Having not seen Su Yaoyao for days, Bai Lian, Reg, and Pani were pacing around the inn like ants on a hot pan, frantic with worry.

The atmosphere in the room was so oppressive it was hard to breathe. Anxiety and worry were written all over their faces.

Reg paced back and forth, fists clenched, cursing furiously. "That bastard Mingye has refused to let us into the castle time and again, and Yaoyao hasn’t left it in days. Did something happen to her?" His eyes revealed a deep unease, as if he had a premonition that something terrible was happening.

Pani sat to one side, his brow furrowed. He said helplessly, "Snake Scale City has its own independent communication network. We can’t use the Star Network, so there’s no way for us to contact Yaoyao. It’s like we’re cut off on an information island, completely in the dark. It’s driving me crazy!" He ran a hand through his hair in frustration, his anxiety growing more intense.

Bai Lian stood by the window, gazing toward the castle, his brow furrowed deeply. Based on his understanding of Su Yaoyao, even if she was prioritizing the peace talks, she knew they would be worried. She would never just go silent for so long without sending any word, let alone not even coming to see them. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"Unless... Yaoyao’s movements are being restricted. Just like we can’t get into the castle, she can’t get out."

It was as if a light had gone on for Reg and Pani. They exclaimed in unison, "You mean Yaoyao’s been imprisoned?!"

Their gazes snapped to Bai Lian, filled with anxiety and expectation. At this moment, they were both hoping Bai Lian would make the right decision.

Bai Lian’s eyes instantly sharpened, like a lion poised to strike. He made a snap decision. "Yaoyao is the Empire’s Holy Female, and more importantly, our wife. We can’t just sit here and wait. No matter what, we have to see her today and confirm she’s safe. We’re forcing our way into the castle!" His voice was firm and powerful, holding an undeniable force.

The other two nodded in agreement without hesitation, their eyes filled with the same determination. They knew that for Su Yaoyao, they would never back down, even if it meant charging through a sea of blades and a mountain of fire.

「Meanwhile, in the castle’s dungeon, the atmosphere was entirely different.」

The dim lights flickered as Mingye personally fed Su Yaoyao, his eyes full of tenderness and adoration.

He gently scooped up a spoonful of food and brought it to Su Yaoyao’s lips, saying softly, "Yaoyao, come on, have a bite. I made this especially for you."

However, just then, a massive tremor suddenly ran through the dungeon, accompanied by a deafening lion’s roar that made the entire place tremble.

Su Yaoyao was startled by the sudden disturbance, and her face instantly turned pale.

"Don’t be afraid, Yaoyao. I’ll go take a look." Mingye immediately put down the utensils and stood up, his eyes showing alertness and resolve.

Su Yaoyao’s heart tightened. She immediately realized it must be Bai Lian and the others.

She quickly reached out and grabbed Mingye’s hand, saying anxiously, "Mingye, that has to be Bai Lian and the others. You have to let me out. If they see me locked up like this, there will be no explaining it.

You can’t jeopardize the peace talks! Think about the Beastman citizens in your city. If this sparks a conflict, they’ll be the ones to suffer."

Her eyes were filled with worry and pleading, hoping Mingye would be more rational.

Mingye slowly turned his head and looked at Su Yaoyao with deep affection, but a flicker of fear crossed his eyes. He said in a low voice, "But I’m afraid. I’m afraid that as soon as I let you out, you’ll leave me. I can’t lose you again, Yaoyao." His voice trembled slightly, as if terrified of this nightmare that was about to become reality.

A sharp pain lanced through Su Yaoyao’s heart. She looked at Mingye and said earnestly, "I won’t leave you." She tried to make him believe her promise.

But Mingye just shook his head and gave a soft laugh, one filled with bitterness and resignation. "You promised to stay with me for ten years last time, but in the end, you still left me and went to the Imperial City. How can I trust you again?" A hurt look flashed in his eyes.

"You know there was a reason for that," Su Yaoyao said, her brow knitting with frustration and a sense of being wronged. Her departure back then had been beyond her control.

Mingye looked at her, a hint of finality in his gaze. "Yes, I know. And that’s why, this time, I will never let you go." With that, he slowly pried Su Yaoyao’s hand from his and turned to leave, each step heavy and resolute.

"Mingye! Mingye!" Su Yaoyao called out desperately, her voice echoing in the dim dungeon.

She tried to struggle against her chains, but the cold metal held her fast, leaving her unable to move. She could only watch helplessly as Mingye’s back gradually disappeared from view, tears welling in her eyes.

Mingye arrived in the main hall to find it in chaos. Bai Lian and the others were in a tense standoff with his subordinates, the atmosphere like a powder keg about to explode.

He knew that Bai Lian had already advanced to a Level 3S Beastman. He must have been holding back just now; otherwise, his subordinates would have been defeated in an instant.

"All of you, stand down," Mingye commanded. The black-robed figures all fell back, but they continued to watch Bai Lian and his companions warily.

Reg was the first to step forward, his eyes wide with fury. He pointed at Mingye and demanded, "Mingye! What have you done with Yaoyao?! If even one hair on her head is harmed, I’ll never let you hear the end of it!" His voice was as loud as thunder, filled with rage and threat.

Pani immediately followed up, pressing, "Did you hide our wife? You’d better give us an explanation today!" His gaze carried an air that tolerated no argument.

Mingye, however, unhurriedly walked to the high seat at the head of the hall and sat down. He looked down on the three men, a mocking smile playing on his lips as he said slowly,

"Isn’t the Empire here for peace talks? Is this your sincerity? Causing such a commotion—are you trying to start a war?" He was attempting to change the subject to the peace talks while also warning them not to act rashly.

"Lord Mingye, I hope you’ll consider this carefully. The peace talks are an act of mercy from the Holy Female. The Empire has more than enough power to flatten Snake Scale City; it’s just that the innocent would suffer in the process." Bai Lian’s gaze was like a torch, fixed directly on Mingye. His voice was steady and powerful, as if declaring the Empire’s strength and resolve.

Mingye sneered, refusing to show any weakness. "Flattening Snake Scale City would, of course, be a simple matter for the Empire. But I hope you, Admiral Bai Lian, will also consider the off-world powers backing Snake Scale City. If a war truly breaks out, you might not be able to walk away unscathed."

A ruthless glint appeared in his eyes as he tried to intimidate Bai Lian and the others.