175 The Slayer Grounds 6 (2/2)

He watched the stage where Xia Lian was standing, her lazy and carefree posture looked immensely pleasing to his eyes. He was looking forward as who was brave enough to challenge this monstrous kid and he managed to successfully choke on his wine on hearing the next challenger's voice.

” I challenge you to a fight, a fight for my freedom.”

Not only Huji, even Xia Lian raised her brows on hearing the voice. It was the voice of a woman, bold and confident. Xia Lian turned around and eyed the woman in black with a smile on her face. The woman was interesting, there were no hints of surrender on her face. But, Xia Lian felt that this attitude of hers will do no good to her.

” My lady, I promise to not treat you badly and no one will touch you. Following me is better than fighting here.” Xia Lian advised sincerely and she sighed at the sight of the cuts and bruises on her body ”We can stop the match before it's too late. You are in no condition to fight.”

” This young master, I thank you for saving me earlier. For me freedom is akin to life and there is no going back once I make a decision.” there was defiance written all over her face and her features turned sharp as she continued ” I would rather die than follow a man for the rest of my life!”

Xia Lian's smile froze and her frivolous attitude disappeared completely as she squinted her profound eyes at the woman who was standing proudly before her. Everyone watched the current developments with varying expressions, for the current scenario was one which was not seen everyday.

” She lost against me, but she wants to go against the kid. Such a hateful woman!” Huji exclaimed in a hateful voice which was laced with the tiniest speck of concern. Even a man like him was affected by her words ah! He was now looking forward for Xia Lian's response.

Looking at the stern expression on her visage, everyone assumed that Xia Lian was angry with the woman's outburst. Even the woman herself was berating herself for her extremely impatient character, the young man saved her but here she was acting all high and mighty before him. She was sorry for her outburst, but she had no second thoughts about withdrawing from the match. She valued her freedom and she was willing to pay the price for it.

But in reality, Xia Lian's thoughts are running at a speed of thousand miles per second. She was calm on the surface, but if one observes her closely her labored breathing and thumping heart gave away the cracks in her facade.

' There is no going back once I make a decision!'

' I would rather die than follow a man for the rest of my life!'

Those two seemingly arrogant yet proud declarations echoed in Xia Lian's mind endlessly...

Just when the crowd are about to die in anticipation, Xia Lian parted her thin lips ” Fine then! Sword fight, sparing, archery...” she paused for a while before stressing each word clearly ” or hand.to.hand.combat! Choice is yours!”