Phoenix Palace.

The main doors of the Taiji Palace opened, and Yan Wenli was the first to come out.

Tang Fei hurried up to greet him, saying, "Director..."

The verdict at the Imperial Square had just concluded, and a group of bigwigs were rushing here in their cars.

Yan Wenli waved his hand at Tang Fei, who then followed him.

But he was "insignificant and powerless" and did not have the privilege to join the discussions inside.

However, he still needed to display the seriousness and curiosity of "has something major happened?"

If you're uninterested in everything, you're either heartless or you think there is nothing new.

Neither suited Tang Fei's character or situation.

"Let's get in the car first." Yan Wenli waved his hand, indicating that this was not the place to talk.

-------

Tang Fei nodded, and the two of them walked towards the underground parking lot.

After getting into the car, Yan Wenli rubbed his slightly aching temples and said, "Phoenix has been kidnapped."

"What?" Tang Fei was shocked: "Isn't she living in the palace? How could she be kidnapped?"

As he spoke, Tang Fei began to dial Phoenix's phone number.

Unfortunately,

the phone was turned off.

He dialed again, still turned off.

He was about to dial Sheng Xinhua's number when Yan Wenli stopped him.

"Don't be impulsive, the situation is being resolved. By making inquiries everywhere, you'll only cause a commotion."

Tang Fei was extremely anxious and looked at Yan Wenli, saying, "Director, what exactly happened? Phoenix is an Empire Princess, how could she be kidnapped? Who did this?"

Yan Wenli turned sideways and scrutinized Tang Fei, as if pondering something.

After a long while, he finally spoke to comfort him, "Don't worry, they have demands from the Imperial Family, they likely won't harm Phoenix..."

"Who are they?"

Tang Fei suddenly seemed to remember something, and asked, "So, those people weren't executed tonight because Phoenix was taken?"

"Yes, they kidnapped Phoenix, holding the princess as a hostage, demanding the empire release over seven thousand death-row prisoners."

"The princess is greatly cherished and beloved, so, the King abruptly withdrew his murderous intent and chose to make a deal with them."

"Once the princess is rescued, those people will be killed anyway..." Tang Fei questioned, "Why would they commit such a foolish act?"

"Based on the timeline, the prisoners should have already been transported to the Old Land."

"Old Land?"

"Isn't that the best choice? That place is out of the Empire's reach... the Empire wouldn't wage a large-scale operation just for a few prisoners."

"So, by going to the Old Land, they've grasped a chance for survival. Whether they can survive depends on their destiny."

Tang Fei nodded, saying, "For them, it indeed seems to be the best choice. Should they release Phoenix now?"

"Yes." Yan Wenli nodded and said, "They should let Phoenix go."

"Where is Phoenix now?"

"I don't know."

"How can you not know?" Tang Fei was utterly confused: "We've released the prisoners, shouldn't they release her now?"

"It's easy to say..." Yan Wenli also seemed quite helpless, saying, "But we don't know where they've taken the princess... If they haven't released her, we can only wait, right?"

"What if they don't release her?"

"Then we wait to be annihilated."

"They release or not release Phoenix... isn't it the same outcome?" Tang Fei said.

Even if they release Phoenix, would the Empire choose to forgive them?

How could a group that dared to kidnap a princess and threaten the Royal Family be allowed to live?

"Yes." Yan Wenli understandably responded, "So, whether they release Phoenix or not... remains an unknown."

"..."

So our threats... carry no weight?

Are we merely trusting the rebel party's morality?

Yan Wenli looked troubled and asked, "Do you think they'll release her?"

Tang Fei pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "If I were the rebel party, I wouldn't release her... Since the outcome is the same either way, why bother?"

"Yes." Yan Wenli nodded, saying, "If I were the rebel party, I wouldn't release her either. Since their goal is revenge, why not take whatever advantage they can first?"

"Phoenix is in danger." Tang Fei's expression was extremely grim.

"Yes. Phoenix is in danger."

"Has Chen Fenglei found any information about the traitor?"

"If there was any..." Yan Wenli's mouth twitched into a mocking smile, saying, "Would we be so passive?"

"That useless piece of trash."

------

The elderly man hung up the phone and looked at Bai Wuxin, who was sitting opposite him, saying, "They have safely arrived at the Old Land."

Bai Wuxin visibly relaxed, a hint of emotional fluctuation appearing in his typically cold eyes.

The ones sent this time were not just over seven thousand orphans and staff from Sunshine Orphanage, but also his master He Xiaohua.

He Xiaohua had rescued Bai Wuxin and had taught him swordsmanship...

She was very strict with Bai Wuxin, even harsh and cruel...

Yet, Bai Wuxin didn't hold resentment or blame towards her.

He was only filled with gratitude.

To be alive was already a huge favor.

Who was he to complain about the meals being undercooked or too salty?

That would be an ungrateful act.

He Xiaohua was not only Bai Wuxin's master but also his family, his kin.

He transcended countless relationships.

So, upon learning that He Xiaohua had been captured, he risked his life, rushing alone into the depths of danger, and brought back the Little Princess of the Phoenix Empire, Zhong Yu Xiu Xue...

"Our mission as hostage holders is accomplished, we can kill her now," the old man said.

"What?"

Bai Wuxin stared wide-eyed at the old man.

"Kill her?"

"Kill her," the old man nodded. "If not, should we keep her for the New Year?"

"No," Bai Wuxin refused, saying, "We made a deal... When my master is safe, I will let her leave."

"If you won't, I will."

The old man got up, ready to commit murder.

Kill the Phoenix.

The Phoenix must die.

As long as she lived, she would put countless people in jeopardy.

Ching!

Bai Wuxin's sword unsheathed, blocking the old man's path.

The old man's eyes turned stern as he glared at Bai Wuxin and said, "Do you even understand who we are? We are from the rebel party, the traitors, the mortal enemies of the Royal Family... What reason do we have to release a hostage, especially one who is of the Empire Princess's Zhong bloodline?"

"What? Are you hoping to secure a good reputation from the Phoenix Empire by doing this? Even if they dare to give such an award, would you dare to accept it?"

"If we kill her, how would we explain it to Tang Fei?" Bai Wuxin stood his ground and retorted.

"Explain? Killing her would be the best explanation for him..." the old man sneered, saying, "Killing the hostage is protecting him. Letting her go would be truly putting him in danger."

"He doesn't think so."

"His thoughts don't matter. What we need to do is to absolutely guarantee his safety. Everyone can be sacrificed, you and I included."

Bai Wuxin wavered for a moment.

He knew the old man was right.

However, he still shook his head and said, "No. Without his consent, I can't let you kill her."

"You know his nature; he won't agree."

"Then we won't kill."

"How? You won't even listen to me now?"

"You once said, we only have one master."

"..."

The old man looked gloomily at Bai Wuxin and said in a deep voice, "What if I must kill her no matter what?"

"You can't."

"..."

------

Bang!

The heavy iron door was pushed open from the outside.

Phoenix, sitting on a chair, slightly squinted her eyes, having not seen the light for a long time.

After that phone call, she had been confined in this metal hut.

No windows, the iron door securely locked.

Her powers were restrained, leaving no chance of escape.

Of course, even if her powers were intact, she would not consider escape foolishly...

That would be stupid.

Because she knew, in the hidden corners, countless eyes would be watching.

And with skilled warriors like Bai Wuxin, any struggle or resistance would be utterly humiliating.

As a princess of the Imperial Family, she valued decorum and weighed the pros and cons.

Seeing Bai Wuxin standing by the door, a faint smile emerged on Phoenix's lips, and she asked, "They have all been rescued, haven't they?"

"Yes," Bai Wuxin nodded, replying, "As per our demands, they've been sent to the Old Land."

"That's good." Phoenix showed a relieved expression.

She had specifically advised her father against executing so many people for this reason.

And because he had not heeded her advice, she had disheartenly arranged to meet Sheng Xinhua in the dangerous regions...

Bai Wuxin looked at Phoenix, thinking that she indeed differed from others in the Royal Family.

And with his Grandmaster talent of discerning people's true nature, he knew the smile on her face was genuine.

She was genuinely happy that those from the rebel party were saved.

Phoenix looked towards Bai Wuxin and asked, "Now that your friend has reached the Old Land, can I go back as per our agreement?"

Phoenix asked this with extreme unease in her heart.

For it was an unfair trade.

They took her as a hostage, while the Royal Family's bargaining chip had already been sent to the Old Land...

If they decided to renege on the deal, her side had no leverage.

Her life hung on a thread, at their mercy.

How ironic that her life now depended on the integrity of these traitors.

"Yes," Bai Wuxin did not keep Phoenix waiting, quickly giving her the answer she desired, "I will escort you out now."

The light in Phoenix's eyes flickered.

Then, it dimmed again.

After a brief pause, she said, "Thank you."

"As promised."

------

In the vast ocean, a small boat drifted lonely.

Phoenix sat in the boat, tears streaming down her face.

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