Chapter 696: Chapter 362: Li Xian Opens His Eyes, Aims to Shoot the Divine Bird, Heaven and Earth Shatter, Jade Girl Is Shocked (Part 4)

The family was deeply rooted, with various branches intertwined and numerous descendants, where those aged ten or twenty years older were considered of the same generation. Nangong Xuanming’s "Nangong Swordsmanship" had barely reached Great Success, and his skills were far inferior to Nangong Liuli.

Bian Qiaoqiao exclaimed "Ah" again; before being captured by the Flower Thief, the two of them had compared their swordsmanship once. At that time, although Nangong Liuli was better by a margin, this "Nanxuan Swordsmanship" had just entered Great Success, far less multifaceted than today, where dominance hid change, and change concealed agility.

Zhao Ranran sidestepped to dodge, then retreated two steps. Each subtle movement narrowly missed the sword’s edge. Suddenly spotting the opportunity, she deployed the same "Nanxuan Swordsmanship," knocking Nangong Liuli’s longsword in the air, and followed through by thrusting towards Nangong Liuli’s heart.

Nangong Liuli thought, "Fine, let’s do this." She unexpectedly didn’t evade but instead rushed towards the tip of the sword. Her fiery disposition made this decision surprising. Zhao Ranran too was slightly startled.

This scene happened quickly, Bian Qiaoqiao’s pupils widened, unable to cry out in time. Zhao Ranran redirected her sword, drawing a cut across Nangong Liuli’s left arm, her toes lightly touching the ground, gracefully spinning backward to sheath the sword.

Perfect control.

Nangong Liuli fell to the ground, blood trickling from her left arm. Bian Qiaoqiao rushed over, tears in her eyes, saying, "Sister Liuli, you... you... why weren’t you careful?" Nangong Liuli remained silent.

Nangong Xuanming praised, "Miss Zhao’s martial arts are exquisite, to withdraw a move in time and spare my sister’s life, I’m extremely grateful. If I wasn’t mistaken, the move just now should be ’Yan Qu Huhui,’ correct? Could it be... could it be that Zhao Ranran has mastered the ’Nanxuan Swordsmanship’ to its Peak?"

The Nanxuan Sword Sect combines the strengths of two families, yet its significance surpasses the practical. Often used for sparring between the two families, the martial arts framework is complete but rather coarse, not finely polished. It is quite difficult to practice.

Nangong Liuli had grasped "Perfection," a rarity among rarities. Zhao Ranran said, "That’s right."

Taishu Yuzhu laughed, "Sister Zhao’s talent is extraordinary; it makes one envious." Zhao Ranran looked at Nangong Liuli and said, "Your swordsmanship is also quite good, but it’s a pity you’ve been deceived. Sister Qiao, take her back and comfort her well." She brought her fingers together and made two tapping motions in the air.

Energy struck Nangong Liuli’s shoulders, causing her to faint instantly.

Bian Qiaoqiao said, "Sister Ranran, don’t be upset with Sister Liuli." Zhao Ranran coldly replied, "Certainly, I didn’t believe it before, that the Flower Thief could manage to capture all the women in the Sword Sect. Now it seems, his skill in deceit with flowery words does show some capability."

Bian Qiaoqiao, feeling soft-hearted, asked, "Then... should we..." Nangong Xuanming said, "Since all Flower Thieves must be eradicated, leaving one would inevitably be unsatisfactory. Miss Zhao’s display of prowess, eliminating the Water Altar without missing a single person upon entering the world, will undoubtedly shake the Jianghu. It will also deter Flower Thieves worldwide, bringing great relief to countless women in Jianghu."

Zhao Ranran said proudly, "I’ll spare his life for now and capture him alive when I return." Nangong Xuanming said, "I’ll immediately send someone to capture him."

Zhao Ranran shook her head, "No need, that thief has nowhere to run and has escaped into the lake. The lake’s predicament is treacherous and chaotic, with many going in but never coming out. Sacrificing lives would be useless." Nangong Xuanming said, "Then I’ll assist."

Zhao Ranran looked askance at Nangong Xuanming, bluntly saying, "The situation in the lake is complicated. If you encounter danger, I might not be able to guarantee your safety."

Nangong Xuanming’s face turned awkward. He was more than ten years older than Zhao Ranran, and his martial arts cultivation temporarily surpassed hers. He intended to protect Zhao Ranran, showcasing his magnanimity and ability, but unexpectedly heard Zhao Ranran say "can’t guarantee your safety," instantly rendering him at a loss, utterly embarrassed.

Nangong Xuanming forced a smile, "Naturally... naturally."

Zhao Ranran suddenly furrowed her brows, her expression changed abruptly.

On the other side.

Li Xian, through his hair, observed the situation in the center. He thought, "You all slander and curse me, I can laugh it off; what’s the big deal? But humiliating Sister Liuli like this, I’m infuriated to the extreme. Li Xian, ah Li Xian, even if your strength is weak, you still implicated Sister Liuli, resulting in her suffering for you."

"Alright, if you refuse to let me go, then come at me! I don’t care if you’re Jade Girl or Ugly Girl. And that thieving bird hiding in the clouds, thinking I can’t see you?"

Instantly his Heavy Pupils opened, anger soared to the skies, his imposing presence became almost tangible, an inaudible thunderous sound surrounded him, and fish beasts in the lake flipped belly up, he drew his bowstring to the peak.

His invisible presence subdued the lake waves to calm.

Prepared to shoot the divine bird!

In the instant he released the string, the arrow broke through the air, carrying a force akin to heaven and earth collapsing!

(ps: Will be renamed to "Liver-Pounding in Martial Arts, Ascending to Sainthood")