Long Robe

Raven walked out through the gate in a daze and slowly made his way back to his SUV under the guards' watchful eyes.

A cold wind brushed his nose. The air was so dry and frigid it seemed ready to freeze into powder. Raven shuddered and gradually came to his senses.

His chance to get rich overnight was gone, but thanks to Xia Lun's mercy, he had escaped with his life.

Raven slapped his cheeks hard, trying to rally himself.

"Sir, please be on your way as soon as possible," the Guard Captain said from behind him, polite but cool.

Raven swallowed with difficulty.

No, he was not out of danger yet. He would only be safe once he reached the Shelter Long Robe had provided.

At the thought, danger seemed to lurk all around him. It was as though countless gun barrels gleamed in the shadows beyond his sight, all aimed at him.

His spirits sank, and his muscles felt weak and sore. For the moment, he did not even have the energy to berate his partner for the disastrous mistake.

Raven slowly opened the car door, planted a foot on the running board, and hauled himself into the driver's seat as if he were moving a massive boulder.

Then he fished the car key from his pocket with trembling fingers. It took several tries to get it into the ignition.

He turned the key. The engine's hum gradually steadied his nerves.

"Where to now?" his partner asked beside him.

Anger rose in Raven's chest. He gave a sharp snort. "To seek Lord Long Robe's protection, obviously. Thanks to you, we nearly lost our lives back there."

He stomped on the accelerator, and the SUV roared through the gate and back onto the forest road.

The cold wind lashed