The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

Chapter 18: Eighteen Treasures ✨

Xu Zhen realized she had been knocked unconscious. She drifted into a deep sleep and, after an unknown period, finally regained consciousness. Keeping her eyes closed, she lay still, sensing movement nearby and hearing muffled voices as if through a veil.

After a moment, someone seemed to lean close to her ear, speaking to another, "This person is waking up."

"Give her more medicine."

Startled, Xu Zhen opened her eyes to see two burly men in coarse clothing with disheveled hair standing over her, holding a bottle. They were about to force its contents into her mouth.

Were they trying to poison her?

Xu Zhen quickly attempted to get up and escape, but she was caught after only a few steps.

The men said, "She's awake."

"Go, get the sister."

They tied her hands with rough rope and kicked her in the waist, ordering her to stay put on the ground.

Refusing to comply, Xu Zhen tried to inch toward the door but was soon dragged back and thrown to the ground.

The impact of the stones on the ground hurt, and she gasped in pain. Trying to remain calm, she lay still, pretending to be composed as she surveyed her surroundings.

The room was sparse.

To her right sat three or four children, the oldest perhaps fourteen or fifteen, gazing at her with curiosity.

Xu Zhen looked back at them, equally curious.

Supporting herself on her arms, she sat up, noticing a soreness in her throat for some reason.

She asked, "Who are you?"

Her voice came out hoarse and frightening, startling even herself. She coughed, realizing it was likely due to being drugged—her throat hurt, but the dosage wasn't enough to silence her entirely.

The children around her, mostly fair-skinned with chubby cheeks, looked well-cared for but didn't answer her.

Xu Zhen asked again, "Where is this place?"

A little girl replied, "It's the Black Cell."

"The Black Cell?" Xu Zhen looked around. The place wasn't dark; it seemed to be a small wooden cabin with a window showing green mountains and a pale blue sky outside. Nearby, there appeared to be a gently flowing stream.

Not only was it not dark, but the environment was also quite pleasant.

But soon, the window was shut, seemingly boarded from outside, plunging the room into darkness.

Now it truly was a black cell.

Xu Zhen asked the children nearby, "What is the Black Cell? Is it a prison? Where is it located? Is this Jiangling?"

The girl who spoke earlier did not answer.

Xu Zhen asked, "Why are you here?"