Ye Xuan's voice rang out again, as cold as winter wind and snow, carrying an unquestionable command.
"Do as I taught you. Cooperate with the Spirit Hall Empire's people at the wedding, then coordinate from within and without to help us take Star Luo Imperial City in one stroke."
"If you complete the mission successfully, I will not only release your grandfather, but also leave your Speed Clan a way to survive."
"But if you dare betray me, or if the mission fails..." Ye Xuan's gaze turned sharp once more. "You, your grandfather, and the entire Speed Clan will all be reduced to ashes."
With that, he turned and walked toward the door without looking at Bai Chenxiang again, as though she were merely a tool to be discarded after use.
The door closed softly with a click, and the room fell into deathly silence once more.
Bai Chenxiang remained in the same position, lying motionless on the bed.
Her tears had already run dry. Her eyes were red, swollen, and parched, and her face held no expression at all—only dead silence.
She slowly raised her hand and looked at her fair fingertips. They seemed to still carry the icy aura of Ye Xuan's Soul Power, an aura she loathed beyond measure yet could not escape.
Within her sea of consciousness, that Soul Seal clung to her like a parasite on bone, constantly reminding her of her predicament.
She thought of her grandfather, of his frail appearance within the crystal ball, and a powerful sense of responsibility surged through her heart.
For her grandfather's sake, she had to endure.
For her grandfather's sake, she had to complete the task Ye Xuan had assigned her.
Even if this road was covered in thorns, even if she would bear eternal infamy, even