The instant the Invisible Sword fell, Explosive Absolute Sword Array and Myriad Swords Unleashed erupted together. Stacked with the Destruction Invisible Sword’s terrifying power, even with a heart like Mirror Calm Water—seeing angles, ranges, and lines—Jing couldn’t turn the tide.
Forget the two arts hemming in every escape. The moment the Invisible Sword descended, his loss was sealed before he could even move.
“How is that possible?!”
It was my first time seeing Jing’s composure crack—panic flashing across his face. His Mirror Calm Water shattered like moonlight on a tossed pond.
He couldn’t block or dodge. With that calm gone, the outcome was obvious.
He did fire off his strongest strike in time, but it was too late. It couldn’t stop the triple storm of Explosive Absolute Sword Array, Myriad Swords Unleashed, and the Destruction Invisible Sword.
Boom!!!
The whole lake bucked like a beast under a whip. Clouds split in the sky like torn silk. Jing went tumbling again, faster and farther than before.
“Haa…”
Those three sword arts were all high-grade, and the drain was brutal. Worse, I’d driven them under Sword Intent and inside my Sword Domain. The moment I knew I’d hit Jing, I couldn’t hold it anymore. The Sword Domain unraveled. I dropped onto the lake’s skin and gulped air like a bellows. Thank the Lake of Trials for its strange water—otherwise I’d have sunk.
Gods, I was spent. My body felt like it was shaking apart, far worse than my fight on the first layer against Mikaret. Jing outclassed Mikaret by a lot. If my Sword Intent hadn’t broken through at the last instant, I would’ve lost. I have to admit, luck carried me this time.
So I sat on the water and waited for strength to flow back, forcing a healing-boost sword art to knit my wounds, thread by thread.
Grrr—
The fight had wrung me dry. Once I relaxed, hunger roared through me, like my stomach was hugging my spine. My plush costume was in tatters too. I hated to toss it—Ruyu made it by hand. I’d only worn it a day, and look at it now. Ugh… if I get the chance, I’ll mend it myself.
I chased those stray thoughts while I recovered, wishing someone would hand me a bite. I was starving here. Ugh.
Time slid by. Half a day vanished. The sky went from blue to a wash of orange. The sunset set the lake aflame. Alone on that wide mirror of water, I felt a quiet, bitter loneliness.
“Cough, cough…”
Just as I was getting sentimental, Jing dragged himself back into view. Well—“walked” was generous. He leaned on an icy-blue tachi as a crutch, limping, like a man missing a step and a fate.
“Pfft!”
I couldn’t help it. He looked ridiculous, nothing like the untouchable figure from before.
“You hit too hard, don’t you think? And you can still laugh?”
He shot me a glare, then tried to move a bit faster.
“Uh, sorry, sorry!”
He was right. I had no sense of restraint—Mikaret on the first layer, now Jing on the fourth… and this time was worse. In the moment, I only wanted a clean hit. Everything else vanished. I scratched my cheek and gave him an apologetic smile.
“Forget it…”
He stared at me for a few seconds, then sighed. “It’s not that bad. I lost, that’s all. When will you head to the fifth layer?”
“Uh, well…”
My gaze slid away. I twirled a lock of hair, embarrassed. “I’m exhausted and starving. Any chance you could let me rest somewhere…? I won’t freeload. I’ll cook and clean to repay you.”
“… ”
For some reason, his face flushed. He coughed twice. “In your current state, the fifth layer would be unwise. If you don’t mind humble quarters, come with me.”
“Mm-hm! Thank you so much!”
I followed Jing to his place.
A bit over ten minutes later, we reached a wooden cabin, set midway between the lake’s heart and edge.
“Because I live surrounded by water, most ingredients are fish. Please forgive the monotony.”
He pushed the door open and glanced back at me.
“It’s fine. I like fish.”
I waved it off and stepped in first. Huh. Neat and clean—no need for a sweep. My eyes slid to the kitchen. The long table held mostly fish and shellfish, with a few vegetables for color.
“Plenty of ingredients. Give me a moment.”
I smiled at Jing and hurried into the kitchen to start dinner. His face looked a little red again. What was up with him?
…
A little past eleven that night, I was full, my strength fully restored. Jing even lent me fresh clothes and a bath. I felt perfect—ready to hit the fifth layer anytime.
“You’ve cleared four layers in a row. You must be tired. Why not sleep here tonight and truly relax?” Jing sipped the tea I brewed and made the offer.
“Mm… you’re right. Then I’ll impose on you tonight.”
“…Don’t think of it that way. If anything, I should thank you. Tonight was the first time I’ve eaten something this delicious.”
“Heh. As long as you liked it.”
“…It’s late. Go to bed. Rest well and head to the fifth layer tomorrow.”
“Okay. I’ll turn in. Thanks for the lodging.”
“Don’t mention it. May you have pleasant dreams.”
“Good night.”
…
The night passed without incident. Morning came quickly.
A little after eight, with breakfast done, Jing opened the passage to the fifth layer for me.
“The passage is open. You can go now. Be careful. From the fifth layer on, the difficulty will keep climbing.”
“I’ll watch my step. Thanks for taking care of me. I’m off to the fifth. See you!”
I nodded to Jing and stepped toward the passage.
“Farewell. May your blade find fortune, and may you reach the ninth layer soon!”
“I’ll take that blessing.”
With that, I stepped fully into the passage to the fifth layer.
…
