All You Have To Do Is Ask

"You've been bitten by a Demonic Serpent," he said, his eyes traveling to her inner thigh where two bloody puncture marks confirmed his statement.

"No..." Olivia managed, her voice barely a whisper, her body trembling in response to the venom coursing through her veins.

He hovered over her, his eyes searching hers, "I can save you... if you allow me."

"Can you... really?" Olivia asked, her eyes welling up with desperate hope. The thought of being saved from the lethal poison made her heart flutter.

"Yes," he affirmed, "but you'll have to trust me. I've mastered the Sword Dao to such a high degree that my body is imbued with its energy, my Yang energy. It can neutralize the venom."

"Y-your... Yang energy?" Olivia's face flushed a deep crimson. She knew exactly what he meant, and she was not comfortable with the implications. "You... you pervert! Are you seriously trying to be indecent at a time like this?"

He shook his head, his expression one of disappointment rather than lechery, "Do you truly believe that's my intention?" he asked in his calm voice, "You are also a swordswoman. You know the nature of Sword Dao, don't you?"

As much as Olivia hated to admit it, she couldn't deny the truth in his words.

She did understand the nature of Sword Dao since not only was she trying to comprehend it herself but her mother was an expert as well.

She knew that what he was proposing was theoretically possible and considering how high his comprehension of Sword Dao must be, it might very well be possible.

It also didn't seem like he had any other intentions than helping her since a man of his strength wouldn't otherwise ask for her permission.

But the question was, how could she commit herself to such an intimate act with a stranger and lose her maidenhood?

If others find out, she will also lose face, especially before her parents.

Olivia clenched her jaw, pain radiating through her veins, intensifying with each passing second. She looked up at the man, her eyes flickering with determination.

"If…you truly want to help me, then help me get back to the kingdom as quickly as possible," she managed, her voice was shaky but firm.

The man glanced down at her, surprise flickering in his gaze before it softened.

"Are you certain?" he asked, his voice was gentle, "I can't guarantee that we'll make it in time."

"I am," Olivia answered without hesitation, her gaze firm. She would not give up now, not after everything she had been through, "I have faith in the healers of my kingdom. If I can get to them, they can save me."

"As you wish," he agreed, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His arms scooped under her, lifting her with ease as if she weighed no more than a feather. In no time, he stepped onto his floating sword, and they were ascending upwards, leaving the hall and its treasure behind.

Held in his strong arms, Olivia couldn't help but steal glances at the man's profile.

There was something undeniably captivating about his calm and charming demeanor, and she found herself feeling a sense of trust towards him.

She mused over the strange turn of events. Despite provoking him, he didn't kill her or harm her in any way but was helping her without any hesitation or demands.

She couldn't believe a man with so much power could be so humble, kind and charming.

It was as if he came straight out of a dream.

The man cut through numerous halls and spaces with an unnatural ease. Every demon that dared to block their path was obliterated by a swift stroke of his glowing ancient sword. The man moved with such speed and precision that Olivia could barely register their surroundings.

But as they journeyed, Olivia's condition worsened. Her face drained of its colour, turning a ghastly pale.

Sweat poured down her face, her body stiffening with each passing moment. The pain coursing through her veins intensified, every heartbeat feeling like a thousand knives stabbing into her. She clamped her mouth shut, biting down hard to suppress the cry of agony threatening to escape.

Suddenly, Olivia's control snapped. A moan of pain forced its way out of her clenched teeth, her grip on his shirt tightened to the point of tearing. The man turned his attention towards her, his eyes filled with deep concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice a gentle whisper against the chaotic backdrop. But the sharpness in his gaze told Olivia he was well aware of her deteriorating state.

Without waiting for a response, the man descended quickly, landing beside a small stream flowing with crystalline water. He took out a soft mat from his spatial ring and laid it on the ground. He gently placed her on the mat, his touch careful, as if afraid of causing her more pain.

As Olivia's breaths turned shallow and rapid, the man gently cupped her face, forcing her to look at him. His eyes met hers in an earnest gaze, his voice a grave whisper. "You're in grave danger. If we wait to get back to your kingdom, I fear... it may be too late."

Olivia understood his words, her heart hammering against her chest in fear. The pain was growing unbearable with each passing moment, her breathing labored. She knew she couldn't hold on much longer. Her vision started to blur, the edges of her consciousness fraying.

"You need to make a decision," the man continued, his gaze piercing into hers. "Your life is at stake. If you want me to save you... all you have to do is ask."

A lump formed in Olivia's throat. She bit down on her lip, tears welled up in her eyes as she stared at the man. His sincerity shone through his eyes, and the fear of death, looming over her like a dark shadow, made her feel like letting herself fall into his hold.

She found herself nodding weakly, her voice a barely audible whisper, "Save... me."