The air rushed back into Zi'an's lungs in big, deep breaths, dispersing the breath of death.,Just what happened in the courtyard a while ago, it filled An's head with images. Not only was Murong Qiao conspiring with the Minister of State to force her into marriage with the Crown Prince, but she also used torture on Xia Zian before his death. An could even hear Xia Zian's pleas for mercy before he died and the overwhelming scent of blood that filled the air.,Eight years as an agent honed a will of steel, gritted teeth, shouldered the shame and pain that wasn't theirs, beat by beat, fresh blood spilling from within. The back was scarred, nearly broken, with every blow.。