The Black Pine Forest was only the first veil of shadow. Beyond its dense canopy and whispering trees stretched an endless mountain range, jagged like the teeth of a beast. Peaks rose like spears toward the heavens, valleys cut deep into the earth.
The second night in the forest passed quietly. Zilan had eaten her fill with roasted pheasant and wild fruits, then closed her eyes as the fire dwindled. Her captives, Lu Hong and Wang Shun, had already collapsed in exhaustion. By morning, the dim cave was filled with the scent of herbs.
The two bandits stirred awake, groaning softly. Their bodies ached all over, then they suddenly noticed their wounds had been neatly bound and treated with medicine. As awareness returned, they realized their hands and legs were no longer bound.
Wang Shun, the scar-faced one, blinked rapidly. His cracked lips trembled before he leaned toward his companion. Brother Lu… do you see this? Our hands… untied.
Lu Hong flexed his wrists, disbelief flickering in his eyes. The freedom felt unreal. He glanced around the empty cave. No trace of the little devil. Only the remnants of ashes from last night's fire.
This… this is our chance, Wang Shun whispered, voice hoarse. "We should leave now. Before she returns."
Lu Hong hesitated, but he knew that lingering any longer meant waiting for death.Together, they moved carefully toward the mouth of the cave, every step heavy with anticipation.
The outside light spilled onto their faces. Freedom was only a step away. A rush of relief swelled within their chests.
But just as their feet touched the grass beyond the stone, a voice as soft as silk was heard behind them.
Uncles…
The single word froze their blood. The relief drained from their expressions, replaced instantly by terror. Their bodies went rigid, trembling as if struck by lightning.
They turned slowly.
Yue Zilan stood there, arms folded loosely, her gaze calm and kind. The faintest smile tugged at her lips, though it never reached her eyes.
Miss… what else do you want? Lu Hong stammered, his voice cracking. We—we told you everything. The gangs, the strongholds… we even endured your punishment. Please… please let us go.
Punishment… Zilan tilted her head, the smile deepening. You two ugly freaks. If I had truly punished you, do you think you'd still be standing here, alive and well?
The words slithered into their ears like a snake. Both men went pale.
Her gaze sharpened. Don't even think about running. You've already been poisoned.
Their pupils shrank. Po… poisoned?
"Yes." Her tone was almost playful, like she was telling a child a bedtime story. "That delicious meat you ate—the rabbit, the pheasant—it carried a blood-corroding poison. Without the antidote, your veins will rot month by month, until your flesh falls apart while you're still breathing."
The color drained from their faces. Their legs nearly gave out.
Zilan let the silence linger before she added, softly, Of course… as long as you stay by my side, as long as you obey, I'll give you the antidote each month. Otherwise…
She let the word trail off, her smile saying what her lips did not.
Lu Hong and Wang Shun felt as if they had swallowed a mouthful of filth. Slavery would have been mercy. This was something worse—chains buried in their very blood.
Before they could speak, a blur of movement cut through the air.
Zilan's figure vanished from her spot and reappeared before them like a ghost.
Her foot lashed out.
The kick landed square on Wang Shun's chest. With a muffled scream, the scar-faced man was sent flying, slamming into the cave wall with a heavy thud. He coughed violently, blood trickling from his lips, his face contorted with pain.
Lu Hong froze in horror. His body trembled uncontrollably, his teeth chattering. He dropped to his knees at once, voice breaking. I—I'm willing! I'll follow you! Ancestor, spare me!
His mind screamed in despair. What sort of devil had they provoked?
Zilan's expression remained calm, but her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She gestured lazily toward Wang Shun, who lay groaning on the ground. Pick him up.
Lu Hong scrambled to his companion, hauling him upright with shaking hands. Both men kept their heads bowed, their breaths shallow.
From now on, Zilan said, her tone soft yet unyielding, you two are mine. Defy me, and you'll learn what true punishment feels like.
The words settled over them like a shroud.
The two men could only bow their heads lower, terror anchoring them in place.
The sound of the forest outside drifted in—branches swaying, a raven cawing somewhere distant. But within the cave, the silence was absolute, broken only by the ragged breaths of two men who had just realized their fates were sealed.