Chapter 41 Taking the Blade
That sword strike was too fast.
It was so fast that even raindrops were cut in two by the sword energy; so fast that Pei Yunjing could even feel a stinging pain on his chest.
In that split second, time seemed to stretch out infinitely in Tangli's eyes.
As she stared at the sharp blade that was sure to pierce Pei Yunjing's heart, her mind raced, a multitude of thoughts flashing through her mind.
run?
Behind him was a sheer cliff; jumping off would mean certain death.
hide?
There was absolutely no way to avoid this narrow cave.
Once Pei Yunjing is dead, this bloodthirsty assassin will target her head next.
In this desolate wilderness, no one will know how she died.
Either way, we're doomed!
Tang Li's heart pounded wildly as a crazy idea she had never had before surged into her mind.
If Pei Yunjing dies, her fate will be to be buried with him.
But what if Pei Yunjing survives?
As long as he lives, the Black Armor Guards will come after him sooner or later, given his power and inner strength.
As long as he lives, she can live!
and……
If she had taken that blow for him today, and if she was lucky enough not to die on the spot, then it would have been more than just a life-saving grace.
This is a lifetime "get-out-of-jail-free card"!
It completely dispelled all his doubts, making him owe her a "blood debt" for the rest of his life!
It was also her "long-term meal ticket" for the rest of her life, allowing her to live a life of luxury and power in the Regent's Palace!
This is a high-stakes gamble.
If you win, you'll enjoy wealth and glory, becoming second only to the emperor.
Even if you lose, you'll be a hero again in eighteen years.
"Damn it! Let's go all out!"
Tang Li gritted her teeth, a resolute ruthlessness flashing in her eyes.
Rather than waiting to be killed, why not gamble for wealth!
Just as the sword tip was an inch from Pei Yunjing's heart, just as Pei Yunjing had closed his eyes in despair, awaiting death—
"You're not allowed to die!"
A scream, tinged with tears yet unusually fierce, suddenly rang out.
Tangli, who had been huddled to the side, suddenly pounced on him with unexpected strength!
She didn't push Pei Yunjing away (she couldn't), nor did she try to catch the blade with her bare hands (that would be suicide).
She opened her arms wide, like a mother hen protecting her chicks, and with a resolute gesture, hugged Pei Yunjing tightly, shielding him beneath her.
At the same time, she exposed her slender back to that deadly sword without reservation!
"Pfft—!"
That was the dull thud of a sharp blade cutting through flesh and piercing bone.
It makes your teeth ache, and it makes your heart tremble.
"Hmm!"
Tang Li shuddered violently, her pupils dilating instantly.
Indescribable, excruciating pain.
The cold blade easily pierced her shoulder (luckily, she tilted her head at the last moment, avoiding her heart), and went through her body.
The sensation of metal rubbing against her flesh almost made her faint from the pain for a moment.
Scalding hot blood gushed out from the sword groove.
"Tick-tock".
"Tick-tock".
The warm liquid splashed onto Pei Yunjing's pale, blank, and dazed face.
Pei Yunjing suddenly opened his eyes.
The excruciating pain I had anticipated did not come.
Instead, there was a warm, soft embrace, yet one that was trembling violently.
What did he see?
He saw that woman who was usually cowardly, greedy, and lustful, and who would do anything for a bite to eat...
She was holding him tightly at that moment.
Her face was deathly pale, devoid of any color, and cold sweat mixed with rainwater rolled down her forehead.
On her left shoulder, a long sword, still dripping blood, pierced through her, the tip of which was only millimeters away from her nose.
That was... her blood.
"Tang...Tangli?"
Pei Yunjing's voice trembled; it was a panic he had never experienced in his life.
He stared at the scene before him in disbelief.
Why?
Isn't she very afraid of dying?
Isn't she the best at assessing the situation and the best at surviving by any means necessary?
Why didn't she run away at this critical moment of certain death? Instead, she... blocked the sword for him.
"Cough cough..."
Tang Li felt so much pain that her vision went black, and a trickle of blood spilled from the corner of her mouth.
Looking at Pei Yunjing's shocked expression, she was actually cursing inwardly: "Ouch! This assassin was ruthless! If it had been a fraction off, I would be dead!"
With her last breath, she shakily reached out her blood-soaked hand and touched Pei Yunjing's face.
In that life-or-death moment, she made no demands, nor did she cry out in pain. Instead, in a voice weak to the extreme, yet incredibly resolute, she spoke haltingly:
"Your Highness...don't be afraid..."
"I said...I would...I would protect you..."
Those usually mischievous doe eyes gradually lost focus, yet they remained fixed on him, as if he were the only faith in her life.
"You are my...long-term...meal ticket..."
The last half of the sentence, "meal ticket," was too light, almost inaudible. Only the preceding phrase, "protect you," struck Pei Yunjing's heart, which was already as hard as iron, like a heavy hammer blow.
With a "bang".
That was the sound of one's defenses completely collapsing.
Tang Li's hands fell limply to her sides, and she collapsed softly into Pei Yunjing's arms, completely losing consciousness.
The assassin leader clearly hadn't expected someone to suddenly appear and take the hit.
The longsword was stuck in the bone and could not be pulled out for a while.
"court death!"
Enraged, the assassin raised his foot to kick Tangli away and deliver another blow.
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