The clash did not end with that last explosion. It merely changed shape.
When the blinding light faded, Lin Mu and Cattaleya were already moving again.
They abandoned techniques and grand manifestations. No more phantom beasts, no more towering projections. What remained was raw physical will.
They lunged at each other at the same time.
Fist met fist.
Elbow met knee.
Shoulder smashed into chest.
They fought like two ancient beasts locked in a death struggle, every movement brutal and direct. There was no elegance now, only violence refined by mastery.
Cattaleya ducked under a punch and slammed her forehead into Lin Mu's chin.
He staggered back half a step and answered with a knee to her ribs.
She twisted, let it glance off her side, and countered with a kick that sent him skidding across broken stone.
He dug his heel in, stopped, and rushed her again.
They collided chest to chest.
Their arms locked.
They pushed.
