The other operatives could only watch as Liu Li's sword flashed forward. By the time they realized what had happened, it was too late.
Liu Li drew back her sword and slashed again. Countless sword shadows layered over one another, sweeping across everything in the courtyard that rose above the ground. It made no difference whether the agency operatives charged in to avenge their comrades or turned to flee.
The sword light faded.
All that remained were butchered bodies and snow soaked through with blood.
Liu Li swayed twice, then planted her sword in the ground to support herself.
"Not a bad fight." She pulled off her hood and laid it over Rin's face, covering her wide-open eyes.
"Lady Sword Immortal, are you all right?" Xue Xiaojin rushed in from the rear courtyard with a group of hunters. "Captain Fu said you needed reinforcements here."
He ran to Liu Li's side and recoiled at the sight of her injuries.
The ice needles embedded in her skin were melting fast, but two thick icicles had pierced straight through her chest and back. Each was as wide as a bowl. With wounds that size, there was no way her heart or lungs could have survived.
Xue Xiaojin fumbled for a Blood Orange, then froze, unsure where to begin. A Blood Orange could quickly stop bleeding and close wounds, but it was useless against injuries this severe.
Liu Li smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. I won't die. Not yet, at least."
"But..."
"Find me a coat."
Xue Xiaojin did as she asked at once.
He had just persuaded a companion about the Sword Immortal's height to take off his coat when he turned back and saw Liu Li gripping an icicle with both hands.
"My lady, you can't pull it—"
Before he could finish,