She instantly sensed that the aura emanating from Ma Kun was completely different from before, as if a sleeping beast had suddenly awakened, carrying a chilling power.

A thought struck her, and she wondered what kind of change had occurred in Ma Kun.

Zhao Ziyi knew that she could not slack off at this moment. Without hesitation, she activated her internal energy, which surged through her meridians like a raging tide.

She attempted to use this powerful inner energy to deflect Ma Kun's sword and regain control of the situation.

But how could Ma Kun let her succeed so easily?

Suddenly, Ma Kun's sword aura erupted, his sword transforming into a bolt of lightning, carrying a sharp gust of wind, and clashed fiercely with Zhao Ziyi's sword.

With a clang, the crisp, piercing sound of metal clashing echoed through the silent air.

The two were each thrown back a few steps by the powerful impact, the snow under their feet crunching loudly, as if neither had gained the upper hand in this first encounter.

Zhao Ziyi was even more shocked, as she knew what the strength of the early Foundation Establishment stage meant.

The fact that Ma Kun blocked her sword strike alone demonstrates that he was indeed at the early stage of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

But she clearly remembered that just over two months ago, Ma Kun was merely an ordinary martial artist who had only just begun his cultivation journey.

Now, he has reached such a level in such a short time, how could she not be shocked and puzzled?

"Zhao Ziyi, you're nothing special! Now, it's your turn to take a few of my sword strikes."

Seeing that he had not suffered any losses in this first encounter, Ma Kun's confidence soared.