Heroes of the Realm Are Like Fish Crossing the River

He had won this battle. But there was nothing honorable about the victory. Gu Yuena had not lost to him—she had lost to her own body, to her old injuries, to her incomplete origin. If her old wounds had not erupted, if her body had not been unable to bear the power of the Dragon God's Dragon Soul, the outcome of this battle would still have been hard to say.

Situ Xuan was silent for a long time before he finally spoke, his voice low and hoarse.

"You... lost again."

Situ Xuan gripped Gu Yuena by the neck and slowly lifted her off the ground. The muscles in his arm tightened, his hand clamping down like iron pincers, while Gu Yuena's feet dangled weakly in the air. Her silver hair hung in disarray, blood streaked her face, and in those purple eyes was reflected Situ Xuan's cold, stern face.

Situ Xuan looked calmly at the breathtakingly beautiful girl before him, the killing intent in his eyes undisguised. His voice was low and even, as though he were speaking of something utterly insignificant.

"Any last words?"

Gu Yuena looked at the naked killing intent in Situ Xuan's eyes and suddenly smiled. There was something indescribable in that smile—bitterness, relief, and a faint trace of mockery. Her voice was hoarse and weak, but every word was clear and forceful.

"Situ Xuan, I'm no match for you. I wasn't before, I'm not now, and I probably won't be in the future."

Situ Xuan nodded, the strength in his hand not easing in the slightest.

"At least you know your place."

Gu Yuena's throat moved with difficulty, producing a hoarse sound. That smile still lingered at the corner of her mouth, but the light in her eyes grew brighter and brighter.

"Situ Xuan, you're