The rush was intoxicating, but it was also somewhat awkward. When a man’s abilities spiked all at once, his own body could feel out of sync.

An enemy soldier vaulted the wagon, war axe raised. He Lingchuan swept the weapon aside with one hand, spun, and slashed in return.

With the force he had put in, the blow should have ripped open the man’s chest and belly, sending him to the ground clutching his wounds and coughing blood. But the moment his blade bit, he felt that his strike was far faster and far heavier than he had meant it to be.

The enemy was cut clean in two mid-leap, even the spine severed.

The wind was blowing his way, and the hot spray drenched his face so completely he could hardly open his eyes.

While he was rubbing them clear, another Baling soldier lunged...