Yun Yun looked at Fan Tian, knowing in her heart that he spoke the truth.
Their party had ventured deep into the desert, first killing the commander of the Charming Snake Tribe, then slaughtering their way to the Snake-People Temple. They had long since forged a blood feud with Medusa that would end only in death.
Now that Medusa had successfully advanced to Dou Zong, the Snake-People Tribe's might had surged. Their predicament needed no explanation. Everyone, including her teacher Yun Shan and the guardian of the Jia Ma Imperial Family, would face the Snake-People Tribe's most frenzied retaliation.
If only one of her and Gu He could survive... perhaps that was not entirely unacceptable.
At least she could secure a slim chance of survival for someone else.
"Young friend," Yun Yun said, raising her head. Under Gu He's horrified gaze, she picked up the gold coin and gently placed it in his palm. "Let Master Gu He leave. I'll stay, and you may do with me as you wish."
"Yun'er, you..." Something seemed to lodge in Gu He's throat. He managed only those few words before he could say no more.
Yun Yun closed her eyes, struggling to keep her voice steady. "Don't say anything. You asked me to come precisely so I could keep you safe. Go."
Gu He's expression turned exceedingly grim. His lips trembled, yet he made no move.
"Yun'er, there's something I've kept buried in my heart for years. Today, I have to get a clear answer."
Yun Yun opened her eyes, glanced at Gu He, then turned her head away again. "Fine," she said quietly. "Whatever you have to say, say it all today. After this, neither of us will owe the other anything."
Fan Tian immediately perked up at that. He quietly edged