Ninth Prince Manor may be as impregnable as a fortress, nearly impossible for outsiders to enter, but that doesn't mean it's truly safe. Outside its walls, every faction has planted spies, and in the Imperial Capital, countless eyes are watching its every move.
That night, when Ninth Prince Manor’s carriage left the estate, it was discreet but not without traces—and any trace means someone will notice. If the Emperor knows, of course others will too.
When Commander Lucan Lu received the news, he didn’t hesitate for a moment—he immediately summoned his most trusted men to ambush outside the city. Whoever was inside that carriage, he was determined to bring them back, dead or alive.
Lucan Lu hadn’t seen who was inside the carriage, but anyone could guess: at such a critical moment, if Ninth Royal Uncle was secretly sending someone out, it could only be Simon Sun. Even if it wasn’t Simon, ruining Ninth Royal Uncle’s plan would still benefit Lucan.
The Imperial Palace’s dark guards mobilized, Bloodcloak Guard’s elites deployed, Prince Terrence Valen’s close attendant stood ready, and the Cui Clan’s martial experts had already set their ambush outside the city. Their goal was simple: bring back Simon Sun, dead or alive.
As long as Bloodcloak Guard found Simon Sun, they could at least offset their crimes. Then, only the most involved would be punished. If the Emperor wanted to strike hard at Bloodcloak, he’d need another opportunity—giving them time to cover their tracks and clear themselves.
Tonight, every major faction in the Imperial Capital was mobilizing for Simon Sun, but their goals were entirely different. The Emperor wanted Simon Sun to disappear forever—vanish from this world, leaving not even bones behind.
The Emperor would never allow Simon Sun to return to the capital at such a moment and ruin his plans. The empire’s most secretive spy agency was riddled with traitors from every faction—the Emperor could not tolerate it. Though he’d planted many spies in the other three kingdoms and nine cities, he would not allow Bloodcloak Guard to have anyone but his own.
The Wang Clan also had informants inside Bloodcloak Guard and learned of Simon Sun’s route. They wanted to get involved, but under William Wang Jinling’s strict orders, they abandoned the idea and kept completely out of it.
The moment these groups left the city, the Emperor received a secret report. Remembering Ninth Royal Uncle’s remark earlier about 'luring the snake out of its hole,' a smile flashed in his eyes.
The Wang Clan was smart—tonight would be very lively.
Outside the city, blades flashed and swords clashed. Ten miles from the gate, Ninth Prince Manor’s carriage was beset by a group of unknown assailants. The lead guard quickly drew his sword and shouted, “Protect the carriage!”
The attackers were many and highly skilled, and Ninth Prince Manor’s guards were quickly overwhelmed. Just then, another group of black-clad fighters surged out. The guards braced themselves, thinking they faced new enemies—only to realize these newcomers were actually there to help. Relieved, their spirits rose again.
Outside the city, the wind was bone-chilling, the air thick with blood and violence; inside Ninth Prince Manor, all was peaceful, filled with spring warmth.
……
Inside, Ninth Royal Uncle and Serena were playing in the water, like two children—chasing and dodging each other…
Neither Serena nor Ninth Royal Uncle had a real childhood, but today, they finally got to enjoy a taste of it—laughing, roughhousing, splashing so much water out of the pool that half was gone, yet neither cared and both were delighted.
At last, Serena had nowhere left to run and was caught in Ninth Royal Uncle’s arms. As if under a spell, their laughter faded; both fell silent, gazing into each other’s eyes—then came a deep kiss, and tender caresses…
Meanwhile, outside the city, chaos reigned. Several factions, strangers to each other, fought for the same target—a frenzied melee where no one could tell friend from foe.
Felix Fuller watched from the shadows, coldly observing. The Emperor’s dark guards were formidable, but sheer numbers could still overwhelm them. And as for those who rushed out to aid Ninth Prince Manor’s guards—would they really help to the end?
Felix Fuller smiled, noncommittal. He looked forward to seeing how this battle would end—who would emerge as the final victor…