Almost instantly, he went from being a powerful being who dominated all the heavens and myriad realms to a mortal.
What's even more frustrating is that Xiang Yu's side no longer has a cheat code, but his enemies do.
It's safe to say that if Lü Bu's halberd had struck Xiang Yu, it wouldn't have made much difference whether he was wearing armor or not.
It sounds impressive that Xiang Yu and Lü Bu fought for so long, and Xiang Yu managed to defend against or dodge all of Lü Bu's deadly attacks without sustaining a single injury.
But in reality, Xiang Yu was always in a state of near-death; if he were to take a hit, he would be doomed. Even the phrase "walking on thin ice" doesn't fully describe it.
Because Lü Bu had ways to protect himself, Xiang Yu couldn't fight using his most effective methods; he had to ensure his own safety first.
This would mean missing many opportunities, and even sacrificing one's life wouldn't be enough to save them, especially since there's still Yuan Tan, who could very well be the real target host.
However, Xiang Yu's cautious fighting style was not without its chances of victory.
First, Lu Bu's demonic transformation will naturally end when his time is up, and second, Xiang Yu's side is completely familiar with Lu Bu's moves and habits, constantly hitting Lu Bu and exhausting his means of survival.
However, Xiang Yu did not expect that just when he was about to defeat Lü Bu, reinforcements arrived.
"The Eighteen-Foot Serpent Spear is Zhang Fei's divine weapon, and the Ice Iron Twin Halberds are Dian Wei's signature divine weapon, right? It seems that Iron Mask is indeed Dian Wei. Overlord, be careful, if these two can both be corrupted by demons, the situation will be very bad," Hao Jiu warned.
Xiang Yu frowned. "Then let's see how it goes. I still have some trump cards up my sleeve."
"Hahaha...you're finished!" Lu Bu laughed wildly. Zhang Fei was dispensable, but this Iron Mask was far too strong.
"Could it be that they are stronger than you?" Xiang Yu sneered.
"Of course not!" Lu Bu decisively denied. Although he hadn't fought Iron Face since he had increased his strength, he considered it a draw in his mind.
"I can take on three of you right now," Xiang Yu said, then suddenly disappeared from Lu Bu's sight.
Bang!
A halberd swept across Lü Bu's back!
"Ah!" Lu Bu's protective aura saved his life once again, but it did not help him dissipate the immense force.
And so, Lü Bu shouted and flew into the distant ditch again, crashing headfirst into it!
Although he cannot use the domineering energy, Xiang Yu has other skills, such as some real-world moves from the Shaolin Seventy-Two Arts, which ordinary people can use with diligent practice without special effects.
Xiang Yu just disappeared in front of Lü Bu using a move that combined Lingbo Weibu and Bawang Tiyuebu.
The ridiculous effect of the Overlord's Moon Shaving Step making you fly by stepping on the air has been censored by the magic ban, but the instantaneous change of direction is still okay, it just wears out your shoes a bit.
Fortunately, Xiang Yu's all-around armor was not worn through. As long as he had enough stamina and used it suddenly, it could have an unexpected effect.
Lu Bu suffered because of this, and Xiang Yu had never used this tactic before, precisely because he wanted to kill him with a single blow.
As it turned out, Lü Bu had ways to protect himself, so even if a fatal blow was struck, he couldn't be killed.
But finding an opportunity to knock Lu Bu away shouldn't be a problem; it could buy some time.
By the time Lü Bu climbed back up, Xiang Yu was already fighting Zhang Fei and Dian Wei.
Zhang Fei's original strength was about the same as Guan Yu's, but now he is at least as good as two Guan Yus.
If Guan Yu hadn't been captured by Cao Cao, he might have been able to improve his strength.
However, Zhang Fei did not become demonic; his strength and speed only increased.
In addition, Zhang Fei also had his own unique superpower, which was to roar continuously and glare at Xiang Yu!
But Xiang Yu was not afraid of this supernatural power at all. Not only was his voice louder than Zhang Fei's, but his pupil technique was also far superior to Zhang Fei's.
In this world where magic is forbidden, Xiang Yu cannot use his domineering energy, but his double pupils still retain some power.
Dian Wei's abilities are much simpler; he is a complete melee fighter, with strength, defense, agility, speed, and weapon enhancement.
Xiang Yu could vaguely see that Dian Wei's two short halberds were actually much longer, about the same length as when Xiang Yu used his domineering energy to increase the length of his weapon blades.
This is equivalent to using Xiang Yu's moves to fight Xiang Yu. The key point is that Xiang Yu used a long halberd, while Dian Wei used a short halberd. Even if it was lengthened, it was still not as long as the Overlord's Divine Halberd.
Clang clang clang...
The three fought fiercely, blood splattering everywhere.
It wasn't human blood; it was Zhang Fei and Dian Wei's mounts that died first.
It seems that Yuan Tan's ability to enhance combat power is not unlimited; he only gives it to the most powerful generals of the time, and the warhorses are just ordinary warhorses.
Furthermore, Zhang Fei and Dian Wei showed no regard for their warhorses, using them as cannon fodder, so the two horses' deaths were not unjust.
Without his warhorse, Zhang Fei's fighting ability decreased somewhat, but Dian Wei's fighting ability actually increased significantly.
Xiang Yu also tested the strength of Zhang Fei and Dian Wei; the combined strength of the two was roughly equivalent to that of a half-demonized Lu Bu.
Without sufficient teamwork, it is difficult to unleash one's full potential.
Moreover, Xiang Yu had a wealth of experience in dealing with sieges. He could often use movement to reduce the pressure on himself and use the two of them as his shields in turn. Dian Wei almost killed Zhang Fei several times.
Seeing this, Lü Bu did not immediately join the attack. Instead, he canceled his demonic transformation from a distance, wanting to rest and regroup.
It's much better to actively remove the demonization effect than to be forced to remove it when the time is up. Doing so will allow you to quickly reactivate the demonization state, at least in terms of time.
The key issue is that with two people attacking Xiang Yu alone, there's still a risk of friendly fire. If Lü Bu rashly joins in, Xiang Yu might actually gain an advantage.
"You two be careful, this guy is very fast, his footwork is unpredictable, and he's good at sneaking up on people from behind!" Lu Bu decisively shared Xiang Yu's information, as if he were trying to explain why he had crawled out of the ditch.
Xiang Yu scoffed, "A defeated foe scared out of their wits?"
"You!" Lu Bu's chest heaved violently. He was about to rush over when he calmed down. He hadn't had enough rest time yet, and if he used demonic transformation now, all his efforts would be in vain.
It seems unlikely that he can defeat this person quickly; at least he and Iron Face will need some time to work out their teamwork.
Xiang Yu understood that he could barely hold his own against Zhang Fei and Dian Wei alone, but if Lü Bu were added to the mix, the chances of defeat would be very high.
After all, Dian Wei also possessed the power to transform into Lu Bu, and Zhang Fei was no weakling either. It was equivalent to three overpowered individuals fighting against one Xiang Yu.
Just as Hao Jiu was persuading Xiang Yu to retreat for the time being, black smoke rose from Lü Bu's body once again!
"Hahaha... If you had broken through just now, you might have survived, but it's too late now, you're doomed! Iron Face, Zhang Fei, you two hold him off, don't let him escape!" Lu Bu said, and used his ultimate move again.
As long as Dian Wei and Zhang Fei can keep Xiang Yu occupied, hitting the target won't be a problem!
Chapter 605 Bring it on!
After Lu Bu is transformed into a demon, he can unleash a powerful attack with his halberd, leaving a huge crack in the ground. Its destructive power is not to be underestimated, but its weakness is also obvious: the casting speed is relatively slow.
It's not impossible to speed it up, but the power will be much less.
Honestly, it's already amazing that he could break through the magic suppression effect and unleash such an exaggerated ultimate move. Perhaps only Yuan Tan can unleash skills that are fast, powerful, and without any weaknesses.
The moment the terrifying aura swept in, Zhang Fei and Dian Wei exerted their strength simultaneously, with Zhang Fei abandoning his spear and grabbing Xiang Yu's thigh.
Meanwhile, Dian Wei unleashed his ultimate move, instantly multiplying the invisible blades of his two Ice Iron Divine Halberds into twelve, forming a net that blocked Xiang Yu's escape route.
At the same time, Zhang Fei and Dian Wei also used their own methods to save their lives, refusing to believe that they would be killed by Lü Bu in one move.
Lu Bu dared to do this because he believed this tactic wouldn't kill his own men.
Of course, if they were killed, it can only be blamed on their lack of skill.
Rumble...
The sky seemed to collapse and the earth to split open, and yet another enormous crack appeared before everyone's eyes.
Who can withstand such power?
After delivering this slash, Lü Bu decisively retreated several feet, avoiding the area where a landslide might occur.
"Hahaha... Let's see if you're still not dead this time?" Lu Bu stared ahead with an excited expression.
His attention was mostly focused on unleashing his moves, and he was falling very fast. He only saw Zhang Fei and Dian Wei successfully hold Xiang Yu back.
The only certainty is that Xiang Yu was hit. Whether he died or not is uncertain, but he should at least have been seriously injured.
The dust settled, and the place where the three had fought was now just a deep ditch. All three had vanished without a trace, presumably having fallen down there.
Lu Bu smiled coldly. As expected, he was the strongest, even Iron Face couldn't beat him!
As for Zhang Fei, he's even worse; he's too inexperienced!
Lu Bu sighed, "Alas! What a pity. If such a fierce general could serve me... uh, my lord, how wonderful that would be. Well then, you steed over there, your master is doomed. Why don't you come and come with me? Only I am the most suitable master for you!"
gurgle...
The black horse snorted, glanced at Lü Bu as if he were a fool, and then ignored him completely.
Lu Bu's forehead veins throbbed. "Fine, fine, then I'll go find Xiang Yu's corpse and cut off his head in front of you, if his head isn't broken!"
But before Lü Bu could reach the edge of the crevice, a huge blood-red figure leaped out from it—it was Xiang Yu and the other two!
Thump!
Xiang Yu threw Zhang Fei, whom he was carrying on his shoulder, to the ground. Zhang Fei was already unconscious and covered in blood and gore, clearly seriously injured.
But Lü Bu didn't even look at Zhang Fei, nor was he interested in paying attention to him; his attention was all on the iron mask hanging on Xiang Yu's halberd.
This guy's massive body was like a protective umbrella, and a wide, horrifying wound on his back was particularly eye-catching; it must have been the work of Lü Bu.
The wound only looked scary, but what really caused Dian Wei's fatal injury was the Overlord Divine Halberd that pierced through him!
With the heart pierced through, even with life-saving measures, it's impossible to survive.
Lu Bu was dumbfounded. It was understandable that Zhang Fei couldn't block his ultimate move, but what was with the Iron Face?
Why is Xiang Yu alright?
How could Xiang Yu be unharmed? Just now, when Lu Bu unleashed his ultimate attack, Zhang Fei and Dian Wei had already completed their mission of preventing Xiang Yu from dodging.
However, even if Xiang Yu cannot leave the range of Lu Bu's ultimate skill, he still has places to hide.
That was beneath Zhang Fei and Dian Wei.
Of course, this requires their agreement.
It's impossible for him to sacrifice himself for others, to dedicate himself to others, and to actively block Lu Bu's ultimate attack for Xiang Yu.
But in front of Xiang Yu, this matter was not up to them at all.
Zhang Fei abandoned his spear to cling to Xiang Yu's leg, seemingly restricting Xiang Yu's movement, but at the same time giving Xiang Yu the opportunity to fight Dian Wei one-on-one.
Although Dian Wei blocked Xiang Yu's retreat with his ultimate skill, Xiang Yu seized the opportunity and pierced through his heart with a spear just as Lu Bu's ultimate skill was about to land.