Chapter 440

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Chapter 440: Sneering of the Monster Emperor

Chao Lu was confined in a cage.

Though a cage, her treatment wasn’t entirely harsh.

This harbor, controlled by the Xiangliu family, was not a typical prison. She had handcuffs and leg shackles, but the accommodations were relatively comfortable—doors, windows, and even a fireplace ensured she wouldn’t suffer from the cold or smoke.

She was no stranger to her current predicament. The ambushers who had captured her weren’t hard to identify. The Xiangliu family controlled almost all southern ports, leaving little room for secret entries.

Her original plan was to persuade the Xiangliu family to release her. But she hadn’t anticipated the chaotic state of affairs. The vassals were rebelling, and even the Xiangliu family itself was splintered.

As Princess Bai Ze of a minor kingdom, her influence was limited. Whether captured or freed, the fate of her kingdom seemed sealed.

The mercenary group she’d relied on couldn’t possibly resist the 1,500 soldiers guarding the harbor. They had surrendered, handing her over to her captors.

Now, her escape depended solely on her wits and negotiation skills.

Chao Lu was known for her sharp tongue and unshakable courage, but those qualities alone weren’t enough. Negotiation was like a card game: the more cards you had, the better your chances of victory.

Yet, she held no cards at all.

Her kingdom was doomed. Her return would likely end in death. If death was inevitable, why not choose her burial place carefully?

Foolish, perhaps. But what choice did she have?

A knock interrupted her thoughts. Chao Lu’s expression hardened.

“Come in,” she said.

The door opened, and a man stepped inside.

The Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom was home to countless demon species. Mutations and evolutionary changes over generations created an endless array of new forms. The man before her had snake-like eyes, a telltale sign of his Xiangliu lineage.

Most demons capable of taking human form had cultivated for over a hundred years. This man, given his presence here, was likely the second-in-command or even the leader of the garrison.

Ports like this one were critical to the Xiangliu family. Those entrusted with their management were usually close blood relatives.

“Hello, Princess Chao Lu,” the man greeted her.

“Nice to meet you…”

“We’ve met before,” he interrupted. “Five months ago, in Europa.”

Chao Lu frowned. “I don’t recall meeting you.”

“I wasn’t there to study. I had business in Xiangliu Street and passed through Gaodeng City. I couldn’t resist visiting Tulip Academy and the Golden Tree.”

“The Golden Tree is indeed one of Europa’s wonders,” she said cautiously.

“Indeed. It’s a shame it cannot be transplanted to the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom.”

Chao Lu remained silent, unsure of his intentions.

“I should introduce myself,” he said. “My name is Qisui. I am of the Xiangliu bloodline, though outside the third generation. I manage this harbor and handle odd jobs. Meeting you here is unexpected.”

Chao Lu’s eyes narrowed. “Your family hasn’t directly attacked Bai Ze Kingdom. Why are you stopping me?”

“Don’t you understand?” Qisui smirked. “Lord Qiongqi is intensifying his attacks. Yunmeng City will fall within a month. Returning now is a death sentence.”

“That’s my decision,” she said coldly. “I don’t need your interference.”

“Perhaps. But you’re my prisoner now,” Qisui replied. “Your kingdom’s fate is sealed. Staying in Europa is your best chance at survival. Returning to the Ten Thousand Demon Kingdom will only end in captivity.”

“I have a plan to defend the city,” Chao Lu retorted. “Do you think I came back to die? I know how to delay Qiongqi’s forces.”

“Relying on those mercenaries outside?” Qisui sneered. “My men already interrogated them. They’re nothing but war profiteers. Once the city falls, they’ll scatter.”

Chao Lu glared at him. “Am I someone who seeks death? If I came through the South Sea instead of the West, it wasn’t by accident.”

“What does that prove?”

“Crossing the endless sea is no small feat,” she argued. “The Four Seas Group supported me, providing resources and mercenaries. Would the Dragon Clan do business with me if I had no value?”

Qisui hesitated. The Four Seas Group never engaged in futile ventures. If they supported her, there had to be a reason.

But his skepticism remained.

“Let me return to Bai Ze Kingdom,” she pressed. “Defending Yunmeng City aligns with Xiangliu’s interests. Qiongqi’s aggression only destabilizes the region, weakening his own forces.”

Qisui sighed. “You make an interesting case, Princess Chao Lu. But I don’t trust you.”

He rose and walked to the door.

“You’ll remain here for now. Once arrangements are made, I’ll report your claims.”

The door closed, leaving Chao Lu alone. She exhaled shakily. Had her bluff worked?

Meanwhile, Qisui gave orders to his subordinates.

“Keep her here,” he said. “If she has any real value, we’ll use her when Bai Ze Kingdom falls. If not, she can still serve other purposes.”

Late that night, Chao Lu sat by the fireplace, her mind racing.

She had to escape. The locks on her shackles weren’t complex, and she knew spells to manipulate them. But leaving the harbor unnoticed was another matter entirely.

As she formulated her plan, a faint chuckle echoed in her consciousness, as if mocking her resolve.

She ignored it, focusing on the task ahead. She had to act tonight. Waiting any longer would seal her fate.