"Chen Ying, Chen Ying…" Ye Xiu was stunned by the sudden embrace, Chen Ying’s chest pressed tightly against his, the two so close they seemed to share a single heart, breathing as one.

“Tell me, you will fight all the way to the end for me, won’t you?” Chen Ying’s voice was low; she felt this must be love, because the thought of Ye Xiu returning to the fighting tournament made her heart ache.

“Yes, I will go to the very end.” Ye Xiu was, after all, a young man full of vigor. For a girl to embrace him so wholeheartedly, the only response he could offer was an identical embrace. He knew he could reach the end, but he couldn't help but question if it was truly for Chen Ying’s sake.

Chen Ying absorbed his words, and hot tears began to drip onto Ye Xiu’s shoulder.

“Chen Ying, why are you crying?” Ye Xiu wrapped his arms around her waist and drew her up before him. The innate, delicate fragrance of Chen Ying immediately intoxicated him; he was utterly lost in her fragility and exquisite beauty. He couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her, drawing the tears from her cheek, “Don’t cry, Chen Ying. I will reach the end. No one is my match.”

“Mm, mm!” A trace of a smile finally bloomed on Chen Ying’s enchanting face. This smile was breathtakingly beautiful, and carrying it, she deeply kissed Ye Xiu back.

It was on a soft, expansive bed. These were two people whose mutual affection had reached its peak. Ye Xiu could no longer restrain himself, tightly clutching Chen Ying and kissing her wildly. In this moment, he refused to consciously control his emotions. Chen Ying needed this moment, and so did he. All they could do was tear at each other’s garments, maneuvering their fiery bodies into the perfect alignment, and then wildly thrash, heave, and roar. They tumbled from the bed onto the floor, and from the floor, they surged into the great hall. Regardless of the surroundings, this was their world—the world of two hearts. In this realm, Chen Ying was no longer a mere Commandery Princess; she willingly became a docile lamb beneath Ye Xiu. And what this lamb intended to do now was to lie still on the ground and savor the fierce impact delivered by Ye Xiu. She was undoubtedly in pain, for this was her first time, yet she was simultaneously ecstatic, for this single act would allow her to reach that ultimate peak. In a mingling of agony and ecstasy, she intended to carve the most exquisite and thrilling memory the mortal world could offer deep into her very bones.

“Ah…” In that shared instant, both Ye Xiu and Chen Ying reached their respective pinnacles. Ye Xiu slowly lowered his body, resting heavily upon Chen Ying’s back. Chen Ying was so utterly boneless she was nearly gone. Their bodies lay limply sprawled on the floor, occasionally punctuated by lingering, reluctant caresses and sharp tremors.

The luxurious floor was marked by small traces of crimson.

Evening arrived as scheduled. According to custom, the four victors of the day’s martial contests were required to dine together. Ye Xiu, deserving of his reputation for profound combat experience, recovered from his wounds far faster than ordinary men. Aided by Chen Ying’s meticulous care, he was already vibrant and energetic. However, Chen Ying likely would not enjoy tonight’s dinner much; Ye Xiu’s strength and ferocity had left her completely drained.

“Lang Tao Tian, I knew you would win.” Ye Xiu clapped Lang Tao Tian heartily on the shoulder. “It looks like you took quite a few hits yourself. You must have had a hard fight today too.”

“Brother Ye’s legendary battle with Ji Jingtian was the true highlight,” Lang Tao Tian replied with great modesty. Seeing that Ye Xiu was unharmed brought him considerable relief.

Ye Xiu looked to the other side and confirmed his expectation: the other two qualifiers were the Ice Flame Twin Blades, Zhan Fengyue, and the String Dance Celestial, Yi Tiannan. “Both of you demonstrated formidable strength as well.”

Although Yi Tiannan belonged to the Wing Clan, he was relatively easygoing. He didn’t forget to pay his respects to Ye Xiu: “Watching Young Hero Ye’s fight with Ji Jingtian today, I already knew who the ultimate winner of this tournament would be. Young Hero Ye possesses transcendent natural talent and unique sword techniques—you are undeniably worthy.”

“Not at all, not at all.” Ye Xiu had little patience for pleasantries with these people. He waved his hand and was the first to step into the great hall, led by a serving maid. Zhan Fengyue, seeming wary of Ye Xiu, subtly lagged behind.

“Greetings to the Great City Lord, the Second City Lord, and the Third City Lord.” After bowing in unison, the assembled group took their seats upon the Azure Dragon’s explicit permission.

“Why haven't you called my little sister out?” Cang Long questioned the nearby maidservant. “Hurry and invite the Commandery Princess.”

“The Commandery Princess says she has no appetite today and will not be attending,” a maidservant reported, half-crouching before Cang Long.

“Ah, this girl is truly willful.”

A wave of shame washed over Ye Xiu; of course, he knew why Chen Ying hadn’t come. He blamed himself for being too intense, catching her completely off guard.

Wan Jian Cang Long instructed everyone to begin eating, but he paid particular attention to Ye Xiu: “After today’s fight, I wonder if Young Hero Ye’s injuries are serious?”

Ye Xiu smiled confidently. “These minor injuries are nothing. It is only a pity that I accidentally killed Guard Ji; I truly apologize to the Great City Lord.”

“That is not your fault. If anyone is to blame, it is Ji Jingtian for being too heavy-handed and lacking restraint.” Cang Long saw the dynamics of the tournament quite clearly; the main reason he hadn't intervened was that he never expected such a duel to occur.

Wan Jian Xuan Hu glanced at Zhan Fengyue, his heart refusing to settle. “I also hadn’t expected the power of Ji Jingtian’s Sad Autumn Seven Swords to be so immense. However, that fellow became maddened by slaughter and killed quite a few innocent civilians—he richly deserved his death.”

“Indeed. If Elder Brother and Second Brother hadn't intervened today, many more would have died,” Qing Lin chimed in, not missing the opportunity to praise his two elder brothers.

“Heh heh, but the remaining few days can be somewhat more relaxed for all you heroes. The final round is set for three days from now,” Wan Jian Cang Long declared, fixing his gaze upon the center seat, his voice booming like a great bell. “The final will be conducted in a free-for-all format. The last person standing will be the victor.”

“Oh, like that…” As a member of the Beast Clan, Zhan Fengyue’s nature was easily excited, and among the four contestants, he was the only one to voice such an exclamation.

“This is better; we can rest well for a few days,” Ye Xiu agreed immediately. Having only recently arrived in the Myriad Sword City, he hadn’t explored enough yet, and furthermore, he was eager to investigate the legend of the Myriad Sword Art that Jian Hongchen had mentioned.

“Attendants, bring the Raging Sand Sword here,” Cang Long suddenly turned and commanded his retainers. Forthwith, four men carried forward a crudely fashioned sword box.

“This is the Raging Sand Sword?” Ye Xiu had been rather listless, but the prospect of seeing one of the Three Ghostly Swords ahead of schedule immediately sparked his interest. He scrutinized the sword box closely, noting that it was entirely carved with images of beasts. No wonder this blade was considered the sword of the Beast Clan.

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