Second Prince's Residence, underground secret chamber.
A huge map of Jingcheng's defenses hung on the wall.
Zhao Xu stood before the map, one finger pressed against a location on the outskirts of the city.
"Your Highness."
A figure walked in from outside the door.
The newcomer was in his early twenties, with an ordinary face and dressed in dark gray casual clothes.
His name was Zhang Xingyun, a Destined Player recruited by Zhao Xu. His class was "Wizard," Tier 2 Early Stage.
Zhao Xu did not turn around. "Is it ready?"
Zhang Xingyun took a palm-sized wooden doll from a handbag and presented it with both hands.
The doll was entirely black, its material indiscernible, its surface carved with densely packed runes.
The runes had been traced in dark red cinnabar, gleaming with an eerie luster beneath the candlelight.
A sheet of yellow paper was pasted to the doll's back, bearing the name and birth details of Crown Prince Zhao Zhao.
Zhao Xu turned around, took the doll, and weighed it in his hand.
It was icy cold and heavy, and he could sense the chill power contained within.
"How long before it takes effect?"
Zhang Xingyun bowed.
"In reply to Your Highness, the curse requires seven days to complete.
Within those seven days, prick the doll's heart three times with a needle each day, and the Crown Prince will suffer piercing chest pain and gradually weaken.
After seven days, when the final needle is driven in, the Crown Prince's heart meridians will rupture and he will die.
By then, no one will be able to determine the cause of death. They will only assume it was a sudden heart ailment."
The corners of Zhao Xu's mouth lifted slightly. "Seven days is too slow."
Zhang Xingyun considered it.
"If Your