The immense exhaustion had forced Han Lang and Dr. Sim, locked in a battle to the death, into a temporary truce.
During this respite, Han Lang seized every moment to refine a batch of Spirit Replenishing Pills.
According to the refining time and the yield of four to five pills per batch, once the refining was complete, Han Lang would no longer be so passive in the ensuing battle.
Most crucially, Dr. Sim had used blood sacrifice twice, and his body was at its absolute limit.
If Han Lang could quickly finish refining the Spirit Replenishing Pills and use them to recover, he might still find an opening to decisively defeat Dr. Sim.
To this end, he poured all his effort into condensing the pills at the fastest possible speed.
On the other side, Dr. Sim naturally understood the critical nature of the situation.
He knew he was at the end of his rope, but Han Lang was not far behind.
If he could quickly adapt to the exhaustion from the blood sacrifice, he could also strike swiftly and finish off Han Lang.
Thus, both sides were in a similar predicament, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
Time passed agonizingly slowly.
During this period, both had to remain vigilant against each other while focusing on their own recovery.
As the alchemical fire flared from Han Lang's palm, the medicinal herbs for the Spirit Replenishing Pills were soon condensed.
All subsequent steps proceeded smoothly.
Before long, the nascent forms of five Spirit Replenishing Pills appeared in Han Lang's palm.
Concurrently, Dr. Sim, standing at a distance, saw this and his pupils contracted sharply, his heart filled with surprise.
"So fast? No, I absolutely cannot let him gain the advantage!"
Dr. Sim thought to himself as he began to attempt to activate the blood sacrifice again.
Although his body had not fully recovered, forcibly using the blood sacrifice would only inflict greater damage.
However, he had no other choice at this moment.
If he didn't seize the initiative now, the consequences would be more than just exhaustion.
He might face ultimate demise.
Thus, the blood-red Jin Luo illusion once again ascended.
Watching the towering colossal figure, Ma Long and his companions were astounded.
"No way? Dr. Sim recovered so quickly?"
Dan Nan's expression was also extremely grave.
"It shouldn't be! How could it be this fast? Logically, Han Lang should have the upper hand!"
Tang Geng also furrowed his brow.
"Could it be because Dr. Sim, fearing he couldn't defeat Han Lang, used it forcibly?"
Tang Geng's words made Dan Nan suddenly realize.
"It must be! This way, the duration of his blood sacrifice will definitely be shorter, and the toll on him will be even greater. If that's the case, as long as Han Lang endures this period, victory will surely be ours!"
Dan Nan's words brought a flicker of joy to Ma Long and Tang Geng's faces.
Only Zhao Wu remained clear-headed.
"But the problem is, how can Han Lang endure these few minutes?"
This statement plunged everyone into the icy depths of despair.
Indeed.
In this situation, Han Lang, who was at his limit and whose Spirit Replenishing Pills were not yet formed, how could he possibly cope?
As everyone worried, Dr. Sim had already made his move.
He struggled to control the colossal figure to stand up. Perhaps due to the immense exhaustion, the figure's movements were even somewhat unsteady.
It staggered as it walked, completely lacking its former grace.
Yet, even so, it continued to approach Han Lang step by step.
Once within striking range, he did not hesitate, bringing down a massive palm.
Han Lang was at the crucial final stage of condensing his pills. If he were to be distracted and dodge, all his previous efforts would be in vain.
Therefore, he could not move.
Since that was the case, he had to find another way to defend against Dr. Sim's attack.
Instantly.
Golden needles whistled.
They rapidly erected golden pillars around Han Lang, while square bricks materialized, stacking atop the golden pillars like building a house.
Han Lang's figure was tightly encased within.
As the giant palm descended, it landed squarely on the square bricks.
A "rumble" sounded.
The golden pillars were driven deep into the earth by the immense force.
Fortunately, the strength of Dr. Sim's blood sacrifice had significantly decreased this time.
After sinking for a while, the golden pillars gradually stopped.
The square bricks also stopped at a height just above Han Lang's head.
He was protected!
The onlookers rejoiced.
Having blocked this attack, Han Lang's pills were nearing completion.
With the support of the Spirit Replenishing Pills, the moment of counterattack would soon arrive.
Dr. Sim also grew anxious.
He hadn't expected Han Lang to have recovered some strength at this moment, enough to control the golden needles and square bricks.
He dared not hesitate.
He gripped the square brick with his palm, firmly holding it.
Then, with a flick, the square brick was thrown far away.
Immediately after, he counterattacked with a punch, smashing towards Han Lang again.
Without the protection of the square bricks, Han Lang could only watch helplessly as Dr. Sim's massive fist slowly approached, unable to offer any resistance.
But just then, the pills in Han Lang's palm were almost fully formed.
"I can't wait for perfect condensation anymore. Usable is fine!"
Han Lang did not dare to hesitate. He immediately opened his hand and grabbed, and five pills instantly fell into his palm.
Since the pills had not completed their final condensation, this batch might not even be considered low-grade pills.
But regardless.
The pills had taken shape.
Although their efficacy was greatly reduced, they still had some effect.
He directly popped two of them into his mouth.
The Spirit Replenishing Pills, which melted upon contact, instantly transformed into a surge of spiritual energy that nourished Han Lang's entire body.
The warm current, emanating directly from his dantian, instantly transformed into strength that filled his body.
At this moment, Han Lang felt his body filled with power once more. Before the giant fist could land, with a "swish," he flickered away from his original position, thus evading Dr. Sim's attack.
He rose into the air again, standing in the sky and looking down at the terrified Dr. Sim.
He appeared like a deity, gazing down upon an ant.
Dr. Sim was stunned.
He hadn't expected Han Lang to retrieve the pills prematurely.
Although these pills couldn't directly replenish all of Han Lang's spiritual energy, as long as they were sufficient, the threat to him would be immense.
He dared not delay any further.
Gritting his teeth, he stubbornly controlled the giant palm and fiercely slammed it towards Han Lang.
Han Lang spread his hands, and two flying swords pierced directly into the palm of the colossal figure.
Without strong energy support, the colossal figure was no match for its previous might.
With two "puchi" sounds, the giant swords pierced through.
"Ah!"
Dr. Sim cried out.
Although the colossal figure's injury wouldn't cause him pain, its damage meant a reduction in his strength.
A reduction in strength meant that his defeat might be imminent.
But how could he be willing to accept this?
After all, he was the most powerful XS-class esper in the entire esper force.
The angry roar ignited his fighting spirit.
Disregarding the injury to the colossal figure's palm, he clasped his hands together and struck towards Han Lang, who was caught between them.
However, Han Lang had already received replenishment.
At this moment, dodging such a move was incredibly simple.
With a shift of his body, without any hesitation, he directly swooped down, charging straight towards Dr. Sim's physical body.
The two spiritual artifact swords also detached from the colossal figure's palm, following his movement, and attacked Dr. Sim with boundless might.