Chapter 54: Entering the Imperial Palace

Ziji was completely unaware of the changes in Charles and continued feasting heartily.

Although the food at Charles' residence wasn't as delicious as that old lecher's cooking, it was still barely acceptable.

Most importantly, she didn't have her master reprimanding her, so she could eat in peace!

Ziji wiped her mouth and looked at the now-empty plates on the table.

"Servants! Bring me more food!"

Her voice rang out, but no one responded.

Glancing around, Ziji suddenly realized that the courtyard was now empty.

At some point, all the servant girls had disappeared.

Only she remained.

Ziji stood up, sensing an ominous presence.

Her instincts as a soul beast allowed her to detect threats against her.

Right now, just beyond the courtyard walls, she could feel numerous malicious auras surrounding her.

"That old bastard… he can't hold back anymore, huh?" Ziji gritted her teeth, turning toward the entrance of the courtyard.

Charles, standing at the center of the courtyard, looked at Ziji with undisguised greed on his face. Smirking, he said, "Miss Ziji, you've eaten and drank at my residence, spending at least ten thousand gold soul coins. Don't you think it's time to repay me?"

"That's your own stupidity. Why should I repay you? The fact that I haven't killed you is already an act of mercy!"

Ziji licked her lips, squinting at Charles.

This disgusting man had always ogled her with lecherous, hidden intentions.

If it weren't for her master's plan, she would have already crushed his skull!

Charles, however, wasn't angered by her words. Instead, her disdainful expression seemed to excite him even more. Just imagining himself pressing such a fiery woman beneath him…

Charles clapped his hands and chuckled, "You're quite arrogant, Miss Ziji. I had a feeling you were a powerful soul master. But… haven't you noticed something odd about your body?"

Ziji froze for a moment. Her body…

She suddenly realized that her face was burning, and her entire body felt like it was on fire—especially her chest, making her want to tear off her clothes for relief.

Her mind became flooded with inappropriate images.

For example, the old lecher grabbing her hair and making her lick his toes…

Just thinking about it made Ziji both furious and ashamed, yet she couldn't suppress it.

"My… my heat cycle?"

She secretly wondered. Soul beasts experienced heat cycles, similar to human menstrual cycles.

Because of their intelligence, they could resist the effects of their heat cycle.

But they might still have occasional erotic dreams.

However, such an intense reaction, where she couldn't even control herself, had never happened before.

Ziji held her head, biting her lip, but she couldn't shake off the sensations.

"You really are a powerful soul master. If I hadn't given you such a high dose of aphrodisiacs, you wouldn't have even reacted. I almost underestimated you… But now, just surrender to me!"

Charles laughed as he waved his hand.

In the next instant, figures emerged from behind the walls, throwing massive nets toward Ziji.

Like a spider's web, the nets layered over her.

At the same time, several people sprayed smoke toward her—green and pink mist quickly engulfing Ziji.

Trapped under the nets and choked by the smoke, Ziji's anger flared.

If it had been ordinary poison, no matter how potent, her resistance would have easily neutralized it.

But it was an aphrodisiac!

Now dizzy and unsteady, Ziji instinctively tried to tear through the nets.

Her hands strained, but she couldn't exert her full strength.

She ripped through four or five layers, but just as her head cleared slightly, several more layers were thrown on top of her.

Ziji bared her teeth in frustration, her mouth revealing sharp fangs.

If she returned to her true form, she could easily shred these nets with her dragon claws.

But she recalled her master's orders, and that thought was immediately discarded.

She couldn't reveal her soul beast identity.

She had to fight in human form!

Her hands resumed tearing at the ropes as she tried to charge toward the exit.

But just as she took a step, the nets yanked her back.

The mist thickened, and the world around her turned into a swirling blur of colors, making it impossible to see beyond the courtyard.

Then, several rings of light descended from above, binding Ziji.

Control-type soul masters were making their move—delivering the final blow.

"Ahhh!!!"

Ziji let out a furious scream, but she couldn't break free in time.

The courtyard had become a swamp, trapping her deeper the more she struggled.

As her state worsened, she sank further into the trap.

"More! Keep going! She must pass out! I want to see her strip herself! Only when she reaches that point will it be enough!" Charles' eyes were bloodshot as he screamed in excitement.

The thought of finally conquering such a beautiful woman made his breathing ragged.

"Master, something's wrong with this woman. Even though she released her soul power, she hasn't used her martial soul…" a soul master beside Charles reported.

Charles waved dismissively, unconcerned.

"Don't think so much! Just keep going!"

Charles stared intently at the courtyard, breathing heavily.

The surrounding soul masters continued their efforts, like hunters waiting for their prey to collapse.

At the hotel where Dan Heng's family was staying.

Dan Heng had just stepped outside to buy some herbs when he was blocked by several Star Luo Royal Guards.

"You are Dan Heng?" the lead guard asked.

"Yes," Dan Heng nodded slightly, feeling a bit helpless.

Seeing the guards' unfriendly demeanor, he suddenly regretted coming to Star Luo City.

It seemed like this place refused to let him live in peace.

It almost felt like being hunted by the Blade again, unable to sleep soundly!

"You'll have to come with us. Count Charles reported that his servant was killed in an alley while delivering an invitation to you. You must cooperate with the investigation!"

The guard leader spoke while grabbing Dan Heng's shoulder.

Dan Heng frowned slightly. Just now, he had sensed a spatial fluctuation from his room.

That energy was all too familiar—it was… Gu Yuena!

Gu Yuena, who was already gravely injured, was forcefully tearing through space. Was she trying to get herself killed?

And if she was clashing with someone, that would only make things worse.

Dan Heng could no longer remain calm.

"What are you spacing out for?" The guard leader tightened his grip on Dan Heng's shoulder, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't budge him.

Dan Heng glanced at the guard leader, his gaze tinged with impatience.

The moment his eyes met theirs, the guard leader instantly froze in place, as if petrified, staring blankly at Dan Heng.

The other guards also stood rigid, their bodies completely unresponsive.

Dan Heng ignored them and swiftly headed toward the source of the spatial fluctuation.

(End of Chapter)