"The fight has only just begun. Where do you think you're going?"
The dust dispersed, revealing Xiao Yan's wretched figure. His hair was disheveled, his face filthy, and dirty bloodstains covered his body. He smelled of rare-cooked meat and looked like a beggar off the streets. His eyes, sharp and cold as those of a hawk or wolf, remained fixed on Nalan Yanran. The Xuanhuang flame burning over him worked desperately to heal and regenerate his battered body.
Seeing Xiao Yan in such a miserable state, Nalan Yanran furrowed her delicate brows. A trace of pity flashed through her eyes as she said softly, "Isn't the outcome already clear? You can no longer fight, while I still have strength left. As I said, that last exchange settled the grievances between us.
"Neither of us owes the other anything now, and we have no further ties. Please leave the arena and tend to your injuries. You may stay in the Mist Cloud Sect until you recover before leaving. If you need anything, just ask the sect. I'll have them accommodate you as best they can."
Hearing Nalan Yanran's words, which sounded almost like pitying charity, Xiao Yan pressed a hand to his forehead, threw back his head, and laughed. His mocking laughter came out slightly hoarse, and his lips stretched into a savage, frightening grin.
"Hahaha! Our grievances are settled? Neither of us owes the other anything? No further ties? What a joke! Ever since you came to my home to break off our engagement, there's been no room for reconciliation between us. There's only hatred and enmity, no kindness or affection!
"If I don't defeat you here, how could I justify these three years of grueling training? Besides, do you think this is all the strength I have? Do you