Nian Shi coughed, silver blood staining his chin. "...You actually hurt me." His voice was hoarse, but his lips twisted into a grin. "I haven't felt pain like this since... well, since I killed the Creator."
Yun Lintian wiped blood from his mouth, his golden-black eyes burning. "You talk too much."
Nian Shi laughed—a broken, wheezing sound. "Maybe. But tell me, Yun Lintian..." He gestured to their ruined bodies. "Was it worth it? Do you know that your display of power today will expose to my other selves?"
Yun Lintian didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
The God Slaying Sword in his grip pulsed, its dark edge humming with renewed hunger.
Nian Shi exhaled, silver blood dripping from his fingertips as he steadied himself. Despite his injuries, his smile remained razor-sharp.
"Although I have underestimated you, even now, after all this... you must feel it, don't you?" His silver eyes gleamed. "The gap between us."
