“Zhang Wuji’s” face turned cold. Losing to a young girl last time was like a thorn lodged in his heart. However, he wasn’t willing to show weakness in front of Song Qingshu. He let out a cold snort and said, “Ignorant brat. That little girl is the reincarnation of a Sword Immortal. I was merely caught off guard, losing half a move. Don’t get too smug. Who was it back then that I beat so badly he looked like a dog?”
Song Qingshu was unfazed, smiling mischievously as he said, “Last time, you ambushed me. This time, let’s fight fair. Come on, come on…” He struck a combat pose, inviting a duel.
Song Qingshu showed no fear despite his previous defeat. Firstly, he knew it was due to the opponent’s ambush rather than a fair fight, leaving him unsatisfied. Secondly, his martial arts had advanced significantly in the meantime, and he was eager to test himself against a top-tier expert. Lastly, during their brief exchange earlier, Song Qingshu sensed that ‘Zhang Wuji’ seemed injured. With a moment’s reflection, he deduced that the man had yet to recover from his previous injuries. This was the perfect opportunity to strike while the enemy was down.
“This seat holds a lofty status. If I accepted every challenge, wouldn’t I exhaust myself to death?” ‘Zhang Wuji’ snorted heavily. Yet, his face flushed with heat. He knew his own condition better than anyone. Since being injured by Ah Qing, he hadn’t been able to expel the sword Qi from his body. Over time, the injury worsened. He had been suppressing the sword Qi with his profound internal energy, but during their brief clash, the sword Qi stirred uncontrollably, causing his meridians to ache as if sliced by sharp blades.
Regretting his overconfidence in attacking Song Qingshu, he thought, ‘Who could have predicted his martial skills would advance so dramatically in such a short time?’
Song Qingshu sneered. “Stop pretending. After our exchange just now, do you think I don’t know your current state?”
As Song Qingshu shifted slightly, ‘Zhang Wuji’s’ expression changed. He quickly placed his hands on the shoulders of Li Mochou and Zhao Min, growling, “Take one more step, and I’ll unleash my palm strength, and these two beauties will perish!” He had sealed their acupoints earlier to prevent them from alerting Song Qingshu, but now, needing their words to soften Song Qingshu’s resolve, he unsealed their mute acupoints.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Li Mochou could speak, she snorted coldly, “Song Qingshu, you and I have no relationship. You don’t need to care about me. Besides, I only have a few breaths left to live, so I’m not worth saving.” Proud and independent in her travels across the Jianghu, being held hostage insulted her dignity. Were it not for her severe injuries, she might have already taken her own life to prove her resolve.
Zhao Min, pale and trembling, spoke with steadfast determination, “Don’t worry about me. Kill him now. Even if I die, I will repay you, even as a ghost.”
‘Zhang Wuji’ laughed heartily. “I didn’t expect this. Both of you women are so devoted to him that you’re willing to sacrifice yourselves. But, my dear princess, haven’t you changed your heart a bit too quickly? If I recall correctly, weren’t you supposed to be my woman?”“Bah! Who’s your woman? You wretched old monster!” Thinking of her beloved’s body being seized by him, Zhao Min’s heart ached sharply.
“Song Qingshu, no matter how much effort you put in, all you’ve done is claim my leftovers. You don’t know what you’re missing. This little beauty is such a natural temptress in bed—so alluring I couldn’t bear to leave her side for three days and nights…” ‘Zhang Wuji’ let out a sinister laugh, aiming to unsettle Song Qingshu, as he had noticed Song Qingshu’s feelings for Zhao Min.
“You shameless scoundrel!” Zhao Min trembled with rage and instinctively turned to Song Qingshu, saying, “It’s not true…”
“Some leader of a great sect you are. Your behavior is no different from a common thug.” Song Qingshu sneered disdainfully, then smirked mysteriously. “As for whether Zhao Min is pure, I know better than you.”
‘Zhang Wuji’ froze at Song Qingshu’s strange smile. The possibility it implied made him both furious and panicked. “You and her…?”
Due to his mastery of the Joyful Meditation Method, Song Qingshu’s abilities in observation and analysis were at a grandmaster level. Having spent much time with Zhao Min, he was naturally certain she remained untouched. Thus, he wasn’t shaken by ‘Zhang Wuji’s’ baseless claims. However, his calm demeanor and enigmatic smile further fueled ‘Zhang Wuji’s’ misunderstanding, making him believe the two had already been intimate.
Given that the Ming Cult’s sacred rule required all its Holy Maidens to remain pure, Zhao Min’s status as a dazzling, noble beauty made her a coveted treasure to the sect. Learning that she had been claimed by another man enraged ‘Zhang Wuji.’
Song Qingshu, a sharp observer, instantly deduced his thoughts and flashed a devilish grin. “Actually, your earlier words should’ve been mine. That sense of perfect harmony between body and soul is indescribable. Princess, wouldn’t you agree?”
Zhao Min cursed him inwardly for his shamelessness but decided to play along to aggravate the old monster further. Adopting a bashful tone, she murmured, “Why would you discuss such private matters with an outsider?”
Song Qingshu discreetly gave her a thumbs-up. Zhao Min’s coy words delivered a devastating psychological blow to ‘Zhang Wuji,’ causing immense damage.
Sure enough, ‘Zhang Wuji’ was infuriated but managed to suppress his anger. A master strategist, he realized his current condition didn’t allow for rash action. Forcing down his fury, he resealed the two women’s mute acupoints and said in a soft yet chilling voice, “Song Qingshu, though we’ve had many clashes, can you honestly say we share an irreconcilable enmity?”
“Isn’t there?” Song Qingshu’s expression turned cold.
‘Zhang Wuji’ hesitated, then quickly recalled. “I admit my past desires toward Zhou Zhiruo were inappropriate, but nothing happened between us. Besides, didn’t I ultimately offer Zhang Wuji’s woman to you? All in all, you’ve profited.”
Song Qingshu scoffed. “You make it sound like you gave her to me willingly.”
“Admit it. If I hadn’t taken over Zhang’s body, given their bond, do you think you’d have even the slightest chance with this charming princess?” ‘Zhang Wuji’ said indifferently.
Song Qingshu paused but eventually conceded the point. After a moment’s thought, he asked, “What’s your real intention with all this roundabout talk?”
“Mongolia’s power has grown unstoppable. Among all the heroes of the land, only you and I can stand against them. If we continue fighting, it’ll only benefit outsiders. So I propose we bury the hatchet and form an alliance against Mongolia. What do you say?” ‘Zhang Wuji’s’ calm voice echoed, yet it struck Song Qingshu and Zhao Min like a thunderclap.
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