Liji Xinya was visibly startled. With a feigned move, she managed to withdraw and leap clear. Only when she looked again did she realize that the icy chill was emanating directly from Leng Xiangxue’s sword!
By this point, a thick layer of frost had coated Leng Xiangxue's blade, billowing visible white vapor.
Leng Xiangxue did not press the attack, knowing that pursuit would not grant her an immediate victory over Anjiliya. This battle, she suspected, would ultimately come down to sheer endurance!
This bizarre spectacle immediately drew murmurs from the audience below.
“Hey, look! Why is there a layer of ice forming on that white-clad beauty’s sword? What’s going on?”
The layer of ice was starkly apparent under the glow of the setting sun, making it easily discernible even to distant spectators.
One person, clearly privy to some inside information, explained smugly, “You wouldn’t know this, but this student Leng Xiangxue is a dual cultivator of both Martial Arts and Magic! That last move she made was probably an Ice-elemental spell!”
“An Ice spell? But this is a Swordsman competition. Isn’t using magic here cheating?”
“Ah, you don’t understand. Firstly, the Swordsman competition rules never explicitly banned magic, only artifacts like scrolls. Secondly, the magic Leng Xiangxue used was integrated with her swordsmanship—it’s essentially a sword technique, not cheating!”
“I see!” Suddenly, everyone seemed to grasp the situation.
“Wait, how do you know so much? And how do you even know her name?”
“Heh heh, I don’t mind telling you. I’m one of her most loyal fans. I come to watch whether it’s her Swordsman matches or her Magic contests!”
“She participates in Magic competitions too?” This surprised the others again.
“Of course! Otherwise, how would I know she cultivates both Martial Arts and Magic!”
The fight in the arena did not halt because of the audience’s commentary. Anjiliya eyed Leng Xiangxue warily.
Through their brief exchange, Anjiliya realized that the sword techniques employed by this girl were exceptionally peculiar. If not for her rich combat experience and sharp reflexes, she might have already been defeated.
Staring at the frosty, cold-breathing sword, Anjiliya suddenly had a fleeting illusion. She almost felt as if Leng Xiangxue’s blade had been forged by Zhong Shenxiu, who had previously demonstrated swords capable of channeling magic to them!
Although her opponent’s bizarre move gave Anjiliya pause, she didn't believe she would lose. Putting aside the formidable wrist-guard she possessed, she felt her inherent strength was enough to contend with her foe.
After a moment’s thought, Anjiliya suddenly accelerated, charging toward Leng Xiangxue.
This time, Anjiliya used a feint, intending only to probe the nuances of Leng Xiangxue’s unusual technique.
Leng Xiangxue seemed intent on trading defense for offense. Seeing Anjiliya rush in, she remained calm, holding her sword horizontally across her body in a defensive stance.
Anjiliya’s longsword was already close. Leng Xiangxue slid a step to the side, absorbing the momentum of Anjiliya’s strike.
Crack! A strange sound rang out as the two blades met once more.
Immediately following, the layer of ice on Leng Xiangxue’s sword shattered violently, exploding outward toward Anjiliya.
Fortunately, Anjiliya had prepared the moment she heard the peculiar sound. Seeing the ice shards approaching, she flipped backward, narrowly evading the strike.
Simultaneously, Anjiliya planted one hand on the ground and unleashed a sweeping leg kick aimed at Leng Xiangxue’s lower body.
As if anticipating Anjiliya’s expertise in evasion and counter-attack, Leng Xiangxue had already leaped backward the instant Anjiliya dodged the sudden ice assault. She just barely managed to avoid the incoming kick.
After this exchange, both women’s hearts hammered wildly. A fraction of a second slower in reaction, and the consequences would have been unimaginable!
Anjiliya now understood she could not meet Leng Xiangxue’s sword with brute force; while Leng Xiangxue realized she needed to defend not only against Anjiliya’s blade but also against her legs! During this momentary standoff, Leng Xiangxue performed another action that astonished everyone in the venue. She reached out and, impossibly, drew a second sword from her magic ring, gripping it in her right hand!
No one had expected her to wield a dual-blade style!
Anjiliya was taken aback. She had once tried to learn dual-wielding but abandoned it because it was too difficult. She never imagined she would face an opponent skilled in it today!
Mastering dual blades is no easy feat; it demands perfect synchronization between both hands. When perfected, it is as if one fights with two selves.
Leng Xiangxue would not have resorted to this unless absolutely necessary; this was her final trump card. If this failed, she truly would have no choice but to concede!
She had trained with dual blades since childhood. Although she hadn't reached true mastery, it dramatically increased her power, at least compensating for defensive weaknesses!
Watching from afar, Zhong Shenxiu offered a playful smile the moment Leng Xiangxue produced the second sword. Although he and Robin hadn't been back long, Zhong Shenxiu was beginning to take a slight interest in Leng Xiangxue, especially her choice of techniques, which were clearly not common. Without these maneuvers, he suspected she would have already lost to Anjiliya’s swordplay!
Robin stood quietly beside Zhong Shenxiu. While she, too, watched the arena, her eyes frequently darted toward Zhong Shenxiu.
Anjiliya finally moved again. However, instead of charging directly, she began circling Leng Xiangxue, seemingly searching for an opening.
Leng Xiangxue guarded herself meticulously. As Anjiliya circled, her own posture subtly shifted, revealing not a single flaw.
It seems I must create the opening myself!
With that thought, Anjiliya pushed off the ground with the tip of her foot. Her forward trajectory abruptly shifted ninety degrees, and she swung her sword directly at Leng Xiangxue!
Leng Xiangxue seemed prepared. Her left-hand sword blocked Anjiliya’s attack while her right sword swung simultaneously toward Anjiliya’s midsection.
Anjiliya executed a move called “Swallow Piercing the Clouds,” slipping through the narrow gap between the two blades and sweeping her longsword out once more.
Thus, the two clashed again. But this time, the tide of battle had clearly turned. Anjiliya gradually found herself on the defensive, precariously maneuvering against Leng Xiangxue’s dual swords!
Shhhrrrrippp! A sound ripped through the air as a seven-inch gash tore across Anjiliya’s clothing. She had managed to dodge just in time, or it wouldn't have been just her garment damaged.
Anjiliya once again created distance between herself and Leng Xiangxue. She was no longer relaxed; her breathing was labored. The rapid sequence of attacks and evasions had clearly drained a significant amount of her energy.
Now, Anjiliya finally understood why Zhong Shenxiu had advised her to practice dual-wielding. It truly could enhance a person’s strength substantially!
In contrast, Leng Xiangxue, having conserved her strength through defensive maneuvers, had recovered considerable stamina and confidence by this point.
Leng Xiangxue was now certain that if Anjiliya charged again, she would not allow her to escape again; the next attack must decide the victor!
Although Anjiliya felt the strain, her expression remained unperturbed. After all, she had sparred with someone as freakishly talented as Robin; this level of challenge was negligible in comparison!
After taking a moment to regulate her breath, Anjiliya charged forward with her sword once more.
Seeing Anjiliya charge, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched the corner of Leng Xiangxue’s lips.
If Anjiliya had not rushed forward impulsively, but instead used guerrilla tactics to close the distance slowly, Leng Xiangxue admitted she would have been troubled. Anjiliya’s speed was significantly greater than hers—a fact she had only just realized, as it explained how Anjiliya had managed to slip away unscathed even under the pincer movement of her two swords!
This headlong charge by Anjiliya presented Leng Xiangxue with an opportunity to win, at least that is what she believed!
Perhaps encouraged by the prospect of victory, Leng Xiangxue’s coordination with her dual swords became flawlessly seamless!
As Anjiliya seemed unable to evade or escape the impending strike, Leng Xiangxue finally felt certain of her victory. The smile on her lips became undeniable.
Nothing was more exhilarating than giving everything one had and achieving victory!
However, could it really be that simple?
Just then, a bizarre sight unfolded: Anjiliya’s figure suddenly split into three, effortlessly dodging the blow that Leng Xiangxue was certain was absolutely unavoidable!
What was happening?
Leng Xiangxue even wondered if her eyes were playing tricks on her, or if she was hallucinating. In that critical moment, she had definitely seen three Anjiliyas before her!
Yes, at that crucial juncture, Anjiliya had unleashed the ultimate technique taught by Zhong Shenxiu—the Phantom Step!
Regarding this move, Zhong Shenxiu had personally coached her and Lisi again in the “Damp Forest,” leading to new realizations for both. The current Anjiliya could easily manifest three figures, and the illusions lingered for much longer than before!
Yet, Anjiliya preferred not to use this technique unless absolutely necessary. This move had once been secretly learned by Austin when she used it, and though Zhong Shenxiu never blamed her afterward, she felt deeply guilty.
Leng Xiangxue was still stunned by the sight she had just witnessed. It wasn't just her; the spectators outside and the referee inside the arena were all frozen in shock!
They too had seen three Anjiliyas, and the illusion had held steady for a full three seconds!
Were three seconds long? In that specific moment, three seconds felt like three centuries!
After what seemed like an eternity, people finally began to recover from their shock. But when they looked back toward Anjiliya, they were stunned once more!
This time, even Leng Xiangxue was among the speechless!