That voice...
Zhi Yue's body went rigid.
Ever since she'd realized the chains had been severed, she'd already guessed what might happen, but when she slowly turned around, her heart still sank.
The old woman had finally arrived.
Even though the chains were broken, her body was in terrible condition. Her limbs moved stiffly, every motion awkward, and Yu Songnian had to carefully support her just to keep her steady.
Who was this old woman?
The crowd from the Shi Tribe stirred. A few nobles frowned, a flicker of recognition flashing through their eyes.
She looked familiar. But who exactly was she?
Zhi Yue sneered, her voice sharp. "Mother, you must be thrilled to hear news about your precious daughter. What, did Zhi Yin send this woman to rescue you? All those plans she made, all that effort—wasn't it just to get back at me? Then let her come! I've already lost everything I worked for. Let her show up and laugh at me to her heart's content!"
Her voice cracked into a furious roar.
The people of the Shi Tribe broke into murmurs, staring at the old woman in shock.
Mother?
Then that meant—
Wasn't this the long-lost queen who vanished fifty years ago?
So the truth was, she'd been imprisoned by Zhi Yue all this time!
Yu Songnian glared at Zhi Yue coldly, not saying a word.
The old woman's expression was calm, detached even. She patted Yu Songnian's hand gently before saying in a steady voice, "Zhi Yin did make plenty of preparations for you."
Zhi Yue laughed bitterly. "Then what are you waiting for? Let her come out and enjoy her victory!"
Right now, she had only one thought—she wanted to see that little sister who'd always overshadowed her.
Let her come! Let her see for herself that Zhi Yue wasn't the one losing!
Even if it looked that way now, even if she was about to die, she'd never bow her head. She'd make Zhi Yin understand that Zhi Yue would never submit.
Never!
Not even in death!
Force could subdue her body, but her will? Never!
The old woman spoke softly, "Then let me tell you what Zhi Yin did for you."
Zhi Yue chuckled darkly. "Oh, I can't wait to hear this."
The old woman's tone stayed calm. "That day, you poisoned her, robbed her of her power, and sent assassins to finish her off. But you underestimated the strength of the King Stone. Even though she was gravely wounded, Zhi Yin still managed to escape."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Zhi Yue had tried to kill Zhi Yin?
Zhi Yin, the only King Stone bearer in ten generations of the Shi Tribe?
The nobles' expressions turned stormy.
This Zhi Yue truly was venomous!
"After escaping, all Zhi Yin had to do was return to the tribe. She could've exposed you and your crimes. Attempting to murder the King Stone bearer is the same as attempting to murder the next king of the Shi Tribe. You would've been executed without question."
Zhi Yue smirked. "Too bad she couldn't come back."
The old woman's voice stayed even. "Do you really think she couldn't? She didn't return because she knew if she did, I'd find out she'd been hurt, and once I started digging, it would've led back to you. Even though you wanted her dead, she never wanted to take your life.
She also knew that even if she came back and forgave you, you'd never believe her. You'd just keep hating her, again and again, until one of you died. That was the fate between you two sisters."
Zhi Yue's expression twisted, a smile tugging at her lips. "There's only one throne. Why shouldn't I fight for it? If she'd returned, I would've killed her again! Only her death could give me peace!"
The old woman's eyes dimmed with deep disappointment. "To prevent that outcome, Zhi Yin risked her life to cross the Fierce Beast Mountain Range and went to the Central Continent. She'd already decided then to give you the throne. That was her plan for you."
Zhi Yue's face darkened. "My throne was won by my own hands! I never needed her to give it to me!"
The old woman didn't even acknowledge her words. "Poisoned, wounded, crossing the Fierce Beast Mountains by force... Zhi Yin's injuries never healed. After giving birth to her child, she used her life's essence to transfer the King Stone to that child."
Zhi Yue's eyes widened in disbelief. "What nonsense are you spewing?! The King Stone can't be passed on!"
"Yet Zhi Yin did it." The old woman's tone was firm. "Now do you understand what true genius means? If Zhi Yin were still alive, the Shi Tribe would've long become the strongest race on the continent. And you? Even after turning yourself into a monster, you could never achieve what Zhi Yin could."
"You're lying!" Zhi Yue thrashed against the vines restraining her. "Bring Zhi Yin out! I want to see her! I don't believe a word you're saying!"
"Your Majesty," one noble burst out, unable to hold back, "has Princess Zhi Yin returned? If she's alive, the Shi Tribe's rise is certain!"
"That's right! With the Royal Stone's protection, our Shi Tribe would stand equal to any other!"
"If Princess Zhi Yin takes the throne, we'll all kneel willingly, without a shred of doubt!"
They were practically tripping over each other in eagerness.
Zhi Yue's fury exploded. "Shut up! All of you, shut up!"
These damned nobles!
When she first ascended the throne, she'd treated them with such courtesy.
And what did she get in return?
Disobedience. Defiance. Endless complaints.
They were the ones who'd pushed her down this road.
Now, the moment Zhi Yin's name came up, they couldn't wait to crawl like dogs at her feet?
The old woman looked on quietly. "That's the truth, Zhi Yue. Everyone knows it. No matter what you do, you'll never be Zhi Yin's equal. Not in talent, not in heart, not even in fate."
Zhi Yue's black hair whipped wildly as she shouted, "We're twins! Why should she be the better one? I won't accept it! Even in death, I won't!"
"Your Majesty," another noble said solemnly, "Zhi Yue's already fallen to darkness. She should be executed immediately. What matters now is welcoming Princess Zhi Yin back."
Many nodded in agreement, their eyes darting around expectantly.
Was Princess Zhi Yin here already?
Pain flickered in the old woman's gaze. "No need to search. Zhi Yin's gone."
The crowd fell silent. Shock rippled through their faces.
"She died not long after parting with the King Stone." The old woman turned her weary eyes on Zhi Yue. "Your sister never once thought of returning to the Nanlan Continent, never once wanted to fight you again. Tell me, Zhi Yue, after fifty years of ruling in constant fear, have you ever truly been happy?
For every fleeting moment of joy you've had, there've been a hundred times more pain and suffering.
You gave up everything—your blood, your family—for this throne. Tell me, was it worth it?"
Her words fell one by one, quiet but heavy as stones.
Zhi Yue's expression grew distant, her eyes unfocused.