Volume One, Chapter 114: Temptation

Fu Yu ascended the stairs, instinctively brushing the corner of her garment to remove any dust from the parking lot, her face once again regaining its usual calm and composed demeanor.

“Besides feeling a bit fatigued, there’s nothing wrong. Master, I’m in good health,” she said. Yet the headache was peculiar, a sharp, needle-like pain.

However, as the aura from the secret realm began to emanate through the passage, everyone’s hearts grew fervent with excitement.

Mo Yuchen’s face darkened as he finally understood what she was referring to, a flicker of unease passing over his pale countenance.

Lian Sheng did not linger long. He summoned a blaze and set off to search for Hou Zhenshan’s whereabouts. In truth, Hou Zhenshan had already stormed the Raksha Kingdom’s embassy, fought several Orthodox priests and the mighty White Bear strongmen, and was now provocatively challenging the embassy of the Wa Kingdom as if a fierce storm swept the land.

Jin Feng sat alone by the campfire, motionless. His gaze was deep and contemplative; his handsome, sharply defined features softened by the warm amber glow of the flames, though his eyes, cold and distant, lent him a ruthless air.

Chu Yunlian broke out in a few beads of cold sweat on her forehead, utterly unsure what Baili Yue meant by speaking so vainly at such a moment. Moreover, he looked down upon someone who shared his own face, making her feel awkward.

Yang Chong spoke, recalling the moment his invisible sword energy was unexpectedly broken by a ninja.

Zhou Tao clenched his fists in frustration. Though he had failed the trial, he was still a genuine Qi Condensation Stage Three cultivator. If others learned he needed help to deal with a Stage Two, how could he hold his head high in the future?

At this moment, Ye Feng did not dwell on such thoughts as Ling Xu did. Instead, he focused his full attention on observing Mingxin’s wind blade, striving to grasp its profound secrets.

His stature was naturally tall and imposing. The three men’s carried boxes now rested on his back, as effortlessly as Zhang Fei carrying a dressing box. He had also haphazardly tied up a large number of long weapons, including Fang Jie’s Fang Tian Halberd, slinging them behind him. The long handles spread out loosely, resembling a pair of steel wings unfurling on his back.

The Primordial Heavenly Venerable’s face suddenly turned deathly pale, blood pouring incessantly from his seven orifices, as his form wildly retreated.

Even before taking action, he harbored more concerns than Su Mu, a clear disadvantage. Thus, he clung to a final glimmer of hope, wishing Su Mu would utter a false name, providing both sides with a graceful exit.

Old Liu entered an extreme state, clinging to his last breath. He felt all the blood and spirit within him rapidly dissipating, as if some force was siphoning his very body.

Wang Fu recalled a popular saying that had emerged later: “When Heshen falls, Jiaqing feasts.” Although the combined wealth of these eight families did not amount to half of Heshen’s, silver then had not yet depreciated as it would a century later. In truth, their fortunes together could rival Heshen’s in later generations.

Her deep ink-black eyes brimmed with tears, radiating profound pain, fear, and helplessness.

Gu Chenghui chuckled softly. Her mind felt both light and heavy, yet she voiced no objection: “Xixin, you should go. I’m fine.” Resigned, Xixin stomped her foot and left to keep watch at the forest’s edge.

Dong Yuan no longer concealed the truth and informed Madam Sheng that she was pregnant, her heart filled with anxiety.

Upon hearing this, Ju Bai immediately understood, quickly obtained the token, and hurriedly left the mansion, joyfully rushing home to report the news.

While everyone fretted over the emperor’s fate, news came from the residence of Gao Mengji, Deputy Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices: the Crown Prince had fled to Nanjing and was currently staying at Gao Mengji’s home.