Looking at these former "partners," Duan Xingzhi vaguely recalled the days when he first entered the Assassin's Guild.

In that dark and gloomy water dungeon, he killed countless people.

Until the ground was covered in blood and corpses.

His eyes were red as he realized with a start that he was the only one who had survived.

For this, he received a mouthful of food.

So many lives were lost, and all we got in return was a mouthful of food.

This kind of training and torture, changing time and place, happens almost every month.

Only when he had no more rivals and became the sole survivor among the abducted children did he qualify to enter the Assassin's Hall.

He gradually attracted many people to his side.

Each one forgets where they came from, and knows not where they are going.

Each one of them was a "survivor" of that batch.

He knew from that moment on that only by becoming the leader could he have the right to change everything.

Only now has he finally remembered everything.

He is not Xiao Renyue's lackey.

Instead, he was a spy planted by Xiao Renyue after being turned against him by the Crown Prince.

His final mission was not to kill Shen Zhiyi, but to leave the Assassin's Guild and eradicate this harmful organization completely!

Duan Xingzhi shook the hilt of his sword, creating several sharp sword flowers!

He moved nimbly through the surging waves of killing intent, his face and body splattered with blood.

Several cuts were also visible on his body.

The cold light illuminated his eyes, making his brow bones appear even deeper.

Duan Xingzhi was fortunate that—

Ah Yi, you don't need to suffer this pain.

Shen Zhiyi's hand holding the medicine suddenly trembled.

The porcelain spoon fell into the bowl, making a crisp sound, and even spilled some of the medicine.

"Dr. Shen, what's wrong?" Zhang De asked.

Shen Zhiyi shook her head.

"After drinking this soup, His Highness the Crown Prince will be able to open his eyes."

Zhang De immediately took the medicine bowl, picked up the spoon himself, and fed the prince little by little.

He stood nervously to one side, waiting.

A short while later, Crown Prince Xiao Shiye slowly woke up.

The first thing you see is a face glowing in the candlelight.

With snow-white skin, black hair, cherry lips, and a delicate nose, she looked like a goddess descended from the heavens. Sitting beside him, she glanced at him with a cool and aloof gaze.

Xiao Shiye was stunned as soon as he came to his senses.

"Your Highness!" Zhang De rushed over, tears streaming down his face, "You've finally woken up!"

"This old minister thought he would never see you again!"

"Dr. Shen, thank you so much!" Zhang De wiped away his tears and almost knelt down before Shen Zhiyi.

“Prime Minister, there’s no need for you to be so polite.” Shen Zhiyi supported his arm and lifted him up. “His Highness the Crown Prince has just regained consciousness and cannot speak yet.”

"He must be given acupuncture before he can speak."

Zhang De looked at Xiao Shiye, then at Shen Zhiyi, and nodded repeatedly, "I will clear the bedchamber immediately. Doctor Shen can focus on administering acupuncture without any disturbance!"

He withdrew with all his maids and servants.

Shen Zhiyi then turned around and respectfully said to Xiao Shiye, "Your Highness, I will now administer acupuncture to you. If you feel any discomfort, please blink three times to let me know."

Looking at her indifferent and aloof expression, Xiao Shiye's heart pounded like a drum, and he nodded gently.

Night was falling.

Incense smoke filled the bedroom.

Shen Zhiyi focused intently on finishing the needlework.

After the last silver needle was removed, Xiao Shiye's Adam's apple bobbed, and he said, "Thank you... Miss Shen."

His voice was still a little hoarse.

"Your Highness is too kind." Shen Zhiyi brought over a teacup. "Have some water to soothe your throat."

Xiao Shiye took the teacup, drinking it while secretly watching her.

Shen Zhiyi was preoccupied with Duan Xingzhi's safety and did not notice his gaze.

So much time has passed...

Why aren't they back yet?

She glanced out the window, a deep worry flashing in her eyes.

Xiao Shiye coughed lightly, drawing her gaze back, "Miss Chen... my illness..."

Duan Xingzhi, injured, landed outside the window of the sleeping quarters.

His dark robes were stained with dark red blood.

With several gashes, the flesh was torn and rolled up, a rather shocking sight.

He clutched his chest, still radiating a chilling killing intent, standing in the cold, watery night, becoming one with the darkness.

Soft whispers could be heard from inside the hall.

He heard Xiao Shiye ask, "I wonder if Miss Shen would be willing to enter the Eastern Palace and stay by my side?"

"Not as a doctor, but... as an orphan's woman."

Shen Zhiyi seemed somewhat taken aback.

After a moment's pause, she said calmly, "Your Highness, I am already married."

Xiao Shiye leaned against the headboard for a moment, stunned, before quickly leaning forward and saying, "I don't care."

"If you are willing to enter the Eastern Palace, I can help you get a divorce."

Duan Xingzhi watched Shen Zhiyi's retreating figure, and his heart sank.

The knuckles of the hand pressing against the chest turned white from the force.

"I love you and sincerely want to marry you," Xiao Shiye's voice clearly reached my ears through the window, "As long as you are willing to stay by my side, I will give you anything."

"Even the position of Crown Princess."

The position of principal wife has been vacant for a long time.

He originally intended to save it for someone he truly loved.

Now, he thought he had met his match.

As Duan Xingzhi listened to Xiao Shiye's confession, every word felt like a poisoned needle piercing his heart.

He could smell the strong stench of blood emanating from his body.

Stray hairs fell across his forehead, obscuring his eyebrows and eyes, shrouding half his face in shadow, making it difficult to see clearly.

He raised an eyebrow and saw that the hall was brightly lit by candles, and the atmosphere was peaceful and harmonious.

The swirling incense sticks created a faint ambergris scent.

Standing in the shadows, exuding a menacing aura, they were separated into two completely different worlds.

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