Hu Xiaotian also had a chain on him. Quan Dean must have wanted an extra layer of insurance, for he had shackled his wrists and ankles. The metal felt sturdy and heavy; it probably contained black iron. Normally, Hu Xiaotian could have slipped free with Tendon and Bone Alteration, but Qiqi's cup of tea had seemingly frozen his dantian solid, congealing his inner breath within it. In the end, he had let his guard down. Qiqi was still the same Qiqi as before. Their engagement had not made her show him any mercy.
He had thought Quan Dean would lock him up with Xi Yan, which would at least have been a blessing amid misfortune. But when Quan Dean tossed him into the room, he discovered that she was nowhere to be found. Panic rose in Hu Xiaotian's heart. "Where on earth have you taken her?"
Quan Dean gave a sinister chuckle. "Did you think the princess would let you two nest together like a pair of lovebirds?" He poised his fingers in an orchid gesture. "Count yourself lucky. Her Highness doesn't want you dead just yet."
Hu Xiaotian sensed something wrong in his words. Had Xi Yan already met with disaster? Qiqi was capable of anything. He said gravely, "Eunuch Quan, we've known each other for some time, after all. Why not tell me what you intend to do with Xi Yan?"
Quan Dean said coldly, "Xi Yan? Do you think you can still keep that hidden? Her Highness has long known that she is Li Tianheng's daughter-the fiancée pledged to you before either of you was born."
His words struck Hu Xiaotian like a bucket of cold water dumped over his head. He froze, utterly motionless. *What? Xi Yan was Li Tianheng's daughter, the fiancée pledged to him