Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

Elena said no more, and crossed her twin swords in front of her.

"Make your move."

Xilun raised the Thunder Spear.

"You go first."

As soon as she finished speaking, Elena's figure suddenly closed in.

She knew that Xilun had the advantage in strength and could not allow the opponent to easily unleash their gun attack.

His right hand wielded a longsword aimed straight at his chest, while his left hand silently thrust out a short sword close to his waist. The silver-gray rope swung through the air in a long, thin arc, quietly circling behind Xilun.

Two swords, a rope.

The offensive came from three directions at the same time.

The water at Xilun's feet burst open.

Canglang Step!

Instead of blocking the attack head-on as he had done in the past, he slid half a step back in the direction the longsword was coming from.

The spear shaft pressed against the sword's edge, and the water surged gently at the point where the two weapons intersected, guiding Elena's longsword to the right.

Elena lowered her wrist, and the longsword instantly changed from a thrust to a slash.

At the same time, the short sword in his left hand was already close to Xilun's ribs.

Xilun leaned back, the short sword almost grazing his blood-stained cotton coat.

He gripped the butt of the spear with his right hand and struck the shaft with his left palm. The spear, like a dragon, circled around his waist, and the butt of the spear precisely aimed at Elena's wrist.

boom!

A collision of forces.

Elena felt a numbness in her left wrist, and the short sword deflected half an inch.

She released her grip, and the short sword, guided by the silver-gray rope, traced an arc, slashing back at the back of Xilun's neck from his blind spot.

Xilun seemed to have anticipated this.

The spear vibrated, and the water light spread along the shaft, while a thin strand of lightning energy traveled along the silver-gray rope.

Elena's fingers went numb, and she immediately shook her wrist to release the force.

In that instant, Xilun had already approached on the waves, thrusting out the Azure Thunder Spear in succession.

The first shot pierced the shoulder.

The second shot blocked the longsword.

The third shot was abruptly withdrawn just before it touched her chest, the barrel sweeping across her side.

Elena touched the ground with her toes and used the ropes to pull her body upwards.

Her black robes billowed in the air as she leaped over the gun barrel, her twin swords clashing as she slashed at Xilun's head.

Xilun raised his gun to block.

clang!

The crisp sound echoed.

Elena felt as if the two swords were slashing down on a raging river.

Her strength was gradually dissipated by the water's force, and by the time it reached the gun barrel, less than 60% of it remained.

Immediately afterwards, the force of the Ninefold Tide Rebound came back along the Thunder Spear.

Elena groaned, her twin swords forced upwards.

Xilun did not pursue, but instead slightly turned to the side.

A piece of silver-gray rope brushed past the side of his face.

It turned out that Elena had wrapped the rope around his neck when she jumped.

If he were to press down and launch a counterattack, the rope would already be tightening.

"The Ninth Move."

"Siren suddenly said."

Elena landed, her chest rising and falling slightly.

"Are you still counting?"

"Easy to judge."

"Judging what?"

"How long can you hold out?"

Elena's eyes immediately turned cold.

Those watching from the sidelines had strange expressions. Xilun's words had no sarcastic tone, but because he said them so seriously, they seemed particularly infuriating.

Elena's two swords simultaneously shimmered with a deep blue light.

"Continue to assess the situation."

She pushed off with her feet and charged forward again.

This time, she held nothing back.

The Twin Swords of Overlapping Tides were fully unleashed, each sword strike faster than the last.

The longsword pressed down directly, the short sword concealed its killing intent, and the silver-gray rope seemed to have a life of its own, constantly roaming around.

The sword light quickly enveloped Xilun.

Xilun remained steadfast in his use of the Thunder Spear.

The spear is a weapon suitable for wide-ranging, sweeping attacks, but once surrounded by two swords, it becomes difficult to use it effectively.

However, after the transformation of his tendons into dragons and months of guidance from Swain, his control over every inch of the gun is now completely different from before.

The tip of the spear, the shaft of the spear, and the butt of the spear.

Every part of it can be dangerous.

The water flowed along the gun barrel, allowing the moves that should have had pauses to connect naturally.

Elena repeatedly closed in within three feet, but was always stopped by a perfectly timed shot, sweep, or shock.

The sixteenth move: the tail of the Xilun spear knocks the short sword away.

The nineteenth move involved the water currents entangling the silver-gray ropes, causing Elena's movements to momentarily falter.

In her twenty-third move, Elena crossed her twin swords to lock the gun barrel, attempting to use the rope to entangle Siron's right arm.

Xilun released his left hand and used only his right hand to press down the 400-pound Thunder Spear.

A tremendous force erupted.

Elena's arms trembled slightly, forcing her to turn to the side to deflect the force.

Xilun's left hand reached out and grabbed her shoulder.

Elena ducked to avoid the attack, her longsword slashing upwards. Siren withdrew his hand beforehand, his fingertips brushing past her ear.

A strand of pale golden hair broke off quietly and drifted away in the wind.

Elena was unaware.

At this moment, all her attention was focused on the power of the Xilun Spear.

It's so smooth.

In the past, Xilun's guns were domineering and fierce, each shot seemed to be a fight to the death with the enemy, but this also made them easy to predict.

That ferocity still exists, but it's hidden beneath the flowing water.

It appears calm on the surface, but in reality, every corner is rife with undercurrents.

In her twenty-fifth move, Elena suddenly retreated, her silver-gray rope entangled around a stone pillar at the edge of the arena.

Using the rope as leverage, she leaped sideways, slashing at Xilun's waist and abdomen with both swords simultaneously from the left and right.

Xilun stepped into a puddle.

The water beneath his feet seemed to lift his body up on its own.

He used the Canglang Step to change direction repeatedly, avoiding the longsword on his right.

At the same time, he twisted his wrist, the tip of the spear touching the short sword on his left, and pushed the water forward.

Elena's dagger went awry uncontrollably.

The twenty-sixth move.

Xilun is making progress, and progressing ever onward.

There were only five feet between them.

Elena's eyes narrowed slightly as she thrust her longsword straight at Xilun's brow, while her left hand pulled the silver-gray rope back taut.

The short sword circled around his back, about to block his escape route.

A pincer attack from both sides.

Xilun suddenly lowered the tip of his gun.

He ignored the short sword behind him and used the shaft of his spear to meet the oncoming long sword.

The water flowed in a winding pattern.

Elena immediately noticed that the longsword seemed to be caught in a deep-sea current, and its speed suddenly decreased.

Just as she was about to change her move, a wisp of thunderous energy that had been hidden within the Thunder Spear suddenly exploded.

A tingling sensation spread from the palm of the hand.

The longsword flew out of his hand.

Xilun stepped closer to her, the gun barrel held against her neck.

The short sword behind him was also restrained by the silver-gray rope, stopping less than a foot away from Xilun's back.

"The twenty-seventh move."

Xilun spoke calmly.

The training ground fell silent for a moment.

Elena glanced down at the gun barrel at her neck, then looked at her empty right hand.

She lost.

And the loss was quite clear.

If Xilun were an enemy, the moment the gun barrel was brought across, the spearhead could have easily pierced her throat.

As for the short sword on her back, it would pose no threat at all, since she would lose her power first.

The people on the sidelines looked at each other in bewilderment.

They knew Siren was strong, but they didn't expect him to defeat Elena so cleanly without using the Breath of the Styx.

This means that the victory in the Sea of ​​the Dead was by no means achieved through underhanded means or by luck.

Xilun sheathed the Thunder Spear and opened his left hand.

A strand of pale golden hair lay in the palm of his hand.

You lost.

Elena stared at that strand of hair, her expression growing increasingly complicated.

She raised her hand to touch the side of her ear, only to realize that it was taken by Xilun during the twenty-third move.

If Siren had been holding a dagger instead of a strand of hair...

In other words, there was absolutely no need to continue with the following moves.

"Less than a year."

Elena remained silent for a long time before softly saying, "You have already surpassed me."

A mountain breeze swept across the training ground, blowing her long hair behind her.

Instead of anger, her face showed a hint of unconcealed frustration.

Xilun handed over the strand of hair, but when she didn't take it, he was puzzled.

You seem unhappy.

"Should we be happy about losing?"

"It's just a friendly exchange."

That's why I'm even more unhappy.

Elena sheathed her twin swords and walked to the sidelines.

Xilun took two steps after her, pondering the meaning behind her words.

Elena grew up in a convent, and her father was the head of the correctional institution.

She had access to far more cultivation resources, teachers, and techniques than ordinary people, and coupled with her outstanding talent, she naturally felt a sense of pride.

In the past, even when facing Aldrich, she felt more disgust than she believed that she was inherently inferior to him.

But now, having been defeated head-on by someone who has cultivated for about four years, that pride has clearly taken a hit.

Elena stopped under the corridor, gazing at the rolling sea of ​​clouds beyond the cliff.

"My daily cultivation is very demanding, and I have killed many alien species and criminals while carrying out missions at the outpost, but I have not had many life-or-death battles with extraordinary individuals of the same level."

Her voice was a little lower than usual.

"I always thought that there weren't many people my age who could compare to me. When I'm as old as the senior student, I'll also participate in the Star Ring Ranking Tournament."

"I want them to know that women are not necessarily inferior to men."

Xilun listened quietly.

Elena laughed self-deprecatingly: "Unfortunately, I'm not even as good as you."

Xilun touched his nose.

"Is 'not as good as me' such a low compliment?"

Elena paused, then turned her head.

Xilun looked serious, without a hint of joking.

"Actually, I have some talent."

He made a simple calculation in his mind.

He is probably twenty-two years old this year.

He has only been truly involved in extraordinary cultivation for about four years, yet he is already able to defeat powerful figures in the third tier head-on.

Even disregarding his stats and the talent he gained from hunting alien species, the time he invested and the dangers he faced were far beyond what ordinary people could imagine.

"It's not just that it's possible."

Looking at his solemn expression, Elena's disappointment suddenly lessened.

"You are now Elder Swain's personal disciple, having defeated Samuel, who was in perfect physical condition."

If your talent is only so-so, most people in the inner court can just go home.

So you don't need to be discouraged.

"It's normal for him to lose to me," Siren said.

The smile that had just appeared on Elena's face vanished instantly.

She glared at Xilen.

"The way you comfort people is more annoying than your marksmanship."

Xilun paused for a moment.

He's really not good at this kind of thing.

Killing, cultivating, analyzing danger—these are all very simple.

But when faced with a friend who was feeling down because of a losing match, he didn't know what to say.

After a long pause, Xilun tentatively spoke:

"Let me treat you to dinner."

Elena glared at him fiercely.

"It's definitely your treat."

"Um."

"Do I have to pay?"

Xilun glanced at her expression and thought the suggestion should be effective.

He coiled the Thunder Spear back around his waist and turned to walk down the mountain.

"What would you like to eat?"

"The most expensive."

"Can."

Elena watched his retreating figure, and the corners of her lips finally curled up slightly.

"I want to drink more."

Xilun paused for a moment.

"Drink less."

"You just beat me, now it's not your place to make the decisions."

The two figures walked down the damp stone steps.

In the distance, along the long corridor, several disciples watched them leave, their expressions varied.

Meanwhile, news of Xilun's decisive victory over Elena spread quietly throughout the inner courtyard on the mountain breeze.

The Star Ring City was especially lively after the rain.

The stone steps leading down the mountain were washed clean and shiny, and the shops on both sides displayed the flags of the five major powers.

Although the Star Ring Ranking Race has ended for some time, not all the merchant ships from the outer islands have left yet, and sailors, merchants, and extraordinary individuals dressed in exotic costumes can be seen everywhere on the streets.

A steam railcar drove through the middle of the street.

White smoke billowed from the copper chimney, and wheels clattered rhythmically over the wet rails.

Newsboys, carrying stacks of old newspapers, weaved through the crowd, still hawking the news of Aldridge's victory, though their voices were no longer as passionate as they had been at the start of the game.

As evening approached, the gas lamps along the street were gradually turned on.

The dim yellow light fell on the wet road, casting mottled reflections.

Elena walked ahead, seemingly determined to live up to the title of "most expensive," bypassing several ordinary taverns before finally stopping in front of a three-story wooden and stone building.

A blue sign with gold trim hangs at the entrance of the restaurant.

Ocean tides and ears of wheat.

The brass lampshade by the door was polished to a shine, and even before entering, one could smell the rich aroma of roasted meat, along with a warm scent of fruitwood, sea salt, and wine.

"Tidal Wheat Ears"

Elena glanced up at the sign: "The grilled sea bream here is good, and the wine is good too."

Xilun also looked at the wooden sign standing at the entrance.

The cheapest main dish costs two silver shillings.

"It's definitely not cheap."

Elena glanced back at him: "Regretting it?"

"no."

Although Xilun is now investing most of his money in cultivation again, he is not as destitute as he was when he bought the "Cang Lei Spear Technique".

The offerings and rewards from the merchant guild will be settled gradually, and treating him to a meal won't bankrupt him.

The two entered the restaurant.

A wave of heat hit us.

In the center of the hall stood a black iron fireplace, with firewood burning inside, making a soft crackling sound.

More than ten thick wooden tables were arranged in a staggered manner, and most of them were already full.

Among the guests were crew members in overalls, well-dressed managers of merchant houses, and several extraordinary individuals with weapons hanging from their waists.

Whale bones, old ship's rudders, and faded nautical charts hang on the walls.

A waiter with brown curly hair came up and skillfully led the two to a window seat on the second floor.

Half of Star Ring City can be seen from the window.

The lights of the distant port spread along the coast, and the smoke from steamships slowly rose into the night sky.

The distant sea was pitch black, with only the beam of light from the lighthouse sweeping across it every now and then.

After Elena sat down, she picked up the menu and began to order.

"Fruitwood-roasted sea bream, two servings."

Pan-fried silverfish.

"Creamy baked mussels, black pepper venison chops, and a side of sea salt potatoes and hot bread."

The waiter quickly took notes, his smile growing increasingly enthusiastic.

"Where's the wine?"

Elena turned to the last page: "A jug of Kirishima white wine, and a bottle of Coral Red spirits."

Xilun raised his head.

"Too many."

"You just told me to drink less, but now you're saying I'm drinking too much."

Elena closed the menu: "Mr. Siren, are you inviting me to dinner, or are you asking me to take your orders?"

Xilun looked at the waiter.

That's all.

"Okay, please wait a moment."

The waiter took the menu and left.

Elena leaned back in her chair, her gaze sweeping across the window.

She appeared calm on the surface, but her mind was still replaying the sparring session she had just had.

Every shot from Xilun had no spare power.

The timing of the final water-force sword strike and the burst of lightning energy was almost terrifyingly precise.

She wasn't defeated by some incredibly powerful move, but rather by being gradually suppressed in terms of technique, footwork, and power control.

This defeat is even more inexplicable than being ambushed by the Breath of the Styx.

"Why didn't you use the Ninefold Tide Force in your last shot?" she suddenly asked.

Xilun poured himself a glass of warm water.

"unnecessary."

"What if it's a real life-or-death battle?"

"The spear will pierce your throat first."

Elena looked up at him.

Siren paused for a moment, then added, "Before your dagger touches me."

"I know."

Elena picked up the warm water and took a sip: "No need for a special explanation."

Xilun stopped speaking.

The food and drinks were served quickly.

The conger eel is cut into thick strips and grilled until slightly charred and crispy, with the fat slowly seeping out along the grain. It is served on a bed of roasted onions and herbs.

When the waiter lifted the iron lid, the aroma of fruitwood and meat wafted out at the same time.

The pan-fried silverfish was arranged whole on a long white porcelain plate.

The fish skin is golden and crispy, with a hint of silver sheen remaining on the edges of the scales, and the belly is filled with crushed lemon, sea salt and spices.

With a gentle slice of the knife, the snow-white fish meat spread out with the steam.

Elena poured herself a glass of Kirishima white wine first.

The wine is pale golden in color, refreshing on the palate with a slightly acidic fruity aroma, but with a lingering salty and astringent aftertaste characteristic of islands.

She drank most of it in one gulp.

Xilun cut off a piece of conger eel and put it in his mouth.

The meat is firmer than regular beef, and after being smoked with fruitwood, it has a subtle sweet aroma while retaining plenty of juice inside.

For him, who had been in seclusion for many days and had been relying on pre-prepared dry food and nutritional supplements to maintain his health, the taste of this hot food was indeed quite good.

He ate several pieces in succession, and a warm feeling rose in his stomach, which also made the lingering coldness in his body fade away.

Elena finished her drink and then poured herself a full glass.

She appeared to be drinking, but in reality, she was eating at a pace no slower than Siren.

The number of black pepper venison chops, mussels, and hot bread decreased one after another, indicating that the sparring had clearly taken a toll on her energy.

Conversations filled the hall.

Some were discussing the storm in the open sea, others were talking about the recent rise in the price of medicinal herbs, and still others were whispering among themselves about the next shipment of goods to Beihai.

Several young men were sitting at a table near the stairs.

One of them was wearing an expensive dark green coat, and his hair was neatly combed.

He was initially chatting and laughing with his companions, but his voice paused noticeably after his gaze swept over Elena.

Elena's appearance was striking even in Star Ring City.

With long, light golden hair and fair skin, her eyebrows and eyes possessed both the refinement of a noblewoman and a heroic spirit uncommon to ordinary people due to years of cultivation.

Her black robes accentuated her slender figure, and the two swords at her waist added to her air of danger.

Those men clearly recognized her as an extraordinary person and dared not approach her rashly, only able to secretly observe her while clinking glasses.

Several pairs of eyes kept falling on them from a distance.

Xilun drank two glasses of wine, taking in the expressions of these people, but paid no attention.

As long as no one bothers him, the attention of others is not worth his energy.