Trap

While sheathing his sword, Li Chen approached Yan Sen, who fell on his knees.

"You're risking your life."

"Keep your mercy to yourself! You're the reason Ming Yue is in this condition! You just had to appear!" 

Li Chen frowned, a strong dislike for Yan Sen's choice of words growing within him.

Yan Sen picked up his sword and thrust it toward Li Chen's neck. His eyes were vicious, with red, bloody vines running through the whites of his eyes.

CLANG—!

The sword bounced on the ground as Li Chen slapped it away from Yan Sen's hand, as if he had slapped away a dangerous object from a child's grasp.

"Is this how you want to save her?"

"You don't think I haven't tried! Even my master has warned me not to go against a noble! Ming Yue put him in jail last time; what do you think he'll do to her?"

Yan Sen collapsed, staring at the skies in helplessness. 

Li Chen turned and walked away. His steps echoed in the desolate street.