(Jin Guangyao/Reader) You're my sun, my universe

Chapter 27: Guanyin temple final

Unbeknownst to you, Meng Yao at this moment shared a silent exchange with the subordinate who was near you, successfully conveying his scheme and orders even under the watchful, prying gazes of everyone.

Everything happened in but an instant, Meng Yao opened his hands and shrugged, smiling. "It can't be helped. Wanting others to pity me, even when I've committed every crime in the world-that's the kind of person I am."

At the word "person," he suddenly flipped his wrist and wound a red guqin string around Jin Rulan's neck. At that very moment while letting out a surprised yelp, you were suddenly grabbed and thrown behind the subordinate, his hands spread as he raised his sword to defend you. Soon enough another two had joined behind him.

The corners of Meng Yao's eyes still had tears in them as he ordered in a dark voice, "Don't move!"

This time, the other five cultivators were truly caught off guard.

Meng Yao's eyes flickered to where you were, and you could see the relief reflected in them. He was reassured that his messages were received, and you were protected. You did not even try to crush the happiness that made you feel.

He wouldn't leave you behind.

"A-Ling!" cried Sect Leader Jiang, aghast.

Meng Yao rose to his feet, continuing to restrain Jin Rulan. "Sect Leader Jiang, no need to get so worked up. I have also watched A-Ling grow up, after all. I'll say it again: let us each go our own separate ways. Naturally, A-Ling will return to you unharmed after some time."

The cruel part of you was relieved...that meant that Meng Yao would be safe...right? You believed his words. He would not harm Jin Rulan...he would let him go, just as he let Sisi go...right?

'I'm sorry but please let this all end peacefully' you prayed internally, even knowing how selfish it was.

However, your prayers were not answered as instead you heard three odd, loud sounds followed shortly after, coming from outside the temple door.

Thump!

Thump!

Thump!

The sound was less a knock on the door, and more a slam. Soon enough the bolt finally snapped and the doors opened. Two figures had appeared...

"Wen Ning" called Wei Wuxian, cuing you on their identity.

Wen Ning? The famed ghost general that you had only heard of in rumours and...

"Da-ge" three voices called out in unison, however there was only one you focused on.

As soon as you turned to him, you saw the way Meng Yao's face was awash with overwhelming fear, and his entire body started to shiver. The moment his body began to shake, so did his hand, and with it the bloody guqin string he clutched began to quiver as well.

Jin Rulan could get hurt; you had barely known of him, at least not personally, only from your very minimal interactions where he treated you with kindness, and of Meng Yao's many stories about him. Neither of them made you hate or wish for his injury. You had a firm belief Meng Yao would not want him to get injured either (right?).

"A-Yao! The string! Be caref-" you called out, referring to the guqin string that he had around Jin Ling's throat, however your warning was never able to have its intended effect as in the blink of an eye something dashed, and Jin Rulan was no longer in Meng Yao's arms.

Blood. Blood. So much...

Blood erupted everywhere in an instant.

Meng Yao's face went ghastly pale with pain. He didn't even have the strength to scream, but only staggered back a few steps. Unable to remain steady on his feet, he fell to the ground. You gaped in shock, unable to process what had happened, your surprise mixing in with Su She's scream. Meng Yao's subordinates around you were also seemingly processing the situation, dumbstruck where they stood.