Inside the damp, bitterly cold Heavenly Prison.
Dressed in prison clothes, Chu Xuanzhi was chained to the wall by countless shackles.
His hair was disheveled, his skin torn and wounded in several places. Blood, both dried and fresh, stained his exposed skin.
The cell was silent, broken only by the occasional footsteps of guards patrolling the corridor.
After a long while, Chu Xuanzhi's pale lips curved slightly. Without opening his mouth, he let out a hoarse, rasping chuckle.
Click...
The cell door opened, and a figure walked in at an unhurried pace, a thick fur cloak draped over his shoulders and his hair impeccably groomed.
The newcomer stopped in front of Chu Xuanzhi.
As though sensing his presence, Chu Xuanzhi raised his head slightly and gave a mocking smile. "Little Eighth, what brings you here?"
With that, Chu Xuanzhi seemed to try to step forward. Unfortunately, the moment he lifted his foot, the chains held him fast against the wall. He could not move an inch.
"Second Brother... no, you don't deserve that title, Chu Xuanzhi."
Grim killing intent flashed through the Eighth Prince's dark eyes. With a smile that never reached them, he continued, "Chu Xuanzhi, how much do you really know about what happened back then?"
Chu Xuanzhi raised his eyebrows and tilted his head, his infuriating reply slipping out. "What, didn't Chu Xuanzhen tell you?"
"I suppose he wouldn't. He was the culprit, after all. Still, I never thought you'd serve the enemy who killed your mother."
"I imagine your mother can't rest in peace in her grave."
Half a year ago, the Eighth Prince would already have lost his temper and punched Chu Xuanzhi twice. But after everything he had been through, his temper had gradually steadied. Though the events of that year remained a thorn