The leader gently pushed aside the couple and reached out to feel Henry Linton's nose. Instantly, a look of joy appeared on his face. “He’s still alive!” He didn’t care how his words might excite the others, and waved to his companions, saying, “Quickly wrap up the corpse of the boy from the silver cocoon just now—no matter what, we must take it back!” As he spoke, he pointed to Henry Linton lying on the ground. “Take this boy as well. It seems his body has been eroded by soul power—he might prove useful!”

Several men in blue, upon hearing the words “soul power,” all turned pale with shock and immediately tried to take the blood-soaked Henry Linton away, but were blocked by the Lian couple. Seeing these strangers had caused a massacre in the village, how could they just watch their son be taken away? After desperate pleading, the leader impatiently took both of them onto the strange bird, and the group vanished into the sky in an instant. Just before leaving, one of them was attracted by the thunder roc circling high above, whispered a few words to the leader, and then temporarily went off in pursuit.

Chaos reigned in Zhao Village. No one knew what all this had been for; the surviving villagers only knew they had lost loved ones, lost children—everything felt like the most terrifying nightmare. The only evidence of the slaughter was the corpses scattered everywhere and the bloodstains dyeing the dusty ground.

Chapter Five: Coercion

When he opened his eyes, Henry Linton was startled to find himself lying on a luxurious bed. He was stunned for a long time; for a moment, he almost thought he had returned to the palace where he had lived for so many years. Could it be that the warmth of family and the terrible slaughter were all just a nightmare? In disbelief, he turned over and sat up, but a sharp pain shot through his chest and abdomen, making him groan involuntarily.

“You’re finally awake!” A deep voice suddenly sounded in his ear, startling Henry Linton as he looked around. With just a glance at his surroundings, his heart sank into an abyss. The unfamiliar arrangement and furnishings were nothing like the Fenghua Palace where he had lived for over a decade. This was definitely not the place he knew—who had brought him here?

Suddenly, a figure appeared before him. Those calm eyes seemed able to pierce through a person’s defenses, making Henry Linton’s heart tremble. “Who—who are you?” He struggled to control his fear and shouted, “Where is this place? What do you want?” He had already recognized the newcomer as one of the blue-robed men who had appeared in the village that day, and immediately became extremely alert.

The blue-robed man stared at Henry Linton for a long time before finally revealing a meaningful smile. “Subordinate David Wood, pays respects to Your Highness the Envoy!” He suddenly dropped to his knees, bowing his head respectfully. “Your subordinate and the others have awaited your return for many years, and finally, the day has come!” Without waiting for Henry Linton to respond, he abruptly raised his head, his sharp gaze stabbing straight into the other’s eyes. “The people of Central State have endured for centuries for this day. Your Highness’s emergence is the best reward for them!”

Henry Linton had no idea what the other was talking about, his mind a complete blank. He had only just arrived in this world and was already caught up in such upheaval—how could he know how to respond? At this moment, all he wanted was to see his caring parents and calm his frightened heart. “Where are my father and mother?” He had no interest in probing the meaning behind the other’s words, and shouted with all his might, “Where are my father and mother?”

David Wood’s brows furrowed slightly, but quickly returned to calm. He replied nonchalantly, “Your Highness need not worry. Both elders are well, but now is not the time for you to see them.” He didn’t even glance at Henry Linton’s near-furious expression, continuing, “You should be aware of the earlier danger. If not for my timely arrival, you and your parents would have been in grave peril. Given the circumstances, I believe it’s best for you to see them later.” His words were neither humble nor overbearing, but carried a hint of threat.

In a flash, Henry Linton recalled the scene he had witnessed in the village square and suddenly felt unsteady. Though he was now just a commoner, the memories of being a prince still lingered, and after hearing David Wood’s words, a vague realization began to form in his mind.

“You—you’re trying to use a substitute, aren’t you?” he suddenly exclaimed, then sneered, “I saw clearly what happened that day—the person in the silver cocoon was someone else, completely unrelated to me. Now you insist on calling me the so-called Envoy and have detained my parents. Are you trying to make me your puppet?”

David Wood’s eyelids twitched violently. Though he was deeply scheming, he hadn’t expected his plot to be exposed at this moment, and by a boy of only a dozen years. In Henry Linton’s eyes, he saw a trace of deep hatred and well-hidden fear—just as he had anticipated. He merely gave a faint smile.