Tantai Qingyue's cold, clear eyes stayed on Ning Chen. "What, do you think I can't kill you?"

Ning Chen said it with great confidence. "You really can't. Try it, if you don't believe me."

Tantai Qingyue said indifferently, "From last night's exchange I can see that you have refined out that breath too. A pity it is so weak."

"Still, you dared to face me alone, and the courage does you credit... But now that you have come, don't go back."

Ning Chen smiled slightly. "Then... how about a fight?"

"Withdraw your army and you don't have to die."

Ning Chen laughed. "Withdrawing is impossible, and dying is even more impossible... I said it: I will trample Xiliang's capital under my horses and make your ruler bow his head and call himself a vassal."

Tantai Qingyue said coldly, "Since you insist on dying, I'll oblige you!"

Ning Chen wasted no more words. He pushed off with his foot and shot at Tantai Qingyue like an arrow.

His left hand came up, and the dagger went out as a streak of cold light.

Clang!!!

Tantai Qingyue drew her sword and knocked the dagger aside without effort.

Ning Chen had taken the chance to close on her, and the rebar in his hand came down with it.

Tantai Qingyue raised her sword to block.

With one clear ring of metal on metal, the rebar came down on the blade without a trace of flourish, and the sparks went up.

Tantai Qingyue grunted, and the shock drove her back several steps.

There was something like surprise in her cold, clear eyes, and when she saw the crack in the blade, those fine brows drew slightly tight.

Ning Chen was a little surprised himself. He had not managed to destroy Tantai Qingyue's sword in one blow... It seemed this sword was no ordinary thing either.

The rebar in Ning Chen's hand took the chance and stabbed out like lightning.

This time Tantai Qingyue did not go hard against Ning Chen. Her sword took the crooked path, slipping past the rebar as it came, and…