Chapter 150: Rebirth Without End
Chang Wei threw another punch.
So fast!!!
Phoenix Man's pupils shrank. He had already transformed and undergone explosive growth, yet he still couldn't see Chang Wei's punch?
Bang!
In the next instant, he was shattered into pieces once more—just like before.
Gritting his teeth, Phoenix Man climbed back up.
"Oh? Your recovery speed has increased this time?"
Chang Wei looked a little surprised. Wasn't this just like fighting the Undying Bird from Card Battle? Except, Phoenix Man seemed even stronger.
Phoenix Man evolved again. His body cracked apart as if it were splitting open, fractures forming across his entire form like cracks in a gemstone. From those fissures, countless dazzling rays of light burst forth, making his entire body glow golden.
"This doesn't look like Overload Mode… So is this a new evolution?"
Chang Wei wasn't sure whether Phoenix Man's Overload Mode had triggered because of Child Emperor ripping off his clothes, or if it had emerged after he evolved to his limit. But now, it seemed like this was a different evolutionary path. Was it because of the difference in pressure?
"In One Punch Dragon and One Punch Dragon: Uprising, I've basically become the Guy Sensei of the One Punch Man world."
With his heightened perception, Chang Wei could easily assess Phoenix Man's current strength. His power mainly came from his enhanced physical abilities, making it easy to gauge. In contrast, martial artists and psychics were much harder to evaluate, not to mention those from the supernatural side.
Phoenix – Shining Diamond Eagle Mode!
Brimming with confidence, Phoenix Man launched his attack, leaving behind golden streaks of light as he moved at high speed—only to be slapped into the wall by Chang Wei.
Chang Wei had already covered the wall with psychokinesis, ensuring Phoenix Man wouldn't get smacked straight through the Monster Association's base.
That would be too much trouble. This was simpler.
Phoenix Man collapsed onto the ground.
What…?
He couldn't comprehend it.
"The strongest hero, Chang Wei… but isn't this way too strong?!"
His confidence wavered. He had grown so much stronger, yet he was still no match. Maybe he should run? He could find someone else to help him evolve…
"What's wrong? Are you giving up already? So fragile?"
Chang Wei's voice was calm.
"How could I?!"
Phoenix Man was furious. Chang Wei's dismissive attitude enraged him. I am the immortal Phoenix Man!!!
"You bastard, don't underestimate me! And don't underestimate Turbulent Bird either!!!"
Watching Phoenix Man ignite with passion, Chang Wei couldn't help but wonder—how did this guy manage to say such cringeworthy lines without a hint of awkwardness? At least in his own world, he had to fake being a deity in a magicless world to pull that off.
Then, Phoenix Man's entire body cracked apart once more. This time, he shattered completely, transforming into a fully radiant, glowing form.
Phoenix – Radiant Eagle Form!
"I have become light! Can you keep up with the speed of light?!"
Phoenix Man vanished into a stream of light particles, appearing before Chang Wei in an instant and launching a punch straight at his face.
Smack!
His fist stopped right in front of Chang Wei.
"You're not at lightspeed. At most, you're a little over a thousand times the speed of sound. So, you can temporarily convert into energy?"
Chang Wei didn't even flinch. His psychokinesis had blocked the punch effortlessly.
Had Phoenix Man just turned into an elemental state? This was similar to Kizaru, except Phoenix Man was clearly stronger. If Kizaru could move at over a thousand times the speed of sound, he'd have wiped out the entire One Piece world by now.
That so-called light particle form wasn't true light—it was more like some kind of energy particles. Plasma, maybe?
"LIGHT, COME FORTH!!!"
Phoenix Man shouted, and the entire area was instantly plunged into darkness as he absorbed a massive amount of light. Then… he ran away.
"Hmph, can you catch up to me in this form?"
He wasn't an idiot. He had already grown this powerful—there was no need to fight Chang Wei to the death.
"Think you can escape?"
Chang Wei extended his hand.
"Universal Pull!"
Of course, that was just an internal thought. He wasn't shameless enough to yell out attack names—unless it was absolutely necessary and looked really cool.
Phoenix Man was shocked to find himself unable to move.
"Since you've transformed into this form, I don't need to worry about damaging that silly costume of yours. You don't have it anymore anyway. Let's see what happens if I kill you again."
Chang Wei was intrigued. He intensified his gravitational pull, crushing Phoenix Man's particles.
"Wait…!"
Phoenix Man quickly begged for mercy, but Chang Wei still crushed most of his form.
Phoenix Man re-materialized, though only partially. He lay on the ground, gasping for breath.
Just now, he had truly thought he was going to die.
And now, for the first time, he truly felt the shadow of death looming over him.
Chang Wei was like the embodiment of death itself, always right behind him. He had no idea if he could transcend death again.
"Come on, surprise me. Your potential isn't limited to this. Think about Turbulent Bird. Would it be satisfied with this?"
Seeing Phoenix Man's spirit wane, Chang Wei had to resort to a talk no jutsu to motivate him.
"…Why are you doing this?"
Phoenix Man asked in confusion.
Chang Wei was speechless. You're seriously worrying about that right now? Bro, you're about to die!
And your body still isn't reacting?
Did I overdo it?
No way. He had already reached One Punch Dragon: Uprising levels, maybe even approaching One Punch Dragon: Platinum. He was about on par with Platinum Sperm. And this was his limit?
Where was his obsession? His attachment to that ridiculous costume?
Get up! You're carrying the will of two people!
"…Is it loneliness?"
Phoenix Man suddenly said.
"Huh?"
Chang Wei was caught off guard. Then, after using his telepathy to read Phoenix Man's thoughts, he was utterly exasperated.
"After that great battle, you lost your only equal rival. The Earth no longer has anyone who can challenge you. So, because you're too strong, you've become lonely. That's why you want to cultivate an opponent for yourself. That's why you've taken an interest in my potential!"
As Phoenix Man spoke, he became more convinced of his own theory. How else could he explain why Chang Wei, the strongest hero, hadn't just killed him outright but had instead helped him evolve repeatedly?
If I wasn't unsure whether telepathic manipulation or hypnotic suggestion would interfere with your evolution, I'd have just mind-controlled you into a muscle-brained berserker like Zheng Zha.
Chang Wei silently watched Phoenix Man. The latter, however, took his silence as confirmation.
"…I see. In that case, let me show you—our will, mine and Turbulent Bird's!!!"
Phoenix Man reignited once more.
The aura of a hot-blooded idiot…
Chang Wei watched as Phoenix Man stood up again. This time, he no longer gleamed with radiant light but instead became shrouded in darkness.
Phoenix – Dark Eagle Mode!
"Haha! So this is my new power? You're finished, hero!!!"
Phoenix Man declared confidently.
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