The words of the man in black were like a basin of cold water, instantly extinguishing the fire of hope that had just ignited in everyone's hearts. Inside the room, the previous eager anticipation was replaced by unease. The air seemed to freeze, oppressive enough to make it hard to breathe. Everyone breathed with extreme caution, afraid of disturbing this fragile calm.
Qin Zhizhi bit her lower lip gently, her brow furrowed tightly, her gaze as cold as an ice-bound lake. She stared at the landscape painting on the wall, the ink in the painting seemingly transforming into countless grasping traps in her eyes. Her fingers trembled slightly, and she felt as though her heart was being tightly clenched by an invisible, giant hand, wave after wave of suffocation washing over her.
Noticing her change, Yin Sichen felt his worry deepen. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white, like a dormant beast ready to strike at any moment. The flames of unwillingness burned in the depths of his eyes; they had planned for so long and could not be crushed by this small setback!
Chapter 161