Hu Tao raised an eyebrow slightly, retracted her spear, and quickly retreated, shifting her gaze to Ying with a hint of surprise.
"This girl actually has some substance to her. My full-power strike only shattered a bit of her ice."
Xingqiu, standing nearby, nodded in agreement.
"To be able to block Hu Tao's attack in such a short time, I must admit I couldn't do that."
Knowing the opponent's general strength beforehand, Ying showed no surprise, responding with a calm expression.
"That's right. Although that ugly woman is quite annoying, if it were one-on-one, none of you would be her match."
"However... since I called you here, I never intended to give her the chance for a one-on-one."
Saying this, Ying looked at the newly unshielded Signora with a playful smile and said,
"I'm no righteous fool, so I won't do something as foolish as the Calabash brothers trying to rescue their grandfather. Coincidentally, this ugly lady previously teamed up with another shameless fellow and gave me an unforgettable time. So, of course, I must reciprocate, giving her the gift of ten in return for one."
"Three cobblers are better than one Zhuge Liang, and we are far from cobblers, while she, Signora, is no Zhuge Liang either, at best she's just the outhouse of Zhuge Liang's house."
"You!!"
Ying's words instantly ignited Signora's fury. She felt a twitch in her cheek, her forehead veins bulging, and she roared coldly,
"Congratulations, you have successfully angered me. As a reward, I will ensure that not a single one of you sees the sun rise tomorrow!!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Signora vanished from her spot. When she reappeared, she was less than two meters away from Hu Tao.
*Trouble!*
Hu Tao inwardly cursed her misfortune and quickly tried to block the attack. However, Signora's assault was even faster. In less than a second, the ice blade condensed in her hand would have sliced through Hu Tao's throat.
"Bang!"
However, just as Signora's attack was about to land, a cute cat-shaped shield suddenly materialized around Hu Tao, blocking the fatal blow.
*What?!*
Signora was greatly surprised. Before she could react, several projectiles infused with Cryo energy were sent hurtling towards her.
Seeing this, Signora had to change her plan. She swept her hand forward, and a blast of icy air erupted from behind her, neutralizing the incoming energy.
After dispelling the attack, Signora immediately lunged at Hu Tao, increasing her strength to cleave her and the shield in half.
"Hmph..."
With the brief respite, Hu Tao was no longer caught off guard and simply retreated, putting distance between herself and the woman before her.
Signora intended to pursue, but Noelle, who had been waiting, was not about to let her. She raised her greatsword and met the attack head-on.
[CRASH!]
The moment their weapons collided, a piercing sound erupted.
Signora didn't take the maid before her seriously and immediately increased her strength, intending to split Noelle's weapon and her along with it.
Seeing Signora's intention, Ying couldn't help but chuckle.
*The thought is indeed beautiful. With Signora's strength, if she were facing Hu Tao or Xingqiu, it might actually be possible.*
*Unfortunately, she is not facing those two now, but Noelle, who possesses unparalleled brute strength.*
After a brief struggle, Signora realized she was completely unable to overpower the maid. Every time she increased her strength, the other party would, in the next second, exert even greater force. She was already using her full power, yet the other party gave her the impression of only exerting a meager effort.
The reality was indeed as Signora suspected. Upon seeing Xingqiu and Hu Tao in position, Noelle stopped holding back and unleashed her full strength, sending the woman flying.
Signora managed to regain her balance with difficulty, avoiding a humiliating fall in front of everyone. Rubbing her somewhat numb and aching right arm, she murmured in shock,
"Such immense strength... Judging by your attire, you must be from Mondstadt. Are you not afraid of affecting the alliance between our two nations by attacking a Fatui Harbinger without provocation?"
Noelle remained unfazed, responding with firm resolve.
"I apologize, but I am not fighting you now as a maid of the Knights of Favonius. I am fighting you as Ying's friend."
"Tch..."
Signora gritted her teeth. Since the person before her was being uncooperative, she wouldn't hold back.
In an instant, Signora accelerated again, appearing behind Noelle. Although they had only exchanged a single blow, Signora had already a rough understanding of her strength.
*Heh... A mere brute with only strength. But I am more than just strength!*
Facing the assault, Noelle did not panic. She closed her eyes and brought her greatsword before her.
"Hya!"
With a fierce cry, a Geo-infused shield suddenly materialized around Noelle.
*Again?*
Signora frowned slightly and increased the power in her hand, intending to split both the shield and the person in two.
"Clang!!"
However, the outcome was not as she had imagined. As they collided, not only did Signora's attack fail to shatter the shield, but the blade of her attack was actually broken by Noelle's shield.
"This?!"
Signora was astonished, but Hu Tao and Xingqiu clearly wouldn't let such a golden opportunity pass.
"Spirit-Soothing Flame."
With a soft chant, a fierce flame erupted around Hu Tao, significantly enhancing her. Hu Tao then gripped her weapon tightly and transformed into a flame-covered drill, charging towards Signora's abdomen.
Facing this attack, Signora finally dared not be careless. She hastily tried to retreat and dodge, only to find Xingqiu had somehow appeared behind her, unleashing his sword skill.
"Guiding Rain."
"Damn it..."
Signora knew that a normal defense would not withstand their combined attack. Without hesitation, she rapidly circulated the Cryo element within her body and, in an instant, vanished from her spot.
"What?!"
The attack that should have been a sure hit missed, leaving Hu Tao and Xingqiu somewhat surprised. However, they quickly came to terms with it. After all, she was a Fatui Harbinger; it would be strange if she didn't have some tricks up her sleeve.
"Congratulations, you have thoroughly enraged me."
Signora's voice echoed throughout the hall. Hu Tao was about to retort when she suddenly felt a chill and quickly turned her head, only to find a spear made of ice had unknowingly appeared above her and Xingqiu.