Chapter 10: Manipulating Li Yao
As golden rays of sunlight filtered through the tangled canopy of the ancient forest, streaks of warm light touched the blood-stained leaves scattered across the ground. A soft breeze brushed past the trees, carrying with it the scent of crushed herbs and scorched spiritual energy. The forest, once serene, now pulsed with the aftermath of battle.
While Meng Hao sat quietly by the thick bark of a centuries-old tree, still reviewing the favorability list shown by the system, chaos erupted just a few meters away.
Suddenly, the crisp rustle of leaves turned into the fierce clang of steel.
Li Yao, her eyes burning with fury, shot forward like a crimson arrow. Her orange robes billowed violently behind her, and the sword in her hand hummed with spiritual energy as she launched herself at the mocking newcomers.
The girl who had first insulted Meng Hao—Xue Yue—sneered coldly, raising her blade with arrogance.
"Trash like you thinks she can stand before me?" she spat, dashing forward to clash with Li Yao. The two blades collided with a metallic screech, sparks flying in the air as their spiritual forces burst outwards in shockwaves, disturbing the nearby flora and shaking the branches overhead.
Despite being at a lower cultivation level, Li Yao’s sheer fury, sharpened instincts, and hatred-fueled strikes gave her the upper hand. Her blade moved like a dancing flame, fierce and unpredictable.
From the side, the second girl gasped. "Xue Yue, wait! I’m coming!"
She rushed forward, her qi gathering aura flaring violently, kicking up loose dust and twigs. But by the time she reached the clearing, it was already too late. Xue Yue was on one knee, blood dripping from her mouth, her sword knocked far from her reach.
With a guttural scream, the second girl leapt, attacking Li Yao from behind with a sweeping arc meant to slice through her neck. Li Yao, sensing the movement, twisted mid-step with the grace of a seasoned martial artist. Her sword spun downward, parrying the blow, then flashed upward in retaliation.