Chapter 6: Shadows Unveiled

The carriage halted before an unassuming estate shrouded in darkness. Su Mingli lifted the curtain, squinting at the structure illuminated by faint lantern light. Though lacking opulence, the compound exuded an air of calculated secrecy—clearly no ordinary residence.

"Where is this?" She turned to Xiao Jingxuan, brows knit.

The War Prince disembarked smoothly, his smile a blade's edge. "A private retreat."

Her mind raced. That a military prince maintained such a covert stronghold spoke of layered ambitions. Yet she asked no questions, following him through the gates.

A frigid gaze pierced her the moment they crossed the threshold.

"Your Highness—who is she?"

Su Mingli turned toward the voice. A black-clad man emerged from shadows, posture rigid as a drawn bowstring. His hawk-like eyes scrutinized her with open distrust.

Xiao Jingxuan's reply was breezy. "Our new collaborator."

The man's jaw tightened, conflict flickering in his gaze before he schooled his expression.

Studying him, Su Mingli tilted her head. "You must be Shadow Eleven."

The air chilled. The man's hand twitched toward his blade.

Xiao Jingxuan chuckled, amused. "It seems Miss Su has done her reconnaissance."

She offered no denial, merely a placid smile. Shadow Eleven—chief of the War Prince's covert guards, master of espionage. His presence confirmed Xiao Jingxuan's tentative trust.

Seating herself in the austere hall, she cut to the chase. "Partnership requires reciprocity. What will you trade for my cooperation?"

Xiao Jingxuan leaned back, eyes glinting. "What I desire… you'll surrender willingly."

Her smile turned glacial. "That depends on your offerings."

After a weighted pause, he slid a yellowed parchment across the table.

Su Mingli unfolded it—and froze.

Intricate meridian diagrams sprawled across the page, detailing human anatomy with clinical precision. Near the heart region, a cryptic symbol glowed faintly: the mark of the Gilded Bronze Figures.

Her fingers clenched the paper.

Xiao Jingxuan's voice purred through the silence. "Does this… clarify your interest?"

When she met his gaze, her voice held newfound steel. "It seems the War Prince holds more cards than I imagined."

Outside, wind rattled the shutters. The game had begun.