I don't talk about love with my Martial Sister

Chapter 3

Unfamiliar with the roads inside the Tianwaitian, Wanshao dragged Shang Can and nervously turned into a large rock. After confirming that no one was around, she finally let out a sigh of relief.

"...What's going on?"

Before she could check on Shang Can, who had suddenly coughed up blood, she heard her leaning against the stone speaking first, her voice slightly hoarse and heavy.

"You... you're asking me?"

Wanshao, who only knew about this for about ten minutes longer than her, felt completely at a loss. She anxiously recalled the list of participants from Qingyu she had gathered before coming, and no matter how she thought about it, the name "Yun Dui" was nowhere to be found.

"Originally, the only person from Qingyu who was supposed to come was the team leader, Chu Ming, who knows you— I have no idea what happened!"

Looking at Wanshao's bewildered expression, Shang Can struggled to swallow the blood that surged in her throat and stood up straight.

"I want to withdraw from the debate conference."

"Ha?!"

Her shocking declaration startled Wanshao, causing her to raise her voice before hurriedly lowering it again, frantically blocking Shang Can, who was already preparing to leave.

"What nonsense are you talking about! Now that we're at this point, you want to back out just because Yun Dui is participating—"

"I can't compete against her."

Shang Can, usually playful and carefree, was now unusually serious. She didn't show any extreme reaction but spoke in a calm tone, her glass-like eyes honestly looking at Wanshao.

"Staying would only be a waste of time; I won't get first place."

Seeing her like this, Wanshao, who had initially been flustered, suddenly calmed down, gazing steadily at Shang Can and relaxing her tense shoulders in resignation.

"...I don't know the details between you two, and if you don't want to face her, that's your own choice, but that Dao Heart Lotus..."

Wanshao's expression turned complex as she lowered her voice.

"Having known each other for so many years, I don't want to see you die, Shang Can."

"You can't wait for the next nine years."

"..."

Shang Can pursed her lips, wanting to say something witty to change the topic, but Wanshao interrupted her with a flash of sympathy in her eyes, insisting on her point.

"—Also, she should have completely forgotten about you by now."

"All the special treatment you think she gives you... it's just your own self-inflicted worries."

"..."

Shang Can fell silent, glancing at Wanshao only to be met with a glare. Wanshao maintained a straight face for about three seconds before her expression crumbled into one of distress.

"Worst case, if you really have to face Yun Dui in the arena, I can find a way to disguise myself as you and fight for you, Ancestor!"

...What a ridiculous idea, such a bold but foolish demon lord.

Shang Can pouted, her heart, which had been disturbed by Yun Dui's sudden appearance, gradually calmed down after this exchange, and she found herself hesitating.

Wanshao was still planning to say something, but at that moment, a long bell rang out in the air, and after twelve chimes, a loud voice echoed throughout Tianwaitian.