"I heard you came to intercede for Ye Fan?"
Xiao Tian leaned back lazily, lips curving with a playful smile. His eyes, however, carried the sharp glint of someone who already knew the answer.
Zi Lianyou's heart trembled. Her cheeks, still faintly rosy from the shock of earlier—when she had glimpsed the aura of the Nine Sun Supreme Yang Body—betrayed her nervousness.
"It's not really… a plea," she said, her voice faltering at first. "I only heard that Your Highness was here, so I wished to pay my respects… and see your true face."
The words came out clumsy at first, but as she spoke, her confidence grew—as though this had been her sole intention all along.
Li Suxin, who was standing quietly behind Xiao Tian, almost choked.
Just moments ago, outside the courtyard, she swore she wanted to plead for Ye Fan. Now, in front of His Highness, she suddenly says it's only to admire him? Little Sister, do you not want your face anymore?
"Mmm," Xiao Tian chuckled softly, drumming his fingers against the armrest. "Since you wished to see me, then tell me—what are your impressions?"
Zi Lianyou lowered her gaze shyly, her long lashes trembling. "Lianyou is not as skilled with words as Sister Suxin… But I feel that Your Highness is truly handsome and extraordinary."
Li Suxin's eyes widened. Handsome and extraordinary?
Did she just compare me, implying I'm 'eloquent' while her words are heartfelt?
This girl looked so honest before. Who knew she'd turn into a little fox the moment she stood in front of him?
Xiao Tian, for his part, looked a little amused at her awkward attempt at flattery. He waved his hand casually.
"Enough. I know you and Ye Fan share some old ties."
Zi Lianyou hesitated, then nodded softly. "Yes… he once helped me. I owe him a debt of kindness."
"This son does not haggle over every grievance," Xiao Tian said calmly. "Since you're asking, I can give him a sliver of leniency."
Li Suxin blinked, stunned. Her heart leapt with delight—she hadn't expected her master to grant mercy so easily.
With a flick of his finger, Xiao Tian sent a jade-white pill floating into Zi Lianyou's hands.
"Give this to him."
Zi Lian You caught it carefully, eyes wide. "Your Highness, this is…?"
"A Spirit Pill", Xiao Tian explained with an airy tone. "It will restore much of his spiritual power—and help him break free of the dungeon's restrictions."
Both women were stunned.
Not only had he spared Ye Fan, but he had even bestowed a pill that could grant him freedom?
Of course, what they did not know was that the pill contained a hidden spirit devourer, subtle and impossible to detect until it was too late.
"But remember", Xiao Tian's voice turned sharp, like a blade sheathed in silk, "this is his last chance. Should he dare oppose me again, he will be courting death."
Zi Lianyou bowed respectfully, holding the pill with trembling fingers. "Understood. Many thanks, Your Highness."
Her heart was in turmoil.
The rumours of the Prince of Northern State described him as ruthless, arrogant, and debauched. But the man she saw before her was refined, unrestrained, even magnanimous.
Compared to Ye Fan—whose temper often flared with pride and resentment—Xiao Tian seemed like the greater man by far.
If I could… cultivate with him, with this legendary Dao Body…
Her gaze flickered unconsciously toward Li Suxin, standing demurely at his side. Could it be… Sister Suxin has already?
Outside the courtyard, once they had left, Zi Lianyou couldn't restrain herself any longer. She leaned close and whispered:
"Sister Suxin… did His Highness treat you…?"
Li Suxin's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone calm but edged. "Why do you care? Matters between me and His Highness are none of your concern. You should hurry to the dungeon and find your Ye Fan."
After days of confinement, Ye Fan's restless fury had settled into icy calm. He had used the spiritual fluid to restore Lingyu's soul, and though weakened, the sword spirit had stabilised.
For now, his only goal was to escape—and then rise again.
"Brother Ye Fan?"
A soft, ethereal voice drifted into the dark chamber.
Ye Fan's eyes shot open. Before him stood Zi Lianyou, her purple robes glowing faintly, her pale skin radiant against the gloom.
"Lianyou Little Sister!" His heart surged with joy. "How did you get in here?"
"Word spread that you were imprisoned," she said softly. "I begged His Highness and was granted permission to visit you."
At the mention of Xiao Tian, Ye Fan's face twisted.
"Him again…"
Zi Lian You quickly stepped closer, producing the pill. "Brother Ye Fan, I brought you this. It can restore your strength and break the restrictions."
Ye Fan's eyes lit up. Heaven does not forsake me!
Every setback I suffer only forges me stronger. Every defeat is but a prelude to my rise.
Xiao Tian—you wait for me!
"Lianyou Little Sister, your kindness is beyond words." Without hesitation, Ye Fan swallowed the pill and sat cross-legged. Spiritual energy roared through him, his depleted strength rapidly returning.
With a sharp crack, the shackles binding him shattered.
Zi Lianyou's eyes widened. "Brother Ye, what will you do now?"
Ye Fan's gaze burnt with unshakeable resolve. "Make a comeback. Reclaim everything I've lost—and more."
Her lips trembled. "Then… can you promise me one thing? Please, don't oppose His Highness again. If not for him, I wouldn't even be allowed here today…"
Ye Fan's expression darkened. His eyes narrowed to icy slits.
"Even you… speaking for him? Just like that treacherous Li Suxin?"
Zi Lianyou flinched. "No, I just think… His Highness is not the man the rumours claim. He's—"
"He's nothing but a snake!" Ye Fan spat. "I, Ye Fan, and that so-called prince are irreconcilable. Mark my words—one day, I'll crush him beneath my feet… in front of you all!"
He turned away without another glance. "Farewell."
His figure disappeared into the shadows, leaving only Zi Lianyou standing there, heart heavy.
Her fingers clenched at her robes.
"Ye Fan… How did you become like this?"