Princess Yue Lianhua stumbled to a halt, her back against a cliff face.
She drew her sword with a trembling hand. Ice-attribute spiritual energy flickered weakly around the blade—her element, trying to manifest despite her weakened state.
"Nowhere left to run, Princess," the leader said. His voice was cold and professional. This was just a job to him.
"If it weren't for that traitor's poison, none of you would stand a chance against me!" the princess spat out. Her voice was defiant despite her obvious weakness.
So she'd been poisoned. That explained her pale complexion and labored breathing. Someone she trusted had betrayed her, weakening her before the assassins struck.
The four Dark Blade Sect members didn't immediately attack. They exchanged glances, clearly being cautious.
"Even poisoned, she's still a royal princess," one of the early Golden Core assassins said quietly. "She'll have protection treasures. Talismans. Maybe even a guardian artifact."
