Debasing Herself, Ninth Royal Uncle Leaves the City

"Serena Feng, the ones working in the shadows have really wrung every last drop of use out of you—even the road down the mountain is blocked. You’d better pray you’re still valuable. Otherwise, you’re coming with me to the grave." Prince Damien of Southlyn’s face was twisted with anger.

This underground palace was nearly impossible to find, but once discovered, if someone blocked the mountain roads above and below, anyone inside would have no way out.

That was exactly why Prince Damien kept Serena Feng by his side—he hoped whoever made a move would care enough about her to hesitate.

Serena bit her lip and stayed silent...

She didn’t know who was orchestrating all this, but she was certain that person would never spare Prince Damien just for her sake.

Quietly, Serena slid her hand onto her Smart Med-Pack. She refused to pin her hopes for survival on someone who was only using her.

Seeing the way out blocked, Prince Damien didn’t slow his horse—he just snapped his whip: "Hyah!"

The stallion let out a fierce neigh and charged ahead at full speed.

"Archers, ready! That’s the Third Prince of Southern Lyn!" The Eastlyn soldiers lifted their torches, and when they saw Prince Damien’s silhouette in the distance, their faces lit up with excitement.

Killing Prince Damien would be a huge military achievement.

"Hold on." Another soldier raised his hand, stopping the archers. "Can you see who he’s carrying?"

"Can’t tell—looks like they’re taking her seriously." Prince Damien turned Serena’s face toward the firelight.

Under the torchlight, Serena Feng looked even more bedraggled, soaked from head to toe.

"It’s Miss Feng!" one of the Eastlyn soldiers called out. The archers, hearing this, immediately held their fire.

Before climbing the mountain, their Royal Uncle had given strict orders: not a single hair on Miss Feng’s head was to be harmed.

"Stop! The prince’s orders—no harm to Miss Feng!" The commanding officer signaled the archers to stand down, then stepped forward to block the road.

"Third Prince, leave Miss Feng with us and we’ll let you go down the mountain." The officer had received more detailed orders than the ordinary soldiers.

Their mission was simple: bring Serena Feng back alive at any cost. Just finding the Southern Lyn base was achievement enough.

"Hmph. You want Serena Feng? Fine—then every last one of you can roll off this mountain." Prince Damien tugged the reins and advanced at a measured pace.

Since they didn’t dare attack, there was no need for him to risk a wild charge.

The paths up and down the mountain were equally narrow and dangerous—barely wide enough for a single horse. Damien’s stallion was well-trained, but riding at night was still a huge risk.

The Eastlyn troops had climbed up on foot—they hadn’t ridden horses. Any horse that tried to take this path would just back away in fear.

Hearing the Eastlyn soldiers talk, Serena couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh.

Wasn’t this just playing the whore and then wanting to build a memorial arch?

If they’d schemed against her without caring whether she lived or died, how could they suddenly act like her saviors now? Every step on this road was a trap—if she hadn’t been sharp, she’d be dead already.

Serena stared coldly at the unfamiliar soldiers blocking her path.

She’d just heard them mention a prince—could it be Prince Samuel Zhai?

After all, the one who lured her out of the city and abandoned her was Dominic Zhai. Besides Prince Samuel, Serena couldn’t think of anyone else... but still—

Would Prince Samuel really care whether she lived or died?

These men weren’t bluffing—Prince Damien was already trapped in their encirclement, yet they still hesitated, worried about her being in his hands.

If it wasn’t Prince Samuel, then it must be...

A shiver ran through Serena—she didn’t dare think any further.

Forget it. Whoever was pulling the strings behind the scenes didn’t matter right now—she had to seize this chance to break free. Serena raised her hand, ready to shove Prince Damien aside, but he was already prepared.

"Serena Feng, you won’t get the chance."

Crack—

Prince Damien lashed his stallion hard; the horse, stung, reared up and leapt straight over the head of the soldier blocking the way.

Ah—

Even for someone as gutsy as Serena, she couldn’t help but scream at that moment. But afraid of spooking the horse, she quickly clapped her hand over her mouth.

Up ahead... there was a cliff. Was Prince Damien trying to get them both killed?

"Relax, we’re not dying tonight. Just hold on tight." Prince Damien released Serena, then yanked the reins hard—his stallion spun sharply to the side.