The Wuming Sword, dyed in a frenzy of crimson energy, pierced through Anming's chest—its usual deep violet now shifting into an eerie gradient of purple-red. Fu Xuan's amethyst eyes, too, were tinged with a bloodthirsty scarlet. In Anming's mind, the battle cry of a certain infamous "mad dog" from the trenches of history seemed to echo:
"Absolute madness—!"
To say Fu Xuan was strong now would be an understatement. She was so overpowered that Anming half-wondered if this was some pre-release buff for an upcoming "Mara-Struck Diviner" skin.
The moment their blades crossed, a torrential wave of blood-red sword energy sent SAM skidding back dozens of meters—a single strike from this tiny diviner had forced the towering mech into retreat.
Even Firefly, watching from the screen, blinked in shock. Since when was Fu Xuan this strong? Had she been holding back during their last encounter?
If not for Firefly's voice provoking her, Fu Xuan might never have revealed this power. Technically, Firefly just helped uncover a hidden boss phase.
The clash of blades became a storm. Fu Xuan's twin swords rained down strikes faster than thought, each slash releasing crescent waves of energy that shook the underground corridor. Cracks spiderwebbed across the ceiling as rubble began to rain down.
Anming, ever the gentleman, couldn't bring himself to hurt his "peach-blossom delicate" Xuan'er. But SAM had no such reservations.
A second-stage Blood Rampage activated, pushing the mech into Overlimit Mode. Azure gave way to violent crimson as the twin swords merged into a single, massive blade wreathed in explosive flames—forcing Fu Xuan back.
Aboveground, Changliang District
"Esteemed guests, this is Everlasting Joy Plaza, one of the Luofu's commercial hubs—completely safe, with zero risk of Abundance abominations intruding—"
Before Tingyun could finish, a violent tremor rocked the ground beneath them. Stelle immediately dropped the trash can she'd been eyeing, warily glancing around.
"Miss Tingyun... are we sure the Luofu is 'safe'?"
She had PTSD now. Was the universe conspiring to drop disasters wherever the Express parked?
Qingque, however, frowned. That tremor came from the Divination Commission's direction. Beneath it lay a secret array Fu Xuan had always kept off-limits.
"Could the Grandmaster and Lady Fu Xuan be... 'shaking the array'?"
Something felt wrong. Patting March 7th's shoulder, Qingque grinned. "Gotta file a report. Text you later!"
Before March could reply, Qingque was already sprinting toward the Commission—just as a pillar of bloody light erupted from its foundations, blasting through the floor to reveal the hidden battlefield below.
Underground Battlefield
Fu Xuan bit her lip. She hadn't planned to reveal her full strength so soon, but that woman's voice had shattered her restraint.
Why? Her emotions were supposed to be sealed. Yet her heart raged like a storm.
A hundred exchanges passed in a minute. Fu Xuan's pristine robes were now disheveled, her breath uneven, cheeks flushed—a mix of exhaustion and stubborn defiance.
"You... truly won't hold back?" she panted.
Then, in a flash, SAM dissolved. Anming couldn't risk Firefly "helping" again—he was the one who'd get stabbed!
"Xuan'er."
His voice softened as he reached out tenderly.
Fool! Fu Xuan's left hand secretly gripped Wuming behind her back—until Anming's "gentle" gesture abruptly turned into a tackle, pinning her to the ground.
Sigma Male Rule #1: Never fall for the same trap twice.
"Nice try, little fox. You think I'd get fooled again?"
"Y-You—scoundrel!"
Fu Xuan thrashed like an angry kitten, her kicks landing precisely where it hurt most. Anming grimaced but held firm, locking her wrists against the floor.
Who taught her to aim there?! This was spousal homicide!
Trapped beneath him, Fu Xuan could only glare—until Anming closed the distance, capturing her lips in a searing kiss.
Their eyes locked, noses brushing. Fu Xuan searched his gaze for any trace of deception... but found only Anming. The real him.
Her struggles weakened. The "sealed emotions" she'd prided herself on now overflowed like a shattered dam. The Mara's grip faltered; her clenched fists slowly uncurled, fingers tangling in his sleeves instead.
By the time Anming pulled away, Fu Xuan was breathless, her face crimson.
"Anming... you scoundrel!"
Her "furious" glare, in Anming's eyes, was adorable.
...Wait. Was this another trap?
After two near-death experiences, Anming wasn't taking chances. He kept her pinned, ignoring the metallic taste on his lips—she'd bitten him.
Fu Xuan smirked, triumphant. "Assaulting the Grand Diviner? This is your karma."
"What law says a husband can't kiss his wife?"
"Sophistry."
"Then... you want more?"
"Idiot Anming!"
She turned her face away, ears burning.