Chapter 31

Watching Qian Zong run off while snacking, his smug expression was enough to make Hua Yueyin’s blood boil with rage.

A vial of Thunder-Force Bloodline Potion and a string of Heris’s Eye magic pendants—though this was only a silver chest, the value of its contents rivaled that of previous gold chests. Furthermore, at the bottom of the box lay a yellowed piece of parchment, patterned with tide-like veins.

Many talents who had swarmed into Phoenix Investment Company were fleeing, defecting to the more promising Wuhuan Investment Company.

Yu Huan, having been slapped, was genuinely frightened. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and he kept his head bowed, not daring to make a sound.

On this day, under the alignment of the nine stars, the nine celestial bodies in the heavens shifted in an instant. As the starlight descended, the Nine Peaks Mountain flickered in a dance of light and shadow. The leader of the Weiling Sect and all the elders were struck with astonishment; having cultivated for centuries, they had never witnessed such a phenomenon, and each wore a look of shock and suspicion.

Seeing the carriage finally move forward, Liu Yun felt a sudden wave of relief. He exhaled deeply and said to Yin Junfeng, "Thank goodness, it's gone." Yet, as he spoke, a trace of disappointment flickered in his eyes.

This scene was caught by Zhang Qifa, whose crafty and cunning mind instantly grasped the situation.

"It's here!" Fu Sisheng handed a glass of wine to Qiao Jing, who reached out to take it, nodding with a smile.

Suddenly, Xie Jiatu stepped forward, his right hand reaching from behind her to press firmly upon her slender, phantom shoulders.

"The magistrate must certainly be aware," Chen Jingzhi said with a smile, leaving the rest unsaid: he was, of course, referring to those who had been in contact with the visitors from beyond the heavens.

Just as a tiger descends the mountain, people fear the tiger, yet the tiger fears people too. One often hears of tigers eating men, but one also hears of men slaying tigers.

Cao Dequan spoke with spittle flying, watching with grim satisfaction as Jin Manling’s expression froze instantly.

Before he became a disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect, he was a villager. To the village folk, monks were always to be kept at a distance, viewed as if they were wild, man-eating beasts.

Yet, it was precisely because of this that he let down his guard, failing to pay further attention to the movements in Xingting.

***

Zheng Hu could say nothing else to this but to praise Shou’s prowess in battle, calling him the vital pillar of support for the Earl of Xun.

With the region in such chaos, it was not safe for him and his master to head to Jiuquan alone; it was better to join the merchant caravan of the Princess of Sheng. No matter how chaotic the Northwest became, no one dared to target the Princess of Sheng’s caravan, for her reputation was renowned, and the convoy was protected by top-tier escort agencies.

Everyone was bewildered. How could this zombie suddenly come to life, only to die again? It was utterly absurd.

Seeing the three members of the Qin family arrive, Jia Mintian hurriedly set aside his plow and called for everyone to rush over and kowtow to their master.

"Brother Xie, there is no need for such formalities. Between brothers, why act this way? It only invites mockery!" Zheng Hu returned the salute with a laugh.

Originally, he had only laughed off the news when he first heard it; after all, no matter how capable Zheng Hu was, it had nothing to do with him.

But that was all. He skillfully executed the sword technique his master had taught him and thrust his first strike at Hua Yimo—the "End of Life."

"How much celery juice is left?" Cui Xu’s gaze drifted past the top of Cheng Xiaoning’s head, his mind gradually clearing.

Upon seeing Pan An, Zhang Liao’s strained expression finally relaxed. After barely managing to complete the handover of the defense to Pan An, Zhang Liao collapsed in a heap. Looking at the unconscious Zhang Liao, Pan An’s eyes were filled with admiration.

King Fu did not decline; he was rubbing his hands together, eager to show off his skills, only for the idea to be flatly rejected by Empress Wei.

Lu Rushuang arrived as promised, coldly dropping the words, "Same time, same place, tomorrow!" before vanishing into the twilight.

Ma Kui sighed and shook his head, just about to continue on his way to the gathering, when an abrupt outburst of shouting and clamor drifted through the crowd.

A good apprentice must be carefully polished before he can become a success. For now, he could not reveal his true feelings, lest he influence Chen Yu’s mindset.

"That Gold-Tooth is so damn unreliable. Does the old man have to perform an ancestor worship first?" The mere thought of having to kowtow again made his teeth ache and his head throb, triggering a conditioned reflex that left him feeling physically ill and nauseous.

***

The corridor on the right was perfectly symmetrical to the one on the left. Yet, strangely, while the first room of the right corridor also contained a vanity, the wooden box inside was completely empty of ornaments. This was what I found so peculiar.

Although she had no intention of engaging with the Underworld King, hearing these words spoken by a bystander carried a completely different weight.

While Gao Jianfei and the others were drinking, the Viking pursuers were, in fact, chasing them without a moment's rest.

Having saved face in front of her relatives, Mother Sun grew increasingly fond of Su Dong, truly treating him like her own son.

These resources might not provide much help to the East India Company, but if used to oppose them, they could cause immense destruction. How could Li Yanqing afford not to curry favor with these warrior-vassals?

These three planets were not far from one another. If someone was intentionally keeping a private army here, it was likely to provide cover for their headquarters.

Yet, if she were asked to abandon this scoundrel and go to the capital to enjoy wealth and luxury, only to have her father find some dim-witted fool to take the fall for him, she found it impossible to accept. For some reason, this villain—who colluded with pirates, sold scholars, extorted the land, and even bullied her—had occupied her heart, leaving her unable to forget him.

However, I can no longer stay in this place. If I remain here any longer, I will go mad. I have one final request for Sixth Uncle: after returning to Yunling Town, please tell my Great Aunt and the others that I miss them and have not forgotten them.

Clutching Lan Lan tightly, Tian Hen suddenly felt as if he possessed everything. In all of heaven and earth, there was nothing more beautiful or enchanting than the sound of Lan Lan’s voice.

Time flew by. As Ye Xing fought, his Star Essence and stamina were constantly drained. Only when he was utterly exhausted and his strength nearly depleted did he begin to retreat. Once he withdrew to the first floor of the great hall, the two puppet guards ceased their attacks simultaneously and returned to their original positions.