“He…” My tears flowed more fiercely, “He cast a heart-binding spell…” Shang’s beautiful eyes widened, “How could…” He let go, biting his lip, his fist clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palm, drawing blood. “I’ll kill him!” Anger burned in his eyes.
Suddenly, an arrow pierced Shang’s left shoulder. He let out a muffled groan and collapsed to the ground. I opened my eyes wide, kneeling down to hold him.
Xiao Chen Yue’s arrogant voice echoed, “Try it if you can, Dugu Shang.”
Both of us turned towards the window, surprised to see Xiao Chen Yue smiling without a hint of humor. Suddenly, Shang spat out a mouthful of black blood. I gasped, tightening my hold on him—the arrow from earlier was poisoned.
Shang’s face turned pale; his lips were devoid of color. My heart ached as I held him, feeling helpless. I pulled out the bottle of hundred-poison antidote, but before I could open it, Xiao Chen Yue snatched it away.
With all my strength, I shouted, “Xiao Chen Yue! Give me back the antidote!” He placed the medicine in his chest, calmly walking over, gripping my waist and pinching my chin. “Baby, stop struggling. You’re destined to be mine.”
“Bastard! Let her go!” Shang roared, struggling to support himself. He drew his sword to stab at Xiao Chen Yue. Xiao Chen Yue pushed me away and shot four flying knives at Shang. He dodged two and blocked one with his sword but couldn’t avoid the fourth, which pierced his right arm. The sword fell to the ground, destroying the last bit of hope in my heart.
“Shang!”
I dragged my exhausted body forward, tears blurring my vision, unable to see Shang’s pale face clearly. Xiao Chen Yue flashed in front of me, tightly embracing me. “Quickly drag Dugu Shang out! Lock him in the secret room!”
“No!” I roared in despair, but he held me tighter. “You have no choice.” I struggled hard, feeling intense pain in my heart. My legs gave way, and I fell to the ground, curling up and biting my lower lip. Xiao Chen Yue squatted down, took out a bright red pill, and pushed it into my mouth. After swallowing, the pain disappeared, but I was completely drained of strength.
