Flying Ice and Snow

What a rare opportunity! Naturally, I observed intently, immersing myself in the situation to assess how I should engage with such formidable opponents and what kind of battle might ensue. On the surface, Yan Tianhong appeared to dominate with over seventy percent of the offensive, yet an aggressive stance does not necessarily equate to an advantage. 

I found no particular edge over Yan Tianhong; in terms of martial prowess, I lagged behind her. Her swordsmanship was unparalleled, while my skills honed on Skull Island were still far from mature. I could last a few dozen exchanges, but ultimately, I would face defeat. Although my magic and the Heart of the Undead Warrior could mitigate some disadvantages, Yan Tianhong likely possessed hidden talents of her own.

Against the Killing King Jack, his immense strength and impervious body provided him with a significant advantage. However, if my Heart of the Undead Warrior could manifest effectively, a direct attack on his soul fire might conclude the battle in an instant. Should the Heart fail to activate, the combat would not necessarily be one-sided; my Netherlight Sword could render physical forms into nothingness, and the fierce power of the vampire transformation would grant me formidable abilities.

In my mind, I quickly simulated several combat scenarios and was somewhat astonished to realize that if neither Yan Tianhong nor the Killing King Jack possessed any other concealed abilities, the gap between us was not insurmountable. Engaging them one-on-one was not without its chances of success. Had I truly grown this strong? I had arrived later than most; even with good fortune, I shouldn't have learned more than those who had been here much longer.

The Heart of the Undead Warrior within me erupted into azure flames, igniting fiercely as two brilliant blue flames blazed in my eyes. Neither Yan Tianhong nor the Killing King Jack bore the flames that represented the warrior's spirit within them. Moreover, among the two or three thousand individuals in Flying Cat Valley, fewer than thirty possessed the heart of a warrior, their fighting spirit appearing exceedingly feeble. Yan Tianhong and the Killing King Jack had already ignited their true flames.

Yan Tianhong's swordsmanship surpassed my rudimentary skills by countless degrees, each move simple and direct, devoid of any embellishment, reaching a level of consummate mastery. Her techniques were seamlessly integrated into practical combat, far more refined than my own. Unlike the cold, efficient killing style taught to me by Old Horus, Yan Tianhong's swordplay evoked an ineffable essence—perhaps that essence was the Tao! The Supreme Way of Martial Arts! It was a realm I had yet to grasp.

My hands involuntarily tightened as the icy true energy coursed through my body, unlocking previously inaccessible subtle channels. Suddenly, a surge of sword intent manifested vividly in my mind. With a couple of soft sounds, two shallow depressions appeared where my fingers had pointed. 

At that moment, I had breached the first barrier of wielding formless sword energy and achieved a breakthrough in my training progress. 

How dare you launch a sneak attack? Are you seeking death? 

I had become so engrossed in the spectacle of combat that I inadvertently made a breakthrough in my martial arts. 

Yet, the real issue was that I stood amidst the crowd; such behavior could easily lead to conflict. Although the sword energy I had unleashed had not harmed anyone, it did not mean I would escape trouble. Just then, I heard an irate, bell-like voice. I was about to explain when a girl in exquisite calfskin boots kicked toward my face. If I had opened my mouth, I suspected my jaw would have been shattered.

I crossed my arms to shield my face, and my arm collided with her foot, causing me to stagger back a step, my arm throbbing painfully. 

Having been caught off guard by this blow was already enough; another hit would strip me of my manhood. Regardless of the reason, I had to retaliate first before explaining. Once I subdued my attacker, I would take my time to clarify. With my hands apart, I unleashed the Carefree Cave Palm. Although I had yet to fully master this technique in practical application, my understanding had transformed dramatically from merely relying on fixed moves.

I executed a series of over ten continuous variations of the palm technique, "Before considering victory, one must contemplate defeat!" Even before engaging with the girl, I had laid an intricate trap, ensuring my opponent would find no openings to exploit.

"Listen to me, that was unintentional! Let's pause for a moment while I explain, shall we?" 

My plea was somewhat naive, as the roaring winds drowned out the sounds of our clashing fists and feet, creating a cacophony that resonated through the air. I had no time to ponder my adversary's appearance, executing a flurry of techniques—Flying Flower Sweeping Leaves and the Carefree Cave Palm—within the blink of an eye, engaging in a fierce exchange of forty or fifty moves.

Finally, I managed to use a maneuver from the Carefree Cave Palm, "Riding the Crane to Invite the Dragon," forcing my opponent back several steps. I then swept my left foot in a wide arc, kicking up a cloud of dust that momentarily obscured her vision, granting me a brief respite to catch my breath while I shouted my innocence.

"I didn't mean it! I was merely watching your fight and accidentally thought of a technique! I don't even know you… why the sneak attack?" 

"I… Ye Ying!" 

"What are you doing here?" 

When I first laid eyes on the girl who had attacked me, my heart raced. She looked furious, her delicate features flushed from exertion. Clad in a stylish silver-gray hunting outfit paired with snug jeans and calfskin boots, she projected an aura of fierce determination. However, these impressions only surfaced later; at that moment, my thoughts froze, my mind blank, as her face bore an uncanny resemblance to Ye Ying.

I shouted out, only to realize I had mistaken her identity. Not only was it impossible for Ye Ying to be here, but this girl was also younger and had a distinctly different physique. Especially her wild spirit, which starkly contrasted with Ye Ying's sweet, demure nature. 

"I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone else…" My apology went unacknowledged, as the girl, resembling Ye Ying, didn't respond. Instead, she spun like a whirlwind, unleashing a flurry of kicks that enveloped me once more.

Very well! If you wish to fight, then let us fight! 

Earlier, I had been unprepared and reluctant to harm her, which explained our prolonged engagement. Now that I had discerned her capabilities, I would no longer allow her to seize the initiative. 

With fingers poised like blades, I unleashed a "Flying Sand and Shattered Stone," conjuring countless tiny, frigid whirlwinds that condensed the moisture in the air into myriad tiny ice particles. Anyone facing this attack would likely struggle to see clearly, and the girl proved no exception. 

Originally, Flying Sand and Shattered Stone was a technique infused with searing energy, its fierce internal force erupting from the blade, creating a storm of scorching true energy that felt like a sandstorm crashing down. 

However, my unnamed martial arts technique surpassed the Flying Sand and Shattered Stone, transforming the sandstorm into an ice and snow tempest, exponentially increasing its power. 

In terms of might, it was far more fitting to be called Flying Ice and Snow.