The Message They Will Not Let Him Live

Lady Min had never intended to completely tear off the mask with Ninth Royal Uncle. Even knowing their peace was only superficial, she was willing to keep up the pretense.

She was well aware that, with Ninth Royal Uncle's intelligence network, the moment he surfaced someone would inform him of everything happening in the capital. No matter how deeply she hid, with his suspicious mind, he'd still suspect her involvement.

But so what? The act must go on, and the mask must stay in place. Without solid proof, with only speculation, no one could be sure of the truth.

Everything proceeded as Lady Min planned. The day before the operation, she ordered Liancastle's people again: "Expose Storm Cloud Bu's true identity to Ghost Hall."

Though Storm Cloud Bu had betrayed Ninth Royal Uncle, it wasn't complete. Keeping him alive was a hidden danger Lady Min wouldn't tolerate. Rather than act herself, she coldly decided to let Ghost Hall handle him.

With all arrangements in place, Lady Min finally sent word to Ninth Royal Uncle: All your people are in my hands. If you want them alive, the three of you must bring the Heaven-Son Sword to Destiny Cliff at noon tomorrow.

The letter specified all three must come together, proving their movements had been tracked. As for Destiny Cliff, it was the perfect spot—a place made for ambush and killing.

Destiny Cliff was surrounded by sheer drops on three sides, with only one path in and out. The slope was bare except for a few scattered rocks, offering no cover and making it impossible for Ninth Royal Uncle to bring shadow guards.

The letter made it clear: Feng Qingchen, Ninth Royal Uncle, and Sean Xuan must all arrive together. Naturally, they had to discuss this with Sean Xuan.

Sean Xuan took one look at the location and immediately saw through the trap: "We're nearly a thousand li from Destiny Cliff. We have to set out tonight."

Along the way, they'd have to eat and drink on horseback—otherwise they'd never make it in time. By the time they arrived, they'd be exhausted; no matter how skilled, they couldn't fight at full strength.

You had to admit, whoever chose this location was clever—not only was the place perfect, but the distance was calculated just right.

It was obvious Destiny Cliff was a deadly trap waiting for them. Even knowing it was a death sentence, they had no choice but to go.

"We leave in a quarter hour." Ninth Royal Uncle suddenly stood up, his long legs striding out. His eyes lowered—no one could tell what he was thinking.

Serena and Sean Xuan exchanged a glance and nodded lightly, then each went to their rooms to prepare.

No matter how urgent, they still needed the ability to protect themselves. Otherwise, not only would they fail to save anyone, they'd lose their own lives too.

When Serena returned to her room, Ninth Royal Uncle had already changed into travel gear. On the bed lay a set of women's combat clothes—clearly prepared for her.

Serena didn't fuss. She changed right in front of Ninth Royal Uncle, equipping herself with hidden weapons like Flying Tiger Grabs and sleeve blades.

Once both were ready, there was still a little time. Before they left, Serena asked, "Should we bring the Heaven-Son Sword?" She couldn't understand how Liancastle's people even knew they had it.

"No need." Ninth Royal Uncle replied without hesitation, "What they want is us." The Heaven-Son Sword was just a bluff.

"To avenge Jason Lan?" Serena brought up the question again. Ninth Royal Uncle thought for a moment, then shook his head: "No."

Serena wanted to ask more, but Ninth Royal Uncle had no intention of explaining further. He strode out first: "Time to go."

Serena's eyes dimmed, but she silently followed. At the door, she handed Sean Xuan a pill: "The Valley Master's antidote—keep it on you, just in case."

Now was not the time for Sean Xuan to be polite; he accepted it straightforwardly and even asked Serena if she had any other useful items.

Sean Xuan already had hidden weapons. As for anything else, even if Serena gave it to him, he wouldn't know how to use it. Serena shook her head...

Outside, three fast, battle-ready horses had already been prepared. The trio checked them carefully to make sure there were no issues, then mounted and rode out into the dangerous night toward Destiny Cliff, a thousand li away.

At Destiny Cliff, Lady Min had long since made all arrangements, stationing guards along the way to prevent Ninth Royal Uncle from bringing reinforcements and catching them off guard. To ensure success, she even mobilized people from Moonvault Palace and Skyvault Fortress.

Of course, those people were only stationed on the outer ring to prevent Ninth Royal Uncle and Serena from escaping—the real main force was Lady Min's own dead-men. She had backup plans as well.

Lady Min believed the Ghost King was clever and would strike at the optimal moment, delivering a deadly blow to Ninth Royal Uncle and Serena.

Her choice of Destiny Cliff was not only to counter Ninth Royal Uncle, but also to guard against the Ghost King. She had no intention of inviting a wolf into the house and getting herself trapped.

Traveling by night was hard and extremely dangerous, but the three had no choice. After rushing all night, they reached a small walled town before dawn.

Using their privilege, they had the gates opened. After a brief rest inside, they changed to fresh horses and set out again.

As the sun rose, they drew closer and closer to Destiny Cliff—where Lady Min had already been waiting.

Lady Min ordered her subordinates to wear ghost masks and pose as Ghost Hall members, while she herself appeared tied up at the cliff's edge with Vincent Su and Bella Qin, waiting for Ninth Royal Uncle to arrive.

Of course, a closer look would reveal Lady Min's restraints were fake—she had people protecting her and couldn't possibly fall. But Vincent Su and Bella Qin were truly in danger; one wrong move and they'd fall to their deaths.

To avoid scaring Vincent Su and Bella Qin before Ninth Royal Uncle and Serena arrived, both their heads were covered with black cloth, so they couldn't see what was happening outside.

Bella Qin was doing relatively well—at least she wasn't sick or hurt, and Lady Min hadn't mistreated her. Aside from some weakness and the pain from her bound limbs, she was unharmed, even hanging at the cliff's edge.

Vincent Su, on the other hand, was suffering terribly. The wound on his back had nearly cost him his life, and now, hanging under the blazing sun, he found his mind growing foggy.

Maybe this time next year would be the anniversary of his death.

Vincent pressed his cracked lips together, struggling to force open his heavy eyelids. All he saw was darkness. He opened his mouth, but couldn't make a sound.

Yesterday...they had seen Lady Min in the dungeon. Lady Min and Bella Qin greeted each other like old friends and talked at length—Bella ended up revealing everything about herself.

He wanted to stop her, but was too weak. All he could do now was pray...

Qingchen, Ninth Royal Uncle...don't come!