The Sunlight Sanctuary will ward off external evils, but it won’t stop Dox from leaving.
Once Dox, free from the influence of the curse and restored to the peak of his power, even with his inspiration ability heightened to the highest point, stepped out from the Sanctuary’s protection, although the sensation of complete comfort vanished, his confidence reached its zenith.
At this moment, Dox even felt he could challenge Gray Merchant.
In truth, merely "challenging" Gray Merchant is indeed possible; but the final result, win or lose, is another matter. However, with Dox’s inspiration ability fully enhanced, if he genuinely were to fight Gray Merchant, there’s a slim chance to win, and even if he loses, he can certainly hold out much longer than before.
After all, Gray Merchant’s bloodline naturally restrains Dox—a land dragon versus a sandworm—this level of suppression can even make Dox exert less than half of his power, even if his bloodline is activated.
But Wicked Woman is different; without bloodline suppression and being at the peak state, Dox is entirely unafraid.
With countless sword thrusts in tow, Dox charged straight toward Wicked Woman.
...
"He came out of that cover, Lady Wicked should have a chance to win now, right?" On the other side, Pink Jasmine’s eyes lit up upon seeing Dox leave the Sunlight Sanctuary.
In her mind, the appearance of that light cover was what added variables to the battle; otherwise, Lady Wicked would have won long ago. Now that Dox has left the light cover, it’s as if he’s cut off his retreat, Lady Wicked should be able to win... right?
Gray Merchant pondered for a moment but still shook his head: "My conclusion remains the same, Wicked Woman has already lost. Now it’s just a matter of... "
Pink Jasmine: "Just a matter of what?"
Gray Merchant sighed lightly: "Just a matter of whether Dox wants victory or ... to fight to the death."
Gray Merchant’s lament was clearly tinged with worry. Now, Wicked Woman, with her bloodline fully opened, is almost entirely occupied by bloodline instincts, and can’t even actively concede.
This is also the flaw of the transformation lineage; they rarely open their bloodlines fully because mixed bloodlines cause a certain level of cognitive chaos. Even with spells for improvement, rationality isn’t as agile as usual.
Only after becoming a Legend can they eliminate this flaw with new blood fusion techniques.
But how difficult is it to become a Legend?
Currently, there isn’t a single Legend in the Southern Domain. So, among the transformation lineage, almost everyone achieves the "reduced intellect" accomplishment during full-fledged combat, which is why blood origin wizards disdain their fellow wizards who become fools once they start fighting. Coupled with differing philosophies, blood origin wizards look down on the transformation wizards even more.
Pureblood wizards are similar to blood origin wizards; even if their bloodlines are fully opened, they won’t engage in reduced intellect behavior.
Based on this, Gray Merchant doesn’t believe Wicked Woman could surpass Dox.
Wicked Woman has now completely surrendered herself to instincts; such strength derived from conceding intellect to battle instincts is indeed formidable. But without intellect to control, everything is just for the win; battle instincts will actively push the fighter to all limits.
Wicked Woman might not be defeated by Dox, but dragged to death by her battle instincts. Even if victorious, she might lose further potential due to excessive consumption.
Pink Jasmine: "Gray Merchant, is there any difference between the two?"
Gray Merchant: "Of course there is, a significant difference. If Dox seeks victory alone, he can utilize arena rules to knock Wicked Woman out. Even surrounded by void creatures outside, we still have a chance to rescue her."
"But if Dox decides to fight to the death, Wicked Woman can’t possibly concede, the final result would likely be... Dox barely winning, while Wicked Woman perishes."
To kill a wizard with a fully opened bloodline, even Dox must pay a heavy price.
At this moment, Shepherd spoke softly: "In the master’s case, would he choose victory alone or fight to the death?"
Gray Merchant looked at Shepherd; among all his apprentices, Shepherd’s thoughts were the most profound. Although he appears lazy, his gaze becomes exceedingly sharp in critical moments, and he can swiftly pinpoint vital points with a speed not less than an official wizard’s.
Shepherd certainly harbors secrets, and perhaps these secrets aren’t on his body but in his heart, or even soul.
Gray Merchant isn’t afraid of those with secrets, as long as Shepherd remains loyal, what harm does having secrets do?
Gray Merchant: "If before, standing in Dox’s position, I would probably choose victory alone, avoiding a death battle. But now, I would choose to fight to the death."
Shepherd flicked the green hair hanging over his eyelids softly: "Is it because of that protective cover?"
Gray Merchant nodded: "With the shelter to swiftly heal wounds, even if the result of the death battle is a narrow victory, Dox can still receive treatment in that shelter."
We can say, the existence of that shelter thoroughly changed the battle dynamics.
It broke Wicked Woman’s curse, even backfiring on her, making it impossible for her to use curse techniques again shortly.
It defended against Wicked Woman’s strongest attack and consumed her blood energy.
It provided Dox with comprehensive restoration effects, becoming the strongest backing.
Without it, Wicked Woman’s winning chance would be high, but now it’s too late.
Gray Merchant is now even wondering how to respond if faced with Dox, who possesses the shelter, in the next match?
"Then we can’t save Lady Wicked?" Pink Jasmine asked somewhat excitedly.
Gray Merchant glanced at her faintly: "Did you see anyone on the opposite side move when Dox was cursed and pierced by the Blood Spear just now?"
Pink Jasmine: "But, but..."
"You’re thinking, Dox has cards up his sleeves, right? This duel doesn’t forbid your methods, indeed Mirror Bearer wants them to reveal their cards." Gray Merchant murmured softly: "The people on the opposing side have a unique background. To easily give the Mysterious Parchment to Dox, if it were me, it wouldn’t be possible."
Not to mention it wouldn’t be possible, knowing there is a sliver of life, Gray Merchant would never use the Mysterious Parchment.
"Just watch; no matter the outcome, it’s a bitter fruit we need to swallow."
Gray Merchant wishes to save Wicked Woman, but the rules are established. The black-robed referee is overseeing from the sky; under such circumstances, he can’t do anything.
The only thing they can do is... watch. To see what decision Dox will ultimately make?
...
What choice will Dox make? Actually, he has known in his heart for a long time—
Countless piercing swords followed Dox’s movements, and every time Dox manipulated the swords, he madly slashed at the hooked spikes of Wicked Woman’s long tentacles.