The Unshackled King (by David Wu) novel Chapter 23

Stefan's lips curved into a deceptively mild smile.

Anyone from Dragon-Suppressing Prison would have recognized that look—and felt a chill. It was the calm before the storm, the quiet that meant Stefan was at his most dangerous.

"Not letting me leave?" Stefan asked, his tone unhurried. "Then what exactly did you have in mind?"

"Two options," Simon announced, as if bestowing a great favor. "One: you die, in pieces. Two: I see you're somewhat capable. Kneel, swear loyalty as my young master, and become my loyal dog. Then... I might let you live."

Simon's voice dripped with condescension, especially on the second option. He wore an expression of supreme arrogance, as though offering Stefan a place as his hound was an honor beyond measure.

Stefan actually snorted a laugh. He couldn't believe the sheer audacity of this fool's delusions.

"Brat, you ruined Mr. Prescott's plans. That alone deserves death!" Korbin cut in, having shaken off his earlier daze and now eager to please. "Now Mr. Prescott is being merciful, offering you a life as his servant! You should be groveling in thanks!"

"I had no interest in this little drama," Stefan said, his gaze settling coldly on Simon. "But since you insist on blocking my way and offering me 'options'..." He paused, a cold smile touching his lips. "I have one path for you in return."

Simon's eyes narrowed. "And what path is that?"

"The road to the afterlife," Stefan stated, each word sharp and clear.

"You're dead!" Simon snarled, fury twisting his features. "Hunter! Rip his mouth off his face! Shatter every bone in his limbs! I want him crawling like the dog he is!"

Hunter stepped forward. A sharp glint flashed in his aged eyes as the oppressive aura of a ninth-grade Hidden Sect expert radiated from him.

"Mr. Prescott gave you a chance, boy," Hunter sneered, his gaze predatory. "Surrender now, and I'll grant you a clean death. Force my hand, and there won't be enough of you left to bury."

"Sound advice," Stefan replied evenly. "I'll return the favor—you won't be leaving in one piece."

"Impudent pup! You dare?!" Hunter roared.

He moved. One moment he was several paces away; the next, he was a blur, closing the distance with shocking speed. His hands twisted into hooked claws, tearing through the air with a shrieking whistle as they aimed for Stefan's throat and heart. His Eagle Claw technique was lethal enough to shred stone.

Just how strong was Stefan? What impossible realm had he reached?

"A... Transformed Sect Grandmaster?!" Korbin's voice was a strangled gasp. His eyes bulged, stark against his ashen face. "No! That's impossible! Someone your age... there's never been a Transformed Sect Grandmaster so young!"

His logic was sound, in its limited way. To kill a ninth-grade Hidden Sect expert so utterly required that level of power. But the reality was too shocking to accept.

Ignorant fool. A Transformed Sect Grandmaster? What is that before me?

He didn't fault the man. From Korbin's vantage in the underworld, the true depths of martial cultivation were mere legend.

A soft, shaky exhale escaped Nina. Relief flooded her, fierce and dizzying, mingling with awe at Stefan's terrifying prowess. He had been her only, desperate hope. Had he fallen, her fate would have been sealed.

But the relief was a fleeting distraction. The "Bone-Melting Passion Powder" surged within her veins like a relentless tide, its heat breaking through the last of her control. A deep flush painted her skin from neck to cheekbones. Her vision softened, grew hazy at the edges. Her lips, lush and rosy, parted on a shuddering breath that escaped as a helpless, throaty sigh. Her body betrayed her, a slight, sinuous twist of her hips and torso that she couldn't suppress. The unconscious motion outlined her curves in a way that was profoundly, dangerously alluring—a sight that could stir primal thoughts in any onlooker.

The sight of Nina's struggle finally snapped Simon from his stupor. His face darkened with a fury so profound it seemed to suck the light from the room. His eyes burned with malice as they locked onto Stefan. "You dare?" The words were a venomous hiss. "You dare kill Hunter? He was a revered elder of the Prescott family! By touching him, you've declared war on us all! You are a dead man walking! I will see you carved into eight pieces and fed to the gutter rats!"