A woman's mouth is unbeatable. Evan Yang simply ignored her and continued studying their surroundings. Seeing Evan refuse to argue, Lynn Lin curiously laughed, "What, you think there's some secret passage to escape?"
"That's right, that's exactly what I think," Evan replied.
"Keep dreaming. Every cell here is extremely sturdy, built from tough stone. Even earth-attribute cultivators can't break out, let alone you—you're not even an Immortal body. Just stop struggling and wait here obediently," Lynn said.
"Will waiting really get us out?" Evan asked.
"Of course. Don't forget, that damned prince said he'd come for an answer in three days. My master can't keep me locked up forever, right?" Lynn laughed.
Evan shuddered at the thought of what might happen in three days, unsure just how far Lynn would go before stopping.
"No matter what happens in three days, don't drag me into it. If you do, I'm not letting you off," Evan warned. He knew it would take him a few years to clear the viruses, so for now he had to endure.
"Fine, then when the time comes I'll just tell them you forced me, that you made me leave with you. I wonder how my master and that damned prince will react," Lynn said with a laugh.
Evan was speechless. "Can you not be so sly?"
"That's called being smart, not sly. We're in the same boat now, so you'd better stick with me and face them together. Otherwise, you know what'll happen," Lynn said, smiling as she took full advantage of Evan.
Evan sighed. He'd have to find a chance to slip away later; staying by this woman's side meant he'd definitely be ordered around.
And so, Evan and Lynn spent three days in the cell. As expected, Prince Adrian Wood arrived. Suddenly, a tunnel appeared before their eyes. Lynn smiled, “See? I told you. Let’s go.”
Evan helplessly followed Lynn out. They were back in her master’s room, but now several others were present—members of Prince Adrian Wood’s party, with servants carrying gifts behind them.
Lynn’s master smiled, “Lynn, look, Prince Adrian Wood has brought the betrothal gifts. No matter what, you must agree today, right?”
Lynn said, “Master, I’ve told you already, he’s my man. I already belong to him. Does Prince Adrian Wood really want to steal another man’s woman?”
Prince Adrian Wood was already surprised Evan was still alive, but hearing Lynn’s words, he grew furious and sneered, “Lynn, he’s only been here a few days. Don’t think I don’t know everything about you. Don’t try to use someone you’ve only met for three days to reject me, or I’ll be very unhappy.”
“What about three days? Who says you can’t develop feelings in three days?” Lynn retorted.
Lynn’s master shouted, “Lynn, what do you mean by this? Isn’t it enough already? Behave yourself!”
“Master, are you really going to force me? Would you rather see me dead?” Lynn said angrily.
“No matter what, today you must agree to Prince Adrian Wood. If not, the betrothal gifts will be returned, and everyone will see the prince humiliated,” Lynn’s master said.
"That's his problem. He brought it on himself," Lynn said.
Prince Adrian Wood was a noble son in his family, and outsiders saw him as a prince. Lynn’s master calling him “young master” brought their relationship closer, showing she sided with him. But Lynn kept opposing her, infuriating her master, who suddenly grabbed Evan. “If you refuse, I’ll kill him!”
“You old hag—damn, what did I ever do to you?” Evan cursed inwardly, wishing he could beat her up right now.
“You—you—Master, how can you do this? Is this how elders of Southspirit Palace act?” Lynn cried out when she saw Evan grabbed.
“What, feeling sorry for him? I don’t get it—only three days and you’re like this.” Lynn’s master sneered.
Evan cursed inwardly—who’d feel sorry? She just wanted to use him. Lynn calmed down and said, “I’ll agree, but on one condition.”
“Speak,” Lynn’s master said.
He has to stay by my side as my personal bodyguard. If not, forget it,' Lynn said.
Lynn’s master grew furious. “What do you mean? Lynn, you want him to follow you when you get married?”
Lynn nodded. “That’s right.” Prince Adrian Wood was angry at first, but then he smiled, “Fine, I agree.”
“Prince Adrian Wood, you—” Lynn’s master didn’t expect him to agree so easily. Lynn was surprised too, but Evan saw the ruthlessness in the prince’s eyes. He realized that being Lynn’s bodyguard meant he’d be half a House Wood member, and the prince could torment him however he liked. Evan almost refused, but remembered his purpose was to gain experience. Going to a God’s family might be a good chance to learn secrets about this place.
Evan put on an innocent face, while Lynn gritted her teeth and said, “Alright, it’s settled.”
“Alright, I’ll take that as your agreement. Tomorrow, I’ll have someone escort the three of you to Wood Imperial City and arrange the wedding date,” Prince Adrian Wood said, then left with his entourage, leaving the gifts behind.
Before leaving, Lynn’s master saw the look in Prince Adrian Wood’s eyes and understood his real intentions, but Lynn was still clueless.
“Can we leave now?” Lynn asked.
Lynn’s master snapped back, “No. What if you run away? You all have to stay here today and go to Wood Imperial City together tomorrow.”
Lynn cursed inwardly, “I’ll leave if I want.” But her master said, “Are you talking about me in your head?”
“No, how could I dare?” Lynn said, frustrated.
“Swallow these two pills,” Lynn’s master said.
“What is this?” Lynn asked curiously.
“It’s not poison, but it will restrict your freedom. If you swallow it, you can move around freely. If not, I’ll keep you locked up—even tomorrow, you’ll be restrained unless you take it,” Lynn’s master said.
Lynn protested, “Master, how could you do this?”
“Eat or don’t eat—two choices. If you do, you can do what you want. If not, I’ll follow you everywhere,” Lynn’s master said.
Lynn didn’t want her master tagging along, so she took a pill and swallowed it. “Satisfied now?”
“That’s better. Now you, swallow yours,” Lynn’s master said to Evan.
The pill was actually a tonic for Evan, so he wasn’t afraid and swallowed it without hesitation. Seeing Evan’s boldness, Lynn’s master admired his courage. She said, “Alright, you two can go. Tomorrow, be here on time, or the pill’s effects will kick in. Without my antidote, your faces will be ruined, then you’ll slowly rot.”
“Got it, same old trick,” Lynn sighed, familiar with this tactic, then left with Evan.
Evan followed Lynn, grumbling, “You’re getting me into trouble.”
“How am I hurting you? We’re in the same boat now. They’re using you to threaten me, so of course I have to protect you. Now I have to marry that damn prince for your sake, and you’re not grateful at all,” Lynn complained.
Evan wanted to bang his head against the wall. “You brought this on yourself. If you hadn’t mentioned me, your master wouldn’t have grabbed me. And why make me your bodyguard if you’re getting married? I can’t do anything.”
“Why so much nonsense? That’s how it is. Forget it. Now, let’s think about how to escape after we get to Wood Imperial City tomorrow,” Lynn said.
“If we’re going to leave, we should just do it now,” Evan said.
“You don’t understand. My master’s pills are powerful. You have to take the antidote daily, or you’ll really be disfigured. I’ve seen it myself,” Lynn said.
If Evan hadn’t wanted to see Wood Imperial City and sneak into House Wood, maybe meet the God, he would’ve told her he could cure any poison. But he kept quiet and sighed, “Alright, we’ll wait till tomorrow.”
“I thought you had a plan,” Lynn said, glaring.
“What plan? You dragged me here. I’m out of options,” Evan said.
“Forget it, I’m done arguing. Anyway, now that the damn prince knows you’re my lover, he’ll target you for sure. Without my protection, how will you survive in Wood Imperial City?” Lynn laughed.
Evan saw her smile and said, “You win, Miss Lynn.”
“Surrendered, huh? I told you I was smart. Never thought I’d really be this clever. No matter what, we’re going to Wood Imperial City. I don’t believe I can’t escape,” Lynn said.
“Aren’t you afraid your master’s pills will keep bothering you?” Evan asked, curious.
“That’s easy. Wood Imperial City has lots of rare treasures and antidotes for any poison. I’ll get some before the wedding and leave,” Lynn said.
Evan smiled. “You’re really bold.”
“Just wait and see,” Lynn said.