It's hard to say who had worse luck—Serena Feng or the Ghost King. The island Prince Nolan chose for Serena's rest was exactly the one the Ghost King was heading for.
The Ghost King arrived alone, coming ashore from the opposite direction as Serena Feng. He noticed nothing strange until he reached the island's center. Only when he saw a large ship moored nearby did he realize someone else was present.
The Ghost King frowned. Remembering rumors about the loving Eastlyn imperial couple, he boldly guessed the person on the island was most likely Serena Feng—the Eastlyn Empress herself.
That woman really has a strong fate—even falling from such a high cliff couldn't kill her. As the true Phoenixfield heiress, she's protected by the clan's bloodmark. I wonder which unlucky Lan family member she borrowed her luck from. The Ghost King snorted coldly, his youthful face scrunched up in a way that was almost adorable.
Yes, adorable!
The Ghost King had a doll-like face, looking only sixteen or seventeen. Maybe because he always wore a mask, his skin was exceptionally pale and smooth, gleaming with a dewy luster under the sunlight.
That's why the Ghost King always wore a mask. He didn't like that hideous ghost face—he just knew his real looks couldn't command respect.
With such looks, he didn't stand out in Ghost Hall, where everyone had strange appearances. But if he stood between Prince Nolan and William Wang Jinling, he'd be just as striking.
But unlike Prince Nolan and William Wang Jinling, who stayed dignified and imposing no matter how handsome they were, the Ghost King's childish looks made him seem easy to bully. He couldn't command the room or win anyone's respect.
From birth, the Ghost King knew he was exceptionally good-looking. To make everyone in the palace take him seriously, he always wore a ghost mask, never letting anyone see his true face.
The Ghost King had never liked his own looks, but now he was grateful for his harmless appearance. With a face like this, gaining Serena Feng's trust would be easy.
Thinking of the benefits of capturing the Eastlyn Empress, the Ghost King flashed a cruel smile. On his youthful face, that smile looked sinister and evil.
The Ghost King pinched his own face, and the ferocity faded instantly, replaced by a shy, panicked smile.
A boy who escaped from Ghost Hall in the chaos.
What a perfect disguise!
Serena Feng and the shadow guards set up camp on a flat part of the island. Serena stayed inside the tent, while the shadow guards patrolled all around, never letting their guard down—even if the island seemed deserted.
Serena Feng sat in the makeshift tent, rubbing her flat belly with regret. "We've come all this way, but I can't kill the Ghost King myself to avenge Evan Wen."
You little rascal, you've worn your mother out. Once you're born, I'll make you apologize to Uncle Evan Wen." Serena patted her belly, her eyes landing on the AK-47 nearby. She hesitated, but left it out.
Leaving it there might be useful. You never know what could happen—better safe than sorry. She's not alone now, so she had to be extra careful.
She'd only sat for a while before drowsiness crept in. Yawning, Serena Feng hesitated, then decided to sleep. Maybe when she woke up, Ghost Hall would already be conquered.
But just as Serena Feng was about to lie down, chaos erupted outside—the shouts of shadow guards and a boy's panicked screams could be heard.
Someone's on the island? Serena Feng raised her eyebrows in surprise, but didn't plan to go outside. She trusted the shadow guards to handle it.
The commotion outside quickly subsided. Just as Serena Feng thought everything was fine, a shadow guard called out, "Your Majesty, we've caught a boy who claims to have escaped from Ghost Hall."
Ghost Hall? The words made Serena Feng instantly alert. "Does he know martial arts? What does he look like?"
He knows a little, and he's very delicate-looking. That was why the shadow guards didn't suspect the Ghost King's identity—everyone knew Ghost Hall only recruited those with strange appearances.
Throw him back onto the ship. We'll decide what to do when His Majesty arrives." Serena Feng waved her hand lazily, unwilling to take risks for someone she couldn't be sure about.
Fine, she admitted she’d gotten lazy since becoming pregnant. She just didn’t want to waste brainpower on things like this.
Yes." The shadow guard accepted the order and left. Serena Feng yawned, sleepiness washing over her again. But the next moment, the sounds of fighting erupted outside the tent, followed by a familiar, sinister threat: "Serena Feng, today I'll take your life!"
Ghost King? Even after two years, Serena Feng instantly recognized the voice—it was all too familiar!
All traces of drowsiness vanished. Serena Feng leapt to her feet, grabbed the assault rifle, and strode outside. After two steps, she paused to tuck her handgun into her waistband.
The Ghost King's abilities were unfathomable. Two years had passed—who knew how much stronger he'd become? Facing him, Serena Feng doubled her precautions, determined not to regret it later.
Your Majesty, quickly—protect Her Majesty and get a signal to the Emperor!" The shadow guards, realizing the Ghost King's identity, immediately surrounded him and tried to spirit Serena Feng away, but it was too late.
The Ghost King had been pretending to be weak and harmless. Though the shadow guards were wary, they hadn't expected him to be so powerful. When he struck, he killed two guards and injured several more. The signal hadn't even gone out before it was cut off.
Trying to leave? Do you think I'm dead?" Without his mask, the Ghost King had no aura, but even his cruel moves looked harmless—except for those fierce eyes.
Just as she thought, few people in this world were like Zed—ruthless, yet with clear, limpid eyes.
Zed didn’t understand right from wrong, which kept his eyes so clear. But unless the Ghost King was deliberately faking it, his true nature would always show through.
Once she was sure who it was, Serena Feng didn’t dare linger. Protected by the shadow guards, she started to retreat—but before leaving, she didn’t forget to fire a shot at the Ghost King.
The little handgun didn’t have enough range, but the AK-47 did.
Serena Feng hefted the rifle, aiming straight at the Ghost King...
Clear the way!" She aimed, squeezed the trigger...
She didn’t hesitate, and there was no time for doubt. Serena Feng fired several shots in quick succession. Only one bullet hit the Ghost King's arm—the rest missed, and two even grazed her own shadow guards.
It really was indiscriminate fire.
Hidden weapons again." The Ghost King clutched his wounded left arm. "Tricks like that? You dare show off in front of me? Tonight, I'll make you pay for it."
Serena Feng didn’t see how he moved. Suddenly, he was holding a bloody bullet between his fingers. With a flick, the Ghost King sent it flying straight toward Serena’s brow.
Speed and force—almost as deadly as a bullet from the barrel...