Transmigrated as the Imperial Princess's Scumbag Alpha Ex-Wife - Chapter 21

In the VIP box, Bai Shuzhou coldly surveyed the crowd below, a faint unease prickling at her heart. She hadn’t felt this way in years—an itch she couldn’t scratch, a vague restlessness that lingered as the moonlight deepened.

Her gaze drifted to the exhibition stage, unfocused, until a servant presented a pair of Double Fish Jade Pendants. Her slender brows furrowed slightly.

Little Fish, Zhu Yu.

The woman beside her offered a thin blanket with practiced deference. “Your Highness, please rest. I’ll handle everything here. All the guards are personally trained by me—absolute security is guaranteed!”

Bai Shuzhou’s concern had never been these rabble. She murmured, “What about the Imperial Star?”

“Feng Jiyan says all is well. That sly fox should have everything under control.”

Izalia pursed her lips. Though loath to admit it, the cunning Feng Jiyan was undoubtedly her most formidable rival.

If not for that bastard Zhu Yu’s sudden rise to prominence, Bai Shuzhou’s choice would have been between Izalia and Feng Jiyan.

Feng Jiyan, ambitious and eager to seize the position of Prime Minister, had his mother controlling the Royal Academy of Sciences, making the Emperor wary of the Feng Family’s growing influence.

Unlike their family, staunch loyalists to the crown, Izalia had been childhood friends with Bai Shuzhou. By all accounts, she should have been the most suitable candidate.

But no matter—Zhu Yu had vanished, and the position would inevitably be hers.

Izalia’s mood brightened considerably. Noticing Bai Shuzhou’s peculiar gaze fixed on the Double Fish Jade Pendant, she waved her hand and made a high bid, intending to win it as a gift.

Bai Shuzhou’s brow furrowed even deeper. “Don’t,” he said coldly.

After a pause, he added, his expression betraying a hint of inexplicable agitation, “It’s just an ordinary antique with the same name. How dare they associate it with the legend of the Double Fish Jade Pendant?”

“Exactly!” Izalia quickly backtracked, feeling a pang of annoyance. Of course, Bai Shuzhou had seen countless treasures. Why would anyone want this inferior trinket?!

Bai Shuzhou glanced at her with a dark, unreadable expression, saying nothing.

His tail flicked restlessly.

Backstage, the medical team and engineers were equally busy.

Prisoners and merchandise were treated differently, of course. Those gruesome wounds would detract from the display, and no one would want to buy a dying person.

Fortunately, they had been warned in advance, so the facial injuries weren’t severe. The wounds on her body were much easier to manage—layer after layer of medical gel was applied, covering them up like patching a shattered plaster statue.

The cheap, ill-fitting shirt was stripped off, and the licensed Star Pirate Physician’s eyes lit up. Seizing the opportunity, she ran her hands over the girl’s toned abs, clicking her tongue in admiration.

No wonder Zhu Yu, a mere D-Rank Alpha, had managed to defeat so many top-tier competitors. Even the refined lines of her arms were flawlessly sculpted—a little thinner and she’d be too frail, a little bulkier and she’d be too fierce. The young woman’s current physique was just right.

Younger is always better!

The physician sighed softly. “Too bad she’s such a flirt. Otherwise, the Princess might not have given up on Luo Yu, right?”

Zhu Yu was strikingly different from the pampered Nobles. She was like a wild, untamed weed, her arms bearing uneven tan lines and faint stretch marks on her thighs. Even when pushed to her limits, her body would tense into resilient curves.

The woman loosened the restraints slightly, wiping away the cold sweat that kept beading on Zhu Yu’s forehead. Applying gauze directly would soak into the wound and cause excruciating pain.

Suddenly, her wrist was seized. The physician panicked, wanting to call for help, inwardly berating herself for being too soft-hearted. This was Zhu Yu, the ruthless killer who wouldn’t hesitate to take a life! Moreover, she had been injected with an experimental serum—who knew what she might do in a fit of frenzy?

But the girl merely held her wrist, whispering, “Sister?”

“I feel really unwell. Could I…” She hesitated for a long moment, swallowing the greedy request for a kiss. “…could you hold me?”

The last time she had been drunk, Bai Shuzhou had wrapped her in vines like this. Though his gaze remained icy, his touch had been gentle. He had poured her hot water and guided her Luo Yu to heal her, a soft glow flowing between their touching skin.

A hug would make the pain go away. Even just being close brought her a sense of security.

His presence was her best painkiller.

Sensing the woman’s faint resistance, Zhu Yu curled her fingers, reluctantly releasing her grip with restrained disappointment. She asked softly,

“Are you feeling better, Luo Yu? I’m sorry.”

The hand finally settled.

On her wrist, Zhu Yu saw the familiar small red mole.

Her eyes widened, jolting her awake from her half-dreaming state. She realized she wasn’t in that familiar little cabin, and the woman before her wasn’t Bai Shuzhou.

Of course, Bai Shuzhou couldn’t be here.

Thank goodness she isn’t.

The physician reached out, but Zhu Yu dodged her with cat-like agility, sliding to the other side of the bed, her resistance practically written on her face. The physician’s hand froze awkwardly in mid-air.

Zhu Yu blinked and extended her own hand, giving the physician’s a brief shake.

“Thank you. Could I have some water?”

The Star Pirate Physician was completely taken aback by Zhu Yu’s natural gesture, as if their mere existence meant they could simply reach out and shake hands.

According to regulations…

But according to regulations…

This is too strange.

Fine, just a cup of water. The physician glanced around, secretly grabbed a kettle, and was about to hand it over when a pair of leather boots suddenly appeared beside her. Startled, she nearly dropped the kettle.

But a pair of rough hands took the water jug.

The newcomer still had bandages wrapped around her head, her gaze heavy. The physician hastily stood up, “Lord Calandre, what brings you here?”

“I came to check on her. You may leave,” the woman said, her voice hoarse with a lingering nasal tone from her unhealed injuries—injuries inflicted by Zhu Yu herself.

“Very well, but…” The physician glanced at Zhu Yu before adding, unable to resist speaking her mind, “Please try not to fight again. The match is about to start, and it will be difficult to treat you.”

The woman hummed in acknowledgment.

After the incident with the escaped birds, Paradis was now under heavy guard by soldiers. Kaland frowned, stared for a moment, then pressed the water jug to the girl’s lips.

“Drink.”

The medication had already begun to take effect. Zhu Yu’s pheromones were gradually leaking uncontrollably, faint and utterly unlike the intense fragrance that had filled the cabin that day.

Kaland sensed something was amiss. These were not the pheromones of an Alpha warrior—too clean and gentle. Human emotions always reflected in pheromones. After such treatment, she should have harbored at least a trace of resentment.

It was as if… something was blocking her.

Zhu Yu cautiously glanced at Kaland. Without hesitation, she immediately began gulping down the water.

“Aren’t you afraid I might have poisoned it?” Kaland asked.

After all, they were enemies.

Zhu Yu replied, “You’re different from the others.”

“How so?”

“You’re a warrior,” Zhu Yu paused. “Warriors don’t prey on the weak.”

Well, that was a lie, she thought. I’m just really thirsty, and I need to survive.

Kaland fell silent for a moment. “I used to be.”

She raised the canteen slightly, making it easier for Zhu Yu to swallow, and murmured, “My memories are a mess. They say I defeated you… No, that’s not right. I lost.”

“Why didn’t you kill me?” This question had haunted Kaland for days. Lying in the medical pod, replaying her fragmented memories over and over, she had even wondered if she was going mad.

The doctors attributed her memory confusion to a head injury, but Kaland would never forget. She would never forget her failures. It was precisely through these defeats that she had endured the agonizing Dissociation State.

Zhu Yu didn’t know what Nangong had done to her. Black Hat had asked the same question before, but their circumstances had completely reversed.

After a moment’s thought, Zhu Yu said softly, “Life is precious.”

Kaland fell silent again. She was like a boulder blocking Zhu Yu’s path, but now, cracks were slowly beginning to appear in her resolve.

“You are a warrior,” she finally replied, her voice firm.

“Am I?” Zhu Yu laughed. “I thought I was pretty useless. I promised so many things I never fulfilled, and when I failed, I just made excuses, pretending the things I hated were all just dreams.”

When she didn’t want to believe something, she could come up with a thousand reasons to deny it, fooling herself and finding comfort in the lie.

Most of the time, she lived in her own little world.

With so many thoughts she couldn’t voice, Zhu Yu wanted to despise herself. Why was she sharing so much with the enemy? Did she really think she could talk her into defecting?

Shero should have maintained a cold silence, unyielding even in death. That was the mark of a true Great British Heroine, not someone like her, who couldn’t stop herself from talking when she was distressed, clinging to words to stay sane.

“I’m so glad Luo Yu came to chat with me.”

Her thoughts vibrated her vocal cords, as if a tiny speaker in her throat were playing music. She coughed, the sound rough and grating, but it helped her feel less afraid.

In this unfamiliar and dangerous environment, she was utterly alone, yet her former enemy was the only one who truly understood her.

Everyone said the Empire and Bai Shuzhou had abandoned her, trying to twist the knife into her deepest insecurities and wounds, stirring them until the pain became a bloody, mangled mess.

But she refused to believe those cold, emotionless data streams! Bai Shuzhou had never personally said she hated her.

Her thoughts swirled chaotically. Kaland served as an anchor to her memories, reminding her of the day they sat down to eat together after dealing with the Star Pirates. That night, Bai Shuzhou’s fingertips had gently pressed against the back of her hand, guiding her, healing her wounds.

Zhu Yu lifted her face to Kaland. “Luo Yu is a good person. Could you help me get a message out?”

Kaland asked, “Is it for… his wife?”

This was the first time anyone had referred to Bai Shuzhou as “his wife” in her presence.

Zhu Yu felt despicable, like a thief, yet she couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy, like the metallic tang of bl00d on her lips, with a hint of stolen sweetness.

She nodded vigorously.

“No,” Kaland said.

Great, I just poured my heart out for nothing, Zhu Yu thought, forcing a smile. What a failure! I can’t even negotiate a discount.

Kaland murmured, “But I can ensure you die with dignity.”

Zhu Yu’s eyes widened. Wait, wait! I’m not ready to die yet! This isn’t a final farewell!

Kaland gazed at her. “A low-ranking Alpha like you has probably never experienced the Dissociation State, have you? Fractus isn’t just an ordinary aphrodisiac.”

How hurtful! Why does everyone have to add “low-ranking” when they insult me? Aren’t D-Rank and E-grade Alphas the norm?

“With your Mental Power in disarray and uncontrollable, entering the Dissociation State would be worse than death. It’s a kind of… void.” A flicker of pain crossed Kaland’s resolute features.

Zhu Yu didn’t understand what a “void” meant. She only wanted to live, even if it meant enduring pain.

Some people suffer their whole lives, but if they endure, the sun and cooking smoke will always rise again.

If she could just get through tonight, she would be free. Nangong had promised to send her back, and then they would have plenty of time to talk slowly.

If—just if—Bai Shuzhou had truly grown tired of her… well, it would simply mean returning to square one. She had prepared herself to leave from the very beginning.

Her body temperature continued to climb, a strange heat radiating from deep within.

Did Bai Shuzhou feel like this during her Heat Period?

The thought alone stirred a tempest of bitter emotions. Fragmented memories surged to the surface: her thin, crimson lips, her tear-streaked, icy brows. Unable to suppress it any longer, a stifled gasp escaped her throat.

Her ears flushed crimson instantly.

How could she have so many inappropriate thoughts about her?!

This was the first time the young woman, just beginning to experience romantic feelings, had felt this way. It was no longer the hazy sensation of kissing; even a simple touch now made her heart race for hours.

She wanted her. She wanted her.

Zhu Yu flinched at the audacious thought, repeatedly reminding herself that it was all due to hormonal fluctuations and the drug’s effects.

Would she be paraded onto the auction block in this state, broadcast live across the Interstellar?

What if she lost control and cried out Bai Shuzhou’s name?

The realization sent a violent tremor through her slender frame. The shame was unbearable; her most private desires shouldn’t be exposed like this. It would be far more humiliating than any physical pain.

She had fallen from being the revered Great British Heroine to a wanted criminal of the Empire, and now a captive of Star Pirates…

Zhu Yu finally understood: they weren’t just trying to humiliate her; they were using her to humiliate the Imperial Royal Family.

If Bai Shuzhou saw the broadcast, what would he think of her?

She desperately didn’t want him to see this degraded side of her.

Her thoughts spiraled. Zhu Yu bit her lip fiercely, forcing herself to reach out and tug on Kaland’s sleeve, adopting the air of a stubborn rogue who wouldn’t let go until she got her way. In a soft voice, she pleaded:

“Sister, just one last favor, please?”

As the auction slowly progressed, a black-clad attendant emerged from the highest-level VIP box. Moments later, Boss Paradis appeared, taking a deep breath at the entrance before pushing the door open with a forced smile.

Izalia remained with her arms crossed, observing the movements of the entire venue. Even though the inner hall was equipped with identity-obscuring devices, careful observation still yielded valuable clues.

Someone was about to lose their composure.

This was Paradis’s first live broadcast, attracting a gathering of influential figures, all eagerly anticipating the mysterious treasure to be unveiled as the grand finale.

One by one, tamed Beastmen were paraded onto the stage. There were panicked Teacup Dogs, their youthful appearance emphasized by the claim that they would never grow larger.

There were docile Scottish Folds, beautifully groomed and obedient to every command.

And there were ferocious beasts, still baring their fangs, but with a simple press of a button by the auctioneer, the electrified collars tightened instantly, forcing even the most defiant creatures to submit and crawl on the ground.

The auctioneer’s voice was light and airy as she explained that only the “upper class” were worthy of owning such pets. These Beastmen had undergone meticulous training, even modification… She deliberately left her words ambiguous, inviting endless speculation.

To be unique and please the upper classes, even if a pet’s life was short, it didn’t matter.

They were merely playthings.

Perhaps when “they” died, they might even earn a few performative tears from their masters. Wasn’t that enough?

Izalia secretly sharpened her claws, memorizing the locations of every bidding bastard. She was ready to twist off their heads at Bai Shuzhou’s command.

Bai Shuzhou had already arranged for her people to buy all the poor Beastmen. Izalia couldn’t quite understand why they were going through this charade. If the auction was rigged anyway, why not just swagger in and take them afterward?

But Bai Shuzhou insisted.

The purchased Beastmen would receive some comfort beforehand. Before being delivered to their new owners, they would drink warm tea, be wrapped in soft blankets, and escorted out of this hell by dedicated attendants.

By the time Izalia met up with Bai Shuzhou, the Snow Leopard Knights had already initiated the Chaos Zone acquisition protocol, following Bai Shuzhou’s orders. This abandoned planet, once ignored by humanity, was about to be claimed in the name of the Empire.

Izalia had no interest in the auction. She couldn’t stand this humiliating spectacle, unlike Bai Shuzhou, who calmly and gently observed the crowd below, her expression remaining faintly detached.

Izalia was more curious about Zhu Yu’s whereabouts but didn’t dare ask, fearing she might reopen Bai Shuzhou’s old wounds.

A sensible ex-wife should vanish without a trace. If she didn’t, Izalia wouldn’t hesitate to help her disappear.

Bored, Izalia lowered her head and began sharpening her claws. Suddenly, she noticed Bai Shuzhou’s Rose Breath shift—from detached to suppressed and murky.

Holding her breath, Izalia followed Bai Shuzhou’s gaze. What could have captured her attention so completely?

Damn it, Zhu Yu!

Izalia’s golden pupils constricted sharply.

Weren’t we here to investigate the missing Imperial citizens? How did Zhu Yu end up here, and in this state?!

The girl was tightly bound, curled up, her clear black-and-white eyes glistening with tears. The silver muzzle, designed for wild beasts, seemed utterly redundant on her face—she looked like a gentle, harmless little creature.

What’s going on here?

Bai Shuzhou’s Rose Breath continued to deepen, a subtle killing intent filling the entire room.

Izalia carefully observed Bai Shuzhou’s expression. She rarely displayed such intense personal emotions. Zhu Yu undoubtedly held a very special place in her heart.

Izalia slapped her forehead, suddenly realizing, “Your Highness, rest assured! I’ll go kill her right away!”

Kill Zhu Yu. It was that simple.

As a clever tiger, Izalia had always lived by the principle of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Given the severity of Bai Shuzhou’s leg injury, she undoubtedly harbored deep hatred for Zhu Yu.

Heaven only knew what kind of abuse Zhu Yu had inflicted on her in private, under the protection of the Imperial Family.

Had the Princess ever worn such cheap, filthy dresses before?

Earlier, the woman had specifically instructed her attendants to keep the soiled garment, refusing to let it be discarded, her eyes burning with icy hatred.

She was clearly biding her time, determined to remember this humiliation!

Izalia looked at Bai Shuzhou with eager anticipation. The woman lowered her gaze, the chilling aura radiating from her seemed to freeze the surrounding air. In a voice as cold as ice, she said, “Raise the price.”

“Alright!” The big tiger rubbed her paws impatiently, but by the time she realized what Bai Shuzhou meant, it was too late.

“Huh?”

Bai Shuzhou personally raised her hand, completely disregarding the risk of exposing her identity and actions. After all, they weren’t the only ones observing and analyzing from the shadows.

Even under the spotlight, a sliver of darkness lingered behind the cage.

Zhu Yu huddled carefully in the shadows, the veterinary anesthetic in her sleeve warm against her skin.

She had suddenly remembered the anesthetic she had risked her life to retrieve during her first encounter with Bai Shuzhou.

Just as the poor often rely on painkillers for treatment, anesthetic could serve as a substitute when Inhibitors were unavailable.

Fractus was said to be formidable. Would veterinary anesthetic be enough to subdue it?

According to Nangong’s plan, she was supposed to sleep through the entire ordeal until the dust settled.

A minor complication had arisen, but Zhu Yu didn’t regret it. In her impoverished life, she had rarely dared to be brave. Even amidst fear, she felt a sense of exhilaration.

The birds gazed at her with bright, worshipful eyes, hailing her as their savior. Their adoration made Zhu Yu feel both flattered and embarrassed.

Her initial motives had been far from noble—simply raw anger. Seeing the wounds on White Bird’s wings, she felt a visceral empathy, recalling Bai Shuzhou’s dream from that night.

Now, all she needed to do was inject herself with the anesthetic, and her role in this night’s drama would come to an end.

But then the auctioneer’s eyes flashed, and the large screen zoomed in on the Bl00d Crystal Ore Ring she had pointed to. Its quality was even higher than the piece previously auctioned.

The dazzling crimson gemstone shimmered like a burning flame, its exceptional quality serving as undeniable proof of Zhu Yu’s identity.

The auctioneer calmly waved his hand, and black-clad figures in white gloves immediately swarmed forward, attempting to forcibly remove the ring.

As the menacing Rose Breath pressed in, its sharp needle already piercing her skin, Zhu Yu knew she should inject the anesthetic immediately.

Yet, at the last moment, she hesitated.

This was the first gift Bai Shuzhou had ever given her, and the only keepsake she had kept.

While unconsciousness would offer temporary relief, it would leave her utterly vulnerable.

Faced with danger or hardship, she always yearned to escape, desperately wanting to wake from this nightmare and find it all a terrible dream.

But she couldn’t bear to let go, to let it all be just a dream—even a nightmare.

They were like parallel lines, their intersection a miracle. Yet she craved more, greedily wanting just a little more.

The curled-up girl clutched the ring tightly in her palm.

Even if she wasn’t strong enough, even if she wasn’t brave enough… there were things she wanted to hold onto.

Under the intense scrutiny of the crowd, just as the black-clad figures closed in, the girl, huddled like a frightened cub, suddenly unleashed astonishing strength. With a swift twist of her wrist, she plunged the anesthetic needle into the arm of one of the men.

She had been lying dormant, waiting for this moment. Her movements were lightning-fast, so swift that even the most elite guards couldn’t react in time.

The entire arena seemed to hold its breath. All anyone saw were droplets of bl00d spraying through the air as the two black-clad figures collapsed, their eyes wide with shock.

Paradis fell into a silence as deep as a tomb.

Even a trapped beast will fight to the death, let alone… Zhu Yu.

The false name she had used to conceal herself was no longer needed. Her true identity flashed through everyone’s minds.

Zzzzt!

A blinding electric current crackled across the cage.

A suppressed groan escaped her lips as the restraints tightened. The slender girl clung desperately to the bars, summoning every last ounce of strength to keep herself from collapsing.

Her shirt was drenched in cold sweat, an unnatural flush bloomed on her face, and the faint scent of her pheromones drifted through the air.

Everyone knew this was the onset of her Heat Period, yet no one dared entertain any lewd thoughts.

Red lips and white teeth framed her face. Her pitch-black eyes gradually lost focus, becoming like those of a vengeful ghost risen from hell. Her gaze swept across the audience, as if vowing to remember each and every face.

Driven by fear, she bared her claws in a desperate display of defiance. Shadows flickered within her vision, though under the harsh glare of the spotlights, she couldn’t see clearly.

In a fleeting moment, the girl suddenly froze, blinking hard.

She thought she saw… Bai Shuzhou.

But it was only for an instant. The harsh glare of the spotlights pierced her eyes, and under the blurring effect, everyone seemed to wear the same face, their features distorted into grotesque shapes.

The guests shifted uneasily in their seats, the more timid already turning away, attempting to slip out of the hall.

Anxiety began to spread through the room.

A low chuckle echoed from the highest VIP box.

A servant raised an ivory plaque, and an astronomical price flashed across the massive screen.

Everyone craned their necks in disbelief. The number was unprecedented, dwarfing the combined value of all previous auction items.

So what if you’re powerful? You’re still wearing a collar, a commodity, a plaything.

Bai Shuzhou lifted his gaze, his deep, vertical pupils fixed on the VIP box. His fingertips, resting on the table, dug in fiercely.

The electric shocks intensified, purple sparks crackling around the iron cage.

Sensing something, Zhu Yu slowly, deliberately raised her hand, the Bl00d Crystal Ore Ring gleaming like a crimson banner.

Will you see me?

I haven’t embarrassed you, Luo Yu.

A deathly silence hung in the air, broken only by the sound of bl00d boiling and burning.

The girl in the cage had never yielded.

Paradis’s high-priced holographic broadcasting equipment was transmitting this scene across the cosmos, to the entire StarNet. Billions of eyes froze simultaneously, holding their breath. The scrolling comments ceased, as if time itself had solidified in that moment.

Even the most fervent Federation radicals, who loathed the Empire, found themselves unable to utter a single derogatory word. The humiliation they had anticipated had not materialized; instead, it had transformed into a reversal of fortune worthy of being recorded in history.

Tonight, the reputation of this “Commoner’s Star” of the Empire would reach its zenith, achieved as a prisoner.

Far away on the Imperial Star, in the highest administrative office, a cold laugh echoed. Feng Jiyan slammed his hand on the desk, his face as dark as water. He forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes and sighed.

“Truly remarkable, Zhu Yu.”

Beside the round table, the hacker who had seized control of the broadcast feed paused, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. Before the auction concluded, the Federation warmongers’ plot to humiliate the Empire’s Beastmen would end in complete failure.

As the Imperial citizens belatedly began to cheer and chant Zhu Yu’s name, Bai Shuzhou’s expression grew colder. She stood up and issued a cold command, “Shut down the live broadcast.”

Zhu Yu was on the verge of collapse.

Her condition was dire, so dire that Bai Shuzhou doubted whether she even knew what she was doing.

Was she trying to die?

While everyone else marveled at Zhu Yu’s tenacity and perseverance, only Bai Shuzhou saw her fear and unease.

According to the plan, Bai Shuzhou was supposed to step in tonight to end this farce, punish the Star Pirates, and strike a blow against the Federation. It might not be too late yet.

A Light Brain communication popped up. Feng Jiyan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his fox-like face, perpetually smiling, appeared in the booth, completely unconcerned by Bai Shuzhou’s agitation.

“Your Highness, please be patient for just a moment longer. This will maximize the impact.”

“I’ve made some revisions to your speech. Please review them. Tonight remains your stage.”

“I said, shut it down.” Bai Shuzhou’s mood had plummeted to its lowest point. Her voice was thin and sharp, cutting through the air like a cold blade.

The Rose Breath surged forth, overwhelming everything. Izalia turned in astonishment, having never seen Bai Shuzhou like this before.

Across the screen, Feng Jiyan’s smile froze for a moment. Bai Shuzhou had always been so rational—how could she be so emotionally invested in a discarded pawn?

They were supposed to be kindred spirits, both understanding that Zhu Yu’s impending public humiliation would only incite greater public outrage.

This was advantageous. Zhu Yu would be better off dying here tonight, on the auction stage, her past sins erased and her name immortalized.

Bai Shuzhou had already paved the way for her; all she needed to do was step forward.

Her fox eyes narrowed into slits, brimming with excitement and anticipation. She sighed dramatically, like an opera singer:

“There will never be a moment more perfect than tonight. I eagerly await the moment you stand at the pinnacle—”

They would prove to the world that intellect far surpassed brute force in importance. And Bai Shuzhou would undoubtedly be her perfect puppet.

In the cage, the once-proud girl was now utterly weakened, her rampaging Mental Power tearing through her meridians.

Gasping breaths rasped from her throat. In her dazed state, she thought she heard Bai Shuzhou’s voice.

Another hallucination? Is this another side effect of Fractus? Everything seemed to resemble Bai Shuzhou. Zhu Yu smiled weakly.

The stage lights blurred, the white spots in her crumbling world transforming into tiny silver dragons, their tails swaying in the icy darkness as they persistently tugged at her hand.

With a pop, the central stage light exploded.

“Your Highness?!”

“Izalia, stop her!”

Izalia forced a bitter smile. She desperately wanted to intervene, but the vines had already bound her limbs, making escape impossible. When did the Princess become so strong?

Amid the clamor of the audience, a silver-white shadow moved faster than the darkness.

The familiar scent of Rose Breath filled the air, and Zhu Yu’s eyes slowly brightened.

Her fractured vision refocused. The light spots dispersed, and the tiny dragons pressed closer, revealing the increasingly clear face of the figure before her.

Those pale blue eyes, swirling with unfathomable emotions, surged like waves, threatening to engulf her.

“Luo Yu is here!”

This was no dream.

A pair of arms encircled Zhu Yu’s burning waist, drawing the woman’s icy skin suddenly close. Before Zhu Yu could collapse, Bai Shuzhou firmly pulled her into her embrace.

Bai Shuzhou’s leg injury hadn’t fully healed, making it difficult to support both of their weight.

Vast silver wings unfurled, their metallic sheen shimmering with regal splendor. They gently enveloped Zhu Yu’s vulnerability and shame, shielding her from prying eyes.

Zhu Yu’s eyes widened in astonishment, unwilling to blink. She felt the world collapsing around them, leaving only the two of them behind.

In the dimness, she and Bai Shuzhou were so close they could hear each other’s racing heartbeats.

Thump, thump.

The warmth of the embrace, those deep blue eyes glowing with a faint azure light like swirling stars, seemed to shine only for her in that moment. The woman didn’t reply, but slowly grasped Zhu Yu’s wrist, her grip tightening firmly.

Everyone present forgot to breathe. Even the worldly guests were witnessing the legendary Dragon Clan for the first time.

And it was the legendary, frail Dragon Princess herself.

“Your Highness! What are you doing? We need you to take charge of the situation!”

Feng Jiyan’s frantic voice crackled through the Light Brain. She had never imagined Bai Shuzhou would cause such chaos at this critical moment, completely derailing her meticulously planned strategy!

Feng Jiyan was supposed to appear before the cameras, poised and elegant, delivering a speech as the Empire’s spokesperson.

Instead, she had transformed into her beast form. How was this even possible?!

A cool, steady voice cut through the chaos, carrying an almost hypnotic calm: “Broadcast the Federation’s Declaration of Freedom.”

With the command issued, Bai Shuzhou casually tossed aside the now-useless Light Brain.

Feng Jiyan had no choice but to obey.

This was the optimal solution.

The image froze on Bai Shuzhou spreading her wings to embrace Zhu Yu, just seconds before the feed was abruptly cut, replaced by a blank blue screen.

Across the interstellar realm, the simplest yet most majestic declaration of freedom slowly resonated:

“We pledge to defend human freedom to the death, ensuring the light of civilization shines eternally across the cosmos—”

Silver wings, a cage torn apart by bare hands, the muzzle clattering to the ground.

“We will not kneel before tyranny, nor linger in ignorance—”

Slender fingertips gently traced the scar on her cheek, the Rose Breath drawing ever closer.

Beneath the sacred yet ironic Declaration of Freedom, the proud Silver Dragon lowered her head for Zhu Yu. Icy fingertips wiped away scalding tears, gently stroking her trembling back in reassurance.

Don’t be afraid. You’re safe now.

The woman gripped her hand tightly, squeezing it. Her cool voice, now hoarse, trembled with suppressed emotion.

“Now, is there anything you want to say to me?”