Bowing

Xue Muyao's eyes burned with defiance, her icy aura flaring around her like a storm. Blood dripped from the cut on her arm, staining the pristine white of her robes, but she stood tall, her gaze unwavering. The sword cultivator's blade hovered dangerously close to her throat, yet she refused to yield.

"Surrender to the Lord of Chaos?" she spat, her voice cold and sharp as the ice she commanded. "Never. I am the Endless Snow Empress. I bow to no one."

The sword cultivator's expression remained hidden beneath the shadow of his wide-brimmed hat, but his voice carried a chilling finality. "Then your people will suffer for your pride."

With a flick of his wrist, the sword cultivator sheathed his blade and turned away. Xue Muyao's heart clenched as she realized his intent. He wasn't here to kill her—he was here to break her. And he knew exactly how to do it.

Buzz—