The leaves rustled. In the shadows, what seemed like an invisible serpent's shadow flashed past, dragging the unconscious woman away.
Only then did a sinister, somewhat familiar voice ring out.
"You do have some skill. It seems I underestimated you, my lord. How about we make a deal? From this moment on, pardon all Snake Guards and restore their freedom. Then I guarantee I will never trouble you again. The great road stretches to the heavens; each of us will go our separate way."
"Otherwise, my lord, who knows how long you'll be stuck here?"
"Shamen Village's rule is that no one may fight or kill with magic. And it isn't merely a spoken rule—it is inscribed into the protective grand formation. The moment anyone dares make a move, they will be locked onto. That is why those people believed you were an unlucky fool who had been framed, or simply an unlucky fool. And you truly are unlucky. My Nineteenth Sister's death was voluntary, so it did not trigger the formation."
"In any case, things have now reached such a deadlock. Shamen Village's four chief stewards know you were wronged, but they have no authority to release you. The written report has already been submitted, and some high lord may inquire into it at any time. Servants like them cannot bear such a crime."
"But if you want to wait for the high lords to emerge from seclusion, it will take at least several decades."
"And I happen to know a little about the outside world. My lord, tell me—if I leave, find any black market, and sell news of your presence in Shamen Village to Lu Wuchen's disciples or subordinates, do you think Lu Wuchen would rather believe it or not?"
"Think it over carefully. I am not