In a basin within the Cloud Dream Ancient Land.
Two figures were locked in fierce combat, Sword Qi colliding with saber energy amid an unending roar.
"Bitch, retreat now, and I might spare your life!"
The speaker was a sallow-faced man with a hooked nose, his eyes glinting with sinister greed.
He wore gray robes and exuded a vicious aura, his cultivation at the Black Tortoise Eighth Layer. The blood-colored scimitar in his hand danced in an impenetrable curtain, its strikes ruthless and treacherous, every slash aimed straight at a vital point.
This was Tu Lie, a martial artist from Yinwind Ridge outside Cloud Province. Since entering the Cloud Dream Ancient Land, he had already stained his hands with plenty of blood.
"Not a chance!"
The woman fighting him wore a moon-white dress, her face cold as frost. She was Liu Qinghan, a True Disciple of Cloud Province's Cold Moon Sect, likewise at the Black Tortoise Eighth Layer.
Not long ago, while passing through this place, she had suddenly seen a treasure's radiance shooting skyward from the center of the basin. Only after approaching did she discover a longsword embedded in a pile of remains.
The precious sword gleamed like light condensed upon autumn waters, with the words "Flowing Cloud" engraved on its hilt. It was a supreme-grade Mystic Weapon! Such a treasure could greatly enhance a Profound Martial Realm martial artist's strength.
Unfortunately, its radiance was far too conspicuous. Someone else had arrived besides her.
"Stubborn fool!"
Tu Lie laughed savagely, and his blood-colored scimitar abruptly erupted with dazzling crimson light. "Blood Fiend Three Slashes: Soul Severing!"
The saber energy surged, turning into three blood-colored ribbons, their icy, bloody aura enough to turn the stomach.
Liu Qinghan countered with her own ultimate technique.
But her cultivation was a shade