Gu Shen's expression darkened.
They'd found him so quickly? Gu Shen didn't turn around.
His ears picked up every sound outside the courtyard. More than one set of footsteps—swift movements and flawless coordination. They were well-trained death warriors.
"Give me the token." His voice was low, but carried an undeniable authority.
Madam Zhang instinctively tightened her grip on the token. It was what her husband had traded his life for, the last hope for her entire family. She glanced at Gu Shen, the man who claimed to have been sent by the Third Prince. All traces of his earlier composure were gone; his face was cold and murderous.
Who was he? Had he really come to save them? What if... what if he was working with the people outside?
Countless thoughts exploded in Madam Zhang's mind, chilling her to the bone.
"Mother! You can't give it to him!" Zhang Nian sprang in front of her, glaring at Gu Shen. "Did you bring those people here? Do you want to keep the blueprints for yourself?"
The boy's accusation was sharp with desperation.
The corner of Gu Shen's eye twitched.
Idiot.
But he had no time to explain.
"If you don't want your mother to die in front of you, shut up." Gu Shen didn't even look at him. His gaze stayed fixed on the door, sharp as a hawk's, while his other hand shot out like lightning.
He didn't try to snatch the token from Madam Zhang. Instead, he grabbed the wooden box beside her.
Click.
Gu Shen flicked his wrist, and the small box, which had fit together seamlessly, came apart in his hand. Pieces of wood scattered across the floor.
It was empty.
The Zhangs stared at him, stunned.
"You!" Zhang Nian was shocked and furious.
"The blueprints aren't