Volume 1, Chapter 39: Crossing Swords

After Cheng Yunjian and his sister left the capital, Cheng Xi’s life returned to a state of leisure. The Demon Suppression Pavilion ceased its harassment, and word had it that the Regent was preparing to escort the young Emperor back to the Golden Capital.

Cheng Xi knew they had no energy left to spare for her; the Empress Dowager had established the Demon Suppression Pavilion while the Emperor and Regent were away, and she would need to provide an explanation upon their return. Furthermore, the emotional rift between the young Emperor and the Empress Dowager was an undeniable fact, regardless of whether or not Lady Li had instigated it. The Empress Dowager had previously favored her sickly younger son, neglecting the Emperor. Now that the sickly child was no longer truly her own, the guilt she felt toward the son she had recently reclaimed made her naturally...

Evenings remained busy until the early hours. Once the patrons of the nightlife scene dispersed after midnight, we were free to retreat. These menial tasks of cleaning and chores were not for the likes of us, the founding heroes of the dynasty; after all, what else were the hired staff for?

The members of the Anti-Black Alliance were struck with horror when Teng Qiang, a ninth-level martial artist, was defeated in a single blow by the enemy’s long-range attack. Yet, only Teng Qiang could heal his own wounds; even Xinlian was powerless.

To have himself analyzed so precisely, with every word feeling so self-evidently true, made Yan Kaizhi clench his fists, nearly ready to lash out at any moment.

If the beast-folk troops retreated, even a moment of carelessness would invite ambush by the Sky-Snow Wolf Cavalry and the Winged Tiger Cavalry, leaving all the orcs with frayed nerves, panicked by the slightest disturbance.

I froze, realizing I was still wearing my tactical pilot’s bodysuit, with the individual gear pack looted from Old Dian on my back. I looked nothing like an ordinary traveler. I felt a surge of regret—how could I have forgotten such a detail?

Ahu looked at me with innocent eyes, devoid of any ulterior motives, his face flushing slightly after he spoke.

“The Eastern Black Dragon Sect...” Wei Wushuang murmured the name, which did not sound entirely unfamiliar, before turning his eyes toward the trembling quack doctor.

Although Xu Qiuwen had said almost nothing, her reaction made everything clear to Chu Xinran.

Just then, Chu Xinyue’s phone vibrated. Taking advantage of Chu Xinran’s distraction, she snuck a glance at the message: Li Haoze had tracked down Leng Yexin’s whereabouts and instructed Chu Xinyue to bring Chu Xinran to him.

The scene at that moment made my nose sting, and I pulled Lu Bei and Bai Yu out of the reception hall.

Yagyu Junichiro tore off his robes, which had been eroded by black mist. Beneath was not human skin, but a brilliant golden vest. Yagyu slowly grabbed the collar of the vest, peeled it off piece by piece, and tossed it carelessly to the ground.

Bai Xuanyi felt Leng Mingjue’s gaze, sharp as a blade, sweeping over him repeatedly, making him deeply uncomfortable.

Previously, Miao Miao had handed half of the Poison Gu Manual to Miao Miao, which was later obtained by Shangguan Wentian, allowing him to successfully develop the Poison Gu humans.

For now, it might be best to follow the order to launch a probing attack, misleading this detestable fellow.

It was true; Xia Yu had relied on the child as her only hope to find the courage to live until now. Upon seeing the news of Song Mingxin’s marriage, she had wept for days, only remaining composed for the sake of the child.

“If he dies on the road, it is no longer the Lin family’s business. You had best endure it and not make your feelings so obvious,” said Lin Hongtao.

As she stepped out of the cave, a strand of hair by Hua Qianyu’s temple was blown askew. She raised a hand to tuck it back, but the movement sent Ye Bai recoiling, his arms crossed over his chest in a defensive posture.

A flash of astonishment crossed his eyes, mingled with an indescribable desire; even the way he looked at her now burned with an intense light.

After all, even if one didn’t mind, any human would hope for the blessings of others, especially from their own elders.

In fact, everyone, including Mianhua, knew that they were connected to Li Ao’s past life; otherwise, they never would have gathered together.

“Old man? Is there something you need?” Zhen Yi tried to appear as amiable as possible, a slight smile on his face.

Arrest, torture, interrogation, and even liquidation—the mere thought of what he might endure made him shudder.

“Also, if you feel there are things hidden in your heart that you can tell me, you may do so at any time,” Wunian said before walking out of the room.

To be honest, in our country, there haven’t been any truly outstanding military films in the last few years, or perhaps the last decade.

The secret guards sat in their tents, ignoring everything. With downcast eyes, they had been sitting cross-legged on their floor mats all morning, saying nothing, doing nothing, not even practicing—unlike the vanguard soldiers who had been training since before dawn and were now preparing to eat.

Zhou Yi did not answer immediately, and the Shaman also sensed something was wrong. Could this “Destroyer” really be that outrageously expensive?

In this formation, once animals passed through the camp, the orcs would inevitably be scattered, and some might even face mortal danger.

“So, you really like me?” Zhang Ya felt so surprised that her stomach pain even subsided.

Chen Mu was accustomed to the rapid, unstoppable speed of his cultivation, and this sudden deceleration left him feeling incredibly uncomfortable.

The orcs who had signed up on-site heard A-Ling’s aggrieved words and turned their curious gazes toward Feng Jinyuan.

After soothing the Nirvana Bead’s temperament, Jiang Xingmian intended to feed the Spirit-Entry Pill to Wen Chuyan by holding it in her mouth. But she thought better of it; she hadn’t brushed her teeth in nearly a month and was disgusted with herself, let alone him.

Now, hearing the police arriving outside, they were so terrified they nearly wet their pants. By this time, their regret was absolute.

“Fairness? The honor of the Uchiha?” Lying on the ground, Tiehuo chuckled at the battle above; others had said the same to him once before.

Because more Otsutsuki would come to the ninja world in the future, although he was certain that once all his skills were unlocked, he could easily crush the Otsutsuki clan, why not cultivate more powerful subordinates?

University students were extremely rare back then, and anyone who graduated from university could secure a very respectable job.

Zhang Youzhi instantly guessed the cause and effect, rushing over to cover his mouth. Song Jiang’s situation was highly specific, and with the main force of White Jade Capital deployed outside He City, they absolutely could not let the “hidden enemies” of He City know that White Jade Capital had sent reinforcements.

Any ordinary person, knowing they were lucky enough to see a money-printing machine, would be wild with joy.

Feng Qianyi glanced over, then looked deeply at Jiang Xingmian. That piercing gaze made her feel a twinge of guilt.

“It’s a rabbit.” Yi Yan’s expression brightened, and she couldn’t help but reach into the cage to stroke the rabbit’s fluffy fur.

“How did you know I went to see the Red Rose?” I looked at Liu Dahu in confusion. I remembered saying I had business at the cemetery, but I hadn’t specified what, nor had I told them I was there to meet the Red Rose.