Even after fusing with his King-Rank Martial Soul, William Nangong's true qi was barely depleted, but his mental energy was almost entirely drained.
He could clearly see Ian Song's lightning-fast attacks and knew exactly how to dodge, but his body lagged just a beat behind.
When masters clash, it's all about that split-second difference.
Because his body was a beat too slow, William Nangong took the hit—over thirty sword wounds, each drawing blood, leaving him drenched from head to toe.
"Trash! You can't even block a single move from me!"
Ian Song sheathed his sword and stood tall, looking at William Nangong with utter disdain.
Hearing such humiliating words, William Nangong was furious. If his mental energy hadn't been so badly depleted, how could he have failed to dodge?
But now, he could only suffer in silence.
"This time, I won't kill you. But if you ever insult Snow Yue again, I'll take your head!"
With that, Ian Song turned and left, not sparing William Nangong another glance.
William Nangong forced himself to stand, his face twisted with rage. His eyes burned with hatred and venom as he roared inwardly: "Leon Huang, one day you’ll pay the price!"
Someone, take Young Master Nangong down for treatment!
Raymond Lei ordered in a deep voice. Soon, attendants came to help William Nangong away. Watching his blood-soaked figure depart, Raymond Lei’s brow furrowed deeply.
"Are you worrying about Leon Huang?" Madam Lei asked softly.
"Yes." Raymond Lei sighed and nodded. "Councilor Chase only recently joined the Council and her foundation is still weak, but Councilor Newman’s roots run deep. William Nangong is his most beloved disciple—if he teams up with Councilor Chase, Leon Huang will be in real danger."
Madam Lei nodded in agreement. "If I’d known it would turn out like this, I never should have tried to match Leon Huang and Snow Yue—then this wouldn’t have happened…"
Meanwhile—
Ian Song had only just returned to his courtyard when Snow Yue arrived right behind him.
"Leon Huang, this whole thing is my fault—I dragged you into it. I’m sorry." Snow Yue said, her face full of guilt. Now that Ian Song had injured William Nangong, if Councilor Newman decided to pursue it, Ian’s situation would become extremely dangerous.
Seeing her like this, Ian Song’s heart stirred. He deliberately darkened his expression: "Is a single sorry all I get?"
"Then what do you want?" Snow Yue asked nervously.
I made such a big sacrifice for you—at the very least, you owe me a kiss!" Ian Song said with a mischievous grin.
Hearing this, Snow Yue’s face flushed. She glanced shyly at Ian Song. "Close your eyes."
Ian Song was stunned. He’d only meant to tease Snow Yue—he hadn’t expected her to actually agree to his shameless demand.
Still, only a fool would pass up a free benefit. He quickly closed his eyes.
Even with his eyes closed, he could sense Snow Yue moving closer, her breath coming quick and nervous.
Suddenly, Ian Song felt a gentle warmth on his cheek—Snow Yue’s soft, fragrant lips pressed to his right cheek.
"Leon, I brought you some tea."
A sudden voice rang out.
"Ah!"
With a startled cry, Snow Yue stumbled backward, then turned and fled out of the courtyard.
Ian Song shot a plaintive look at Lynn Ning, who stood nearby. "Lynn, you ruined your big brother’s good moment. So, what are you going to do about it?"
Lynn Ning handed Ian Song the tea, apologizing: "Leon, I really didn’t mean to interrupt. Please don’t be mad, okay?"
"What do you think?" Ian Song kept teasing her, deliberately putting on a stern face.
Lynn Ning panicked, thinking Ian Song was really angry. "Leon, I promise—I didn’t mean it! How about I make it up to you?"
"How will you make it up to me?" Ian Song blurted out.
As soon as he said it, Ian realized their conversation had taken on a flirtatious tone.
"Fine! I’ll kiss you too!" Lynn Ning said, sounding aggrieved, though a sly glint flickered in her eyes.
"Just one? That’s not enough—at least two." Ian Song joked.
Lynn Ning looked up shyly. "Then you have to close your eyes too."
"Close my eyes?" Ian Song realized Lynn Ning’s interruption might have been intentional. When did she get so clever?
"Hurry, Leon! Close your eyes, or I’ll change my mind!" Lynn Ning stamped her foot, her tone playfully spoiled, not realizing Ian had already seen through her little trick.
"Alright, go ahead!"
Ian Song smiled and nodded, then closed his eyes.
Lynn Ning’s heart raced, looking at Ian Song’s handsome face. She hesitated—should she kiss his cheek or his lips?
"Are you done yet, Lynn? Or I’ll open my eyes!" Ian Song urged impatiently.
"Don’t rush, Leon. I’m getting ready." Lynn Ning replied, flustered.
Steeling herself, Lynn Ning pressed her lips to Ian Song’s.
Feeling the soft lips on his mouth, Ian Song was stunned. Lynn Ning’s eyes were tightly shut, her face full of nervous tension.
But gazing at her beautiful face so close, Ian Song felt his heart skip a beat.
After a long moment, Lynn Ning’s cheeks burned red. Still shy, she kept her eyes closed, but her eyelids trembled—her heart was anything but calm.
"Lynn, someone’s coming—quick, get up!" Ian Song whispered.
Ian Song nipped her delicate earlobe.
"Ah!"
Lynn Ning struggled to get up, but Ian Song’s playful bite sent a jolt through her—she collapsed back into his arms.
No rush, they’re still a ways off.
Ian Song spoke as he helped Lynn Ning to her feet.
"Leon, you’re so bad!" Lynn Ning pouted.
She shot Ian Song a glare, then hurried inside.
Just as Lynn Ning entered the house, footsteps approached—the door opened, and Jason Song, Shawn Tu, Hannah Han, and Tyson Xiong walked in.
"Commander, sorry for visiting so late!" Jason Song said with a smile.
Not at all—please, have a seat!
As soon as everyone sat down, Lynn Ning brought out four cups of tea, her cheeks still tinged with blush and her steps a little unsteady.