Chapter 119: Fierce Battle with Sadan

Across the wilderness, the "Blazing Blade Technique" is a far from rare C-rank advanced combat ability. It possesses immense power; once activated, it allows the user to unleash a scorching blade of fire, amplifying the force of the strike and dealing a devastating blow to the enemy.

Watching the blazing blade of fire approach with a gust of hot air, Zhang Ran’s expression turned grave. He swung his heavy sword, *Pojun* (Breaker of Armies), gathering all his strength to strike fiercely at the incoming flame. Simultaneously, Zhang Ran focused his mind, silently activating his "Blood Plunder" ability.

As he willed it, the first blood-thorn-shaped rune of "Blood Plunder" on the branches of the Tree of Evolution within his consciousness suddenly ignited, releasing mysterious ripples. These vibrations surged into his body, instantly condensing clumps of blood into five razor-sharp blood spikes. They shot out from his body, flickering with a cold glint and traveling with terrifying speed and momentum toward the assassin.

The heavy sword *Pojun* in Zhang Ran’s hand unleashed a cold, crisp sword light, clashing violently against the assassin’s blazing blade. The impact shattered the flame, causing it to dissipate into sparks in the air. However, the intense heat carried by the blade melted the surface of *Pojun*, leaving the edge irregular and pitted rather than smooth as a mirror.

"Clang!"

After shattering the fire blade, the heavy sword collided with the assassin's machete in mid-air, ringing out with a deafening chime. Having activated his "Blood Boil" ability, Zhang Ran’s strength had increased by 25% from his base of 12 points, reaching nearly 15. Yet, the Blazing Blade Technique not only produced the flame projectile but also delivered 120% of the user's base power. Consequently, the strength of their clash was evenly matched. Both Zhang Ran and the assassin were forced back several steps. Zhang Ran remained calm, but a flicker of wariness appeared in the assassin’s eyes.

Just as they collided, the five blood spikes reached the assassin. Under Zhang Ran’s control, they swarmed toward the attacker from all directions.

Glancing at the incoming spikes, the assassin let out a cold snort. He swirled his machete, carving out several brilliant arcs of light that shattered the blood spikes one by one, avoiding being hit. He then glanced at his own weapon, then at *Pojun*. The heavy sword now bore a distinct dent, a centimeter deep, surrounded by cracks. It was clear the assassin’s machete was a Tier 3 alloy weapon, far superior to *Pojun*, which had been damaged by a single blow.

"My friend, I have no grudge against you. Why are you attacking me?" Zhang Ran asked calmly after their exchange.

"Someone has placed a bounty on you—a price of 100 units of primary high-energy crystals! Although your strength far exceeds what the bounty stated, since I am here, you must die today! Remember, the man who kills you is Sadan!" The assassin replied coldly, a flash of murderous intent in his eyes. He began swinging his machete again, once more channeling the Blazing Blade Technique to unleash a magnificent, sweeping wave of fire toward Zhang Ran.

"100 units of primary high-energy crystals? That’s a massive sum! But I haven’t offended anyone within the Black Hawk Company. So, who exactly put this bounty on me?" Zhang Ran felt a secret jolt of alarm as he listened to Sadan.

In the wilderness, currencies like Black Hawk coins were only valid within the Black Hawk Company’s territory. Once outside, they were worthless scraps of metal. Bartering was common, with bullets, mutant beast materials, and various potions serving as standard trade items. However, there was a more universal currency: high-energy crystals. These were the primary commodity used by major factions to trade for supplies from the Ancient Desert City, making them the standard currency across the wastes. Their value was immense; even a single unit of primary high-energy crystal was worth ten thousand Black Hawk coins—a small fortune. A bounty of 100 units, equivalent to one million Black Hawk coins, was not something an ordinary evolver could afford.

"Could it be the Pano family? It's certainly possible! After all, I haven't offended anyone else, and I caused the Pano family to lose that gambling match. Besides, only a faction controlling a high-energy crystal mine could afford such a massive bounty."

As Zhang Ran analyzed the situation, Sadan’s Blazing Blade Technique struck out at him again.

"Blood Dash!"

Facing the overwhelming power of the incoming attack, Zhang Ran chose not to resist head-on. He willed the "Blood Dash" rune in his consciousness to ignite. He knew that *Pojun*, forged from Tier 2 alloy, could no longer handle this battle; simply breaking the flame had melted its surface, and the collision with the machete had nearly ruined it.

As the "Blood Dash" rune flared, a miraculous power surged through him. A bloody light shimmered around Zhang Ran, his speed spiking dramatically as he transformed into a crimson blur. His normal speed would never have allowed him to dodge the technique, but empowered by "Blood Dash," he shifted with ease, narrowly evading the slash.

Sadan’s flame blade struck the ground, exploding outward and carving a trench over ten meters long and a meter deep. Soil sprayed into the air and wild grass ignited, a testament to the immense power of the strike. In that instant, Zhang Ran’s figure silently materialized behind Sadan, and he once again activated his "Blood Plunder" ability.