You're really an idiot

"You are really pushing me!" Yuan Lang's face darkened.

"You are the one who is being too overbearing!" Xia Ningchang refused to back down.

Yuan Lang's expression grew cold. He was tempted to send a signal for help, but after a moment's thought, he restrained himself and chuckled, "Then let us see if Miss's defensive artifact can withstand my attack!"

He was reluctant to let go of a prize so nearly within his grasp. If he could subdue Xia Ningchang with his own strength, it would be like acquiring at least one celestial-grade artifact! With such a treasure, the world would be his oyster—there would be no need to remain in the Blood Battle Gang. Moreover, this woman was mysterious and likely worth a fortune, possessing more than one artifact.

So, he wanted to test it! If it proved impossible, he could always send for help later. After all, with him blocking the way, escaping would be no easy feat.

With this thought, Yuan Lang smirked maliciously and approached Xia Ningchang.

Xia Ningchang's heart was heavy with worry. Although she had recovered twenty percent of her vitality and could activate her defensive artifact, its use would deplete her energy quickly. She needed to conserve this energy to search for Yang Kai; she couldn't afford to waste it all at once.

Yet, if she refrained from using it, she was unsure she could defeat Yuan Lang. The terrain here was too unfavorable, making it difficult to exert her full strength.

She could only try to defend for now and hope for an opportunity to strike him down.

Xia Ningchang was determined not to show any mercy. Since the opponent had already come to her door, she would not compromise.

As the distance between them narrowed, Xia Ningchang slowly rose, channeling her energy cautiously and keeping a vigilant eye on Yuan Lang.

This was truly a meeting on a narrow path! In a mountain cleft barely wide enough for one person, neither side could easily avoid the other's attacks.

With a distance of three zhang remaining, Yuan Lang's smile faded, and his expression grew serious.

Suddenly, Xia Ningchang made her move. Without warning, she acted first, her slender fingers forming an orchid gesture. With a flick, a chilling gust of wind shot towards Yuan Lang like an arrow released from a bow.

Yuan Lang's face changed drastically. He had not expected this woman to still have the strength to fight, considering how little time had passed since her injury. Even with medicinal pills, such a swift recovery seemed improbable.

Little did he know that Xia Ningchang had a special physique that allowed her to fully absorb and refine medicinal pills. If she had not been limited by the number of pills she carried, her recovery would have been far greater.

The icy gust was as sharp as an ice cone, created instantly using the valley's chill and her unique traits. Though not extremely powerful, it was effective due to its low energy consumption and high speed.

With a whistling sound, Yuan Lang used his palm to execute a slicing motion, his energy erupting as he shouted, "Flying Cloud Slash!"

The Flying Cloud Slash was a blade technique, a low-grade Earth-level martial art. Its power was considerable, but since Yuan Lang used his palm instead of a blade, its effectiveness was reduced.

Even so, he managed to cut through Xia Ningchang's attack, neutralizing it.

Feeling the lack of harm from the gust, Yuan Lang was about to sneer when another whistling sound came, signaling another gust from Xia Ningchang.

Furious, Yuan Lang transformed his palm into a fist and struck out, exclaiming, "Canglong Roar!"

The Canglong Roar emitted a faint dragon's roar and was slightly more powerful than the Flying Cloud Slash.

Before he could catch his breath, the whistling continued. Xia Ningchang was using both hands, her fingers flicking rapidly, sending a barrage of gusts.

Yuan Lang did not retreat a step and quickly employed his techniques to counter.

Thousand Slashes, Flying Phoenix Ghost Kill, Destiny Thunder, Iron Palm, Steel Cutting Hand, Spirit Dragon Fist...

As a master of the Separation and Reunion realm, Yuan Lang employed a wide variety of techniques, displaying endless tactics to counter Xia Ningchang's attacks, creating a fierce battle.

Meanwhile, Xia Ningchang remained consistent, countering with nothing but the cool gusts. The two were evenly matched in this confrontation.

Sparks flew from the rock walls of the cleft, a result of their lingering energy clashing.

After a prolonged struggle, Yuan Lang began to feel the strain. His current strength was sealed, and he had to contend with the cold's intrusion. Using so many energy-consuming techniques left him feeling exhausted, while Xia Ningchang seemed unaffected, her expression unchanged as if her gusts cost her nothing.

What Yuan Lang did not realize was that Xia Ningchang's gusts were primarily drawn from the valley's cold air, requiring only a small amount of her own energy to create substantial harm.

After a bit more fighting, Yuan Lang finally understood that, in his current state, he could not endure Xia Ningchang's attacks.

In his frustration, he snapped, "You vile woman, if you do not surrender, I will call Master Long Hui. If he comes, he will ravage you and make you wish you were dead!"

"Despicable!" Xia Ningchang retorted angrily.

"Heh, women who fall into Long Hui's hands never have a good end. You're better off surrendering to me. I promise to treat you well!"

"Shameless!" Xia Ningchang continued her anger.

"I will count to three. If you do not surrender, don't blame me for not giving you a chance!" Yuan Lang's expression turned cold as he issued his final ultimatum, slowly counting, "One..."

Amidst the ongoing battle, neither side spared any effort.

"Two..." Yuan Lang stretched the word deliberately.

Xia Ningchang's eyes suddenly curved into crescent shapes. Though her face was covered, Yuan Lang could tell she was smiling.

Her smile was truly beautiful! Yuan Lang thought, momentarily feeling reluctant to utter the final count.

"Have you made your decision?" Yuan Lang wondered if she had changed her mind.

Xia Ningchang's eyes remained crescent-shaped as she sharply retorted, "Do you think you are the only one who can call for help?"

"What?" Yuan Lang did not understand.

"I can call for help too." Xia Ningchang glanced behind her with a hint of a sob in her voice and stamped her foot, "Junior Brother, you finally arrived!"

Yuan Lang sneered, "Trying to trick me with such a little ruse? Do you take me for a fool?"

"You really are a fool." A cold voice suddenly came from behind. Yuan Lang's face changed drastically as he hurried to turn around, but Xia Ningchang did not give him the chance. She launched a fierce attack, leaving him flustered and confused. The narrow cleft made it difficult for him to maneuver, trapping him halfway and rendering him helpless.

With a sharp pang, Yuan Lang felt a sudden pain in his back, as if a sharp weapon had pierced through him. Looking down, he saw the tip of a sword protruding from his chest.