Chapter 6: Martial Arts Greatly Improved, Xiaolongnü Astonished

The long sword gleamed coldly, slicing through the air at an incredible speed, aiming straight for the head of the Little Dragon Maiden. As the sword entered the range around her, the previously motionless Little Dragon Maiden finally made a move. She brought two fingers together, clamping the long sword firmly in her hand. When the sword tip was mere inches from her head, no matter how much force was applied, it could not advance any further.

She lifted her gaze, and a familiar figure appeared before her, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes. Crane Among the Clouds spun in midair, turning a full circle, causing the sword to swing with him. Seeing this, the Little Dragon Maiden released her grip and tapped the ground lightly with her toes, her body flying out at an angle.

Crane Among the Clouds landed, his eyes fixed on her. With a stamp of his foot, he soared into the air, appearing above her in an instant. Both hands gripped the sword tightly, lifting it high above his head, and he brought it down in a furious strike.

The descending sword carried a powerful pressure, forcing the wind against her garments, accentuating the graceful curves of her figure. The Little Dragon Maiden’s gaze sharpened in response to this attack. How had Crane Among the Clouds’ martial arts improved so much overnight?

Her thoughts turned, and she shifted her body slightly; the sword brushed against her skin, leaving a slender mark. Though it didn’t reach the ground, the terrible force erupted, carving a thin sword scar and sending tiny stones flying.

Failing in his attempt, Crane Among the Clouds changed direction before his move was spent, swinging the sword horizontally toward her waist and abdomen.

Unperturbed, the Little Dragon Maiden leaped into the air, landing her toes on the sword tip. She looked at Crane Among the Clouds, her expression growing serious. “From now on, I will not hold back. Show me your full strength.”

“Miss Dragon, forgive my offense,” Crane Among the Clouds shouted, channeling his inner force to its peak. The veins on his arms bulged as he swung with all his might.

The Little Dragon Maiden said no more. She leaned back, flipping gracefully in midair, and landed lightly. With a forceful step, she shot forward like an arrow, appearing before Crane Among the Clouds in the blink of an eye.

She struck with her palm.

In the critical moment, Crane Among the Clouds steadied himself, holding the sword horizontally before his chest.

Clang!

He staggered back several steps, the force transmitted through the sword numbing his palm, nearly causing him to lose grip. With effort, he stabilized himself at the last step. His inner force circulated, calming the turbulent energy in his chest.

Standing with sword in hand, its tip pointed askew toward the ground, Crane Among the Clouds showed no fear in his eyes—only the burning spirit of battle.

“Again!” he declared, channeling his energy through his palm into the sword, making the blade even sharper.

A slight curve appeared on the cold face of the Little Dragon Maiden as she swung her palm, sending a white silk ribbon shooting from her sleeve toward Crane Among the Clouds.

He was fully alert, sensing her every move. The sword danced before him, forming a natural barrier, unbreakable.

Rip!

The sword in Crane Among the Clouds’ hand shredded the silk like a cloth shredder; the Little Dragon Maiden’s ribbon proved useless, torn to pieces that fluttered in the wind.

Seizing the opportunity, she moved just as his vision was blocked, transforming into a shadow behind him. Gathering her inner force in her palm, she struck.

A fierce wind came from behind; Crane Among the Clouds turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of her sudden appearance behind him. His heart skipped a beat at the palpable sense of danger.

He forced his body to turn, raising the sword high above his head and slicing it down toward her face.

The Little Dragon Maiden hadn’t expected him to react so quickly, forcing her to muster all her inner force to clash directly with his sword.

Their inner forces surged, a visible wave of energy spreading out from their center.

When had Crane Among the Clouds’ inner force become so profound?

The Little Dragon Maiden looked at him, her eyes full of shock.

As their confrontation continued, she began to show signs of defeat, her feet involuntarily stepping back.

Seeing this, Crane Among the Clouds drove his inner force through his veins, surging toward his palm.

“Ha!” With a low cry, his energy boiled over. He thrust his palm forward.

The Little Dragon Maiden felt a mighty force strike her, sending her body flying.

Crane Among the Clouds quickly withdrew his energy, startled as he watched her tumble through the air. He hurriedly performed lightness skill to catch up.

Suspended in midair, the Little Dragon Maiden focused all her energy on dissipating the force that struck her, unable to pay attention to anything else.

As she was about to hit the ground, she gently closed her eyes.

Yet the expected pain never came—a broad hand caught her slender waist.

With a pull, she was drawn into a warm embrace.

Listening to the strong heartbeat of Crane Among the Clouds, the Little Dragon Maiden felt an unprecedented sense of security.

“Are you all right?” Crane Among the Clouds looked down at the person in his arms, speaking softly.

She opened her eyes, gazing at him. Her fair cheeks burned as if touched by fire; she shook her head gently, “I’m fine.”

With that, she tried to break free from his embrace.

In Crane Among the Clouds’ eyes, love lingered thick and deep. As the Little Dragon Maiden was about to escape, his arms tightened, pulling her back.

“Ah!” she exclaimed, but her voice was quickly silenced.

Crane Among the Clouds lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers, pouring out his love without restraint.

The Little Dragon Maiden, realizing what was happening, beat his chest with her small fists in protest.

But all resistance proved futile under his passionate assault.

Gradually, her gaze grew hazy; she wrapped her arms around his, even responding shyly.

Encouraged by her response, Crane Among the Clouds grew bolder.

Their bodies pressed tightly together, each pouring their feelings into the other, wishing to merge into one.

The next day, dawn broke.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds, it heralded the beginning of the life-and-death duel between Crane Among the Clouds and Zhao Zhijing.

The usually serene and cold Chongyang Palace was bustling today.

News of the duel between Crane Among the Clouds and Zhao Zhijing had spread across the martial world.

It was a rare spectacle.

Many martial artists arrived, eager to witness it.

Though they could not kill Crane Among the Clouds themselves, seeing his death would be enough to vent the anger pent up in their hearts.

Meanwhile, on the road to Chongyang Palace, a man and a woman walked together.

The woman’s beauty was peerless, her demeanor icy and aloof, drawing countless stares of admiration.

Yet when eyes shifted to the man at her side, murderous intent flared, envy and hatred flashing deep within their gaze.

Crane Among the Clouds was infamous for his evil deeds—how could he deserve such a stunning companion?

It was unthinkable!

Crane Among the Clouds ignored the countless murderous glances cast his way; at this moment, his eyes held only the Little Dragon Maiden.

When their gazes met, even by chance, they couldn’t help but smile.

The air was filled with pink bubbles, the scent of romance unmistakable.

Hand in hand, they walked to the gates of Chongyang Palace.

“You lecher, you do have some courage, coming here to die.”