Tap—tap—
Jiang Dali's thick black boots stepped onto the ground. His figure shifted from an extreme sprint to a slow walk. The transition from incredible speed to sudden slowness appeared abrupt yet natural when he completed it, without the slightest buffer.
In truth, however, the tremendous impact had already been transferred into the ground, causing the hard stone-brick floor beneath his feet to crack and crumble into powder.
Watching Lingyun flee while Dugu Qiubai blocked his path, he did not try to stop her.
Because Dugu Qiubai's fighting spirit and sword intent had already locked onto him with such intensity, transforming into an astonishing pressure that struck at his chest and drew upon his aura.
Unless he defeated his opponent, he clearly would not only be unable to pursue Lingyun, but would not even be able to enter the Human Emperor Tower.
Jiang Dali halted, stopping twenty zhang away from Dugu Qiubai. The shattered cloak behind him slowly fell to the ground, exposing his towering, muscular frame. His tiger-like eyes fixed on Dugu Qiubai as he said calmly, "Isn't it a little early to fight to the death now? And haven't you chosen a rather dangerous location?"
Dugu Qiubai smiled faintly and uttered three words. "Are you afraid?"
Jiang Dali narrowed his eyes, a cruel smile curling across his lips. "After I seriously injured you last time, it seems you forgot the pain."
Dugu Qiubai's thin, blade-like lips pursed slightly, then he smiled again. "Your condition seemed worse than mine last time. I was actually quite surprised you didn't die."
Jiang Dali folded his arms across his chest. His savage, rugged face, covered in black, gold, and white markings, was filled with disdainful arrogance. "You weren't this talkative before."
The moment his words fell—
The two locked eyes, like thunder