106 If Only

Bright red blood sprayed out, splashing onto Yun Xueyan’s face. It was warm, accompanied by a thick, metallic scent.

She stared with wide eyes at Duan Nanyu, who remained pressed against her. In his deep, ink-black eyes, she saw only pain—not a flicker of anger.

"Why didn't you dodge?" Her lips trembled uncontrollably. Blood flowed into her mouth, tasting salty and bitter.

Duan Nanyu steadied himself and stood before her, letting the blood pour from the wound on his arm, staining his dark robes a deeper shade. The room was saturated with the smell of blood, making Yun Xueyan feel nauseated.

The memories of that day, a living hell, surged through her mind. The heart-wrenching agony seemed to coil around her once more, inescapable, aching down to her very bones.

"Do you want to kill me that much? Do you hate me that deeply?" Duan Nanyu did not roar or lose his mind. The pain in his arm and the coldness in the woman before him gave him clarity.

"Yes! I wish to drink your blood, gnaw your bones, and tear you into a thousand pieces!" She stood tall before him, lifting her chin, her voice sharp and unyielding.

The dagger in her hand was still dripping blood; the sound of each drop hitting the floor was faint, yet it struck every nerve in their bodies.

"Do you truly hate me that much?" Duan Nanyu gave a faint smile, his expression relaxing. "If killing me can end your hatred, then... Yan'er, kill me."

"I do not want you to live in hatred. I will let you suffer this once, but do not let it continue..."

His hand swiftly seized her wrist. The sharp dagger, like a beast baring its fangs, lunged toward him. A cold flash of light flickered in Yun Xueyan’s eyes.

Blood sprayed out instantly, staining her white tunic. Duan Nanyu’s dark robes were nearly soaked through, and a massive, spreading crimson stain bloomed across his chest.

His handsome face turned deathly pale. Duan Nanyu pressed his lips together, remaining silent, a faint smile lingering at the corners of his mouth.

Dazed, she stared at the scene before her. She hated him, but this had happened too suddenly. She had never killed anyone; she was... panicked.

Her entire body froze. Should she not be feeling the thrill of revenge? But she felt nothing—only a numb, aching heart. She was even terrified, her hand trembling as it gripped the dagger handle alongside his.

Finding no outlet for her anguish, she gasped for air, and it took a long time before she could muster the strength to scream.

"Duan Nanyu, have you lost your mind!" Her lips were quivering violently. "Do not think that this will make me forgive you, or that I will stop hating you. It is not that simple! I told you, you must live—you must endure my hatred for the rest of your life!"

She frantically wiped at the blood pouring from his chest, her slender, fair hands instantly dyed a vivid red. What should she do? What was she supposed to do?

"Find a doctor... get a doctor..." she murmured, soul-stricken, and moved to rush outside.

But Duan Nanyu pulled her into his embrace, his grip so firm that the dagger sank even deeper. Feeling his body shudder, she was struck by terror.

"Let go of me!" she shrieked, afraid to push him away.

"Yan'er... if this is not enough, add another blade," his weak voice whispered behind her ear. His eyes held a flicker of contentment before slowly dimming.

Feeling the dampness soaking her back, Yun Xueyan pushed him away with all her might. The sight of the crimson blood struck her eyes, and her heart jolted in panic. Duan Nanyu was coughing up mouthfuls of blood. Instinctively, she reached out to touch his back, only to find it thick and sticky...

Her heart constricted sharply. Her eyes widened, her pupils dilating as she watched in numb, trembling horror. Duan Nanyu’s tall frame collapsed before her, a smile still gracing his face.

"Zihun!" Her cry of shock shattered his heart.