A Tormented Plea

“Mmm…”

Bai Qiao stirred awake from her slumber, a hazy awareness of soreness pervading her body. Instinctively, she moved her arm…

“Clink!”

‘What?!’ She stared in astonishment at the slender, pliable chain encircling her arm. Though it appeared fragile, easily snapped, the subtle flow of internal energy within it was undeniably potent. After all, Bai Qiao was a “person” devoid of internal energy; even the faintest trace of it was enough to bind her completely, rendering her immobile.

Yet, what she truly yearned to know was Mo Xiao’s latest machination. For the past two days, he hadn’t troubled her, and while she couldn’t fathom his reasons, this sudden, aggressive move surely heralded the beginning of something significant…

Bai Chen was no longer laden with excessive restraints, save for the wristband that remained firmly in place, continuously suppressing his internal energy. Moreover, the room itself was sealed on all sides by barriers, and guards were undoubtedly stationed outside. Under such circumstances, escape was utterly impossible…

He waited anxiously in his room for what felt like an eternity, agonizing over Bai Qiao’s current plight. ‘She must be in Mo Xiao’s clutches,’ he thought, and with each passing moment, his unease intensified, pushing him to the brink of madness. In this silent chamber, where only his footsteps and breathing echoed, it was truly a torment…

****

A sliver of sunlight pierced the room, a welcome ray after so long. Bai Chen’s anxious expression instantly melted away, replaced by his usual calm demeanor. He cast a cold gaze upon the man who entered—a man who had once served beneath him, respecting and fearing him in equal measure. Now, however, the man regarded Bai Chen with undisguised disdain as he dragged the weakened Bai Chen, whose internal energy was suppressed to only thirty percent, out of the room.

“His Majesty wishes to see you…”

Bai Chen paused, but a quick calculation of his current strength told him that even at his peak, escaping this vast palace unscathed would be impossible, let alone in his current state with only thirty percent of his internal energy. After a moment of consideration, Bai Chen obediently followed the man.

He surveyed the palace before him. The last time he had been here was for a martial arts competition. Then… he had been a loyal subject, dedicated to His Majesty. But now, Bai Chen glanced at the restraints on his wrist, a self-deprecating smile twisting his lips…

He did not kneel, nor did Mo Xiao force him to. Instead, he stood tall, his head tilted slightly, his gaze brimming with contempt as he addressed Mo Xiao:

“Oh? Weren’t we supposed to wait three days? You couldn’t resist for even that long? It seems our esteemed Majesty is not only despicable but utterly lacking in self-control…”

These provocative words instantly enraged Mo Xiao. He rose abruptly from his throne, his right hand pointing directly at Bai Chen:

“Do not provoke me! Do you truly believe I wouldn’t force a contract upon you right now?!”

Bai Chen’s body trembled almost imperceptibly, yet his face remained calm as he replied:

“If His Majesty truly desires to force a contract, then I am powerless to stop you…”

“Hmph!” Mo Xiao scoffed, a laugh born of fury. Unwilling to wait for Bai Chen to ‘accidentally’ discover Bai Qiao’s current plight, he waved his hand, and a massive screen materialized within the great hall. Seeing the image displayed, Bai Chen’s pupils constricted involuntarily.

Bai Qiao’s hands were tightly bound and hoisted high above her head. Her garments were no longer intact; through the torn fabric, glimpses of her fair skin were visible, along with… crimson whip marks. Streaks of fresh blood stood out starkly against her pale complexion, tracing paths down her chest, unimpeded, to drip onto the floor. Her once soft, flowing hair was now disheveled and matted, many strands clinging tightly to her face, slick with blood…

Bai Chen’s breathing grew increasingly ragged. Witnessing Bai Qiao’s current state, a tempest of fury and heartache surged within him, clenching his chest. He spun around, his eyes, practically flickering with fire, fixed on Mo Xiao. What he saw, however, was a perfectly serene face, utterly devoid of emotion, save for a hint of mockery as Mo Xiao spoke blandly:

“It’s nothing, merely a few superficial wounds. Nothing serious. However… my executioners are quite weary. Shouldn’t they enjoy themselves a little? This girl is rather comely, after all…”

“Silence!”

Bai Chen was trembling with rage… his fingernails digging deep into his palms. He let out a low growl, then charged forward, unleashing every ounce of strength he could muster…

“Thud!”

Bai Chen was sent sprawling to the ground, his impact creating several deep cracks. He struggled to rise, only to see Bai Qiao on the large screen struck harshly once more. Her body spasmed unconsciously, and fresh blood welled from her re-opened wounds…

“You… stop!”

“Oh?”

Seeing a faint smile finally grace Mo Xiao’s otherwise impassive face, Bai Chen felt a surge of dread. The next scene rendered his face instantly ashen: the man standing before Bai Qiao walked over, cupped her face with one hand, and with the other, ripped open her clothes…

Her outer garments tore into shreds, leaving only her undergarments precariously covering her upper body. Yet, much of her fair skin was now exposed, and the man’s hand continued its relentless reach towards her innerwear…

“Stop!”

Bai Chen roared, his voice laced with desperation.

“Oh? Are you commanding me?”

Bai Chen turned to face Mo Xiao, his heart warring within him for a long moment. Finally, gritting his teeth, he slowly bent his body, gradually sinking to his knees:

“Your Majesty… I beg… I beg you, allow me to see her…”

A look of profound humiliation spread across his handsome face. The next instant, Mo Xiao appeared before him, seizing his chin and forcing him to fully display his abject shame. With a triumphant and gleeful expression, he declared:

“Then prepare yourself, for the contract…”

“Your Majesty… may I see Bai Qiao first…?”

“You… still planning some trickery?!”

“Ha…” Bai Chen let out a helpless laugh. “In this state, what tricks could I possibly pull…?”

“Hmm…” Mo Xiao hesitated, then stood up, gazing at Bai Chen kneeling before him. ‘Fine,’ he thought, ‘what more could he possibly do in such a state… I might as well offer him a small concession.’ Forcibly suppressing the wild glee in his heart, Mo Xiao said indifferently, “Very well, but do not entertain any other notions…”

“Yes! Of course…” A faint tremor of excitement ran through Bai Chen’s heart. ‘Finally… finally, I can see you again. I swore I would protect you… so I will surely rescue you…’

****