The alloy longsword whistled toward Ye Chao. The mech warrior was not reckless; he had used only half his strength in this move. First, to test Ye Chao's capabilities; second, so that he would have enough strength left to react should anything unexpected happen.
Ye Chao frowned slightly. Just as he was about to make his move, a streak of black light shot toward them from afar.
"Clang!" The black light struck the alloy longsword, knocking it aside. The mech warrior flew into a rage. "Who dares to—Lord Cassandra..."
Upon seeing who had intervened, the mech warrior's tone immediately changed. His anger vanished without a trace, replaced by extreme caution.
Ye Chao turned his head. On one side within the city gate, the incoming crowd parted to make way for a young woman of seventeen or eighteen. Her beautiful black hair draped over her shoulders, with more than a dozen strands at the tips slowly fluttering in the breeze. A crescent-shaped crown rested atop her head, while a purple vertical eye at the center of her forehead slowly closed. Beneath it were willow-like delicate brows, a refined little nose, and cherry-like lips, forming a breathtaking, exotic beauty unlike that of ordinary humans.
The young woman wore black, close-fitting cloth armor with an asymmetrical front, while a purple skirt-like hem rippled around her lower body. The design was simple and elegant, without excessive ornamentation, save for streaks of dark purple thread. A silver-white cloak hung over her body, wide enough to conceal her graceful figure. As Ye Chao observed her, she was observing him as well.
Eight burly guards clad in silver armor followed behind her. The closed vertical eye on each guard's forehead showed that they too belonged to the Three-Eyed race.
The young woman arrived at the city gate