"He Lianying, this princess has always wanted to fight you. Let's see if you have what it takes to make this princess go with you," Ning Shu said with a cold laugh. "Have your subordinates stand down, and let's duel."
Ning Shu knew this fight was inevitable—not just to keep the soldiers' morale intact, but also to conquer the fear this body harbored toward He Lianying. Just the sight of him was enough to make it tremble.
She gritted her teeth. She had to prove to herself that He Lianying wasn't invincible. This wasn't going to be their last battle, and she couldn't face him every time shaking like a leaf.
Ning Shu ran her hand over the whip at her waist and declared firmly, "Let's fight."
He Lianying's gaze softened into something almost indulgent, like he was watching a pet misbehaving. It annoyed Ning Shu to no end.
"As you wish," he said smoothly, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "But does this mean you'll come with this prince if you lose? I'm very interested in you."
Ning Shu didn't bother answering. With a shout, she drove her horse forward and swung her whip with all her might. He dodged it effortlessly, leaning back with a smirk.
Her body was still trembling, but she forced herself to keep attacking.
He Lianying had planned to toy with her, but he quickly realized she wasn't holding back. Her strikes were relentless and sharp. Realizing she was serious, he drew his broadsword, blocking her whip with a heavy clang.
On the sidelines, Duan Xinghui stood rigid, his eyes glued to Ning Shu as he pressed his lips into a worried line.
When he saw the way He Lianying's gaze lingered on Princess Jiahui, something in his chest twisted uncomfortably.
He Lianying laughed, his voice low and dangerously smooth. With a quick move, he caught her whip on his blade and tugged, causing Ning Shu to lurch forward toward him.
Ning Shu's heart sank. She flinched at the sensation of his hand gripping her waist—it felt revolting, like a slimy caterpillar crawling on her skin.
"Let go of this princess," she said icily, her tone sharp.
He Lianying's eyes sparkled with intrigue. Her cold glare reminded him of a snow lotus blooming on a frosty mountain—icy, untouchable, and breathtaking.
"Naughty little wildcat," he murmured, tightening his grip on her waist.
Is he trying to disgust me to death? Ning Shu thought furiously. This bastard was the biggest obstacle in her path to completing her mission.
"You damned Tartar! Release Princess Jiahui!" Duan Xinghui's voice rang out, filled with fury and desperation.
He Lianying ignored him entirely, his focus remaining on Ning Shu.
Ning Shu's expression didn't waver. She gave him a cold smile before raising her leg to kick him in his most vulnerable spot.
But He Lianying was faster. He clamped her leg between his thighs, immobilizing her. Leaning closer, he studied her face, delighting in the mix of anger and humiliation flickering in her eyes.
Rage boiled inside Ning Shu. Men are granted strength by the heavens, and this is how they use it? Against women?
Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself of the Unsurpassable Martial Arts she had trained in. With a sharp motion, she shifted her body, lifting her knee for one decisive strike aimed squarely at He Lianying's weak spot…