Chapter 471 No More Hiding
James deftly sidestepped Dane's grab, moving as gracefully as a willow leaf in the wind.
Dane narrowed his eyes, surprised that James had managed to evade his attack. He had intended to crush James with a single move, especially since James had been severely injured just a week ago.
Unfazed, Dane pivoted on his foot and launched several more strikes at James, each one swift and deadly.
Tessa and her friends watched with excitement, their fists clenched, almost ready to cheer for Dane.
James remained calm, using his Wind and Cloud Steps to effortlessly dodge the flurry of attacks.
Dane's seven consecutive strikes all missed their mark, causing his expression to turn cold as he increased the speed and ferocity of his attacks. The ground erupted with debris, and leaves swirled in the air, obscuring vision.
James showed no fear, continuing to evade with ease, neither countering nor attacking, just calmly dodging.
Dane unleashed another series of punches, each one whistling through the air, but still failing to hit James.
Frustrated, Dane let out a roar and spun around, shattering a rock with a powerful kick. He then swung his right hand, sending a barrage of stone fragments flying towards James.
The stones were too numerous to dodge, forcing James to deflect them with his hands. In that instant, Dane surged forward like a tornado, closing the distance between them and throwing a powerful punch.
James sidestepped again, and Dane's punch missed, striking a tree behind James and splitting it in two, leaves cascading to the ground.
Dane's eyes grew colder, his nerves taut. A week ago, he had left James crippled, and now he couldn't even touch his sleeve. His anger boiled over.
Tessa, Orval, Primrose, and Terrence frowned. They had expected today's showdown to be a quick display, with Dane finishing James in a few moves. But despite Dane's relentless attacks, James was still standing.
"Mr. Banks is being generous, giving Celestia face," Tessa said to Orval with a smile. "A fight that could be settled with one punch, and he's using dozens of moves."
"Mr. Reyes, your consideration will not be forgotten. After James is defeated, I'll ensure his assets are confiscated and compensated to Mr. Banks. And I promise, Celestia Martial practices will not tolerate such insolence again."
Tessa leaned slightly towards the short, stout Orval, her dress parting to reveal her thigh, drawing Orval's appreciative gaze.
"Ms. Hawthorne, you're too kind," Orval replied with a playful smile. "Celestia's honor is Lumaria's honor. Mr. Banks seeks revenge, but it won't affect our relationship."
"However, you must ensure CelestiaMartial practices is well-disciplined. We can't have another James causing trouble. Next time, Mr. Banks might not be so lenient."
He inhaled Tessa's scent, looking quite entranced.
"I'll make sure to reform CelestiaMartial practices," Tessa said with a charming smile. "I'll remind them that Lumaria is the strongest martial nation, and we must know our place."
Her companions nodded in understanding, realizing that James's evasive maneuvers were Dane's way of showing respect to Celestia. They looked gratefully at Orval and disdainfully at James, thinking he was shameless for not recognizing his own limits.
Terrence and Primrose also looked down on James.
"Mr. Banks, thank you for your kindness, but there's no need to hold back. End this," Tessa called out. "Let James face his punishment."
She believed Dane was showing leniency out of respect for her, but James's lack of appreciation made her unwilling to protect him any longer.
"Flowing Clouds Flying Sleeve!" Dane, frustrated by his inability to land a hit, called out his ultimate move.
His hands moved in a blur, sending dozens of sleeve shadows whistling towards James like sharp blades.
The force of the sleeves stirred up dust and caused pain to the skin, making Tessa instinctively step back.
Elysia watched with bated breath, her eyes gleaming with madness. This time, James was surely doomed.
James continued to dodge, his movements fluid and precise, avoiding the deadly sleeves that flew past his face, ears, neck, and waist. The trees and rocks behind him shattered, but he remained unscathed.
Tessa and Terrence frowned, wondering why Dane hadn't finished James after so many moves.
Was he playing cat and mouse? But Dane's attacks were clearly powerful, not something one would use to play around.
Realizing that James was evading with skill rather than Dane holding back, Tessa grew angry. "Isn't this embarrassing?" she shouted at James. "This is a death match, not a game of dodgeball. Show some respect and fight properly!"
"I'm ordering you to stop and confront Mr. Banks directly!"
James laughed as he continued to dodge. "Dodging isn't a skill? Should I just stand still and let the bullets hit me?"
He had sensed Dane was somewhat injured, and he knew he could wear him down. Only a fool would fight head-on.
"How dare you!" Tessa snapped. "This is a duel, not a shooting range. Fight properly or I'll declare you the loser and have everyone turn against you."
Her companions glared at James, thinking he was disgraceful for dodging instead of fighting.
"Stop dodging?" James laughed again. "Fine, I'll give you what you want."
With that, his aura exploded, like a dam bursting. He launched three powerful punches at Dane.
The force was overwhelming, and Tessa's eyes widened in shock.
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