Yuwen Yao stood rooted to the spot, staring blankly at the azure Spiritual Power dispersing in the wind.
Her palms were still thrust forward, but her fingers trembled slightly of their own accord.
"..."
She stared at the golden Sword-Ray lingering at Song Yan's fingertip, only coming back to her senses after a moment.
"I..."
She slowly raised a hand, signaling to the Deacon Elder.
"I lost."
What had that been just now?
She had distinctly felt the oppressive threat of death.
Just now, she had believed no Qi Refining cultivator could take that move head-on, and had not even formed a protective Spirit Garment.
Had Song Yan not deliberately shifted that finger slightly aside, she would probably have died a violent death here.
The Deacon Elder also recovered from the force of their clash, which had far surpassed a battle between cultivators of their realm, and gave the youth carrying the Sword Case a searching look.
"Central platform, number seventeen, Song Yan wins."
The bout was over, but Yuwen Yao did not immediately leave the platform. Instead, she untied the wine flask at her waist, tilted her head back for a swig, then tossed it toward Song Yan. "Catch."
"That last move was originally meant for Li Yi. I didn't expect it to fall short against you already."
Yuwen Yao sighed softly as the flask traced an arc through the air.
"No friendship without a fight. If I get the chance, I'll come seek your guidance again."
Song Yan caught it. Remembering Xiao He's reminder, he hesitated, but ultimately did her the courtesy of taking a sip.
He did not put his mouth to it, though. He was particular about such things, and she still had to drink from it.
After drinking, he urged his Spiritual Power into motion