Shang Wuxin breathed shallowly, each step light and soundless. She had been starving for days, and the weakness and encroaching poison in her body were acutely felt. An encounter with a wild beast now, even if she survived, would leave her half-dead.

Despite her weakened state and the dizziness blurring her vision, Shang Wuxin’s back remained ramrod straight, her head held high. Even in her current dishevelled state, she exuded the aura of a forest queen. Her sharp, predatory eyes scanned her surroundings, ready to hunt like a wild animal at the slightest provocation. Even if she suffered, she would make sure any beast that crossed her paid the price.

Shang Wuxin’s gaze fell upon a motionless figure lying ahead. Not yet fully accustomed to this body, even with its inherent martial arts prowess, she couldn't discern the person's features in the darkness. It didn't matter. She had no intention of interfering. In this life, she only wished to truly be Wuxin, heartless. Shang Wuxin, both past and present, should live up to her name.

As she prepared to step over the body without a flicker of emotion, a muffled groan escaped the figure's lips. Undeterred, Shang Wuxin continued on. 

She needed to return to the Crown Prince's residence swiftly, to consolidate her power. She knew that regardless of time or place, status and authority were essential. Even reborn, she had no desire for a secluded, simple life. Only with power could she control her own destiny, only then could she truly be heartless.

Suddenly, a hand grasped her ankle. An intense, chilling aura instantly emanated from Shang Wuxin. With a swift turn, she delivered a sharp kick to the chest of the now open-eyed figure. A direct hit to the heart would be fatal to anyone, especially one already gravely injured.

But this was clearly no ordinary person. Indeed, how could an ordinary person end up here, so grievously wounded? As Shang Wuxin's foot neared his chest, the figure rolled aside with surprising agility. Despite the obvious effort it took, Shang Wuxin recognized the signs of considerable martial skill and remarkable endurance. To be so alert and react with such precision while heavily injured... a flicker of something unreadable flashed in her eyes.

Shang Wuxin slowly crouched down, not out of any deliberate action, but because her own injuries made even this simple movement difficult.

The clouds parted, revealing the crescent moon once more. Bathed in its pale light, Shang Wuxin finally saw the man lying on the ground. 

He was strikingly beautiful, almost ethereal. His dark, inky hair flowed unbound behind him, unmarred even by the dry leaves beneath, smooth and sleek like the finest silk. 

Beneath delicate, almost feminine eyebrows, a pair of captivating eyes stared back at her, narrowed with wariness and killing intent, the slight upward tilt at the corners adding to their allure. His pale lips were slightly parted in a semblance of a smile, yet Shang Wuxin knew he harbored nothing but murderous intentions towards her. 

This bewitching man undoubtedly possessed a dark heart. His skin was as pale as snow, almost glowing with a silvery luminescence, but beneath it, Shang Wuxin could smell the thick stench of blood, the indelible mark of countless lives taken.

Han Xuanhao had just slipped into unconsciousness from his injuries when he sensed something passing by. Instinctively, he grasped for a chance at survival. But the sudden surge of killing intent forced him to endure the agonizing pain in his chest and dodge with a speed that belied his condition. 

He knew that had he not moved, he would be facing the King of Hell. How had he been reduced to this state? If not for his injuries, he wouldn't be in this predicament, and he would most certainly have killed this person!

Han Xuanhao watched as the figure slowly crouched down, his entire being filled with murderous intent. He loathed anyone getting too close, man or woman, and they dared not approach for fear of their lives. This was the first time he felt so utterly vulnerable.

As the figure drew closer, studying him intently, Han Xuanhao began to examine them in return. And what he saw shocked him…