Serena had only been guessing before, but now she was certain—the Ghost King knew nothing about the undersea volcano. So she calmly explained everything she knew about it.
Serena knew the Ghost King was both suspicious and shrewd, so she didn't exaggerate. She simply finished with: "I don't know much, but I can guarantee: if you blow up this volcano, none of us will survive."
"Impossible!" The Ghost King's veins bulged, clearly unwilling to face or accept the truth.
"You know I'm not lying." Serena kept her gun pointed at the Ghost King, refusing to lower it as he demanded. The shadow guards didn't retreat just because the Ghost King had a hostage.
Hostages aren't all equal; the Ghost King had grabbed one of their brothers, true, but not important enough to risk Serena's safety.
The shadow guards watched the Ghost King closely, ready to attack at any opening. But even furious and disappointed, the Ghost King never let his guard down, leaving them no chance.
Seeing the Ghost King half-crazed, Serena worried he'd do something reckless. After a moment's thought, she set her handgun on the ground and raised her hands: "How about we make a deal?"
"What deal?" The Ghost King's attention snapped to Serena's words.
"Your target is the Emperor. I'll be your hostage—just close the fire hole." Serena knew the Ghost King feared death, which made things easier.
"You? You're too cunning. How do I know you won't pull something?" The Ghost King was tempted, but wary of Serena's hidden weapons.
Serena let her long hair down, combed through it with her fingers, then raised her hands to the Ghost King: "See? No hidden weapons."
Then she took off her outer coat, drew the knife from her calf and tossed it with the handgun, rolled up her sleeves and pant legs to prove she was completely unarmed.
"Is this good enough?" Serena raised her hands and stepped forward.
"Very good." The Ghost King was satisfied this time; with Serena in hand, he wasn't worried about Nolan refusing to cooperate.
"Stop three steps away, and make your dogs back off." The Ghost King pointed to the spot, signaling Serena to stand there.
"Your Grace..." The shadow guards objected. Serena ordered firmly: "Fall back." Once in position, she asked, "Now, can you tell me how to close this fire hole?"
To Serena, this fire hole was a sword hanging overhead; without closing it, she never knew when the Ghost King might go mad and drag everyone down with him.
"Five steps up to the left," the Ghost King pointed. The shadow guards found a silver wire there: "Your Grace, we've found it."
"Cut it." Serena didn't doubt him; the Ghost King feared death more than she did, and with her as hostage, he had no reason for mutual destruction.
The shadow guards acted as ordered. As they closed the volcano mouth, the Ghost King stepped up, grabbed Serena, and dragged her outside...
"After them!" The other shadow guards rushed out, leaving two behind to guard the fire hole in case anyone tried to reopen it.
After grabbing Serena, the Ghost King had no intention of returning to Ghost Palace—he was certain it was already ruined, and bringing Serena back wouldn't save it.
Rather than waste effort, he planned to take Serena out to sea. With her as hostage, not only Nolan Dongling but even the Phoenixfield Clan would be forced to hold back.
It was a good plan, but before he could act, the Ghost King ran into Nolan Dongling, who had rushed over.
Seeing the signal from the shadow guards, Nolan Dongling entrusted the battle to his men and hurried to the island with a few trusted aides. As soon as he landed, he saw the Ghost King dragging Serena toward the boats.
Nolan's heart nearly stopped—Serena was pregnant. If anything happened to her, he'd never forgive himself. He surged forward...
The Ghost King spotted Nolan Dongling immediately and stopped, waiting for him.
Ten meters apart, the Ghost King clamped Serena's neck, using her as a shield. "Nolan Dongling, we meet again."
Serena staggered, but quickly regained her balance.
"Ghost King!" Even without the mask, Nolan Dongling recognized him instantly.
"Hmph..." The Ghost King snorted, taunting, "Nolan Dongling, I've beaten you again."
Nolan's gaze fell on Serena, seeing her calm face and realizing she wasn't frightened. He relaxed a little, then addressed the Ghost King: "Release her, and I'll spare Ghost Hall. I give my word."
Ghost Hall was already in ruins; even if he didn't finish them off, there was no chance of recovery.
"Ghost Hall means nothing to me," the Ghost King sneered. Seeing Serena silent, he grew displeased and squeezed her neck harder, making her gasp in pain.
Nolan's heart twisted, but he forced himself not to look at Serena, keeping his focus as he told the Ghost King coldly, "I'll spare you."
"You're no match for me—do I need your mercy?" The Ghost King mocked, then pointed at Nolan: "A life for a life. Trade yours for hers."
"Fine." Nolan agreed instantly. "What do you want me to do?"
"That soft sword at your waist—use it to kill yourself," the Ghost King suggested, leaving Nolan no room to bargain. Nolan simply took off the soft sword.
The soft sword instantly became razor-sharp. Nolan pointed it at the Ghost King: "Where should I strike?"
"How about your neck? I rather like your face," the Ghost King said, radiating arrogant confidence.
Nolan Dongling remained calm, his deep eyes flicking to Serena for a moment before their gazes parted.
At the Ghost King's words, Nolan Dongling didn't even blink, simply replied, "Fine."
Behind him, the guards' faces changed dramatically, but none dared speak.
"I hope you keep your word," Nolan Dongling said, raising his sword to the Ghost King.
"Hahaha..." The Ghost King laughed triumphantly. "Relax. With such a useful pawn, why would I let her die?"
To provoke Nolan Dongling, the Ghost King lifted Serena off the ground, bringing her face to face with him.
He expected to see a pale, helpless, or terrified face, but Serena just smiled at him. "I'm not ready to die either."
Before the Ghost King could react, he felt a sharp pain in his stomach, his body went numb, and suddenly his hostage was gone—Nolan Dongling's sword at his throat.