Bang! Dust billowed up, covering the entire courtyard.
After a long while, Chu Chen crawled out. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze filled with a sinister light.
"It seems I underestimated you," Chu Chen's voice was hoarse. "But I don't believe your strength will surpass mine!"
As soon as his words fell, he charged at Mo Yunqing again. The two became locked in combat, blades flashing and swords clashing, a shocking sight.
In less than a moment, Chu Chen was covered in blood, his body riddled with wounds. Yet, he still stood tall, as if possessing an inexhaustible supply of strength, unafraid even when his body was battered.
Mo Yunqing's expression finally changed. He frowned slightly, "I don't know what secret technique you've cultivated to make your strength advance so rapidly, but you are ultimately no match for me."
His voice was cold and merciless, devoid of any warmth. Mo Yunqing slowly walked towards Chu Chen, his finger tracing the crimson on the tip of his sword, a bloodthirsty, cruel curve gracing his lips.
Chu Chen's eyelids twitched. He could feel that this man truly intended to take his life, without the slightest hesitation.
Was this really Mo Yunqing?
"Chu Chen," Mo Yunqing walked up to Chu Chen, "Actually, I've wanted to teach you a lesson personally for a long time."
"I don't need you to teach me!" Chu Chen threw a punch at Mo Yunqing, but it was dodged. Mo Yunqing then struck Chu Chen's abdomen with a palm.
Chu Chen spat out a mouthful of blood, staggering backward. Leaning against the wall, he stared intently at Mo Yunqing, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
"You... how can you be so strong?"
"I told you before, even if I lost my memory, I would never take you seriously."
Mo Yunqing's lips curved into a mocking arc. "I only forgot the past grudges, but I am still that Mo Yunqing!"
Chu Chen smiled bitterly. So this was the real Mo Yunqing, the Mo Yunqing he had always admired and worshipped.
"Unfortunately, it's all too late now," Chu Chen closed his eyes. "Although my skills are inferior to yours, Chu Chen, I would rather die standing than live kneeling! Mo Yunqing, even if I die, I will take you down with me!"
Boom! The aura around him suddenly surged, spreading out in concentric circles like ripples.
Mo Yunqing narrowed his phoenix-like eyes. "Chu Chen, do you think such a move can deal with me?"
As Chu Chen's words faded, a powerful aura erupted, and with a bang, Chu Chen was sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground.
*Pfft!* A sweet taste flooded his throat, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood, his body trembling as he sat up.
"Chu Chen," Mo Yunqing stood with his hands behind his back, his handsome face as cold as ice. "I gave you a chance to live, but you chose death!"
Chu Chen gritted his teeth, his fists clenching tighter and tighter.
Yes, he understood Mo Yunqing's goodwill, but his pride and dignity were more precious. To beg for mercy on his knees would be a thousand times more painful than killing him.
He would rather die fighting than live in shame! Mo Yunqing's gaze gradually turned cold, and a fierce wind swept across the sky.
*Swish!* The sword light cut through the void, streaking like lightning.
Chu Chen's pupils contracted sharply. He hastily raised his sword to block, but the long sword only lingered on his blade for a moment before piercing his shoulder.
Blood flowed down from his shoulder, staining his clothes red.
"Mo Yunqing," Chu Chen sneered, "I, Chu Chen, have roamed the Northern Frontier for many years and never lost. Do you think you can truly defeat me? The gap between us will not change because of this battle!" Mo Yunqing's eyes narrowed, his dark pupils glinting with a dangerous light.
"Chu Chen, you are mistaken. I have never taken you seriously."
He laughed heartily twice. "Mo Yunqing, you overestimate yourself. Do you think you can kill me?"
Boom! Mo Yunqing's figure flickered, and he instantly appeared before Chu Chen, striking his chest with a palm.
A hint of disdain flickered across Chu Chen's lips. He reached out and grabbed Mo Yunqing's wrist, pulling hard.
But unexpectedly, Mo Yunqing's other hand formed into a claw and tore at his arm. Blood splattered everywhere, and the pain made him release his grip, causing him to fall to the ground.
Mo Yunqing slowly squatted down, looking down at Chu Chen lying on the ground. He was condescending, his voice serene. "Do you think my father, the Emperor, is someone you can insult? Have you ever seen anyone dare to insult him? The Chu family's actions have thoroughly angered my father!"
His words carried a chilling coldness that seemed to drop the surrounding temperature to freezing point.
"Mo Yunqing, you shouldn't have returned!" Chu Chen sneered, his gaze filled with determination. "If you hadn't returned, perhaps His Majesty wouldn't have killed you."
His father, the King, would never allow anyone to insult him!
"It's too late for you to regret it now!"
"Heh heh." Chu Chen let out two cold laughs. He raised his chin, his eyes stubbornly looking at Mo Yunqing. "Even if you return, what of it? You have no idea how formidable Father King is. You are no match for him; he will tear you to shreds!"
Mo Yunqing sneered, "Since I am no match for him, I will find someone stronger and make him submit at my feet!"
"You're dreaming!" Chu Chen roared. "I would rather die than bow down to you! Mo Yunqing, I will not let you go!"
Bang! Mo Yunqing kicked Chu Chen's head, sending him sprawling. His eyes were filled with disgust. He couldn't stand to see Chu Chen's hypocritical face!
"Mo Yunqing, even if I, Chu Chen, am shattered into pieces today, I will drag you down with me!"
Boom! A fierce wind blew, and Chu Chen drew his long sword, a sharp sword wind assaulting Mo Yunqing.
Mo Yunqing's expression remained unchanged. He indifferently raised his leg and heavily stomped on Chu Chen's arm. Instantly, the sword in his hand flew out and landed aside.
His face turned pale, and sweat dripped hot from his forehead.
"Chu Chen!" Just then, an anxious and angry voice came from afar, and a group of young girls quickly ran over.
When they saw the disheveled Chu Chen, they were all startled and rushed to his side.
"Chu Chen, what happened to you?" Chu Chen's breathing was weak, his face pale, and he panted slightly. "Chu... Chu Xin, help me get out of here..."
"Yes, Chu Chen, wait for me!" Chu Xin frowned, then turned to look at Mo Yunqing. "What did you do to Chu Chen just now? He's injured!"
Mo Yunqing frowned slightly. "It was not intentional."
Chu Xin was taken aback. "Regardless, you injured him. Our Chu family must seek retribution for this! Chu Chen, let's go back to the manor first!"
Chu Chen shook his head. "No... take Mo Yunqing back with us. He is one of the Nine Emperors of the Mo Kingdom; we cannot afford to offend him!"
Yes, Mo Yunqing's identity was special; how could she dare to provoke him so easily?