As the sword light from the "Nine Heavens Divine Sword" slashed toward him with a cold, gleaming edge, Qin Ren acted swiftly. He tossed his fire starter towards the approaching threat, grabbing his clothes by the bedside with lightning speed, and, without a moment to spare, dashed toward the door.
The sword's lethal path was just inches away from his throat, but with his exceptional lightness skill, Qin Ren managed to defy gravity itself, moving faster than the sword's deadly strike. His body, as light as a feather, darted backward with a speed that seemed impossible, narrowly avoiding the cutting edge. The powerful sword aura, instead of harming him, actually helped him gain speed as it pushed him away.
With a sudden crash, he collided with the balcony door. Despite the violent impact, Qin Ren's momentum did not slow; instead, his internal strength surged forward, smashing through the wooden door and sending him flying onto the balcony.
Relentless, Lian Zhou Lu'er pursued him, her sword glowing like a streak of white lightning, targeting his throat with pinpoint accuracy. But Qin Ren was already in the air, using the balcony to pivot and change direction, evading her strike by inches.
Lian Zhou Lu'er's swordsmanship was formidable, and her lightness skill nearly matched Qin Ren's, but after missing, she quickly adjusted, jumping off the balcony and continuing her pursuit through the night sky.
Qin Ren dared not turn his head; every second counted. If he slowed even for a moment, he would become an easy target. While Lian Zhou Lu'er's pursuit was relentless, she was struggling to catch up to him, and at that moment, Qin Ren realized just how closely matched their skills were.
The two figures danced across the night, like two immortal beings gliding through the sky, leaping from rooftops, walls, and trees with grace and agility. Their clothes fluttered behind them like banners, and their hair streamed out in the wind, shining like a thousand stars in the moonlight.
Despite the beauty of their movements, Qin Ren couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. He was still in his birthday suit, which, while no doubt a unique touch, did detract from the overall aesthetic of their chase.
With a wry grin, he shouted to his pursuer, "Barefoot and flying through the night, it's practically an art form!"
His naked form was a sight to behold under the moonlight, his body flying and twisting in the air as he dodged Lian Zhou Lu'er's graceful yet deadly pursuit.
"Lian Zhou Lu'er, can't you see I'm just showing off a bit? As a woman, you should be a little more understanding! How could you keep your eyes glued to my body like that?" Qin Ren called out, half-joking, half-serious.
"You vile rogue," she hissed, her voice cold as ice. "You're nothing but a corpse in my eyes. What does it matter if I glance at your body?"
Qin Ren's response came quickly, "Well, I haven't done anything to you! Why are you so angry? Wait... are you upset because I haven't done anything?"
Lian Zhou Lu'er's speed increased as her anger flared, her sword crackling with power. "You dare mock me? You've dishonored my cousin, and for that, you must pay!"
Qin Ren laughed nervously. "I didn't even know that was your cousin lying there! I came to find you, not her!"
The chase continued, each leap and twist more daring than the last. Even as the two exchanged taunts, a figure on the ground was quietly enjoying the spectacle.
It was Qin Feng, watching from the shadows of the attic. He was doubled over in laughter, thoroughly entertained by the sight of his younger brother being chased across the night sky, naked as the day he was born.
"I can't believe it," Qin Feng chuckled to himself. "Old three, you really know how to get into trouble. You're up there showing off while I'm down here freezing my butt off!"
However, things were about to change. Qin Ren, realizing that his brother might be able to help, shouted up toward the attic, "Big Brother, get a move on! I'm about to be caught!"
Qin Feng could no longer pretend not to hear. With a resigned sigh, he stopped laughing, his face darkening as he drew his sword, the "Slanted Moon Seven Stars Sword," from beneath his cloak. The sword gleamed with an ethereal glow as he soared into the sky, directing a powerful strike at Lian Zhou Lu'er.
Lian Zhou Lu'er was caught off guard, her attention still fixed on Qin Ren, and she barely managed to block the strike. The two swords clashed with a resounding crash, and the force of the blow sent Lian Zhou Lu'er tumbling backward, knocked off course.
Qin Ren took the opportunity, laughing loudly as he pursued her. "So, you think you can catch me? Well, looks like you've got some competition now!"
As Lian Zhou Lu'er regained her footing, Qin Ren hurled a small pouch toward her, releasing a cloud of powder into the air. The powder, an experimental concoction called "One Thousand Miles of Fragrance," filled the air and drifted into her lungs. Lian Zhou Lu'er gasped, her senses immediately clouded by the sweet, irresistible scent.
Her body began to heat up, and her strength faltered as the potent effects of the powder took hold. She fell from the sky, her limbs weak and unresponsive.
Qin Ren quickly dove toward her, catching her midair and spinning downward, her limp body cradled in his arms. His heart pounded with excitement, even as his mind raced, aware that this was yet another twist in his wild adventure.