Even without using her full power, the ordinary ice wielded by Esdeath is simply inadequate to withstand the explosive heat unleashed by 'Jörmungandr'.
The clashes between the two become faster. The horizontal slash of 'Jörmungandr' collides with the ice moon, the terrifying aftershock pushes both of them half a step back.
The more Esdeath fights, the more excited she becomes, ready to continue.
However, Lin Yi quickly raises his hand to stop her.
"Hey, hey, hey... Stop it."
Lin Yi hastily exclaimed.
Hearing this, Esdeath sheathed her ice moon, gracefully moving in front of Lin Yi. She is tall, with eyes as clear as water, free of any impurities.
Esdeath in this posture looked extremely cool, every bit the queen.
She extended her fingers and lifted Lin Yi's chin.
This was the first time Lin Yi had ever been teased by a woman.
"Looking for trouble?"
Lin Yi said irritably.
Esdeath chuckled, not at all upset, and suddenly became gentle again, leaning into Lin Yi's embrace.
This sudden change took Lin Yi by surprise.
Esdeath is just like this; when she meets someone she genuinely likes or someone stronger than her, she becomes submissive. This is rooted in her deep belief in the survival of the fittest.
Lin Yi didn't push her away, instead choosing to enjoy the moment of warmth.
From a distance, the sound of hurried footsteps grew louder.
It was the Imperial City Guard rushing over.
However, as they just entered the forest, they saw a startling figure. They immediately stood at attention, respectfully saluting the icy blue figure.
"Greetings, General Esdeath!"
"We are from the Imperial City Guard, looking for the Night Raid."
"There's no one here you're looking for."
Esdeath's cold voice rang out.
Despite their suspicions, the young captain of the Imperial City Guard didn't dare to contradict her and promptly left after acknowledging.
"So, tell me now, how did you join the Night Raid?"
Once the Imperial City Guard left, Esdeath turned to Lin Yi, who was hiding behind her, to ask.
Lin Yi seemed a bit unserious, with his hand still around Esdeath's soft waist. The touch was smooth, perhaps due to her being the essence of a demon.
Even through the pale blue uniform, there was a cool and refreshing sensation to the touch.
Esdeath, uncharacteristically, blushed slightly.
"I'm asking you something serious."
Lin Yi shrugged, pulling Esdeath into his arms, and began to speak.
"Don't you think the current state of the Imperial City is overly decadent? Officials protect each other, the common people suffer, and there has long been widespread resentment."
"You've joined the Revolutionary Army?" Esdeath frowned. If that's the case, then Lin Yi would be her enemy.
She couldn't help but contemplate whether she should forcibly take Lin Yi back. Given her status and position, no one would dare blame Lin Yi.
Lin Yi shook his head. He joined the Night Raid to bond with its members, both for the girls and to control the Night Raid.
But he didn't care much about the revolutionary army.
"What does it matter? No matter how this country changes, as long as one controls the military, no one can turn the tides. It's fine as long as it doesn't affect me."
Esdeath is a smart woman. She clearly understands the current state of the country.
The reason she doesn't bother is because she doesn't really care.
As long as it doesn't affect her, it doesn't matter. What she needs is someone who can reliably provide her with a battlefield to satisfy her desires for slaughter and combat against the strong.
Clearly, the minister who controls the entire capital understands Esdeath's needs.
The two have a collaborative relationship.
But in Esdeath's eyes, this partner is not crucial. She can overthrow him at any time.
"But I do care."
Lin Yi doesn't need to explain much; he just needs to express his thoughts.
"Or rather, I don't like that fat pig."
"Then kick him out," Esdeath said nonchalantly, "and you can become the emperor."
"There's no need for that. I don't have the time. I just need you to manage this country for me," Lin Yi said with a slight smile.
The main reason for the country's decay is the minister, who has placed his relatives and confidants in key positions, monopolizing power.
The emperor of this country is just a child, with no real power.
As long as the minister falls, Lin Yi believes that with Esdeath's status and power, she can quickly reorganize the minister's forces and control the country.
If there's a regime change, it would be troublesome. There are still loyal ministers in this country. Purging all would waste Lin Yi's time.
"~ I'll listen to you."
Esdeath shifted her head, finding a comfortable position in Lin Yi's arms.
"But you need to be wary of the Imperial Arms in the minister's hands. It can..."
The Imperial Arms in the minister's possession has a unique function: it can temporarily disable other Teigu. It doesn't have any combat power in itself.
It's the nemesis of the Teigu wielders.
This power is tricky and also straightforward.
But for Lin Yi, it's not a problem. He has many powers, not just from the Imperial Arms, like the Ice Moon in Esdeath's possession.
"Don't waste our hard-earned time together on that fat pig," Lin Yi said with a sly smile.
"I won't lose this time," Esdeath retorted stubbornly.
The forest suddenly became silent.
The moon was high, and a reddish half-sun was rising on the horizon, with a burning red sky.
But after all, they were outdoors, and out of respect, they didn't go all the way.
Esdeath's face was slightly flushed as she lay softly in Lin Yi's arms, feeling as if all her strength had been drained. A truly magical 'power'.
If others saw her in such a vulnerable state, they would be shocked.
She's the iron-blooded general of the imperial relics, the strongest presence, the executioner who buried hundreds of thousands of northern tribes with her own hands.
Unfortunately, she only shows this side of her to Lin Yi.
Lin Yi also cherished the time he spent with her, and they whispered to each other.