out.

“Forceful, agile, majestic…”

The two types of True Essence gave Lu Yuan different feelings of enhancement, with varying levels of power when unleashed.

“The True Essence of Dragon Form is clearly stronger than the True Essence of the Spirit Crane, yet the total amount of Mental Power forming these two types of True Essence is the same!”

Lu Yuan pondered, feeling like he had grasped something.

He repeatedly activated the True Essence, switching back and forth between the white crane and the Dragon Shadow.

The frequently stirred Mental Power formed a small, invisible whirlwind in the area, lifting Lu Yuan’s long hair and scattering the surrounding debris and dust, creating an exceptionally clean and tidy vacuum zone.

“Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh”

The cocoon formed by the Molybdenum Demon and the Bear Man continuously shot out tentacles, dragging and devouring nearby Mechanical Bodies.

With a crunching sound, only a pile of useless parts was expelled.

It was as if some terrifying monster was feeding.

A strange, indescribable fluctuation emanated from the cocoon, growing increasingly intense.

Even the new bloods who were watching from a distance couldn’t help but feel their scalps tingle, a bad premonition crashing through their minds.

On the virtual screen, next to the image of the black-red cocoon, countless data streamed by like a waterfall.

On the right side, a line of clear small text displayed—Combat Power Estimated Evaluation.

At that moment, the rating in this column fluctuated continuously between levels A and B.

Song Cong kept his eyes fixed on this value, and whenever it flashed to S, his eyelid would twitch sharply. He turned to look at Su Zhaohui beside him.

Su Zhaohui, usually so casual, was now stern and serious. His eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, remained locked on the image of a strong, long-haired boy who stood quietly, his hair dancing in the air.

Song Cong’s expression shifted slightly, as if he wanted to say something. In the end, he held back, coldly watching the various virtual screens in front of him without a word.

“Cluck, cluck, cluck—”

After devouring an unknown number of Mechanical Bodies, the black-red cocoon on the ground had now swelled to a diameter of five meters and a height of three meters.

The surface of the cocoon was uneven, solidified with numerous broken mechanical parts and some mixed materials of flesh and metal.

One bulge after another appeared on the surface of the cocoon.

“Boom, boom—boom, boom—”

Accompanied by a heartbeat-like drumming sound, an indescribable aura of terror spread out, gradually permeating the area.

Within just a few seconds, red lights lit up on all the surrounding Mechanical Bodies, and a piercing alarm echoed across the clearing, bringing an inexplicable sense of heavy oppression.

Lu Yuan merely lifted his eyelid slightly.

He paid no attention.

The super evolution of the Molybdenum Demon Bear Beast had reached a critical phase.

Coincidentally, his own “super evolution” was also rapidly brewing.

At this moment, there was no True Intent manifesting around Lu Yuan. His mist-like Mental Power churned as if boiling, forming an invisible vortex.

The terrifying aura of the black-red cocoon filled the entire area, but in the space surrounding him…

It was as calm as the eye of a typhoon.

“True Intent is the product of a martial artist’s Mental Power refined to a certain extent and combined with their martial arts Legacy. It’s a mysterious psychic force.

Enhancing oneself, it can greatly amplify the Effect of martial arts killer moves, like a form of intense self-suggestion. When imposed on an opponent, it can distort their five senses, creating effects similar to air thickening, time pausing, and thought stagnating.”

A mysterious light shone in Lu Yuan’s eyes.

“This psychic force is based on a martial artist’s long years of practice and tempering of their martial arts Legacy… from which a confident and persistent belief naturally emerges.

Therefore, the strength of True Intent depends on a martial artist’s recognition of their own power and their acceptance of the corresponding Legacy?”

The invisible vortex of Mental Power seemed to spin even faster.

Certain questions suddenly became clear to Lu Yuan.

“The True Essence of Dragon Form and the True Essence of the Spirit Crane, when wielded by me, are more powerful in the former because… I subconsciously believe that the Dragon sect Martial Arts Legacy is superior to the crane style!

Of course, the reality probably is that way too.

The Dragon sect Martial Arts Legacy is evidently superior to the crane style, both in moves and in its underlying principles.”

“So, if I can imagine an essence even more powerful than the dragon, could I create a True Intent stronger than the True Essence of Dragon Form?”

Lu Yuan’s eyes lit up.

But the next second, they quickly dimmed.

“No, that’s not feasible.”

“Crack, crack, crack. “

At this moment, the sound of something breaking came from the front.

The cracking sound continued for a while, accompanied by a loud “boom.”

The black-red cocoon, which had swelled to its limit, suddenly burst open!

An invisible, terrifying aura surged out like a tidal wave, instantly sweeping across the area.

This time, Lu Yuan didn’t even lift an eyelid. He continued to ponder.

“…Without a corresponding martial arts move as support, proof, or foundation.

Without the condensation of wisdom, effort, and belief from dozens or even hundreds of generations, simply imagining an essence to serve as True Intent is like building a castle in the air; it won’t hold.

Even if I do conceive it, it would be like a bubble, bursting at the slightest touch.”

“Moreover, that’s not what I want.”

In that instant, Lu Yuan discarded this line of thought.

“Ultimately, martial arts True Intent is too illusory, with limited impact on reality. For an ordinary martial artist, this kind of mental suggestion power is already very strong. But for me… it’s not enough!”

“Because I am different from ordinary martial artists. My Mental Power… has long been strong enough to concretely affect reality!”

As Lu Yuan’s mind stirred, the invisible vortex of Mental Power around him suddenly intensified.

In an instant, the surrounding pebbles and dust began to float and swirl.

It was as if a giant invisible hand was controlling everything in the air.

“True Intent is a good way to utilize my Mental Power after the first limit break. But! It still hasn’t fully unleashed the potential of my Mental Power after the first limit break!”

“Whoosh”

A long exhale came from a distance.

Lu Yuan saw a massive figure, over three meters tall, standing before him.

The figure’s entire body was covered in bulging muscles, interwoven with silver molybdenum steel, unknown black metal, and dark red flesh.

This created an exaggerated, grotesque, yet incredibly strong and terrifying body.

Still bald, the figure now resembled a Bear Man.

The Bear Man had his eyes closed. Numerous Mechanical Bodies activated their weapons, pouring energy beams and bullets onto him, producing nothing but “boom boom” and “ding ding clang” sounds.

They could hardly break his skin.

The Bear Man had a smile on his lips, seemingly enjoying it all.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes.

A vast and terrifying aura spread out, causing the air to seemingly expand violently…

“Boom!”

The concrete ground around the Bear Man’s feet rolled and shattered, flying away. The Mechanical Bodies’ assault momentarily paused.

Compared to the earlier peak state of the Molybdenum Demon, this strange combination of the Bear Man and the Molybdenum Demon was several times stronger!

“This… is the power of level S?”

The Bear Man murmured, the smile on his face growing wider…

Lu Yuan withdrew his gaze, continuing to ponder his own issues, his mind remaining completely unperturbed.

“…My initial approach was wrong. Why try to imitate True Intent? I just need to better unleash my Mental Power.”

“In an extraordinary form?!”

Lu Yuan instantly thought of his [Death Messenger (Extraordinary)] panel.

His strongest technique at the moment was the [Super Killer Move—Death Message on the Way to the Underworld] from the [Death Messenger (Extraordinary)] panel.

However, because this punch incorporated death energy, it couldn’t be used casually.

“What if… I use Mental Power instead of death energy?”

Lu Yuan’s eyes sparkled with growing brilliance.

“The Crow Dreamscape is also an extraordinary vision, even more realistic than the True Essence of the Spirit Crane or the True Essence of Dragon Form.

Because I’ve personally experienced it countless times!”

“If I use the Crow Dreamscape instead of True Intent, Mental Power instead of death energy, and inner strength as support… could this approach be called—extraordinary martial arts?!”

At this moment, countless inspirations erupted in Lu Yuan’s mind, thousands of thoughts coming and going.

His eyes shone as brightly as the stars.

It was as if he could see an unprecedented path slowly unfolding before him…

“Are you still not going to act?!”

Song Cong looked at the virtual screen, where the combined strength evaluation of the Bear Man and Molybdenum Demon showed a large “S-“.

He suddenly turned his head, his eyes fixed on Su Zhaohui.

Su Zhaohui’s lips were tightly pressed together, his eyes filled with intense emotions.

His hands hung at his sides, but he still refused to raise them.

“Just a little longer… just a little longer…”

Song Cong took a deep breath, seemingly trying to calm his agitated feelings.

Looking at Su Zhaohui again, he spoke in a tone of utter incomprehension: “I think you’re crazy!”

…

The Bear Man’s gaze fell on a silent, long-haired youth standing not far away with his head slightly lowered.

“Thank you.”

He said softly.

This was already the second time he had expressed his gratitude to the other party.

“If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have discovered that I actually have this ability…”

The Bear Man began walking towards the youth.

As he walked, he continued to speak.

“Nor would I have reached level S.”

The Bear Man lifted one of his hands, looking at it with immense satisfaction, as if appreciating a masterful work of art.

Suddenly, he stomped his foot.

The terrifying force transmitted into the ground, rapidly extending outward along the surface…

“Crack-Boom!”

As the cement ground rapidly cracked open, several combat Mechanical Bodies exploded into sparks at the end of the fissures.

This power was far stronger than the Molybdenum Demon from before.

The invisible might emanating from every move he made was like a magnetic field, affecting all the onlookers.

Even from a distance, the new blood spectators felt their breaths become heavy and their scalps tingle.

It was utterly terrifying!

“This feeling… it’s simply marvelous…”

The Bear Man withdrew his gaze, focusing back on the youth in front of him.

He curled his lips into a sinister smile, his expression turning ferocious.

It was as if he was smiling, but the smile was filled with intense cruelty.

“To show my sincere gratitude, I’ve decided to make you the first person I kill after reaching level S. Feel honored…”

With that, the Bear Man raised his hand and clenched his fist.

His grotesque muscles and bones writhed, waves of terrifying power surging upwards, making the atmosphere instantly oppressive.

It felt as if the air pressure had dropped significantly, making it hard for anyone to breathe.

“Aren’t you going to take action?!”

Inside the shuttle, Song Cong almost shouted these words in a cold voice!

Su Zhaohui’s lips twitched violently.

The light in his eyes faded with helplessness.

He said nothing, reaching out to press the pause button for the “Sword of Judgement.”

But just as his finger was about to touch the activation button…

Suddenly.

He paused.

Song Cong paused as well.

Both clearly saw it.

On the virtual screen, the long-haired youth who had been standing still with his head down since the beginning.

At this moment… finally lifted his head.

…

“Die!”

The Bear Man roared with a ferocious grin, raising his fist to smash down on the youth who was a whole half-body shorter than him.

All the new blood spectators’ hearts leapt to their throats, their hands clenching instinctively.

However, just at that moment…

Lu Yuan finally lifted his head.

His long black hair, reaching down to his waist, fluttered without wind.

His eyes shone brilliantly.

A mysterious wave emanated from him, spreading across the entire scene in an instant.

In the next moment, everyone on the battlefield, including the Bear Man, experienced a fleeting lapse in consciousness.

In their eyes, the sky above seemed to instantaneously transform into night.

A massive, bright full moon hung in the air.

Beneath the full moon, the black Styx flowed silently.

Soon, the Styx began to boil.

From it, thousands upon thousands of crows burst forth, quickly covering the entire sky…

In the real world.

The air within a radius of several dozen meters around Lu Yuan twisted and distorted.

These distortions then converged towards Lu Yuan.

He seemed to radiate “blinding light,” becoming almost too dazzling to look at.

An invisible, twisting force enveloped his entire body.

He took a step forward and suddenly appeared in mid-air above the Bear Man.

His long hair flew back, fully revealing the blood-red lotus eye pattern on his back.

With a calm expression, he looked down from above, his arm enveloped in a bright yellow inner strength that flickered like fire.

Finally, he gently punched the Bear Man’s forehead…

After delivering the punch.

Lu Yuan’s figure vanished, reappearing on the ground.

Behind him.

The over three-meter-tall Bear Man stood frozen, making strange “gurgling” sounds from his throat.

Then…

With a “boom,” he exploded into a shower of blood and flesh.

The shockwave from the explosion sent Lu Yuan’s black hair billowing.

He never turned his head, only focusing with shining eyes on the hand that had just delivered the punch.

[Congratulations on successfully comprehending a new skill!]

On the [Martial Artist] panel, a newly unlocked skill point gleamed brilliantly.

This skill’s position was higher than the killer move skill and the True Intent.

It was almost on par with the [Death Message on the Way to the Underworld] on the [Death Messenger (Extraordinary)] panel.

The name of this new skill was—

[Super Killer Move—Thousand Crows Salute the Moon]!