Kill Nolan Dongling, no matter the cost.
This was the task Northlyn gave to Fortress Lord Ling. It wouldn't be easy, but if he succeeded, the rewards would be considerable.
"Looks like we can cooperate now," Fortress Lord Ling smiled, flicking the letter in his hand and burning it to ashes with a light snap.
Here, many wanted Ninth Royal Uncle's life. Previously, he kept his distance and didn't get involved, but now he could make contact. The enemy of my enemy is my friend—Fortress Lord Ling didn't mind working with petty crooks, so long as it got the job done.
Fortress Lord Ling straightened his robes and walked out. As soon as he left, a shadow slipped in right behind him.
The shadow was well acquainted with Fortress Lord Ling’s study. With nimble hands, he took out a book from a hidden compartment, compared it with numbers he silently recited, found the answer he wanted, then restored everything and slipped away quietly.
Knowing danger awaited on the mountain, Serena Feng and Ninth Royal Uncle wouldn’t go in unprepared. Serena carried an oversized backpack, its modern bulk clashing with her ancient-style clothes and attracting plenty of stares along the way. The sight also made people look at Ninth Royal Uncle with a strange expression.
Serena, small as she was, lugged a giant pack, while Ninth Royal Uncle, a grown man, walked empty-handed. That Ninth Royal Uncle was really something else.
People sneered at Ninth Royal Uncle, but secretly, some felt envious. To find a woman who could handle all the work of a wife, companion, and servant—Serena was truly capable.
Serena and Ninth Royal Uncle ignored the gossip and kept walking. They arrived at the mountain foot at just the right moment and spotted Sean Xuan, dressed in casual clothes, waiting for them. Just as they were about to meet, one of Ninth Royal Uncle’s subordinates appeared and whispered a report in his ear.
Ninth Royal Uncle’s face didn’t change, but Serena Feng could sense his anger. Once the messenger left, Serena arched a brow and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“The road up the mountain won’t be easy.” Ninth Royal Uncle glanced up at the nearly vertical face of Skyvault Mountain, his eyes darkening. He hadn’t expected Northlyn’s reach to stretch this far.
If not for this trip to Skyvault Fortress, he might never even know how he’d die. There were more clever schemers in the world than he’d ever imagined.
“There’s always a few people who’d rather see us dead than breathing.” Serena tugged the strap of her backpack and smiled.
Sean Xuan stepped closer, spotting the oversized pack on Serena’s back. He frowned. “Serena, give it to me.” Ninth Royal Uncle really wasn’t being considerate—Sean shot Nolan a fierce glare.
“It’s not heavy—I’ll carry it myself.” Serena shook her head. If she wore the pack, people would just stare a little; but if Nolan or Sean carried it, you could bet folks would start overthinking things.
Sean could guess Serena’s backpack was anything but ordinary. Seeing she wasn’t struggling, he didn’t push it. Noticing how serious both looked, he asked, “What’s going on?”
“Someone plans to make a move on the way up.” Serena said bluntly.
“So impatient? Who’d you tick off this time?” Sean aimed the question at Nolan. Nolan shot him a sideways look. “Who haven’t I offended yet?”
Sean choked on a laugh. “Well, at least you’re self-aware.” Honestly, this guy’s skin was thicker than a city wall.