After being kicked, Ding Xing felt pain in his abdomen and nearly lost his breath.
The others were even more terrified, especially the boy, who nearly wet himself.
"I see you still don't understand. Remember, we're Cosmic Shield," the lanky man said coldly.
Blood stained the corner of Ding Xing's mouth. He panted heavily and lowered his head, regretting that he hadn't stayed on True Yu Star. Cosmic Shield had lured him out, which meant they feared Lu Yin. Yet he'd foolishly come anyway—and had even exposed the prince's identity.
Thinking of the prince, he looked up at the boy. Just then, the lanky man stood and walked toward him.
The boy was the surviving prince of the Great Sword Dynasty. Second Grade Hall had killed many people in the dynasty, but this boy had managed to escape.
Ding Xing was undeniably loyal, doing everything he could to help restore the Great Sword Dynasty. But faced with overwhelming strength, he was simply too weak.
The lanky man crouched down and met the boy's eyes. "Tell me, are you willing to let us stay and help you?"
The boy was terrified, his face deathly pale. "I-I am."
The lanky man smiled and patted the boy's shoulder, then turned to Ding Xing. "Go find the treasure. Otherwise, you won't live much longer."
Ding Xing grimaced. "This is North Palace Territory, right next to Canglan Territory. Aren't you afraid of the Eastern Frontier Alliance?"
The lanky man's expression darkened. Cosmic Shield was domineering in its dealings. If they wanted to seize the Great Sword Dynasty, they wouldn't negotiate—they'd simply slaughter everyone, just like Second Grade Hall had. But now, they needed the dynasty's official support. Why? Because they feared the Eastern Frontier Alliance. They feared Lu Yin.
They weren't afraid of Lu Yin,