Brows and eyes

Trapped within an encircling siege, the woman remained remarkably composed, her footwork flowing with grace. Blades clashed in every direction as the guards lunged towards her, yet she effortlessly deflected their strikes. Each swing of her sword claimed the life of a guard, while she remained unscathed.

Wei Xiaobao, now alerted to the danger, found himself guarded by Zhang Kangnian and Zhao Qixian, their swords drawn in a protective stance. Overwhelmed by apprehension, Wei Xiaobao addressed them, his voice laced with worry, "Hot Mommy, this situation is getting dicey. This girl's posture suggests she means to harm Xiaobao. She's truly skilled, using her lethal prowess to curry favor."

Casting a glance in Song Qingshu's direction, Wei Xiaobao felt a sense of relief. Despite the initial shock caused by the woman's stunning appearance, it failed to stir any ripples of desire within his heart. His only hope now was to ensure the safety of himself and those around him.

As the number of guards increased, the woman recognized the futility of her current predicament. Resolute in her decision, she resolved to make her escape. Sensing her intentions, Song Qingshu wore a knowing smile. Just as he prepared to lend her a helping hand, his gaze fell upon a pair of archers approaching.

Shock coursed through Song Qingshu's veins. He had never anticipated that the Jinling prefecture would deploy such formidable weaponry. For martial arts masters, bows and crossbows were the most lethal arsenal wielded by soldiers. Even god-tier masters would struggle under a barrage of arrows, their bodies resembling pincushions.

Unwilling to witness the demise of this fairy-like figure named Xiang Xiaoyu, Song Qingshu swiftly retrieved the wooden sword from the pillar, firmly gripping it in his hand. "Vile scoundrels, begone!" he bellowed, charging forward with unyielding resolve.

The woman also caught sight of the approaching archers, her anxiety mounting. Recalling the young man's enigmatic display of martial arts prowess moments ago, her heart sank, realizing that today's events would likely lead to a more treacherous fate.

Initially, she had embarked on this adventure, making significant strides in her martial arts skills, confident in the knowledge that Wei Xiaobao's entourage lacked formidable adversaries. She believed she could swiftly eliminate her target and retreat, concealing her true identity. However, little did she know that she would cross paths with Song Qingshu, ensnaring herself in an inescapable trap.

Song Qingshu tightly gripped the seemingly common wooden sword, its exquisite craftsmanship drawing admiration from the surrounding officers and soldiers. Zhang Kangnian and Zhao Qixian took turns explaining to Wei Xiaobao, their voices filled with awe, "Master Wei, Song Daxia's swordsmanship may appear unrefined, but it possesses a unique quality that can force his opponents into vulnerable positions..."

"Yes, indeed! The sword wielded by the woman is extraordinary, yet it fails to penetrate Song Daxia's wooden sword. It demonstrates the terrifying power of Song Daxia's internal strength."

"Undoubtedly, Song Daxia's swordsmanship is superb. His wooden sword effortlessly deflects the woman's lethal strikes, precisely targeting her pressure points..."

Wei Xiaobao discreetly wiped away a bead of sweat, muttering under his breath, "Goodness gracious, this diplomatic mission is truly ill-fated. I must make generous offerings at the temple, seeking the protection of the Bodhisattva and my ancestors. Thankfully, Young Baofu has an uncanny knack for attracting capable allies like Brother Song..."

The conversation between Zhang and Zhao traveled through the courtyard, capturing the attention of the soldiers who nodded in silent admiration for Song Qingshu. They marveled at his prowess as he fearlessly faced the enemy armed only with a wooden sword.

However, the woman embroiled in the battle held a different perspective. Initially, she shared the same belief as those present, but as the fight progressed, she noticed an uncanny pattern. Each time she sought to exploit a flaw and strike, Song Qingshu seamlessly altered his sword's trajectory in a lightning-fast motion. The onlookers, possessing lesser martial skills, failed to perceive the minute details of his technique.

Perplexed by her opponent's restraint, the woman recalled how Song Qingshu had swiftly engaged the archers, realizing that his actions were meant to protect her.

Confirming her suspicions, Song Qingshu seized the opportunity, his voice filled with urgency, "Girl, hold on a little longer! Utilize your light footwork and flee. I will cover your escape."

With those words, Song Qingshu scrutinized her for the slightest flaw, expertly parrying her lethal sword with his wooden blade. Employing intricate gestures with his left hand, he delivered a resounding palm strike that thundered against her shoulder.

The woman, struck by the lightning-fast palm strike infused with a clever internal energy, felt an irresistible force propel her against the courtyard wall. Bewildered by her opponent's intentions, she spat a mouthful of blood into the air, uttering a bitter vow, "Your actions today shall be repaid twofold in the future." With those words, she vanished into the night, employing her agile lightness skill.

"Quickly!" Wei Xiaobao urgently shouted, his mind racing, "Brother Song cannot protect me day and night. If this martially skilled woman continues to harbor ill intentions towards Xiaobao's life, the consequences would be dire."

Realizing that bidding farewell today might mean a permanent parting, Song Qingshu initially intended to pursue the woman. However, upon hearing Wei Xiaobao's plea, he volunteered, asserting, "Brother Wei, I shall give chase." With those words, he set off in pursuit of the woman's vanished figure.

The woman traversed her path with graceful elegance, her light steps carrying her several feet forward. Her movements resembled the ethereal dance of a divine being, as if the very air itself birthed a gentle swirl of dust from her Luo socks...

The woman abruptly halted, her gaze fixated on the man trailing behind her with a vigilant expression. Shock reverberated through her heart as she realized the insignificance of her divine-like skills in the face of her pursuer's relentless pursuit.

"Your lightness skill is truly remarkable, surpassing most in the world," Song Qingshu commented, concealing the wooden sword behind his back, devoid of any hostility.

"Thank you for your assistance earlier," the woman's features softened, a faint smile gracing her lips. "However, I'm curious as to why you are chasing after me?"

"I wonder if the girl prefers to hear the truth or a fabrication," Song Qingshu interjected, not waiting for her response. "The lie would be that Wei Xiaobao, tormented by sleepless nights due to your presence as an assassin, requested me to pursue you. That's what I would have said."

"And the truth?" the woman inquired, a scorching gaze fixed upon Song Qingshu.

"The truth is, I don't even know the girl's name, yet I find it difficult to forget about her," Song Qingshu's candid words caused the woman's heart to skip a beat. She hadn't anticipated such straightforward declaration of his affections.

After a brief moment of silence, the woman refrained from offering a direct response. Instead, she posed a question of her own, "With your extraordinary martial prowess, few opponents can match you in combat. Your swordsmanship is considered masterful. Why then, would you choose to align yourself with the Manchu, serving as a tiger under a Tarzigo official?"

"Although I harbor personal distaste for the Manchu, they possess certain elements that align with my aspirations. Additionally, I have developed a fondness for Wei Xiaobao's cunning and slippery nature," Song Qingshu explained, his intentions clear. He intended to exploit Wei Xiaobao's fortuitous luck and, secondarily, he pondered the treasure mentioned earlier.

The woman stared at him intently for a prolonged moment, as if attempting to discern the truthfulness of his words. Sensing her scrutiny, Song Qingshu purposefully broke the silence, questioning, "Why did you attempt to assassinate Wei Xiaobao? From what I know, while he may be conniving and shameless, he has committed no egregious wrongs that warrant the attention of a skilled assassin like yourself."

As soon as Song Qingshu finished speaking, a flicker of unease fluttered within the woman's heart. Could it be that she, too, had fallen victim to Wei Xiaobao's treacherous tactics? Shaking her head involuntarily, she dismissed the thought, unwilling to entertain such a cruel possibility any further.