Han Zhan tossed the plasma grenade into one of the n’s hands, a playful grin dancing across his face. He slung his plasma gun over his shoulder, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Don’t try anything stupid, and we will let you live," he warned, his voice steady
Suddenly, a figure descended from above, landing with a soft thud on the cold concrete. His presence was commanding, his aura more imposing than that of the other n. It was Han Xin.
Han Xin scanned the scene before him. The employees knelt on the ground, terror etched on their faces. Most were thin, their bodies gaunt as if starved. A few looked healthier, but all bore bruises, evidence of recent beatings.
His heart tightened as he noticed the prisoner collars around their necks. These devices were ant for the most dangerous criminals in military prisons. The Raunet family had supplied these collars, not for the worst of society, but to keep their employees from escaping. It was inhumane.
Han Zhan caught the shift in Han Xin’s expression. "The managent has changed," he said, his tone light yet serious. He patted Han Xin’s shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie. "This is your new boss," he added, glancing at the trembling workers. "Well, for those who want to stay."
One of the n, tapped his communicator. A floating screen flickered to life in front of him. He tapped it a few tis, and everyone held their breath. The prisoner collars around their necks clicked, then fell to the ground with a dull thud. For a mont, silence reigned as they processed what had happened. The fear in their eyes shifted to confusion and surprise. They looked at each other, hope mingling with disbelief.
Han Zhan continued to say, "We will compensate you for the years you have worked here," his voice steady and clear. For those who want to leave, you can. We will arrange for you to return ho, wherever that may be." He paused, letting the words sink in, then added, "And for those who wish to stay, you are more than welco."
Han Xin, standing to the side, turned to Han Zhan. "Get them checked by a doctor," he said firmly.
"Okay," Han Zhan replied, his mind already racing with excitent. He walked away, eager to call his husband and share the news.
anwhile, Little Bai was engaged in conversation with so students at the dical academy. He was animatedly sharing insights from his recent talk when his communicator buzzed. Excusing himself with a polite smile, he stepped aside to answer.
"You better be dying if you are calling ," he said playfully, "If you are calling to flirt, you will be blocked." Little Bai had made it clear to Han Zhan that he should only call during work hours for ergencies. Han Zhan, however, had a different agenda.
"Baby," Han Zhan’s voice ca through, smooth and teasing. "Am I such a person to you?"
Little Bai smirked. "Yes," he replied, enjoying the banter. Han Zhan fell silent for a mont, caught off guard. Then he shifted gears. "This ti, I am calling about sothing important. Co to this location."
From his spot, Han Xin could hear every word. He rolled his eyes as Han Zhan added a playful, "Muah muah, I love you, can’t wait to see you." The contrast was striking. Han Zhan, a big man built like a barbarian, was making kissing sounds at his communicator.
The employees, just beginning to rise from where they had been kneeling, exchanged bewildered glances. They couldn’t see Han Zhan’s expression behind his mask, but they could tell he was grinning like a fool.
"What?" Han Zhan exclaid, noticing their stares. "I love my hubby."
Han Xin looked down at his silent communicator, feeling a mix of emotions. It was hard not to feel a little envious of the affection so openly shared between Han Zhan and Little Bai. The air was thick with unspoken words.
***
The person Han Xin was thinking about was inside the imperial vault. He stood still, his gaze fixed on the vast inventory before him. The shelves were lined with treasures, each item ticulously arranged, gleaming in the dim light.
"Where is it?" Xiang Yu asked, his voice low and urgent
Hex eagerly replied, "It should be in this section." As if summoned by his words, a floating screen flickered to life, displaying a path through the vault. Xiang Yu nodded and moved forward.
He walked through the aisles, making a few turns until he reached a section that felt different. The air was heavier here, imbued with a sense of importance. This was where his father kept the most significant treasures.
His heart raced as his eyes locked onto Bloodreaver, the legendary sword that once belonged to the late imperial Lord. It sat in a glass display, its blade shimring like a whisper of power.
"I will get past the security," Hex assured him, diving into the system surrounding the sword. Monts later, the display clicked open.
Xiang Yu carefully lifted the sword from its resting place. He felt its weight, the energy pulsing through it, igniting a fire within him. He imagined Han Xin’s reaction upon seeing it. Would he be happy? Would this sword make him change his opinion of him?
With a sense of urgency, Xiang Yu replaced Bloodreaver with a replica. The two sheaths were similar, but he noticed the slight differences. He left the real sheath behind, ensuring the sword remained hidden.
"Yu Yu, we have to go soon before the mainfra notices us snooping around," Hex urged, it’s voice tinged with anxiety.
"Okay, we are going," Xiang Yu replied quickly. "I just need to find one last thing
This last item was a bracelet, a family heirloom belonging to Princess Sienna’s great-great-grandaunt. She had been married to one of the late Marshals. When the marriage fell apart, she fled under the cover of night, leaving everything behind. One of her most treasured possessions was the bracelet
Xiang Yu was puzzled by Princess Sienna’s fixation on it. Why did she value this heirloom so deeply that she would risk marrying into enemy territory to retrieve it? He needed her favour in the future, and finding this bracelet was an essential part of his plan.
Hex swept its gaze across the vault, scanning the shadows and corners. "It’s in this direction," it finally said, relief evident in its voice. Xiang Yu turned to follow the path when sothing in the far corner caught his eye.
He approached cautiously. "Yu Yu, we have to go," Hex urged, panic rising in its tone.
"Just wait," Xiang Yu replied, his curiosity piqued. "We will leave right after."
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