I don't talk about love with my Martial Sister

Chapter 55

As Nan Shuang lifted the waters of the Forgetting River towards the shore, Yun Duan intended to strike back. However, Shang Can had a firm grip on her hand, showing no intention of letting her go.

Thus, Yun Duan had no choice but to try her best to raise a barrier to protect both of them as the immense heavenly fire descended, even attempting to soothe the chaotic spiritual energy within Shang Can's body with her own power. This was supposed to be quite a difficult task; after all, it's generally hard for cultivators to trust another person's energy to enter their unguarded body while they're conscious. Yet Yun Duan felt that she was managing quite well.

The thunderous sounds of water and fire colliding finally ceased, and Yun Duan temporarily stopped channeling her energy. The thick mist surrounding them obscured her view, making it impossible to see Shang Can's face clearly; she could only make out a vague figure.

Even though she was holding onto this person, Yun Duan suddenly felt uneasy and instinctively tightened her grip.

To her surprise, the person she was holding onto seemed to share the same thought, leaning in closer, using her strength to draw nearer.

Shang Can, slightly taller than her, awkwardly nestled in front of her and suddenly wrapped her arms around Yun Duan.

Yun Duan's eyes widened.

She was held tightly, their bodies pressed together, and it felt as if the tip of her nose would brush against Shang Can's ear with just a turn of her head. Shang Can's body wasn't very solid; perhaps it could be said to be frail, but for some reason, whether it was due to Shang Can's overwhelming strength or something else, Yun Duan felt completely immobilized.

Yun Duan, a bit dazed, lowered her gaze, uncertain whether the heartbeat she heard, thundering like drums, was her own or Shang Can's.

"...Yun Duan."

The unexpected voice of the person holding her broke the silence. It was low, and the proximity startled Yun Duan slightly, causing her to unconsciously clutch Shang Can's clothing at her waist.

Yun Duan held her breath, waiting for Shang Can's next words, but after calling her name, Shang Can fell silent for a long time. All she could hear was Shang Can's somewhat chaotic breathing. It seemed that her companion was not at ease, which made Yun Duan's heart race as well.

"..."

After a duration that felt both brief and prolonged, Yun Duan finally heard Shang Can let out a gentle sigh. When she spoke again, her voice sounded sluggish, as if lacking strength.

"...I might need to sleep for a bit. Don't worry."

No sooner had the words left her lips than Yun Duan felt the weight against her suddenly grow heavier. Without giving her time to react, Shang Can went limp, losing all her strength, and Yun Duan quickly wrapped her arms around Shang Can's waist, only to belatedly realize that there was a strong scent of blood on her.

"—"

Even with Shang Can's warning before losing consciousness, Yun Duan's mind was still blank. She reached for her medicine bottle, only to remember that it had been given to Shang Can right after they reunited. Panic surged within her, and without thinking, she instinctively drew her sword towards her own wrist.

"What are you doing, you fool?"

A sudden voice from behind snapped Yun Duan out of her chaotic emotions. She barely managed to halt the sword's edge and turned to face the newcomer.

"...You're changing your expression so quickly. You didn't have that cold look when she fainted just now."

The mist had dissipated without her noticing, and Nan Shuang approached slowly from the riverbank. Although she looked utterly disheveled, with large areas of her body burned and parts missing, she still seemed to retain enough strength to speak.