She lifted her sword—far too small to block such a monstrous blow.
CLANG!
A black lotus shield appeared just in time. It shattered on contact, but managed to slow the attack enough.
Mu Qin spun mid-air, using the impact's momentum to launch herself upward. She took a steady breath.
"Falling Petal Severing Art—Third Form: Blossom Breaks the Sky."
The entire cavern dimmed. For one heartbeat, the world stood still—like even winter dared not move.
Then—light flashed violet.
Air hissed as it split.
Her sword carved a deep wound across the serpent's thick scales. Icy blood burst out, splattering across the frozen cave. The Jade Moon Python roared in agony and rage, pulling back with a shriek.
"You've grown stronger," the serpent growled, its voice full of disbelief and anger. "But you will not leave this place alive!"
It lunged forward, a tidal wave of white-blue flesh and frost. Its jaws opened wide, fangs like frozen spears ready to devour her whole.
Mu Qin didn't blink.
