Yuwen Yao's words gave people a peculiar feeling.
That was: let us talk this over nicely-friendship first, competition second.
There was no need to spoil the harmony, and each should hold some strength in reserve, lest the cultivators in the next round reap the benefits after their duel.
An ordinary person might have relaxed at this inexplicable goodwill, or even truly held back.
Unfortunately.
Song Yan, standing before her, was a Sword Cultivator.
At the same time, she was the first extremely dangerous opponent he had encountered today, so naturally, he would go all out.
Sword Qi surged around him as he stood ready to dodge or counter with Green Snake in the Sleeve at any moment. He had also summoned his Flying Sword, Unmoored Boat.
Against an opponent like this, as long as he could withstand her first move, he could withstand her second, her third...
"Let us begin."
Song Yan focused his entire attention, and Yuwen Yao's bearing changed as well.
Strands of azure Spiritual Power rapidly gathered in her hands.
"Junior Brother Song Yan, brace yourself."
"The first palm strike..."
She slowly raised her eyes.
"Azure Dragon Explores with Its Claws!"
Whoosh-
An azure-jade streak flashed past. Yuwen Yao had vanished, leaving only an afterimage behind.
His pupils contracted slightly as a clean, fair hand tore through his protective Spirit Garment and reached for his face.
"So fast!"
Song Yan was astonished.
A layer of surging, ferocious azure Spiritual Qi wreathed that hand, like the sharp claws of some Demon Beast.
A smile of success hung on Yuwen Yao's face.
Song Yan inwardly sensed trouble. She was too close for him to wield his Flying Sword properly. Just as he was about to activate Soaring Cloud Intent to evade her, her palm hooked sharply downward and caught