The clash of metal rang deafeningly, sparks flying in every direction. Flames and blade energy intertwined, exploding into a visible shockwave that swept the surrounding rubble and dust several yards into the air.
The Fire Phoenix Empress was sent flying by the force, her feet plowing two deep trenches through the ground. She spat out another mouthful of blood, its vivid red splashing across the scorched earth in a horrifying sight.
She gritted her teeth and steadied herself. The hand holding her sword trembled slightly, her knuckles white, and her eyes filled with fury and wariness. Had she been at full strength, she might not have feared the Wolf Lord. Both were Eleventh Tier powerhouses; she had even believed she could suppress him.
But now, she was severely injured, her strength greatly diminished. Spiritual power flowed poorly through her body, and every swing of her sword tugged at the wound on her waist. Pain surged over her like a tide, slowing her movements by several beats.
Faced with the Wolf Lord's frenzied assault, she could only defend herself, retreating step by step.
"Old bastard! Have you gone insane?! Do you know what you're doing?!"
The Fire Phoenix Empress roared as she blocked his attacks, disbelief and fury ringing in her voice. She drove the flames on her sword to their limit, yet she still could not withstand the Wolf Lord's tidal blade attacks.
"You ambushed the Star River Empress! Are you trying to bury the entire Sirius Empire with you?!"
The Wolf Lord remained silent, like a walking statue. The saber in his hand struck faster and faster, every slash carrying the will to kill. Each blow targeted a vital point, as though he intended to cleave the Fire Phoenix Empress alive in two.
His saber style was broad and