Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 1273

Rio thought killing a small fry would be simple. It would not take him more than three minutes from start to finish. However, as the fight continued, his expression gradually changed.

Andrew countered each of his moves. In fact, Andrew's strength was no weaker than Rio's.

Two loud bangs echoed, and the two men exchanged another palm strike, causing Rio's legs to tremble slightly as he stumbled backward, shattering floor tiles beneath him.

Feeling the burning pain in his palms, Rio's face darkened considerably. "Damn it, you're at least at semi-martial king level. I never expected you to hide your true abilities so well!"

He spat at Andrew with intense hatred. That earlier casual, arrogant attitude—as if Andrew was already defeated—had completely vanished without him realizing it.

Andrew replied coldly, "I never concealed anything. You were just blind."

Rio scoffed. "So what if your fighting skills match mine? You'll soon witness my true killing technique."

He raised his hands, moving his forearms so quickly they left afterimages. While appearing to attack Andrew from a distance, two pencil-length venomous snakes shot out from his sleeves, baring their fangs as they lunged toward Andrew.

Rio smiled viciously, knowing that just one bite from his Nine-Ringed Vipers would ensure Andrew's death.

Two sharp sounds cut through the air. Andrew had also launched projectiles—two slightly gleaming golden needles that instantly pierced the heads of both snakes. By the time the snakes reached Andrew, they were already dead, flopping lifelessly to the ground.

Rio exploded with rage, "You're dead! How dare you hurt my babies! I'll kill you!"

These vipers had been painstakingly trained specifically for surprise attacks. Even his Mosby did not know about them, as Rio had been planning to use them one day if he ever needed to betray and kill his mentor unexpectedly.

To create these venomous weapons, Rio had dealt with deadly poisons countless times, narrowly escaping death himself. Experience had proven that these poisonous creatures were incredibly effective for ambushes. They were even more reliable than conventional weapons.

Yet, Andrew had effortlessly killed them, which both enraged and shocked Rio.

Watching Andrew approach, Rio's smile grew even broader. In his mind, he was already picturing Andrew's death. This method of killing was truly stylish and impressive.

Rio loved it.

However, in the next second, he saw Andrew take his third step. He could not help but wonder why Andrew was not falling down yet.

Andrew took a fourth step, bringing him right in front of Rio.

"How are you unaffected?" Rio looked terrified, his soul nearly leaving his body.

Nonetheless, it was too late.

Andrew had no interest in talking further with him. He raised his hand and delivered two hard slaps across Rio's cheeks. With two cracking sounds, Rio's cheekbones shattered instantly.