"Since they're useless, keep them alive for now. They can serve as bait. There's no need to waste any more effort."
"Yes."
The subordinate bowed and withdrew.
In the courtyard, the slender figure swiftly flashed to the stone pillar.
She extended her delicate hand, an unusual yet restrained energy ripple curling around her fingertips as she gently brushed the pitch-black iron chains binding Gu Lie.
An astonishing scene unfolded! The chains, engraved with sturdy runes and capable of imprisoning even Sect Realm experts, rapidly turned red and softened where her fingertips touched them, like thin cords scorched by invisible flames. Then, with several soft snaps, they broke apart and fell away!
Without the chains supporting him, the still-weakened Gu Lie suddenly pitched forward.
The woman had been prepared. She stretched out an arm, and a gentle force steadily supported Gu Lie's falling body, preventing him from hitting the ground.
Then, the woman's body began undergoing a bizarre transformation! Her figure swelled slightly as if inflated, abruptly growing more than half a foot taller, her bones making faint adjustment sounds. At the same time, her face and body rippled like water, reshaping themselves as she swiftly transformed into an exact replica of Gu Lie in appearance and build! Even the grime on his skin, the details of his wounds, the gray at his temples, the faint scent of blood around him, and the dried bloodstains on his clothes were copied flawlessly, vividly lifelike!
"His injuries are serious, but they're mostly external wounds and excessive exhaustion. His foundation remains unharmed. Take him back through the secret passage to Linlang Pavilion. Second Young Lady has her own arrangements and will ensure he recovers properly."
The woman disguised as Gu Lie spoke, her voice having become as hoarse and low as his. Unless one