Leng Qingshuang's gaze sharpened. Instead of retreating, she advanced, her longsword suddenly accelerating as a chilling Sword Qi tore through the air and shot straight at Ouyang Fu's face.
This strike was swift as lightning, carrying the resolve of one who had smashed the cooking pots and sunk the boats. It was a dangerous move that used offense in place of defense.
Ouyang Fu had not expected her to be so fierce. Caught off guard, he could only withdraw his saber to block. With a thunderous clang, the Sword Qi sent him staggering back again and again. The web of his hand split open, blood dripping down the saber's hilt.
At the same time, Gongsun Ziqing seized the opening. Her Soft Sword coiled around Leng Qingshuang's longsword like a venomous snake, trying to disarm her.
But Leng Qingshuang flicked her wrist, and the cold energy on her sword surged. In an instant, it froze the Soft Sword's offensive momentum. Then she twisted at the waist and kicked toward Gongsun Ziqing's lower abdomen, her movements crisp and clean, without the slightest excess.
Gongsun Ziqing cried out and hastily turned aside to evade, but the kick still struck her shoulder. She staggered into an ancient tree, a trace of blood spilling from the corner of her lips.
Steadying herself, she looked at Leng Qingshuang with shock and unwillingness in her eyes. "Who exactly are you? Since when did Eastern Divine Palace have a disciple like you?"
Leng Qingshuang did not answer. She merely held her sword horizontally before Hua Qiang, her icy gaze fixed on the two of them.
"If you wish to harm the Holy Son of Eastern Divine Palace, first ask the Han Yue Sword in my hand."
Her voice was clear and cold, like jade striking jade, carrying an