The Phoenix's Dance

"Qing-jie, everyone says your Dance of the Phoenix is peerlessly beautiful. Why don't you dance anymore?"

"My health isn't up to it. I can't manage dances that take so much stamina anymore."

"Just once, Qing-jie, please! Just a little bit! I'm begging you. Everyone else has seen it, but I haven't. What a shame!"

"Dancing depends on the right state of mind, and I'm not in the mood right now. How about I dance for you another time, when I get the chance?"

"Hmph, I don't care. Qing-jie doesn't like me. You won't even grant me this tiny request!"

"Oh, there's no getting out of it with you. Watch closely. Just a little bit, okay?"

She spun, like a blazing flame rising; her sleeves flew, like rosy clouds drifting; she leaped into the air, like a phoenix descending; she landed, like a withered peony in its final bloom.

Bright red liquid trickled from the corner of her mouth.

"Qing-jie, stop! You're coughing up blood!" Feng Yujie's childish sobs could not stop the blood from continuing to spill from Feng Yuqing's lips.

"Was it beautiful? It should have been even more beautiful, but this is all I can do now."

"It was beautiful! Qing-jie is the most beautiful person in the world!" Feng Yujie clasped Feng Yuqing's slender hand tightly.

Who had broken the phoenix's wings?

Unforgivable!

I gently lifted the peerlessly beautiful woman into my arms and pressed a kiss to her lips, sealing my vow.

I will protect you for the rest of my life and never let you be hurt again!