"Sixfold Imperial..."
Zhang Shixiong growled, gripping the hilt of his blade as though he were about to unleash a slash that would shake heaven and earth.
Behind him, Xiao Shimei held the Return-to-Origin Bell, staring fixedly at him as though he might turn into fireworks the very next moment and vanish from the world forever.
"Wait, wait. I feel like I'm not quite ready yet."
Suddenly, Zhang Shixiong released the hilt. His imposing aura dissolved at once, and he spoke with some embarrassment.
Xiao Shimei's breath caught, and she nearly fell over. Then she said speechlessly, "Senior brother, can you actually do this or not?"
"Wait. Give me a little time," Zhang Shixiong said awkwardly.
He really had been about to draw his blade and attack Aiona, but the moment he gripped the hilt, the astonishing power within him had begun slipping out of control. He had lost his nerve on the spot.
Without experiencing that sensation firsthand, it was difficult to understand.
Zhang Shixiong was certainly no coward. That power was simply too terrifying, and he feared losing control.
He could not die yet. He had too many duties left unfulfilled, and his junior sister still needed his protection. He had to execute this slash perfectly.
"Junior sister, step back a little. I'm going to attack."
After fully preparing himself mentally, Zhang Shixiong spoke to Xiao Shimei. She hurriedly backed away another several steps, clearly having even less confidence in him now.
Zhang Shixiong gripped the hilt. This time, he had steeled himself to unleash this slash even if it killed him.
"Sixfold Imperial Blade!"
He gritted his teeth. The walls of every cell in his body radiated golden light, which gathered together and instantly coiled around his arm. He slowly drew his blade, and terrifying radiance burst from