Ignoring the situation, Tang Yuxin erupted with the aura of a seventh-level Qi Condensation cultivator. She stepped forward and shouted, "Shut up!"
At that moment, she didn't care about Song Xueyao's cultivation level. She was determined to protect Horn from the painful memories that Song Xueyao's words were stirring up. Tang Yuxin knew that Song Xueyao's remarks were merely adding salt to Horn's wounds.
When she learned that Qin Tiance possessed the Infinite Purple Eyes, Tang Yuxin suspected that Horn's eyes had been transplanted into Qin Tiance. She had privately shared this with Wang Menglu to prevent any future mention of Qin Tiance and Song Ruoyan.
Song Xueyao sneered, "How dare a cultivator at the seventh level of Qi Condensation tell me to be quiet?" Her face darkened, and the aura of a mid-stage Sea Transformation cultivator surged from her.
"Horn, I've heard about you," Song Xueyao continued. "Not only have you reached the Innate Realm, but you've also ascended the seventh floor of the Seven-Color Immortal Tower. Now you're a so-called immortal. But so what? This so-called immortal talent is just an unfounded claim by the dean of the Immortal Martial Academy in the imperial capital. Who knows if it's true?"
"Do you regret helping my cousin remove the birthmark on her face?" Song Xueyao's hatred for Horn was evident. If Horn hadn't treated Song Ruoyan so well, she might have been engaged to Qin Tiance herself.
Horn replied coldly, "Now that you've delivered the invitation, you can leave."
Song Xueyao refused to leave, "If you hadn't treated Song Ruoyan so well back then, you might have married her and had a family by now. I remember how we had a brief romance, and you considered us close. Soon, she will be engaged to another man. Doesn't that make you uncomfortable?"
Tang Yuxin and Wang Menglu's faces showed disgust. Horn's impatience grew, and just as he was about to act, a sharp sound filled the air.
Lin Zixuan had slapped Song Xueyao, leaving a clear mark on her left cheek. The sting of the slap left Song Xueyao stunned for several seconds.
"Dean Lin, do you know what you're doing?" Song Xueyao demanded, her voice shaking with anger. "I'm from the Song family in the imperial capital, and you dare to strike me!"
Clenching her fists, Song Xueyao felt the oppressive aura from Lin Zixuan and dared not act recklessly.
Lin Zixuan's voice was cold and menacing. "If you dare speak again, I will take your head!"
Horn glanced at Lin Zixuan, puzzled by her intense reaction. He wondered if she had personal feelings for him.
Song Xueyao gritted her teeth, unable to leave without retaliating. She took out her phone and made a video call to Qin Tiance.
When Qin Tiance appeared on the screen, Song Xueyao immediately complained, "Tiance, Dean Lin from Linzhou Immortal Martial Academy not only slapped me but also threatened to kill me. She's defending this worthless Horn. I'm so scared right now!"
There was no trace of fear on her face. After leaving the Qin family's residence, she was confident that Lin Zixuan would not dare to act further.
Song Xueyao pointed the phone at Lin Zixuan. Qin Tiance, having met Lin Zixuan before, knew of her formidable background. However, as Song Xueyao was his woman, he was determined not to let her be humiliated, especially because of Horn.
"Dean Lin," Qin Tiance's voice was icy. "I merely asked Xueyao to deliver an invitation to Horn, and you responded with violence. Is this your way of behaving? I've learned a lot today."
Horn's gaze was fixed on the purple eyes of Qin Tiance on the screen—his own eyes. The painful memories of having his eyes gouged out resurfaced.
Lin Zixuan's eyes flashed with cold fury. Ignoring Qin Tiance, she looked at Song Xueyao with lethal intent. "Remember what I said: if you keep talking, I'll take your head! It seems you've ignored my warning. Today, next year will be your death anniversary!"
With that, she pointed her right index finger at Song Xueyao and declared, "Here comes the sword!"
A roar echoed through the villa as a silver-white sword soared into the night sky, cutting through the air toward Song Xueyao with terrifying speed. The sword's energy radiated menace.
Feeling the sword's overwhelming power, Song Xueyao's fear was palpable. She felt drained of all strength and unable to move. In her desperate moment, she shouted, "Tiance, tell her to stop!"
Qin Tiance's anger flared. "Dean Lin, you—"
Before he could finish, a swift "swish" sound interrupted him. The sword light flashed and severed Song Xueyao's head from her neck.
The head fell to the ground, blood gushing from the neck in a fountain. Song Xueyao's headless body stood stiffly, her right arm still holding her phone.
"Xueyao, are you okay?" Qin Tiance asked, his voice filled with concern.
As the camera had been directed at Lin Zixuan, he couldn't see the gruesome scene. The lack of response drove Qin Tiance's face to a dark, tearful expression. "Lin Zixuan, what have you done to Xueyao?"
Lin Zixuan sheathed her sword, the blood sliding down the blade and dripping from the tip. "I merely gave her a ride. I, Lin Zixuan, always keep my word. You can inform the Song family in the imperial capital that it was me, Lin Zixuan, who killed Song Xueyao. They can come for revenge whenever they wish."
Lin Zixuan's calm demeanor only intensified Qin Tiance's anger. "Lin Zixuan, you're so protective of this worthless Horn. It seems you have a close relationship with him! Don't forget, you have a jealous fiancé. If he knew how protective you are of this trash, he might take action."
Lin Zixuan frowned. "What are you trying to say?"
"There's only a marriage contract between me and him. Beyond that, I have no other relationship with him," Lin Zixuan responded.
Qin Tiance sneered. "Don't deceive yourself. Your background means you can't decide your marriage freely. I'm sure you'll regret what you did today."
He glanced at Horn and added, "Trash, if you manage to survive until six months from now, you're welcome to attend my engagement with Ruoyan. But it seems your chances of surviving that long are slim!"
Suddenly, Qin Tiance's voice cut off. Lin Zixuan waved her sword, slicing through the mobile phone in the headless corpse's hand.
"Alarmist!" Lin Zixuan said coldly.