“Heir Apparent Duan, she is merely a female slave. There is nothing worth seeing. A new batch of Profound Beasts has just arrived at our Beast Arena...”
A middle-aged man had not finished persuading him when he was interrupted. “I just want to see her! Don’t stop me!”
“Sigh, Heir Apparent Duan, please don’t make things difficult for us...”
Another voice came from nearby, low and cold. “Steward Song, let him in.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
Gu Qingyun’s eyelashes trembled lightly as she lay in the Dungeon.
They were here—the nobles who regarded human lives as worthless as grass!
The clashing of iron chains echoed through the dark Dungeon.
The youth Commanded, “Unlock it.”
“This...”
The low, cold male voice reminded him, “Heir Apparent Duan, the one lying inside is not a sick Little Wildcat, but a tiger that can bite.”
“Big Brother Zongzheng, didn’t the physician say earlier that she is malnourished and has exhausted her strength, so she won’t wake up for some time? I’ll just lean closer for a look. Nothing will happen. Besides, I’m not a feeble scholar who cannot even truss a chicken. Why should I be afraid of her?”
Heir Apparent Duan insisted on entering, so Zongzheng Xiaoran stopped blocking him. He gave Steward Song a meaningful glance, and Steward Song took out the key and unlocked the door.
“Hurry up,” Heir Apparent Duan urged.
The clinking of iron chains rang out, followed by the prison cell door opening.
Pretending to be unconscious, Gu Qingyun remained impassive as she listened to the approaching footsteps.
Heir Apparent Duan stopped before her, crouched down, and reached out to brush aside the hair scattered across her face.
Gu Qingyun abruptly opened her eyes.
Heir Apparent Duan suddenly met her pitch-black eyes, and his immature face froze.
Gu Qingyun moved as swiftly as lightning, seizing his throat in one grip. She rose and turned, using him as a shield in front of herself.
“Heir Apparent Duan!” Steward Song shouted in terror. “Insolent! Release Heir Apparent Duan at once!”
No one understood how Heir Apparent Duan had been taken hostage by the unconscious female slave in the blink of an eye.
Everyone hurriedly moved in front of Zongzheng Xiaoran, warily guarding against Gu Qingyun.
Gu Qingyun looked coldly at Zongzheng Xiaoran. “Move aside!”
Everyone looked toward Zongzheng Xiaoran at her words.
There was no trace of tension on Zongzheng Xiaoran’s face. His narrow, elongated eyes, like those of a venomous snake, settled on Gu Qingyun’s face before shifting to Heir Apparent Duan, whom she held hostage.
Heir Apparent Duan rolled his eyes, secretly pinched his own leg, and instantly turned pale. He cried out urgently, “Big Brother Zongzheng, move aside!”
“Heh!” Zongzheng Xiaoran gave a harsh laugh, and killing intent suddenly appeared.
The subordinate standing beside him could not help edging away.
His low, cold voice drifted through the damp, gloomy Dungeon. “In this world, no slave has ever dared threaten this Young Master.”
Gu Qingyun was startled by the imposing aura emanating from him, but she showed no fear on the surface. Her fingers, like iron hooks, dug into the boy’s neck as she said coldly, “Congratulations. You’ve encountered one today.”
Zongzheng Xiaoran narrowed his eyes dangerously. They appeared even longer and narrower, gleaming with a cold sheen.
“Move aside!”
Gu Qingyun shouted coldly.
“Big Brother Zongzheng, I don’t want to die. Let... let her go,” Heir Apparent Duan said with difficulty.
Zongzheng Xiaoran gazed deeply at Heir Apparent Duan. After a moment, he moved aside, opening a path, and cast a light glance at his subordinate. “Everyone, move back.”
The path from the prison cell door to the outside was cleared.
“All of you, get out,” Gu Qingyun said expressionlessly.
Zongzheng Xiaoran gave a dismissive laugh and strolled out of the Dungeon at his leisure.
The others followed behind him, never taking their eyes off her in case she launched a surprise attack.
Only after everyone had gone out did Gu Qingyun force the youth to follow at the rear.
Once outside, Gu Qingyun demanded that Zongzheng Xiaoran prepare a horse.
Zongzheng Xiaoran ordered Steward Song to handle it.
“Young Master, the horse and silver have been brought.”
“I not only gave you a horse, but silver as well. You can release Heir Apparent Duan now, can’t you?” Zongzheng Xiaoran asked.
Gu Qingyun swiftly glanced at the horse. It had a strong, graceful build and was a fine steed.
She forced the youth over to the horse and inspected it. Then, she suddenly struck him unconscious with a hand chop, seized the reins, stepped into the stirrup, and swung herself up, pulling the youth up at the same time. “I’ll release him once I’m safe.”
“You’re going back on your word! Release Heir Apparent Duan at once!” Steward Song shouted angrily.
The surrounding guards drew their worn swords from their waists and pointed them straight at her.
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