The shackles around his ankles, each weighing twenty jin, gave off a heavy clanking sound with every movement, the iron chains grinding painfully against his flesh.
Along the way, he was practically dragged forward by force.
Whenever his steps slowed even slightly or a trace of unwillingness appeared on his face,
the guards beside Prince Xue Xing would mercilessly bring down their whips, lashing him across the body.
Dai Mubai gritted his teeth as sweat mixed with blood and slid down his forehead, dripping onto the scorching road.
His bare feet had long since been rubbed raw and bloody. Every time he lifted and set them down, it felt as though countless needles were stabbing him, the unbearable pain spreading from the soles throughout his entire body.
It wasn't that he had never considered resisting, but resistance always brought even more vicious beatings.
A corner of the carriage curtain was lifted, and Prince Xue Xing poked his head out. His gaze fell upon Dai Mubai, who was staggering forward, and his tone was filled with impatience:
"Make this 'Third Prince' walk faster! He's a Soul Master, yet it's taken him three days to cover this little distance, and he's still dragging his feet. What a disgrace."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
The attendant beside him immediately answered, then raised the horsewhip in his hand and viciously lashed it toward Dai Mubai.
"Did you hear that? Walk faster! Don't tell me you still think you're a prince of the Star Luo Empire? Faster!"
"Crack!"
The horsewhip struck flesh with a muffled sound, and a fresh bloodstain instantly blossomed across Dai Mubai's back.
His entire body trembled, and he clenched his teeth even harder, refusing to make a sound.
Those bloodshot eyes merely glared fixedly at the attendant before him, hatred roiling within them.