[ Usually, when someone goes to attack him, Xue Yang has a number of options. To parry, to dodge, to retaliate. To take it, just for funsies. This time, however, in this place, between Yuri and his only friend's nephew, he has no options at all, because he sees the sword come out and immediately knows what's sure to follow.

His gaze jerks up, from the sword to fucking Yuri, already trying to get between them, to get in front of the blade. Heart leaping in his chest, Xue Yang lets out a strangled, angry sound, then seizes Yuri by the collar to jerk her back, all but throwing her to the ground away from them and the brandished blade. He grunts as he feels Jin Ling's fancy Jin sect sword sink into his side, grabbing it one handed by its blade to keep Jin Ling from withdrawing. ]

Are you out of your mind?! [ ...says the mass murderer gripping Jin Ling's sword barehanded. ] Are you trying to kill her? What, did you meet her on the street two minutes ago? Lianfang-zun keeps saying he didn't drop you on your head as a baby but I've always had my doubts⁠—

[ He lets out a frustrated breath, blood dripping from his hand onto Yuri's previously clean floors. ]

You can't go around trying to stab people in front of her! You not see what your other uncle did to her? She has zero self preservation! Zero! You pull your sword out when she's nearby again and I will slap you out of this building myself⁠—