Chapter 201: Blade Rose
In a deserted alley, the relentless clash of metal echoed through the air. Two graceful figures weaved and lunged under the dim moonlight.
The gleaming blades shimmered with an icy glow.
Each swing carved through the air with a fierce gust, striking toward the opponent’s most vulnerable spots.
The two phantom-like beauties engaged in this deadly dance were none other than Wan Xiaozhou and Helan Xiaoyue, who had drawn their weapons at the slightest provocation.
Both women were skilled close-combat fighters.
Each collision of dual blades and daggers sent sparks flying in the darkness.
As the battle raged on, both fighters bore wounds of varying severity.
Their tight-fitting outfits were slashed in multiple places, revealing glimpses of snow-white skin beneath the torn fabric.
The intensity of the fight drained their stamina at an alarming rate.
Sweat dampened their hair, strands clinging to their cheeks as droplets slid from the tips.
A crimson gash marred Helan Xiaoyue’s waist.
A token from Wan Xiaozhou.
The wound was shallow, only a cut to the skin.
But with her constant movement, blood still flowed, staining her white T-shirt and soaking into her pants.
Wan Xiaozhou, however, received an unforgettable gift from Helan Xiaoyue in return.
A blade wound ran down her back, tracing the length of her spine. Fortunately, her outerwear had absorbed most of the damage, leaving only a thin line of blood when the blade bit into her flesh.
Yet, with every movement, beads of blood seeped from her back, staining her garments.
The sharp sting affected her agility, making it clear that she had suffered the heavier injury.
In this round, Wan Xiaozhou had fallen behind, sustaining wounds that impaired her combat ability.
“No, I need to escape now!”
“The Yu siblings came with Helan Xiaoyue. If they arrive to back her up, I won’t make it out!”
Panting, Wan Xiaozhou eyed Helan Xiaoyue, calculating her escape.
Helan Xiaoyue wiped the blood from her waist and glanced at her opponent. “Your growth is truly impressive—I never expected you to wound me.”
The fact that Wan Xiaozhou had managed to injure her—and nearly land a fatal strike—was astonishing.
Helan Xiaoyue was well aware of her own combat prowess. There were few who could last this long against her twin blades and even fewer who could counterattack.
Among all the opponents she had faced, only two had ever wounded her: the one before her now—Wan Xiaozhou—and the formidable Capricorn she had encountered in the mountains.
In over twenty years, these were the only two who had not only endured her relentless assault but had managed to draw her blood.
“Heh…”
Wan Xiaozhou let out a cold laugh. “I have to admit, you really are strong.”
“That’s something I already know.”
“You’re strong too.”
“A worthy opponent.”
“But…”
“It’s time for you to face reality.”
Helan Xiaoyue smirked with amusement.
“Reality?”
“Yes, I must admit, in a prolonged battle, I’d die under your blades.”
Wan Xiaozhou sighed in acknowledgment.
“Mmm, I like talking to smart people.”
“Hand over the item, and I’ll let you go.”
Helan Xiaoyue pressed her once more, demanding the object that belonged to neither of them.
“The item?”
“What makes you think I have it on me?”
“Look at me—where do I even have space to carry it?”
Wan Xiaozhou shrugged and spread her hands, feigning helplessness. “Just admit you don’t want to let me go.”
Helan Xiaoyue paused, her sharp phoenix eyes scanning Wan Xiaozhou from head to toe. “Take me to it. Once I have it, I’ll keep my word and let you leave.”
“Fine, I agree.”
“No item is worth more than my life.”
Wan Xiaozhou grinned and, without hesitation, sheathed her dagger at her waist. “And don’t give me that nonsense about surrendering my weapon. You and I both know—our weapons are our lives. I won’t hand over mine.”
Before Helan Xiaoyue could protest, Wan Xiaozhou waved a hand and spoke firmly. “If you insist on taking my weapon, I might as well fight you to the death.”
Helan Xiaoyue considered her words before nodding. “Alright, I agree.”
“You can keep your weapon. But I warn you—try anything, and I will kill you.”
Wan Xiaozhou nodded. “Relax.”
“As long as you keep your promise.”
Helan Xiaoyue’s agreement did not surprise Wan Xiaozhou. This had been part of her plan all along.
“Lead the way.”
Helan Xiaoyue’s voice was firm.
“Okay.”
Wan Xiaozhou obediently walked ahead, stepping toward the alley’s exit where Helan Xiaoyue had left a path open.
Casting a glance at Helan Xiaoyue, whose twin blades remained gripped tightly in her hands, her sharp phoenix eyes locked onto her with caution, Wan Xiaozhou smiled faintly. She made no reckless moves.
Trying anything now would be a death wish, and she was far from foolish.
She wanted to run, yes—but survival was her priority.
“Do you have a car?”
Stepping out of the alley, Wan Xiaozhou asked.
“Where is the item hidden?”
Helan Xiaoyue’s gaze bore into her.
“At the hotel, of course.”
“But not in my room.”
Wan Xiaozhou answered naturally.
Helan Xiaoyue fell silent.
She knew how far the hotel was. She and Wan Xiaozhou had chased each other from there all the way here.
Over twenty kilometers.
Even with Helan Xiaoyue’s superior stamina, after a full-speed pursuit and an intense battle, her legs felt weak. Running back was out of the question.
Her body simply wouldn’t hold up.
If she encountered danger en route, she’d be powerless.
“I’ll call Yu Tianqi to pick us up.”
After a long silence, Helan Xiaoyue finally spoke.
Wan Xiaozhou shrugged indifferently.
There was no way she was running back.
She needed to conserve her strength—for when she had to escape.
Helan Xiaoyue pulled out her phone and dialed Yu Tianqi. “It’s Helan Xiaoyue. I’m sending you my location. Drive over and pick me up.”
She kept it short and direct.
“Understood, Xiaoyue. I’ll be there right away.”
Yu Tianqi’s voice was steady on the other end.
“Good. Hurry.”
Helan Xiaoyue ended the call.
“We wait.”
“Twenty kilometers by car won’t take long.”
She turned to Wan Xiaozhou.
“I don’t mind.”
“Doesn’t matter where I wait.”
Wan Xiaozhou chuckled.
(End of Chapter 201)
