Nightmare in the Bloodstar Citadel [1]

Meanwhile, a few hours ago-

"Urghh..."

Zhao Tian gritted his teeth as each movement sent another wave of pain searing through his battered body.

The chains rattled with a faint metallic clink as he forced his limbs to obey, dragging himself forward inch by inch.

Yao Jing lay there, barely clinging to consciousness as her body trembled with exhaustion and pain.

His fingers curled against the cold, damp stone and nails scraped as he struggled to pull himself closer.

"Urghh..." His broken ribs grinded against one another with each shallow breath.

The suffocating weight of the chains held him down, but he pushed on.

"Jing..." His voice was hoarse from the dryness of his throat.

She stirred again with a faint twitch of her fingers her bloodshot eyes fluttered slightly.

The dim crimson glow of the chains reflected in her gaze as she blinked sluggishly.