Chapter Eighteen: The Kingdom Within the Prison

As longing set in, An Yi had already reined in her horse and pointed ahead, saying, “We’re here. The prison is just up ahead.” Wu Jue glanced at the looming high walls and electrified fences in the distance, knowing they had arrived. He gathered his thoughts, dismounted, and joined Xiao Han, who had reached the spot earlier. “What’s the situation? Anyone inside?” he asked.

Xiao Han nodded. “I climbed a tree for a look. The place seems sealed off, but there’s a group of prisoners gathered in the eastern area. No idea what they’re up to.”

Wu Jue used his earpiece to check in with Xiao Yang, asking if there was any news about this place. Xiao Yang replied that this prison housed the city’s most dangerous murderers and had lost contact with the outside world after the crisis broke out. Rumor had it the inmates had taken control, but the specifics were unknown.

Given that, there was no choice but to take a risk. Wu Jue said to Xiao Han and An Yi, “I’ll find a way in and see what’s going on. Don’t act rashly. If things go bad, regroup with the others.”

But An Yi refused. “No way. I didn’t come to be your lookout. I prefer to get things done directly.” Slinging her bow and grabbing her spear, she dashed off herself.

Wu Jue hadn’t expected her to be so reckless, utterly disregarding the consequences. He had no choice but to follow, more surprised still by her speed—he had to use his own lightfoot skills just to keep up.

Meanwhile, a prisoner on the watchtower spotted the two running figures. About to shout a warning and open fire, he was struck down in an instant by An Yi’s swift arrow. Her hand and eye were quick as lightning; with a sharp twang, the guard fell.

Wu Jue watched her deft movements, silently marveling at such instinctive skill. He decided to abandon caution and proceed head-on.

The two reached the prison gates, and, as if reading each other’s minds, both kicked the doors at once. The massive gates were blown open by their combined strength, flying more than a dozen meters across the empty lawn.

A moment ago, the prison had been restless; now, it fell into utter silence. From afar, a group of stunned inmates stared in disbelief at the two intruders.

But soon, pandemonium erupted. Brandishing weapons and roaring, the prisoners jeered, “Who are you, barging in here? And a woman, no less! Grab her for our pleasure!”

A mob broke loose, storming toward the two, tearing down the fences to charge into the plaza.

An Yi showed no intention of mercy. She drew her bow and, targeting the ones at the front, loosed her arrows. Each shot found its mark, felling seven or eight men in quick succession.

Wu Jue joined in, picking up stones from the ground. Using the secret throwing technique of the Great Forest Temple, he struck down several more. Their sudden display of skill finally gave the prisoners pause.

From the crowd emerged a slightly stooped man, his face hidden behind a theatrical demon mask. With a sinister grin, he applauded. “Well, well, unexpected guests! My brothers have been rude. Everyone, cease! Can’t you see these two heroes are here to rescue us?”

With calm composure, he approached. An Yi kept her bow trained on his head, watching for any move, while Wu Jue regarded the man warily—something about him did not seem benign.

Sure enough, the masked man raised his hands in feigned surrender, flattering them as he spoke. “Don’t misunderstand, I mean no harm. I just wish to welcome you. The world outside has lost all control. We’re hiding here in the prison, too afraid to go out. In truth, we share the same fate. Shouldn’t we set aside our differences and work together?”

His glib words disgusted An Yi. “Enough nonsense. If you’re sincere, take off your mask and let us see who you are.”

At this, the man hesitated, rubbing his hands as if torn. “That might not be so easy. Everyone has secrets. I wear this mask for a special reason—I’m afraid I’d frighten people. Being ugly isn’t an unforgivable sin, is it?”

He covered the mask with trembling hands. “To be honest, it’s always been my sore spot. I really hate talking about my looks. You two are remarkable people, I can see that. Surely you won’t hold it against someone like me, a cripple?”

He seemed to lose control, removing the mask as he knelt and crawled toward An Yi, facing her bow directly as he revealed his face.

In that instant, Wu Jue sensed something was wrong. He lunged to pull An Yi away, but he was a moment too late. Off guard, she was caught as a thick smoke sprayed from the mask, hitting her face. She sagged at once, collapsing into Wu Jue’s arms.

He held her tightly, glaring at the man, who now revealed a pallid, browless face. Drawing a pistol with a cold sneer, he aimed at Wu Jue. “You fell for it. She’s inhaled my knockout smoke—just like those cops, she’ll soon be an idiot. You’d best surrender, or I’ll kill you.”

Wu Jue fixed his gaze on the man, furious at his base trickery. If not for having to hold An Yi, he was sure he could have dodged the gun and taken the man down.

Seeing Wu Jue frozen, the man clutched his face, laughing wildly. “Well, well, I’m torn. Should I kill you now, or keep you for later? Unfortunately, there’s no room for guests here.”

Suddenly, he fired. But in a fraction of a second, Wu Jue’s instincts kicked in. Holding An Yi, he dodged aside, circling to the man’s flank. With a swift, invisible kick, he sent the villain tumbling far away.

Before the others could react, Wu Jue shouted, “Anyone who comes closer dies!” Supporting An Yi, he forced her upright and leveled his spear at the prisoners, who showed no fear, their faces twisted and vicious.

The leader calmly got up, picked up his demon mask, and put it back on. “Don’t waste your energy, monk. Surrender now. She’s been poisoned—only I can save her. Who else can help you?”

Wu Jue stared him down, calculating how long it would take to kill every last one of them. After so many brushes with death, he was sure he could do it. But just then, An Yi whispered in his ear, “Don’t resist. Agree to their demands. Play along.”

Wu Jue started, realizing An Yi was faking unconsciousness. Relieved, he gently laid her on the ground, sat cross-legged, and declared, “As you wish. I won’t resist. But if you can’t save her, I won’t move.”

He began meditating in place.

The man laughed maniacally. “Very good. Remember my name: Ghostface. Brothers, seize them!”

Nearly a hundred prisoners surged forward, swallowing the two whole.

End of Chapter Eighteen: The Kingdom Within the Prison