Chapter Seventy-Four: Silver Moon

Silver Moon’s opening move was two arrows, both as swift as thunder, leaving me momentarily unable to defend myself and deeply startled. The speed was astonishing—barely dodging the one aimed at my head, another had already struck my chest. With a hiss, the arrow lodged itself in the armor over my chest, dealing 910 points of damage and revealing its lasting power. Two probing shots had already shown her that I could barely evade at her current speed, and Tian Meifeng was reassured. Silver Moon quickly nocked four arrows and loosed them in rapid succession; suddenly, those arrows transformed into two-meter-long javelins, each wreathed in blue flames, their speed so terrifying it sent chills through me.

I never expected the opponent to be so formidable, but rather than fear, excitement welled up within me—my blood was stirred. It reminded me of the days of PK tournaments and my duels with Illusory Moon; since then, I hadn’t encountered a rival this powerful. So, I let out a wild roar, feigning an attack, shield raised as I dodged one strike, while the other three javelins crashed against the shield, instantly shattering its 5,000-point durability.

Her attack power and speed were truly horrifying. If I wanted to win, close-quarters combat was my best bet. Once I got in close, I was confident I could finish her with a single combo. Yet, I realized Silver Moon differed from other archers—she possessed melee skills. Winning a close fight wouldn’t be easy, but archers have low health and defense, so I still had a chance. However, she showed no intention of engaging at close range; the moment I rushed in, she darted away without a second thought, her speed vastly surpassing mine, instantly widening the gap to fifty meters.

Once distance was established, the archer’s professional advantage came fully into play; moreover, my opponent was already a level 38 Charger—the strongest in attack and speed among the three archer classes, with a terrifying movement rate and potent melee skills. Even in close quarters, defeating her would be difficult. Clearly, it was a profession excelling both offensively and defensively.

What a terrifying class, I thought.

The moment she widened the distance, her body never stopped moving. She raised her bow and shouted, “Meteor Arrow Rain!” Shooting skyward, the arrow summoned a barrage of flaming arrows that rained down, covering dozens of meters. This was obviously an area-of-effect skill, summoning fire-infused arrows in a sweeping attack. If caught in it, even with my ample health, I’d lose more than half and be turned into a pincushion.

Without hesitation, I activated Soaring Wings and dashed madly around the field, using high speed to dodge through the gaps in the arrow rain, avoiding her area attack. Next, I triggered Thunderstorm, and lightning exploded at Silver Moon’s feet. She reacted swiftly, immediately escaping the blast radius with her speed advantage.

I seized the moment when she dodged, launching Cloudburst Assault and driving the Ruyi Staff straight at her face. She instantly leaned back, letting the staff brush past her, then pushed against the ground with both hands, propelling herself into the air. In midair, she locked her legs around my neck and slammed me into the ground. The impact cratered the earth, dealing 740 points of damage.

I struggled free, only for Silver Moon’s elbow to crash into my chest. Her combo continued relentlessly—elbows, flying kicks, charges—moves more brutal than anything a woman should use. I was battered continuously, but none of the strikes exceeded 20 points of damage, surprising her that I could withstand so much punishment.

Seventeen or eighteen hits landed, yet my footing never faltered.

Silver Moon dodged again, widening the gap. This was the terror of the Charger class: significant ranged attack output, rapid movement, powerful melee skills, and unparalleled attack speed, making it one of the top fifteen second-tier professions.

Now, she fired another arrow—the most frightening aspect was its rapid initiation and attack speed. All I saw was a glimmer of violet in the distance, and then the arrow appeared before my chest. This time, my body couldn’t withstand it; the violet arrow pierced me, and I staggered back, losing 2,000 health points and entering a slowed state.

I retreated while healing, but Silver Moon immediately launched her next skill. This one had a slower start-up, which she hadn’t used earlier. Now, with my movement speed reduced, the preparation time passed—a more powerful arrow was unleashed.

Though the initiation was slower, its speed remained astonishing. The arrow turned into a streak of violet light, like a laser or a bolt of purple lightning, piercing the sky. I had no way to resist, and could only watch as I was struck again.

With a grunt, my body was blasted back, my health dropping from 5,000 to barely 500.

I never imagined that in this exchange, I wouldn’t even touch her, while being struck by arrow after arrow, utterly helpless.

I hadn’t expected such an outcome; my heart, rather than despairing, grew ever more excited. Seeing her become so powerful, confident enough to face me one-on-one, I couldn’t predict whether I could win against her—after all, neither of us were novices.

Silver Moon was determined to defeat me, her whole body blazing with resolve. She let out a long howl and fired another arrow—not just an ordinary shot, but a violet arrow that became a curtain of light, tearing through space. Suddenly, the sky was filled with violet light, converging and descending, the destructive energy contained within.

Seeing this move, I knew I’d die if it landed, so I feigned and dodged the lethal blow. After Silver Moon used the skill, she paused briefly—my chance had come.

I launched Cloudburst Assault, closing to within twenty meters of her. The Ruyi Staff struck the ground as I lunged forward, but my speed was inferior; I’d barely invested any attribute points, and facing an archer specialized in agility was taxing.

Silver Moon shouted, raising her bow, and Meteor Arrow Rain activated again—the cooldown was so short. Arrows rained down, impossible to withstand.

But my feint skill’s cooldown was up. I activated it, using the shield’s momentum to soar upward. Silver Moon tried to retreat to increase distance, but stopped after a few steps—not because she chose to, but because she’d reached the end; her back was against the city wall.

In the previous exchange, Silver Moon tried to kite me, but unexpectedly cornered herself. Seeing the opportunity, I pressed the attack, unleashing Shattering Strike. Silver Moon rolled left to evade, but I followed instantly, thrusting with the Ruyi Staff. She sidestepped, firing an arrow, so I activated my feint again, using a substitute to dodge and reappearing at her left. I reached out to grab her—but my aim was a bit off, and I caught her chest. Embarrassed, I knew I wouldn’t get another chance, so I immediately unleashed Blast Cannon. With a muffled boom, her chest exploded, and I used all my strength to hurl her away. Silver Moon crashed into the city wall behind her—1,500 and 420 points of damage appeared. She was stunned and wedged in a crack in the wall, unable to escape. With her remaining health, if she took a few more hits, she’d surely die.

“Everyone, attack! Kill him!” A shout rose from the crowd, and twenty or so members of the Dragon Phoenix Mercenary Group surged forward.

Their leader had been humiliated and defeated, their pride shattered. She always put herself at risk for them; now, with their captain in trouble, they rushed in.

“Shameless!” Suddenly, another shout rang out, and a fiery storm swept through the air, instantly engulfing three members of the Dragon Phoenix Mercenary Group.

Long Xin and her companions could not bear to watch and stepped in to help, everyone joining the fray. Meanwhile, Silver Moon, still wedged in the wall, finally broke free and shouted, “All of you, stop!”