This palm strike was incredibly cunning, managing to cut with pinpoint accuracy towards Qian Ye’s rib as he dashed at high speed.
The onlookers by the arena heard only a sharp sound of the palm cutting through the air, which seemed unremarkable. Yet, Qian Ye, who was in the line of fire, heard an ear-piercing whistling sound that threatened to burst his eardrums. Before the attack even reached him, the biting chill like a sharp blade had already pierced his skin, causing pain.
Ye Mulan’s origin power was as cold as ice and far deeper than Lu Shenjiang’s. If Qian Ye did not alter his course, her palm would soon pierce his vital point under the rib.
Suddenly, Qian Ye came to a complete stop without warning, twisting his waist and legs to narrowly avoid the brunt of the palm, then counterattacked, hitting Ye Mulan’s forearm near the elbow.
Both fighters collided fiercely! They then quickly separated, each retreating two steps.
Neither side had achieved a decisive victory in this clash. Qian Ye’s War Decree turned midstream, only the side of the wave of origin power struck. Meanwhile, Ye Mulan’s palm strike lost its momentum and was hit by Qian Ye where it could not be changed, only half of its force coming into play.
Qian Ye’s face was expressionless, his eyes fixed on Ye Mulan, and he said coldly, “You’re interfering in a death duel that we agreed upon. Do you still have any shame?” His War Decree continued to surge, shattering the invading tendrils of icy aura within his body, completing nine more waves.
Ye Mulan stood proudly, her skirt’s hem still fluttering from the agitation of the origin power. She said lightly, “I’m doing this for your own good. The consequences of hurting a noble are probably beyond your ability to bear.”
Qian Ye laughed bitterly, “Since I’m in a death duel, I don’t hurt; I only kill!”
Ye Mulan’s face was as cold as frost, “My patience is limited! Don’t challenge my limits!”
Qian Ye’s expression suddenly became calm, and he said calmly, “My patience is also limited. Since you’ve stepped in, take his place and continue the fight!”
Without waiting for Ye Mulan’s reply, Qian Ye took a step forward and delivered a simple, straightforward punch to her chest!
Ye Mulan’s face changed instantly.
This was the first basic move in military combat, the straight punch. When performed by Qian Ye, it was plain and unassuming, with no variations or special effects—just fast, heavy, and direct!
Ye Mulan suddenly realized that all her many combat techniques, which she was proud of, were useless against this punch. There was no way to defuse it other than to block it head-on.
She couldn’t possibly trade blows with Qian Ye. The violent power of Qian Ye had left a deep impression on her. Earlier, when she launched a surprise attack and forced him to counterattack, she gained no advantage. Now that Qian Ye’s momentum was up, the outcome of a hard clash was clear.
Ye Mulan lightly tapped her toes on the ground, her figure instantly drifting back.
Qian Ye’s lips curled into a faint, cold smile. His War Decree surged to a new peak, and he strode forward, delivering another vertical chop.
This was the second basic move in military combat, the chopping palm. The force of this palm was like cleaving a mountain, and the power was even greater. However, if one looked closely at Qian Ye’s hand, they would notice that the joints of his index and middle fingers were slightly curved, so that in the instant of contact, he could clench his palm into a fist, unleashing unparalleled power.
Ye Mulan’s face was grim. She lifted her toes, drawing a graceful arc in the air, and dodged to the side, still not daring to block the blow directly.
Qian Ye suddenly let out a long whistle, his movements becoming even faster, and his attacks flooded towards Ye Mulan.
From start to finish, he used military combat techniques, which almost everyone in the arena had learned. Therefore, every attack was clear and simple. But Ye Mulan was like a small boat in a storm, unable to ride the waves. As she was carried along, her evasion became increasingly difficult, and she couldn’t find an opening to counterattack.
The entire arena was silent, so much so that the sound of a needle dropping could be heard. Qian Ye’s attacks grew heavier, and now Ye Mulan’s problem was not just losing, but avoiding a serious injury from a single mistake.
Ji Yuanjia, his face grave, took a few steps towards the arena. He originally stood in a position that blocked the path for the young nobles to intervene, but now he was ready to save Ye Mulan. He couldn’t let the fiancée of the Seventh Young Master of the Song Clan be seriously injured by Qian Ye. Otherwise, even if Lady Yin Maren stepped in, she might not be able to protect him.
Ye Mulan was defeated faster than anyone imagined.
The space around her was sealed off by the overwhelmingly heavy punches, and she finally had no choice but to clash with Qian Ye. Their figures collided, and Ye Mulan let out a muffled groan, her face turning pale, and she staggered back. But Qian Ye showed no sign of stopping, striding forward, his right hand open, and brought his palm down on her head!
As the palm fell, it carried a thunderous sound like a tidal wave, and at this moment, the origin power tide within Qian Ye had already overlapped to the thirtieth cycle!
At the critical moment, a flash of icy blue light enveloped Ye Mulan, and she was lifted by an invisible hand, instantly moving several meters back, barely evading Qian Ye’s strike.
Qian Ye’s palm slammed into the ground, and his entire forearm sank into the bluestone pavement! Cracks appeared in the bluestone within a ten-meter radius, and flying shards scratched Ye Mulan’s face, leaving fine bloody marks.
The strike of a War King, its might like an abyss!
Ye Mulan retreated to the edge of the arena, her face pale.
Qian Ye knew the opportunity was lost, and slowly rose, saying calmly, “Your secret combat technique is indeed impressive. But next time, you won’t have such luck.” Only then did he guide the origin power tide to slowly recede, clearing the fine, frigid breath in his blood. Ye Mulan’s combat skills were indeed formidable, and each time they clashed, he could not avoid the cold invasion.
Ye Mulan’s face was still devoid of color, looking incredulously at the terrifying mark left by Qian Ye’s palm, and she said angrily, “You actually wanted to kill me?”
Qian Ye said calmly, “It’s a death duel. What do you think?”
Ye Mulan was momentarily speechless, then she said harshly, “Do you know that if you harm me, the Song Clan will never let you go.”
Qian Ye smiled suddenly, and said softly, “You’re not part of the Song Clan yet. Wait until you’re really married to say that.”
Ye Mulan’s face flashed with anger, and she turned to call her companions, saying fiercely, “He tried to kill me. Arrest him, and after a thorough interrogation, hand him over to the city lord for judgment!”
Several young nobles stepped forward, but their movements were slow. After witnessing the intense battle, they didn’t dare to face Qian Ye alone, no matter how eager they were to show off.
“Enough!” Ji Yuanjia barked, stepping forward and blocking the way. “You people, don’t think you can rely on Ye Mulan and get away with it. Lady QiQi won’t let you off!”
“Would she dare?!” Ye Mulan shouted.
Ji Yuanjia turned to look at her, “Miss Ye, even if you marry into the Song Clan, you’re not the mistress yet. Such words are not for you to say.”
Ye Mulan finally lost her composure, glaring at Ji Yuanjia, her eyes full of resentment. She raised her right hand, exuding a cold, icy aura. But Ji Yuanjia merely looked at her, his eyes calm.
Finally, Ye Mulan did not attack, but she let out a heavy humph, regaining her aloof and arrogant demeanor.
Unlike Qian Ye, who appeared out of nowhere, Ji Yuanjia, despite his humble origins, had an extremely illustrious record. He graduated from the famous Sword Rain Spring Military Academy and once ranked third in the Empire’s New Talent Competition.
Although everyone knew that Ji Yuanjia had been recruited by the Yin Clan, his rank as a lieutenant colonel in the main army was earned through genuine military achievements. If someone killed him without reason, the military and his comrades would not let it go, even before the Yin Clan stepped in.
At this moment, Qian Ye had expelled all the cold energy from his body and slowly walked over.
He stared at Ye Mulan for a moment, then suddenly smiled, pure and clear like the boy from the neighboring house back in Manjushaka. Then he turned his gaze, scanning the surrounding young nobles, and said, “I am but a commoner. If I am pushed too far, it’s life or death. But you, the honored ones, how long can you guard against me? A month, a year, or ten years?”
All the young people, including Ye Mulan, paled. Seeing Qian Ye’s relentless pursuit of Lu Shenjiang and Ye Mulan, they knew he was not bluffing.
When Qian Ye and Ji Yuanjia left, Ye Muhei spat heavily and cursed, “What a scum!”
But he did not realize that he was drenched in cold sweat.
Just as Qian Ye was about to leave, he heard a shout, “Wait a moment!”
Qian Ye turned and saw Lu Shenjiang running towards him, so he stopped and asked, “Do you want to fight again?”
“Of course! But not now. I admit I’m no match for you now,” Lu Shenjiang said generously.
Qian Ye raised an eyebrow, “Then what do you want?”
Lu Shenjiang held up a finger, “Six months! Let’s fight again in six months. I refuse to believe I can’t deal with a commoner like you!”
Qian Ye laughed, “Give you ten more six months, and you’ll still be kneeling before me.”
“Don’t be so cocky! Is that a deal?” Lu Shenjiang said through gritted teeth, extending his hand for a handshake.
Qian Ye looked into his eyes and again flashed that pure, clear smile, extending his hand as well.
Just as their hands were about to clasp, Qian Ye’s palm suddenly flipped, his fingers hooking tightly onto Lu Shenjiang’s wrist joint!
A flash of light revealed a nearly transparent crystal needle between Lu Shenjiang’s fingers.
Ji Yuanjia’s face changed dramatically. His military achievements were all from the battlefield, and he recognized the material of the crystal needle, clearly a bloodline artifact. No one would believe it wasn’t laced with something deadly.
“What’s this?” Qian Ye still smiled, but his eyes were filled with unmistakable killing intent.
Lu Shenjiang turned cold, and he yelled, “Help! A commoner is trying to kill a noble!”
Halfway through, his scream was replaced by a cry of pain. Qian Ye increased his grip, shattering Lu Shenjiang’s defense and crushing his wrist bones completely.
Many eyes turned towards them.
On the steps of the hundred-foot-high platform, Ye Mulan and others were also rushing towards the gate, their lavender robes fluttering.
Ji Yuanjia took a deep breath, and with a slight metallic sound, a short sword, only half a foot long, appeared in his hand, gleaming coldly. His gaze swept over the crowd, and he said sternly, “This is the business of the 17th Regiment. Don’t cause trouble!”
The familiar faces who had appeared in the “Copper Platform” and the arena earlier immediately hesitated. The 17th Regiment was a main army unit, and if Ji Yuanjia went all out, unless both sides settled it with force, these natives of the Eternal Night Continent wouldn’t dare to do anything to him.
Even if Ji Yuanjia was later punished by military law, the 17th Regiment would protect its honor by eliminating all the involved clans.
Qian Ye leaned close to Lu Shenjiang’s ear and whispered, “Was it Gu Liyu, or Marquis Luo?”
Despite the pain, Lu Shenjiang stubbornly said, “Knowing less will make you live longer.”
“Is that so?” Qian Ye loosened his grip slightly, hooked his foot, and knocked Lu Shenjiang to the ground. Then, he stepped on his knee. With a snap, Lu Shenjiang’s knee was crushed.
Seeing Qian Ye’s foot about to land on his other leg, Lu Shenjiang screamed in fear, “No! I’ll tell you everything!”
“Who?” Qian Ye’s question was simple and direct.
“Both, Gu Liyu and the Marquis. They both want you dead! Can you let me go now?” Under the excruciating pain and panic, Lu Shenjiang’s voice was loud enough for many to hear.
Qian Ye slowly withdrew his foot, saying calmly, “Alright, I’ll let you go this time. But there won’t be a second chance. Understand?”
“I understand! I understand!” Lu Shenjiang nodded vigorously.
“Let’s go!” Qian Ye called to Ji Yuanjia, turned, and seemed to be leaving. But after taking two steps, he suddenly turned back, and the barrel of the revolver in the Twin Flowers pointed at Lu Shenjiang’s forehead!
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