Chapter 585: An Alliance Proposal
“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.”