As the Daoists instinctively scattered, nothing stood between Xiaolongnü and Yin Zhiping. Remembering the vile methods he and Zhao Zhijing had used, Xiaolongnü's face turned cold, and she raised her sword, placing its tip against his chest.
"Why aren't you resisting?" Xiaolongnü frowned.
Yin Zhiping gave a bitter smile. "Miss Long, I... I have truly wronged you. My sins deserve death. If dying beneath your sword can atone for them, then it is exactly what Yin seeks."
Ever since he had met Xiaolongnü, he had seemed possessed, thinking of her day and night, his soul forever bound to her. Later, egged on by Zhao Zhijing, he had foolishly gone to drug Xiaolongnü. Afterwards, regret consumed him. He felt that he had defiled the woman of his dreams and was so ashamed and enraged that he wished to die. Had he not borne the hopes of his elders and masters, he might have ended his own life long ago.
Xiaolongnü froze. She had not expected him to be so determined to die. She had never killed anyone before, and now that the moment had come, she hesitated.
"Sect Leader, you must not!" Seeing Yin Zhiping willing to accept death, Li Zhichang, Wang Zhitan, and the others panicked. Zhang Zhiguang and Shen Zhifan looked equally anxious on the surface, but inwardly they rejoiced, wishing that Xiaolongnü would drive her sword down at once.
"You need not say another word!" Yin Zhiping waved them off. He was, after all, the sect leader. Though the other Daoists did not understand, they dared not disobey and could only fall silent.
Only then did Yin Zhiping turn back. Looking upon the peerless face of the girl before him, a trace of infatuation flashed through his eyes. "Miss Long, before I die, I have but one wish.