The spinal energy of the Tiger Soul Saber surged, and the phantom of a roaring tiger manifested around Qin Shou, howling towards the heavens.

Faced with Qin Shou's provocation, a trace of curiosity flickered across Lin Ke's enchanting gaze.

"A saber resembling amber, with what seems to be a spine moving within—are you the Heaven and Earth Alliance Leader who has recently ambushed several sects and stirred up trouble without cause?" she asked.

Qin Shou chuckled, "So Senior Sister has heard of me; well, that makes it convenient."

"Ang..."

Pointing the long saber diagonally at his opponent, Qin Shou grinned, "Your sword shall be my sword. Hand over your weapon, and I'll spare your insignificant life!"

Repeated provocations failed to anger Lin Ke; instead, her cold and aloof expression softened with a hint of amusement.

"Interesting, interesting. Rumor has it that this saber can amplify your Primordial Energy and freely morph into Devil Beast forms. Seeing it today, I must contend with you for supremacy..."

As her words trailed off, Lin Ke's smile vanished, and her visage turned icy cold again.

"Ting!!"

With a flick of her sword finger, a slight tremor ran through the Storage Jade on her waist, and a brilliant snow-white sword light shot skyward.

"Boom..."

The sword light pierced the heavens, and a swirling white storm enveloped the surroundings. The icy frost rapidly spread across thousands of meters' worth of forests and mountains, transforming the springtime landscape into a frozen world.

As the cold surged forth, Qin Shou swung his saber, creating a golden Sword Energy air shield to repel the frost's invasion.

Staring at Lin Ke blanketed by the snow-white Sword Qi, Qin Shou pouted.

What a miscalculation—my entrance effects have been utterly crushed.

Come on, can someone figure out who the protagonist here is supposed to be?

"Ting..."

Suddenly, the sky-full of white frost solidified, coalescing into a nearly transparent Qiu Shui Long Sword in Lin Ke's hand.

Upon closer inspection, the transparent sword bore golden archaic patterns, imperceptible to the naked eye, yet exuding a unique allure at every moment.

"Its name is Frost Wind and Dew," Lin Ke softly caressed the sword's body, her eyes filled with tenderness.

Qin Shou's gaze grew dazed; he found himself longing to approach the sword, yet felt an inexplicable reverence, as though it could be admired from afar but not desecrated.

"Ang..."

The Tiger Soul Saber quivered slightly, snapping Qin Shou back to his senses; his expression grew solemn.

This sword possessed spiritual control power, making it one of the most formidable Spiritual Artifacts on the Heavenly Artifact Continent.

Moreover, the Sword Sect's Senior Sister's strength was by no means inferior to his—possibly even surpassing him slightly.

After all, on the Heavenly Artifact Continent, Qin Shou couldn't fully disguise himself without summoning Beast Cultivation or transforming into giant form.

Lin Ke's eyes reflected a trace of admiration as she watched Qin Shou recover lucidity so swiftly.

"Not bad. You are indeed worthy to be my opponent."

Qin Shou scratched his head. Wasn't that kind of line typically spoken by protagonists?

But then again, some insignificant side roles loved flaunting too—it wouldn't bother him.

"Crack crack crack..."

As the frosty energy solidified even further across the vast earth, Qin Shou decided to waste no more time on words.

"Sword Sect Senior Sister, prepare yourself!"

"Ang!!"

Gripping the saber with both hands, Qin Shou unleashed an overhead strike, generating a dazzling hundred-meter-long Sword Energy. The tiger's roar shattered the pervasive frost, while a fierce tiger phantom sprang forth, surging directly toward Lin Ke.

Lin Ke's expression remained calm as she lightly waved her long sword, causing several snow-white sword flowers to bloom silently in the Void.

Sword Lotus Technique!

"Ting..."

As the snow lotuses blossomed, they filled half the sky. All the frost energy within thousands of meters converged upon the lotuses. At the precise moment the tiger phantom, carrying hundred-meter-long Sword Energy, collided with them, the Void shuddered briefly; the snow lotuses shattered instantly, unleashing an explosion of snow-white Sword Qi that engulfed the Sword Energy in an instant.

Seeing this, Qin Shou thought to himself, "This woman's combat strength far exceeds what she demonstrated during the mirage battle. I mustn't underestimate her in this fight."

Although he respected her prowess tactically, he harbored absolute strategical confidence over his opponent.

He sneered, "Ha! Fancy tricks—let me show you how I'll break your Sword Lotus!"

"Sizzle sizzle sizzle..."

In that instant, the frost beneath Qin Shou's feet shattered. Dragging the saber along the ground, its blade scraped against the icy surface, producing shrill noises. In the blink of an eye, he charged forward and leapt into the storm of snow-white Sword Qi.

"Ang..."

The tiger roared towards the sky as scorching flames erupted amidst the endless frost, transforming into a blazing sun that rapidly melted the ice. The snow-white Sword Qi dissipated completely.

Wrapped in flames and levitating midair, Qin Shou saw the spinal energy within the Tiger Soul Saber transform entirely into crimson, rushing and weaving wildly within.

Lin Ke gazed at him, her eyes filled with astonishment: "That move was impressive—what do you call it?"

Qin Shou's form flickered briefly; the next second, he was already beside Lin Ke with saber in hand.

"This move is called Snow Brave Blade Walk!"

"Clang!!"

The transparent sword collided with the blade of the Tiger Soul Saber, releasing starkly contrasting energies. Ice and fire clashed, surging high into the skies. Lin Ke's movement remained graceful as she stepped onto the Void, ascending effortlessly.

"You just made up that name on the spot, didn't you?" Lin Ke shook her head.

"No, it's genuine. I never lie in my entire life," Qin Shou declared.

He hurled the Tiger Soul Saber forth, causing its flames to explode in size. A three-zhang saber-toothed tiger unfurled its wings and charged with a ferocious roar.

"Is that so? Why don't I believe you?"

Lin Ke's delicate brows framed a picturesque face as she released her transparent sword.

"Ting!!"

Like flowing Qiu Shui water, the transparent sword streaked across the Void. Guided by Lin Ke's sword gestures, it darted and weaved around the massive tiger, occasionally colliding with its claws, producing dazzling arcs of sparks.

As the two continued their duel, they maintained a peculiar exchange of banter.

In truth, Qin Shou was deeply shocked—Lin Ke's spiritual power was so immense that she could effortlessly control her sword to battle the Tiger Soul Saber to a draw. Her status within the Sword Sect must be far beyond that of a simple Senior Sister.

On Earth, those with extensive spiritual power possessed qualifications to ascend into the Demigod Realm.

On Heavenly Artifact Continent, it was the same—powerful spiritual energy dramatically increased one's chances of becoming a Holy Artifact Master, a goal far beyond the reach of ordinary Spiritual Artifact Masters.

And in this realm, potent spiritual energy was referred to as—Intent!

Sword Intent!

"Boom..."

With a beckoning motion of her hand, Lin Ke summoned her sword and the Tiger Soul Saber back into her palm after their clash. They flew apart, landing precisely in her grasp.

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