Chapter 275 - 148: Intercept

Chapter 275: Chapter 148: Intercept

"So fast!" Xu Mo’s expression grew solemn.

Whether the newcomer could see clearly or not, Xu Mo gave a casual wave in their direction—a simple greeting. Then, he stood perfectly still, waiting for them to approach. His right hand seemed to hang loosely at his side, but it was only inches from the hilt of the Mountain-Cutting Saber at his waist.

As the distance closed rapidly, Xu Mo finally got a clear look at the person.

It was a very young man, probably twenty-three or twenty-four. His face was blurred by his high-speed sprint and a layer of dust, but Xu Mo could tell his features were regular, even possessing a hint of lingering boyishness.

He wore a tracksuit so caked in mud and grime that its original color was impossible to discern. On his feet was a pair of sneakers that were just as filthy, but seemed to be of high quality. He had no backpack and didn’t appear to be carrying any large weapons. There was just a conspicuous bulge at his waist, though it was impossible to tell what was causing it.

However, what made Xu Mo frown was that even when the man was still about fifteen or sixteen meters away, he showed no sign of slowing down. On the contrary, it was as if he had locked onto his target, charging straight for Xu Mo like a gale!

’Huh?’ A giant question mark formed in Xu Mo’s mind. ’What’s his game? Even if he’s planning to attack, he should be making his preparations at this range, or at least change his angle of approach, shouldn’t he?’

Xu Mo had no more time to think. The man had no intention of shouting or communicating; instead, as a flicker of excitement flashed in his eyes, he suddenly flung his arm forward mid-sprint.

SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!

A series of faint yet sharp whistling sounds cut through the air. Several inconspicuous points of light, glinting in the sun, shot forward like venomous hornets swarming from a nest. They instantly crossed the short distance, aimed straight at Xu Mo’s face and chest.

’Judging by their shape and size, they looked like... marbles?!’

Xu Mo’s eyes instantly turned cold. Any faint, lingering hope that they might be able to communicate vanished completely. In the apocalypse, this is how strangers usually greet each other—directly and lethally!

TING! TING! TING!

The very instant the whistling sound began, Xu Mo’s right hand, which had been hanging at his side, moved. A brilliant flash of steel, as swift as lightning, swept up from below, carving a precise and rapid arc in front of him. A series of crisp clangs rang out as the blade expertly deflected the small, glinting projectiles. They were sent flying in different directions, burying themselves in the dust or striking roadside debris with dull THUDS.

Saber in hand, Xu Mo stood his ground. He looked at the young man who had thrown the marbles, his gaze as calm as still water, but a sliver of icy killing intent was now brewing in its depths.

"Oh~?" the young man let out a soft, surprised exclamation upon seeing Xu Mo block his first volley so cleanly. But he didn’t stop. Instead, he used his forward momentum and astonishing speed to begin circling Xu Mo, running in a wide, high-speed arc around him. His figure moved so fast it seemed to leave afterimages, kicking up a ring of dust.

SWOOSH-SWOOSH-SWOOSH-SWOOSH—!

As he circled, the whistling sound of projectiles cutting through the air became incessant. A denser volley of marbles shot in from various angles and cunning trajectories, all aimed at the vital points of Xu Mo, who stood at the center.

The man had clearly practiced this for a long time; his throws were not only powerful but also incredibly accurate.

CLINK-CLANK-CLINK...!

Xu Mo stood his ground, making only minute adjustments to his stance. The Mountain-Cutting Saber in his hand became a protective screen of brilliant light, deflecting every single marble that flew at him from all directions.

The crisp, dense sound of the blade striking the marbles was like a torrential downpour hammering on a tin roof. His feet pivoted slightly, following the attacker’s movements, always keeping his body oriented toward the greatest threat. His sharp gaze tracked the high-speed, gray blur.

The man’s intention was obvious: use his superior speed for hit-and-run harassment, wear down Xu Mo’s stamina and focus, and wait for an opening to deliver a fatal blow—or force him into making a mistake.

’Interesting,’ Xu Mo thought. This combat style was certainly unexpected. The man seemed to rely heavily on this combination of high-speed movement and ranged projectile attacks; he showed little intention of engaging in close-quarters combat.