Chapter 362: Raising Intensity

Edgar, having watched the entire spectacle from the sidelines, finally stepped forward. He shook his head slowly, a wry smile forming on his face as he stared at Orion in mild disbelief. “Young Master Orion, I must admit, that familiar of yours is certainly… unique.”

Orion laughed softly, feeling quite satisfied with the result. “Indeed, it’s surprisingly effective. I didn’t think Brother Lucan would get so distracted from its insults.”

Edgar chuckled softly, placing a hand on Lucan’s shoulder. “Looks like you discovered your new arch-enemy, a floating, talking fish.”

Lucan rolled his eyes, sighing dramatically. “Yeah right, like hell I will bicker with a goddamn fish.”

Edgar chuckled and decided to shift the topic. “Anyways, Young Master, you shouldn’t hope to become too dependent on this fish. Most of the awakeners can easily block their sense of hearing, making your familiar useless.”

Orion nodded his head calmly. “I know, Uncle Edgar, it was just a fun little thing. The real thing I wanted to show you both is my progress.”

Lucan nodded his head proudly. “I can see that. You have massively improved your swordsmanship. Have you already reached the Intermediate stage Sword Aura?”

Orion’s lips curled into a mysterious smile as Lucan questioned him. His eyes glinted with amusement and confidence as he calmly suggested, “Why don’t we spar like the good old times, so I can properly show you?”

Lucan exchanged a curious glance with Edgar, both men reading the anticipation in each other’s expressions.

After a brief nod, Lucan spoke up with eagerness, “Very well, Young Master. It’s been a few days since we have sparred. Let’s see how much you have improved during this time.”

Edgar smiled warmly, unfolding his arms as he stepped into the training ring alongside Lucan. “Indeed. Let’s see your true progress, Young Master. Give it your best shot.”

The three of them stood in their respective positions, Lucan and Edgar at one side facing off against Orion.

The warm midday sun illuminated the area vividly, highlighting Orion’s confident expression. A cool breeze rustled gently through nearby trees, adding a subtle serenity to the hyped atmosphere.

Orion adjusted his stance, smoothly unsheathing both his dual swords. Closing his eyes briefly, he concentrated deeply, channeling mana swiftly and precisely along his meridians. When he opened his eyes again, they lit up with excitement.

With a gentle but firm breath, Orion activated his Intermediate Grade Fire Sword Aura, coating both blades in vibrant, crimson flames. The vivid fiery energy flowed quietly along the swords, crackling gently yet fiercely.

Lucan and Edgar nodded approvingly, their gazes filled with pride. To others, Orion’s rapid advancement in swordsmanship and aura mastery might have seemed impossible, but for these two seasoned warriors who’d watched Orion grow, this achievement felt perfectly natural, if still remarkable.

However, Orion wasn’t done. A mischievous, knowing smile curved his lips, and to Lucan and Edgar’s astonishment, Orion slowly retracted the fiery aura from his left-hand sword, allowing its glow to dissipate into nothingness.

Lucan tilted his head in confusion, exchanging a perplexed glance with Edgar. Both mentors seemed unsure of Orion’s intention.

Just as they opened their mouths to question, a sudden surge of electric mana erupted around Orion. Crackling arcs of brilliant blue lightning sparked violently, illuminating Orion’s body like a small thunderstorm.

Without hesitation, Orion enveloped his left-hand sword in a dazzling Intermediate Grade Thunder Sword Aura, electricity fiercely dancing along the blade, radiating a powerful and dangerous aura.

Lucan immediately cried out, his voice filled with genuine astonishment, “Dual Sword Aura wielding?? Already??”

Orion laughed openly, his face radiating a smug sense of accomplishment as he twirled both weapons. “How do you like my surprise?”

Edgar remained momentarily speechless, eyes wide with shock and admiration. Eventually, he managed to murmur incredulously, “Dual Sword Aura wielding… already… Young Master, this is truly unbelievable.”

Grinning broadly, Orion spun both swords gracefully, his stance radiating pure confidence. “Shall we start, then?”

Lucan and Edgar exchanged amazed yet excited glances. Without further hesitation, both drew their longswords, their expressions turning serious yet energized.

Adjusting their power carefully to Orion’s current level, they began sparring earnestly.

The clash was spectacular. Orion’s dual elemental sword auras, one blazing fire and the other crackling thunder, created a mesmerizing dance of flames and lightning.

Each strike was precise, powerful, and full of Sword Aura, forcing Edgar and Lucan to continuously raise their awareness and tactical focus.

Orion pushed forward relentlessly, demonstrating his significantly improved strength and mastery.

Lucan and Edgar, experienced fighters with years of combat training, quickly adapted their movements to match Orion’s fierce intensity. Their bodies blurred into swift, elegant motions, their swords singing with every powerful clash.

After trading numerous blows, Orion suddenly halted for a brief moment, a knowing smile appearing on his lips. He took a slow, deep breath, circulating the full power of his Tier 6 mana and body cultivation simultaneously.

A vibrant, oppressive aura immediately surged forth from him, radiating an overwhelming strength. Lucan staggered back slightly in surprise, eyes widening in shock, while Edgar paused mid-step, visibly taken aback.

“What the fuck!?” Lucan blurted out incredulously, completely forgetting decorum in his astonishment. “Weren’t you at the Third Level of Mana and Fifth Level of Body Cultivation just before leaving? You actually advanced this far, this quickly?”

Orion chuckled softly, eyes twinkling with both amusement and pride. “Fortune favors the daring, Brother Lucan. I took advantage of every opportunity presented to me. Now,” Orion raised his swords confidently, lightning and fire flaring even brighter, “let’s raise the intensity a bit more, shall we?”

Edgar, slowly regaining his composure, gazed at Orion with a hidden fatherly pride, nodding approvingly. “Very well, Young Master. Show us just how far your courage and fortune have carried you.”

The sparring intensified significantly. Lucan and Edgar increased their strength, matching Orion’s rising pace while carefully limiting their own immense powers to match his current realm.

Orion met their heightened tempo with vigor, continuously pushing himself beyond his limits, further refining his combat instincts, reactions, and mastery of dual Sword Aura wielding.

For hours, their blades clashed spectacularly, creating an awe-inspiring display of martial mastery and sword aura.

Orion’s dual auras demonstrated an incredible harmony, fire and thunder seamlessly blending in with his attacks, a dazzling display of skill that left Edgar and Lucan thoroughly impressed.

Finally, with satisfied smiles, they gradually ceased their battle, stepping apart to catch their breath. Orion took a few deep breaths as his expression radiated pure satisfaction.

Lucan sheathed his sword, shaking his head slowly, still mildly stunned. “Young Master, your progress is absolutely monstrous. I can hardly believe you’ve grown this strong.”

Edgar chuckled warmly, his voice soft but sincere, eyes filled with deep pride and affection. “Indeed. Even I didn’t think you would heal yourself so quickly and also reach such high tiers in both paths. You really are something else.”

Orion smiled warmly. “Thank you both for your kind words. But there is still a long way to go for me. I couldn’t even land a single hit on either of you.”

Lucan laughed heartily, patting Orion on the shoulder. “Haha, that’s because of your cultivation level. Just keep growing stronger at this rate and you will pass us before we even realize it.”

Edgar nodded approvingly, a fatherly smile lighting his expression as he said to Orion, “Never become complacent, that’s what makes you exceptional. Keep pushing forward, Young Master. The path ahead is limitless for you.”