03
In the thick, lush forest, intermittent growls of wild beasts could be heard. High in the sky, a crescent moon hung, its light occasionally obscured by drifting dark clouds, plunging the entire forest into darkness. This quietness made everything feel even more terrifying and unsettling.

Shang Wuxin took careful breaths, each step light without making a sound. At a time like this, she hadn’t eaten for days and, more importantly, she could clearly feel the weakness and poison acting up in this body. If she encountered a wild beast now, even if she didn’t die, she would undoubtedly be severely injured.

Even though her body was weak, even though Shang Wuxin felt dizziness setting in, her back remained straight, her head never dipping even an inch. In this moment, despite her dire state, she was like the king of this forest, her eyes sharp and watchful like a wild animal’s, always alert to her surroundings. If there was any danger, she was ready to hunt like a wild animal. Even if she was in a disadvantage, she’d ensure the wild beast would lose something in return.

Shang Wuxin’s icy gaze settled on a motionless body lying ahead. Because she wasn’t yet accustomed to this new body, and even though the original body had high martial skills, she couldn’t make out the face of the person lying on the ground in the dark. But that didn’t matter, because Shang Wuxin had no intention of getting involved. In this life, she truly wished to be indifferent to everything, embodying her name, Shang Wuxin (Heartless Shang). Whether it was her past self or her current self, she should remain as heartless as her name suggested.

Just as Shang Wuxin, devoid of any expression, was about to step over the body lying in front of him, a suppressed groan escaped from it. Yet, this didn’t deter Shang Wuxin’s determination to continue on her way. She urgently needed to return to the Prince’s residence to take control of her rights. Shang Wuxin knew that, regardless of where or when, status and power were indispensable. Even if reborn, she never considered living a secluded and mundane life. Only by holding power could one truly control their destiny and earn the title of being ‘heartless’.

But the body on the ground gripped Shang Wuxin’s foot, and in an instant, a potent aura of hostility radiated from him. Shang Wuxin’s movement was swift, directing a kick straight at the heart of the person, who now had eyes wide open. If hit, given the man’s critical condition, survival would be improbable.

Yet, evidently, the individual on the ground was no ordinary person. After all, how could a commoner end up here, especially in such a grievously injured state? As Shang Wuxin’s foot neared his chest, the man quickly rolled to one side. Even though his actions appeared strained, Shang Wuxin deduced that this person must possess commendable martial arts skills and an impressive tolerance for pain. Despite his severe injuries, he remained alert and skillfully dodged the attack with such precision. A hint of intrigue glinted in Shang Wuxin’s eyes.

Shang Wuxin slowly crouched down, not out of intention, but because of the myriad of injuries she bore, making even such a simple motion challenging.

As the dark clouds moved to reveal the crescent moon, moonlight spilled over the forest, allowing Shang Wuxin to get a clearer look at the figure on the ground. Before her lay an enchantingly handsome man with long, inky-black hair that flowed freely down his back, unaffected by the fallen leaves beneath him, appearing as pristine as the finest silk. Below his delicate, almost feminine brows were a pair of captivating eyes filled with intent to kill, their corners slightly upturned, exuding a seductive allure. His pale lips, slightly puckered, held a cryptic smile, though Shang Wuxin knew he harbored intense murderous intent towards her. This beguiling man undoubtedly had a dark heart. His skin, pale as snow, shimmered in the moonlight, yet a pungent smell of blood clung to him – the indelible scent of someone who has taken many lives.

Han Xuanhao had just passed out from his grave injuries, and in his daze, felt a presence passing by, instinctively wanting to grab onto any lifeline. Yet, he hadn’t expected to sense such intense killing intent. Fighting through the agony, he managed to dodge the impending threat. Even in his grievously injured state, he knew that had he failed to evade, he’d be reporting to the afterlife. If not for his current injuries, he would’ve never been reduced to this pitiful state and would’ve taken the life of this intruder!

Han Xuanhao watched as the person slowly crouched before him, feeling overwhelmed with a desire to kill. He detested others getting too close to him. Neither men nor women dared approach him, lest he take their lives. This helpless situation was a first for him.

However, as he saw the individual leaning in to inspect him, Han Xuanhao began to examine the person in return. That mere glance left him utterly astounded…