The effects of the wolf blood were outstanding. The Eighteen Riders instantly shook off days of fatigue, each one brimming with energy. Prince Nolan and Sean Xuan drank the most, so naturally they reaped the greatest benefits—their cultivation was showing signs of breaking through to the next level, poised to surpass their previous bottleneck...
The Eighteen Riders had no complaints; following Serena Feng, they had already gained so much. If they still weren’t satisfied, it would truly be unreasonable.
On the contrary, Serena herself felt little change after drinking a mouthful of wolf blood. Fortunately, there were no side effects either, and she didn’t mind—she’d never wanted immortality anyway, so this was just fine.
After the bloodletting, the Snow Wolf’s body gradually returned to normal. Prince Nolan and Sean Xuan had just finished absorbing the wolf blood when the Snow Wolf woke up, its eyes fluttering—the first thing it saw was, of course, Serena...
“Awoo... awoo!” The Snow Wolf was overjoyed, letting out two low cries. Tears brimmed in its eyes, and it raised its big wolf head pitifully, looking at Serena for comfort.
“Dumb wolf.” Serena scolded, her tone exasperated, but her hands were gentle as she stroked the Snow Wolf’s fur. “That’s what you get for eating random things. Let’s see if you dare next time.”
“Awoo... awoo.” I was just starving!
The Snow Wolf whined in explanation, looking aggrieved at Serena. It had already paid the price—almost dying for it.
“Alright, alright, stop pretending to be pitiful. You’re fine now.” Serena reached out and poked the Snow Wolf’s head. “Dumb wolf, you really lucked out this time and got to eat something amazing. We all benefited from it too.”
Serena pointed at the cut she’d made on the Snow Wolf’s body. “You ate a medicine that extends life, so I drew a little blood to share with everyone. You don’t mind, do you?”
Not that it mattered—even if the Snow Wolf minded, the blood had already been drunk.
The Snow Wolf obediently shook its head, then glanced up at Prince Nolan and the Eighteen Riders. Seeing their rosy complexions and healthy glow, it nodded in satisfaction—this was all thanks to its own contribution.
But when it looked at Serena, who was still pale, the Snow Wolf let out a dissatisfied whine and stretched out its injured leg, signaling that Serena could draw more blood for herself.
If it was for Serena, the Snow Wolf would gladly give as much blood as needed.
Such a warm gesture made Serena laugh; she hugged the Snow Wolf’s head and rubbed it affectionately. “Don’t worry about me—I drank some too.”
Uh... The Snow Wolf tilted its head, looking completely puzzled.
If Serena drank it, why did she still look so weak?
Prince Nolan and Sean Xuan were worried as well; the two of them looked at Serena in unison.
“Everyone’s constitution is different. It’s just not suitable for me.” Serena’s words seemed directed at the Snow Wolf, but in reality, she was explaining to Prince Nolan and Sean Xuan.
The Snow Wolf didn’t understand, but it believed whatever Serena said. Sean Xuan and Prince Nolan, however, were different—they’d heard legends about Immortal Flesh Fungus, and none of them mentioned that women couldn’t take it.
“Don’t overthink it. Maybe it’s just the wolf blood. I’m a doctor—I know my own body.” Serena smiled and didn’t elaborate.
She was vaguely suspicious, but it was still too soon—the pulse was unstable, and she couldn’t be sure herself. She’d considered running a self-exam, but the circumstances weren’t convenient right now.
To be honest, Serena was worried. If her suspicion proved true, she wondered whether her time in the imperial mausoleum might have affected her.
If she’d known, she wouldn’t have come to the mausoleum at all. But in this world, there’s no such thing as ‘if only.’
There was no point saying anything now—it would only make everyone else worry. Serena had no intention of speaking up yet; she planned to wait until they were out, or until she was sure.
With the Snow Wolf awake and the group unexpectedly blessed by its ordeal, everyone was in high spirits. After a short rest, they prepared to leave the mausoleum.
This mausoleum felt nothing like a tomb—the exit was unusually smooth, and there was an obvious mechanism inside. As long as you pressed it, the stone gate would open.
However, once outside, it was impossible to find the way back in.
Serena and Prince Nolan didn’t feel any regret. Falling into this mausoleum was a stroke of incredible luck; surviving and walking out was enough—they never even considered coming back in.
The two buried here might not have lavish grave goods or deadly traps in their tomb, but if anyone dared to run wild on their turf, even in death they could make sure the intruder would never leave.
Serena and Prince Nolan had reason to be grateful—they weren’t greedy, and they’d shown enough respect for the tomb’s owners by not disturbing their rest. Otherwise...
If they’d so much as picked a blade of grass or taken a single pearl aside from the Immortal Flesh Fungus, they would never have made it out alive.
After leaving the joint tomb, Prince Nolan quickly got his bearings.
“A blessing in disguise, after all.” Prince Nolan’s lips curled into the faintest smile. Serena understood immediately and asked happily, “You found the location of the treasure?”
If they’d found it, they could leave sooner—Serena was genuinely worried that staying in the tomb much longer would harm her health.
Even though she wasn’t sure yet, Serena’s hand unconsciously rested on her lower abdomen...
“Yes. We’ve passed through the mausoleum,” Prince Nolan nodded, his gaze flicking discreetly to Serena’s lower abdomen. His mind, always calculating, quickly recalled that Serena’s cycle was often delayed—by his count, these days should be her period. Was she feeling unwell?
But this wasn’t something Prince Nolan could bring up in front of everyone. He suppressed his worry and decided to wait for a better moment to ask.
The Eighteen Riders and Sean Xuan were all smiles too—finally, they were out and didn’t have to spend their days surrounded by the dead.
“Don’t celebrate too soon. We still don’t know if there are dangers beyond the mausoleum.” Prince Nolan’s cold warning cut through the excitement, his poker face intimidating enough to silence everyone but Sean Xuan. Even the Snow Wolf dared not make a sound, obediently pressing close to Serena’s side.
Prince Nolan withdrew his gaze, satisfied. “Alright, let’s find a place to rest for now. There’s no need to rush at this moment.”
“We’re stopping already?” Serena looked up at the sky—the sun was still high. Was Prince Nolan really sure they should rest now?
With a whole afternoon ahead, they could cover a lot of ground.
“Is there a problem?” Prince Nolan shot her a cold look. Serena fell silent, quietly realizing why he didn’t want to push on...
Serena understood, and so did Sean Xuan and the Eighteen Riders. The wolf blood had benefited everyone except Serena; the men were fine, but Serena might not be able to handle it. Taking an extra day to rest wouldn’t delay anything, so of course no one objected.
Seeing Serena’s bloodless face, they were even hoping to rest for two days...
While they prepared to set up camp, the people in Liancastle were making moves too—their target was clear: seize Bella Qin!