World 1 - Lord Nine Thousand (9)

The blade stopped just an inch from his throat. Chu Feng Qi knew Du Chao Gong did not believe him and only wanted to hear what other nonsense he could spout. But that didn't matter; the youth only wanted to be by his side legitimately.

"The world knows that a wise bird chooses a good branch to perch on. Lord Nine Thousand's talent is peerless, and your power reaches the heavens; you are the high branch I wish to reach for."

He deliberately avoided mentioning the Cold Palace. Although he knew the young man had come here to hunt down a traitor, Chu Feng Qi still had to feign ignorance.

"I know I currently have no value to be used, only my status as a prince that can be contested. You are divinely insightful; naturally, you know exactly what my life in the Cold Palace was like."

In the past, Du Chao Gong had also been looked down upon by others, climbing to his current transcendent position by stepping over blood and bone, not by relying on the pity of others.

The only thing Chu Feng Qi could sell now was his life. In giving his life, he also had to declare his stance.

"I want to escape that demon's den, and I am prepared to die at your hands if I fail. You have always been skilled at maximizing the value of all things; I believe you are the most reliable person to depend on in this forbidden palace."

Hearing this, the young man let out a cold sneer and withdrew his sword. "You are indeed clever."

These flattering words achieved an unexpected effect. Though still suspicious, Du Chao Gong believed Chu Feng Qi's explanation.

After several struggles, the tense string in Chu Feng Qi's heart finally snapped. Following that, a wave of heat and dizziness spread throughout his body.

The youth coughed a few times, his pupils losing focus as he asked, "Lord Nine Thousand, have I been poisoned?"

Du Chao Gong retracted his foot gently and sneered, "It is merely medicinal wine."

His narrow eyes watched Chu Feng Qi's flushed face, narrowing curiously. "But you are the only one who drank it and ended up like this."

Then he clapped his hands a few times. The guards waiting outside entered upon command, but they were visibly startled to see Chu Feng Qi still alive on the chair.

Realizing they had stared for too long, a guard quickly bowed and hoisted the unconscious Chu Feng Qi onto his shoulder.

"Take him down. Don't let him die, but don't make it too easy for him either."

Lord Nine Thousand's voice was not like other eunuchs who often sounded weak; on the contrary, it was clear and elegant, as gentle as a spring breeze. It was hard to imagine that the owner of such a voice was actually a fierce deity, his words colder than hell itself.

"As you command."

Hearing this order, the guard knew that even if Chu Feng Qi didn't die, he would have to shed a layer of skin. Du Chao Gong was extremely averse to outsiders and possessed a volatile temperament. The youth's actions were entirely a risky gamble; a single slip would have cost him his life instantly.