Zhu Que's instincts screamed at him to retreat. He summoned his sword and slashed toward her, releasing a blade of vermilion sword qi that tore through the courtyard.
Yan Rongjun didn't dodge.
She raised her free hand and caught the sword qi with her bare palm... right at its tip.
Kreeeeeeakkk...
As the attack met her skin, the sword groaned. Its body began to bend as its blade scraped uselessly against her palm, as though metal had struck metal. The grating sound rang through the courtyard, sending sparks scattering in every direction until...
Clang!
The sword broke in two, and Yan Rongjun's palm continued straight toward Zhu Que's face.
BOOOOM!
A protective film appeared in front of Zhu Que, but it immediately shattered upon impact. It was a life-saving talisman that he always kept on his person, and it had activated automatically when his life was in danger.
