Chapter 18; The Invader
The clang of steel on steel echoed through the night, a symphony of violence. Ming Yin and Bao Lin fought back-to-back, their blades flashing in the moonlight. Ming Yin was skilled, but Bao Lin was a true warrior, his movements fluid and deadly. Yet, the black-robed attacker was a veteran, his every move precise and powerful.
"Bao Lin!" Ming Yin watched in horror as his guard pushed him out of the way, taking the blow meant for him. Bao Lin flew backward, crashing into a nearby pillar. Fresh blood erupted from his mouth, staining the stone red.
"Fuck!" Ming Yin cursed, the attack having temporarily blocked the flow of spiritual energy through his meridians, leaving him frozen in place, vulnerable.
Ming Yin stood alone, the black-robed figure now focused on him. He unleashed a barrage of needles. They were sharp and slender, glinting menacingly in the moonlight, and Ming Yin froze, his mind racing. But before the needles could strike. With swift movement, another figure's strong hand pulled him against the nearest pillar, deflecting the deadly projectiles.
"Who are you? What do you want?" She demanded.
"My mission is none of your concern," the attacker's voice was a chilling monotone, almost mechanical.
"Not if I beat you first," her voice, sharp and confident, cut through the tense silence. Zhang Lin, her blade drawn, stood poised, ready to strike.
The attacker launched their weapon, a blur of dark metal. It snatched Zhang Lin's sword with a metallic clang, its other whipped around, deflecting Ming Yin's blade with a force that sent it flying. Ming Yin found himself disarmed, his hands empty and vulnerable.
Zhang Lin, however, recognized the weapon. It was a two double-edged blade, sharp on both sides, with chains attached to each end. The chains were flexible, allowing the weapon to be wielded with incredible speed and agility, striking twice in quick succession. A chilling aura emanated from the weapon, sending shivers down Zhang Lin's spine.
The attacker flipped the weapon again, a deadly arc of metal cutting through the air. Zhang Lin sidestepped, barely avoiding the deadly blow.
With a swift move, Zhang Lin caught one end of the chained weapon by the hilt, spinning it expertly. She twisted and intertwined the chains around her hand, her movements smooth and practiced. The attacker tried to yank it back, but Zhang Lin held on tight, pulling it towards her, her grip unwavering.
"She's good," Ming Yin breathed, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. Bao Lin nodded silently, impressed.
The attacker retaliated, launching another barrage of needles. Zhang Lin reacted with incredible speed, somersaulting through the air to avoid the attack. Landing gracefully, she flipped the petals of a nearby flower shrub, infusing them with spiritual energy. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the energized petals hurtling toward the attacker, halting their advance.
The attacker dodged the petal barrage, retaliating with another flurry of needles. Undeterred, Zhang Lin pressed forward, closing the distance. Their palms clashed in a violent explosion of energy, the air around them swirling with raw power. The wind whipped around them, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the tang of battle, creating a spectacle that was both breathtaking and terrifying.
The attacker muttered a dark spell, summoning his weapon to attack from Zhang Lin's blind spot. The blades, propelled by dark magic, sliced through the air, ready to strike. But just as the blades were about to reach their target, a new figure surged into the fray. With a swift movement, they deflected the blades, pushing Zhang Lin to safety.
Ming Yin, witnessing this unexpected intervention, finally got a full glimpse of the first comer. His heart skipped a beat. As if sensing his gaze, Zhang Lin turned, her eyes meeting his. In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, their gazes locked in a silent exchange.
"She's beautiful," Ming Yin thought, captivated by the woman's clear, luminous eyes. But Julian, having witnessed their shared glance, was consumed by a surge of anger.
"Sixth brother!" he roared, jolting Ming Yin back to reality.
Ming Yin, snapping out of his trance, summoned his sword. The two princes fought side-by-side, their movements synchronized and fluid. Zhang Lin, her blade a blur of silver, joined the fray, her skill evident in every parry and strike. The princes, instinctively aware of her vulnerability, occasionally shielded her from harm, their teamwork a sight to see.
Bao Lin, regaining control of his body, joined the fight, his attacks precise and deadly. Together, the four of them formed a formidable unit, their skills complementing each other perfectly.
The attacker, sensing their growing strength, changed tactics. With a swift movement, he shifted his weight, kicking up a barrage of pebbles and dirt, creating a blinding dust cloud.
Zhang Lin reacted instinctively, pulling Ming Julian, who was closest to the dust cloud, towards her. The sudden movement caught them both off balance, sending them crashing to the ground. Julian landed atop Zhang Lin, their bodies entangled in a tangle of limbs.
His heart hammered against his ribs as he looked into her eyes, mesmerized by their clear, unwavering depths. A whirlwind of emotions swept over him: annoyance at the unexpected closeness , admiration for battle skills and beauty, jealousy at the thought of another man being near her and a possessiveness he couldn't quite understand warred within him, a chaotic mix of emotions reflected on his face.
Zhang Lin, with a strength that belied her slender frame, pulled Julian as she sprouted to her feet Then, with a burst of spiritual energy, she vanished into the darkness, leaving the blushing prince.
"Whoa, the city is beautiful!" Yiangyiang exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. She and Liguan had snuck out of the palace in the early hours of the morning, eager to explore the bustling streets of Chang'er.
The city unfolded before them, a vibrant blend of colorful houses, bustling shops, fragrant restaurants, and towering buildings. Liguan consulted her map, trying to locate the hall they were searching for. Yiangyiang, captivated by the sights and sounds, wandered through the crowded streets, her curiosity piqued by every corner. This was her first time in the city, or at least, it felt that way. A sense of overwhelming excitement flooded her senses.