Anime: Infinite Swordsman! (Danmachi + Asterisk War)

Chapter 3 - Kuzuryūsen!

"Hahaha, hurry up, quicken your pace!"

Laughter reverberated throughout the building.

Beneath Fan Xinglu's feet, light blue Prana surged as she maintained an extremely high-speed traversal along the building's wall.

Countless pursuers trailed behind her.

Moments ago, Fan Xinglu had divulged the details of her apprenticeship test.

Every student had a singular objective: to employ any means necessary to touch Fan Xinglu before their physical stamina depleted. Even a slight contact with her clothing would qualify them.

Those who succeeded in this test could secure a spot as Fan Xinglu's fourth direct disciple in the academy.

Observing Fan Xinglu and the students navigating the building, Luke, without haste, observed them.

Fan Xinglu had clarified that there was no time limit for the test. As long as Luke's physical stamina endured, he could attempt it countless times.

The reason for his delayed pursuit was mainly for observation.

Among the students undergoing the apprenticeship test, he had yet to identify anyone worth paying attention to. The best among this batch of students were only around D level, judging by visual inspection.

Fan Xinglu's strength likely rested at level C. However, judging by her composed demeanor, he suspected her true strength was at least level B, among the best at that level.

Taking into consideration her current youthful state, Fan Xinglu in her prime should have been a B+ or possibly even an A level powerhouse.

However, Fan Xinglu refrained from utilizing all her strength in this test; otherwise, it would be impossible for any student to pass successfully.

"It would be much simpler if she were just at C level."

Luke smiled and tightly gripped the 'Soul Nourishing' around his waist with both hands.

"Anyway, let's attempt to strike her first."

...

"Is that the rumored genius? It truly surprises me."

While Luke observed Fan Xinglu, she, in turn, observed him.

After all, he was a highly renowned genius, with a reputation as the most talented swordsman in history even more formidable.

Fan Xinglu carefully observed Luke while casually handling the students behind her.

The more she observed, the more elated Fan Xinglu became.

"Swordsmanship, sword qi, sword intention, sword heart. Haha, I didn't expect such a genius really exists!"

"Let's see what this kid can do."

Motivated by Luke, Fan Xinglu made up her mind, suddenly accelerated, distanced herself from the pursuing students, and landed on the ground in a flash.

The moment Fan Xinglu landed, Luke, closely watching her, sprang into action!

Swish—!

Almost simultaneously with her landing, Luke appeared behind Fan Xinglu.

A rapid sword-drawing style!

The 'Divine/God Speed' skill formed the foundation and core of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu.

All Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu swordsmanship was based on the 'divine speed' skill, a blend of swift movement and rapid sword drawing.

This lightning-fast sword-drawing technique was the essence of Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu swordsmanship.

However, this swift strike failed to connect.

"Hey, that's a bit much."

Luke observed Fan Xinglu in the distance, his fighting spirit slowly rising.

Given Fan Xinglu's prior performance, his attack should have been a sure hit. Yet, just as it was about to land, Fan Xinglu suddenly vanished.

The blue starlight on Fan Xinglu in the distance had not completely dissipated. Luke asked with interest, "Is this Seisenjutsu?"

"It's a bit different, but not much different."

Compared to Luke's interest, Fan Xinglu was a bit excited.

"After all, my body is like this. If I use martial arts like Shukuchi, the blow just now must be impossible to avoid, so I partly used Seisenjutsu."

"So do you think I'm qualified?"

After hearing Fan Xinglu's explanation, Luke slowly re-sheathed Soul Nourishing and readied himself again.

"Hey, kid, you're still far from qualified. Let's see how far you can go."

At this point, Fan Xinglu was completely excited. She really didn't expect that this rumored genius boy would surprise her so much.

Hearing Fan Xinglu's answer, Luke was not surprised at all. It would be better to say that it was already within his expectation.

"I knew it would be like this."

Before he finished speaking, Luke had already appeared behind Fan Xinglu.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryūkansen!

With the help of the rotation of his body, he avoided Fan Xinglu's punch, and then used the centrifugal force of the rotation to slash forward suddenly.

However, this sudden attack still failed to hit its target.

Fan Xinglu's body flashed with blue star-like Prana, and she dodged Luke's attack with a simple turn.

However, Luke had already expected this. He kept moving his hands and retracted the sheath of the blade at an extremely fast speed.

The rapid retraction of the sword caused violent friction between the blade and the scabbard, and a huge explosion suddenly sounded.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Ryūmeisen!

Fan Xinglu didn't expect the sudden sonic boom, and her body couldn't help but be stunned.

The pause was fleeting, but Luke still seized the opportunity.

He held Soul Nourishing that had been put into the scabbard with his backhand and pulled it out suddenly!

Shigure Soen Ryu·8th form: Akisame

A perfect combo, from Ryūkansen to Ryūmeisen to Akisame, the three-stage attack was executed very smoothly.

Unfortunately, such a coherent attack still failed to hit the target.

Just like the first blow of the sword drawing technique, Fan Xinglu appeared in the distance accompanied by blue Prana fragments as if disappearing.

"Beautiful! So beautiful! Kid, you are qualified, huh...?!"

Fan Xinglu, who appeared in the distance, was very happy. Luke was even better than she expected.

Just when she was about to praise and declare Luke qualified, she suddenly found that Luke had appeared in front of her at some point.

"Since I've drawn out the sword, at least let me chop it."

Blue starlight appeared on Luke's legs, and like a shooting star, he followed Fan Xinglu in front of her when she stopped.

Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu - Kuzuryūsen!

A meteor-like attack split into nine parts, blocking almost all the space around Fan Xinglu.

Fan Xinglu, who was in a playful mood and did not use all her strength, was taken aback by Luke's sudden burst of speed and was unable to react immediately.

By the time she reacted, it was too late to withdraw from Luke's attack range. The nine sword lights completed the blockade and simultaneously slashed at Fan Xinglu at the same time.

Feeling that Fan Xinglu was unable to escape, Prana reserves as huge as the abyss suddenly surged out of her body bringing unparalleled defense power which makes it impossible for Luke's Kuzuryūsen to cause any damage to Fan Xinglu.

But…

Kacha——!

With a crisp sound, the school emblem representing the dragon on Fan Xinglu's chest shattered!

Suddenly, there was silence in the square.