Zhou Jiuyu wasn’t the only one feeling irritated.

Nan Mengling was just as annoyed.

“Fine, we’re on the run,” she thought bitterly. “Just when Young Master finally grew bold enough to… indulge a little more intensely with me… those damn pests had to show up and ruin everything!”

They’d barely settled into the moment—things were just heating up!

“Let’s go. Move fast,” Zhou Jiuyu said, fastening the top button of his collar before pushing open the hotel room door. “We’ll settle accounts one by one. Remember: this master-level swordsmanship you wield is temporary. Once my Spirit Energy runs dry, you’ll revert to your original skill.”

They’d been fleeing farther from Sword God Mountain with every step. Assassins kept leaping from shadows—hunting Zhou Jiuyu’s life, hunting Nan Mengling’s body. Now the Sanctum, Patrol Division, and Sword God Mountain had all committed serious forces. No peaceful night’s sleep. Every refuge meant scurrying through sewers like rats. No rest. No training. No chance at all.

So why run anymore?

Blow them all to hell!

Sanctum? Patrol Division? Sword God Mountain? I’ll slaughter every last one of you. None of you live.

Stepping onto the street, Zhou Jiuyu saw utter silence—no living soul in sight. But he knew: every corner, every shadow hid Sanctum and Patrol Division agents. His Spirit Energy drained rapidly, yet time should still suffice.

“Go all out, Mengling. Kill freely.”

“No need to say it, Young Master. I already will.”

White Moon slid slowly from its sheath in Nan Mengling’s hand. A monochrome energy sea silently expanded, blanketing ten thousand meters. Every enemy breath became unmistakable within her domain.

She stepped fully onto the street.

WHOOSH—!

A hail of gunfire erupted. Wind, fire, lightning, elemental fury surged toward her.

At the street’s end, two figures appeared: the Sanctum’s Third Elder in black robes, and a Ninth Tier Patrol Division expert in shirt and slacks. They strolled leisurely to the opposite side.

The Third Elder smiled gently. “Miss Nan, you see the scale: two Ninth Tier experts, this inescapable net, nearly ten thousand troops waiting beyond the city… Cooperating with this old man is your wisest choice.” His tone was calm, factual.

This ambush dwarfed any she’d faced. Even City No. 2’s mayor would likely surrender under such pressure—death felt inevitable the moment you saw the setup.

But Nan Mengling gave no reply. Her delicate face stayed cold, eyes burning with resentment and killing intent.

She dissolved into airflow, effortlessly evading bullets and elemental barrages.

The Patrol Division expert chuckled low. “Third Elder, our fugitive still doesn’t grasp her situation.”

The Elder sighed with a faint smile. “Such a lovely girl… I hesitate to strike. You lead; I’ll support.”

“Lazy, more like. But fine. No difference.” He shrugged.

Sensing Nan Mengling’s Spirit Energy shift, lightning crackled in his palms—a fluorescent blue spear forming. The moment she reappeared, it would strike.

The Third Elder tapped his cane. Fiery orbs bloomed around him, each blazing like a miniature sun, each packing missile-level devastation.

Beneath helmets, soldiers smirked. Comms channels buzzed:

“Lightning and fire—peak Ninth Tier aggression. She’s got zero chance.”

“I feared dying capturing a Ninth Tier… Turns out it’s a milk run. Solid.”

“Shame though—Nan Mengling’s stunning. Pity she’ll become Sword God Mountain’s plaything.”

“Not necessarily,” a Seventh Tier voice chimed privately. “Secret: the Sword God’s tastes run… eclectic. Why’d she flee? Her master hired over a dozen men to ‘train’ her. I know channels… Maybe later, we share a drink and… enjoy this lofty Ninth Tier sword fairy.”

“Whoa—count me in, bro!”

“…”

They were already popping imaginary champagne, dividing spoils in their heads. Two Ninth Tier experts meant victory was sealed.

Then—BOOM!

Lightning spear and fireballs detonated. Streets and buildings vaporized.

But the screams didn’t come from Nan Mengling.

The Patrol Division commander stared wide-eyed as his spear and the Elder’s orbs were cleanly sliced apart by a sword aura wreathed in monochrome energy.

Against violent elemental fury, Nan Mengling’s move was simple:

Draw. Raise. Slash.

They’d dismissed it as stubborn resistance—meaningless.

Yet the blade cleaved through their power like paper.

Effortlessly.

WHOOSH—!

A sharp roar filled the air.

Both men’s pupils shrank. “How… is this possible?”

They reacted fast—one blazing into fire, the other crackling into lightning—barely dodging.

But the sword aura kept flying. Straight for the troops behind them.

“Wait—something’s wrong!”

“Shit! DUCK!”

Shouts cut off mid-channel.

Heads flew. Clean. Silent.

Smirks frozen on faces that moments ago joked about signing up for the “Sword Inquiry Conference” and… certain positions. Now rolling in blood.

The Third Elder reappeared, face pale.

“No… She’s not just Ninth Tier in ability… Her swordsmanship is master-level. I’ve seen this style—it’s the Sword God’s! This sword intent… rivals his!”

“What?! This wasn’t the deal!” Panic erased the commander’s calm.

Ninth Tier ability plus master swordsmanship wasn’t 1+1—it was exponential.

That’s why he was *Sword God*.

One Ninth Tier could shatter a city. A dual “Ninth Tier”? Shake the world.

“What the hell do we do now?!” the commander rasped.

Before words formed, Nan Mengling stood before them—expressionless. No ambush needed. Frontal assault alone would crush them.

“You enjoyed hunting us? Then keep chasing. Why retreat?”

Her pupils reflected the sword’s icy gleam. Her voice held no tone—only frost.

Winds swirled violently around her. Chills crawled up their spines.

A fear they hadn’t felt since ascending to Ninth Tier now flooded their veins.