The masked figure lunged straight for her chest, blade raised. Liora's body froze in shock but Jianyu was faster.
With a flick of his sleeve, a dagger spun from his hand, intercepting the attacker mid-strike. Steel clashed with a shriek, sparks scattering across the floor. The assassin staggered back, only to find Jianyu already moving, his sword drawn in a blur of silver.
The room seemed to explode with killing intent.
Liora stumbled against the wall, heart pounding. She had never seen him fight up close like this. He was merciless, precise, every movement a dance of death.
The assassin tried to retreat, but Jianyu's blade cut off every escape.
"You dare," Jianyu hissed voice like a blade itself, "step foot in my sect to harm her?
The assassin lunged again, desperate but it was already over. Jianyu sidestepped, his sword flashing once twice and the masked man fell to the floor, lifeless, blood soaking into the wood.
Silence.
