Chapter 6289
Charlie realized that it was futile to conceal his cultivation and reiki from Balin during the battle. Although Zeba had provided him with a set of formulas to mask his cultivation, they were only effective when he remained undetected, and now that they were engaged in combat, such pretense was pointless. Even if he discreetly ingested a pill, Balin would readily perceive any alteration in his condition. Instead of hiding, it would be wiser for Charlie to provoke Balin further.
Charlie’s remarks infuriated Balin and unsettled his heart. They also prompted Balin to take a closer look at the confrontation between them. With a cultivation level significantly exceeding that of Charlie, Balin could easily discern the latter’s cultivation and reiki reserves. It was like a card game where Charlie had laid all his cards face up, leaving Balin in control of the outcome. However, Charlie’s earlier words sparked a different thought in Balin’s mind. Having the ability to see through an opponent’s strategies does not guarantee victory; what truly matters is how well you play your cards.
Balin’s reiki was nearly depleted; having been struck by lightning twice and frequently using his powers had drained his energy significantly. At this moment, Charlie, a novice in martial arts, not only possessed abundant reiki but also had access to the mysterious Cultivation Pill. If the battle devolved into a war of attrition, Balin could very well find himself at a disadvantage. After all, Charlie had superior resources and could call upon various aids. In such a scenario, what would it matter to see the opponent’s cards more clearly? It would merely highlight his own impending defeat.
Balin knew that continuing to drag things out would likely lead to his downfall. In a clash between practitioners, the stakes were not merely about winning or losing, but about survival. To lose meant facing death with no chance for recovery. Gripping his teeth, he silently recited the incantation in his mind before suddenly unleashing an explosive burst of speed and strength, charging toward Charlie with astonishing velocity.
Charlie understood that Balin would fight relentlessly, but he was taken aback by the sheer force of Balin’s sudden surge. The speed emanating from Balin now was faster than that of earlier attacks and his previous evasions.
Unbeknownst to Charlie, Balin had activated a life-saving technique imparted to him by Morgana known as Burning Pulse. A practitioner’s cultivation growth typically hinges on the continuous use of reiki to expand the meridians, purify essence, and strengthen the physical body. As one’s cultivation level rises, the amount of reiki absorbed through the meridians increases over time. When reiki reserves are nearly depleted, a practitioner can utilize this technique to convert the meridians developed over years into reiki. In essence, it means sacrificing one’s cultivation to recover reiki in moments of dire need.
The advantage lies in the rapid replenishment of reiki, albeit with significantly greater risks. Forcing more reiki from the meridians accelerates the rate at which one’s cultivation deteriorates. If they expend reiki this way today, they may find tomorrow’s reserves diminished tenfold. But at such a critical juncture, Balin couldn’t afford to dwell on those consequences; survival outweighed all else. By eliminating Charlie, he could seize the magical weapon capable of summoning thunder and an unknown quantity of Cultivation Pills. The reiki drawn from Burning Pulse could very well be replenished manifold!
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