Long accustomed to being protected by Xie Lingyu, who had just moments ago been coaxing and indulging her, Sang Ying now faced such cold indifference. An uncontrollable surge of grievance and an indescribable sour bitterness welled up in her heart.

Her nose stung, and her chest felt heavy and suffocating.

Before her, a sword thrust straight toward her heart, unstoppable as a splitting bamboo.

Sang Ying sniffled, shouting angrily, “Xie Lingyu! If you keep standing there watching, we’re done! I don’t want you anymore—”

“Clang—!”

The Green Jade Sword lightly deflected the strike, its blade scraping with a piercing metallic screech, sparks flying in all directions.

Sang Ying was knocked off balance by the sword energy, stumbling backward, and suddenly found herself leaning into a cool embrace filled with the rich scent of White Sandalwood.