At the summit of Boundary Mountain.
The aura of destruction dissipated, gradually sinking into stillness.
Sun Rang collapsed to the ground.
His long hair hung loose. Fresh blood flowing from his wounds soaked through his tattered robes, then streamed down his body like rivulets, pooling beneath him in a sea of blood.
One of his arms had been severed, and a shocking sword scar split across his chest, nearly cleaving his body in two.
His youthful face was pale as paper.
His head hung low as he gasped heavily, his body trembling uncontrollably. It was unclear whether it was from pain or because his strength was nearly exhausted.
In the distance, Su Yi took out a jug of wine. After some thought, he did not tilt his head back to drink, merely holding it in his hand.
After a long while, Sun Rang suddenly braced himself against the ground and struggled unsteadily to his feet. His lowered head slowly lifted as he looked at Su Yi.
"Why did you withdraw that sword at the very end?"
Sun Rang's lips twitched, his voice hoarse. "Do you think I, Sun Rang, am someone who clings to life? Or do you want me to taste a fate worse than death?"
His gaze was dim, yet still as steadfast and sharp as a sword's edge. He stared directly at Su Yi without the slightest ripple.
"You're overthinking it."
Su Yi said, "I simply didn't want to kill you."
"Didn't want to?"
Sun Rang frowned. "I am Lord Dao Definitive's subordinate. If you refuse to kill me, isn't that far too soft-hearted?"
As he spoke, he clutched his chest and coughed violently. Fresh blood flowed from him, while the vitality in his body seemed to be draining away at a rapid pace.
Earlier, he and