"Ye Chen, are you all right?"
Ye Chen was drenched in blood and staggering as though he might collapse at any moment. Tears streamed down Sandersonia's face. He had risked his life to save them.
The wounds covering him were especially horrifying, the torn flesh stuck to his clothes.
Ye Chen shook his head. Then he pushed off hard with both legs, leaving a pool of blood behind as he shot forward like an arrow loosed from a bow.
Sandersonia froze, then spun around. Two muffled thuds sounded behind her, followed by a cry of pain.
Someone had rushed up from behind to ambush her.
Thud.
Ye Chen collapsed to the ground. Even then, he asked anxiously, "How is it going? How many Dragon Guards are left?"
"Don't worry. The others are holding them off."
Sandersonia hurried over and helped him up. When he struggled to stand, she shook her head. "Don't move. You're hurt too badly!"
"Ye Chen, leave the rest to us," Marigold said, coming over to stop him as well.
The Slaves nearby were deeply moved. Their fighting spirit surged, and they charged together. Against their combined assault, the remaining Dragon Guards and guards were driven back. Before long, they had all fallen.
Someone could not help cheering. "We won! We're free!"
"Our lives as slaves are finally over. Even the air outside smells fresher."
Though the sky was dark and rain was about to fall, joy filled their hearts. Some jumped with excitement, some wept with happiness, and others laughed almost wildly. To them, it all felt like a dream.
Ye Chen forced himself to his feet. "It's too soon to celebrate. The Slaves in the other three areas are still locked in the Heavenly Prison. We have to free them now. Once the local garrison