Chapter 85: The Battle of Bajiquan, Archer Reappears

Words : 805 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Within the magical barrier that formed the arena, two figures were engaged in a fierce battle. They had abandoned their weapons and magic, relying solely on their fists and feet. Yet, the intensity of their clash was overwhelming, with the shockwaves from their strikes even stirring up the surrounding dead leaves, creating small whirlwinds. Although he had inherited the physical abilities of the heroic spirit Emiya, his strength was only at a D-rank, which, while superior to ordinary humans, was not unattainable. Moreover, Emiya himself had become a guardian in a world where mystery was fading, so he naturally did not possess the immense power of mythical heroes. Facing him was none other than Kirei Kotomine, a top-tier executor of the Church who had practised internal martial arts since childhood. With Sakatsuki deliberately holding back, there was no significant difference in their physical abilities. In the renowned martial arts classic, *The Book of Five Rings*, great emphasis is placed on harmonizing "body and spirit" as well as "technique and mind" during training. This balance aims to unite "mind, technique, and body," embodying the pinnacle of one's practice. Kirei and Sakatsuki were both determined individuals. While their physical capabilities were similar, it was their "technique" that would ultimately decide the result. Coincidentally, the martial art they were using came from the same school—Bajiquan. Having changed into his spiritual attire, Sakatsuki took a deep breath and stepped forward, closing the distance to Kirei in an instant. This was a subtle footwork technique that allowed one to glide across the ground to approach an enemy, known as "living steps," one of the footwork techniques of Bajiquan. Kirei, who had trained since childhood, naturally recognized this move. His expression remained unchanged as he took a step forward.@@@@ With a single stomp, he stepped forward, generating power from his heel, channelling it through his waist, and extending it through his fingertips. This strike had a resounding name: "Palm Striking the Rising Sun," one of the eight major techniques of Bajiquan. Facing this lethal move, Sakatsuki immediately stepped back, dodging Kirei's attack. However, the latter closed the distance with a right step and aimed a left punch at Sakatsuki's face. "Don't hit the face, damn it!!" Shouting in frustration, Sakatsuki leaned back to avoid the punch. But the black-robed priest was relentless, quickly turning to the right, his palm facing upward, and thrusting his left palm toward the Sakatsuki's throat. Bang! Sakatsuki raised his left arm to block, using the force of his right forearm to deflect Kirei's deadly strike. He then swiftly turned and launched a punch at Kirei's face. Kirei frowned, blocking Sakatsuki's attack with the same posture, and then retreated using the living steps, creating distance between them. It wasn't that he couldn't defeat Sakatsuki, but he realized that the young man was using him as a training partner. The increasingly refined Bajiquan skills were the best evidence of this. There was no better experience pack than a fellow martial artist. "Let's just say, the human heart is truly unpredictable." If it was for Kiritsugu, she was willing to risk her life—and it seemed others shared the same resolve. This realization, which had once filled her with fear and unease, now brought her a sense of relief. Even if she were no longer around one day, there would still be someone silently supporting Kiritsugu, ensuring he wouldn't lose his way (a statement befitting the main wife). Although Irisviel's words were cryptic, Sakatsuki, who was familiar with the story, couldn't help but laugh. "To say that the 'human heart' is unpredictable... it seems you're becoming more and more like a human, Irisviel." In the next moment, Sakatsuki's instincts screamed a warning, and Irisviel's expression changed abruptly as she shouted. "Watch out, Sakatsuki!" A rain of Noble Phantasms descended from the sky, like a golden shower. Amid the downpour of death, a red figure shot through the air, the petal-like shield behind him shattering piece by piece but ultimately holding long enough for its master to escape the battlefield. Returning to his combat stance, Sakatsuki set Irisviel and Maiya down, activating a displacement spell to teleport them away. He then turned to face the unexpected golden figure. "King of Heroes... Gilgamesh." Standing on a tree branch, the golden-armoured Archer crossed his arms, his reptilian eyes filled with amusement. "I told you, mongrel." "Don't be in such a hurry. I'll show you the majesty of a king when night falls." *** Hey readers! Want to read ahead? ???? Join my Patreon for early access to 30+ advance chapters! Your support helps me write more and bring the story to you faster. ????patreon.com/aarvan???? Thanks for being awesome! ❤️

Chapter 85: The Battle of Bajiquan, Archer Reappears

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