Volume One, Chapter 50: The Empress's Intentions

“Begin!” he shouted loudly. Facing the five zombies attacking him, the iron sword in his hand flashed coldly, cleaving one of them back a step. At that moment, the sword’s durability was completely exhausted, and with a sharp “clang,” it snapped into two pieces.

It was as if all the Southern Wilderness cultivators who had been lingering along the edge of the Wooden Spirit Giant Tree half an hour ago had vanished in the blink of an eye.

After Cui Cheng was taken away, Xie Wuji turned to Zhu Nao and asked, “What do you think? Is he truly surrendering, or is it a ruse?” Given Cui Cheng’s high status, discerning whether his surrender was genuine—and whether the intelligence he provided could be trusted—might very well be the key to deciding the outcome.

At last, the quietly diligent Mu Xuancheng managed to fill his precious bowl, only to find Gu Wanxue immediately placing fish and peeled shrimp into Bei Cheng’s bowl as well.

Meanwhile, Yu Qing and Yang Jiuhuai stared each other down without yielding. After a long silence, Yang Jiuhuai finally shook his head and said, “Sister, you’re really stubborn. Fine, I’ll go first.” A glance inside the room made his meaning clear without words.

As Feng Pu concentrated on the group of visitors from the Eastern Wilderness, Sun Xutu suddenly sensed a familiar aura and focused intently on the way their souls flowed.

“If you say it’s no good, then so be it,” Liu Xinghe said regretfully, yet his hands gently pulled the soft figure of Xue Qing into his embrace.

“Speak up. Which girl have you set your eyes on?” Madam Shen lifted her tea cup, wiping away the tea leaves with the lid as she inquired.

“I say let them go,” the cold voice repeated with unyielding authority.

Tang Youran was momentarily stunned, then lifted her gaze to look at him before hesitatingly replying, “Now?”

“Wife, don’t,” Gu Yu quickly reached out, pressing Tang Youran’s shoulder and gently pushing her aside.

Romulus promptly found an inn to stay at. Having just suffered a setback, and feeling there was no longer a need to hide his identity on the Greek Peninsula, he gave his real name.

Aemon remained vigilant against New Troy City. Yet, curiously, New Troy showed no intention of pressing the issue, and Ed was unusually accommodating—perhaps New Troy sought to preserve the greater good. Of course, this was Aemon’s own interpretation.

“Hmph!” Fine! Let’s see how you refuse to show face today! Wang Shouyi’s temper flared, and he charged straight inside.

By chance, on the way, Jiang Yi was encountered. Having suffered harsh punishment himself and having all possible penalties rescinded, he surprisingly did not escalate the conflict upon seeing Sano this time. Instead, his eyes held a trace of caution.

Dicklius had considered surrendering to the Rom Legion, but most of his villagers, the Cophinium people, were still in Gao Ge Village. If they learned of his surrender, his wife and children might be killed, and the villagers under his rule would be divided among the other village chiefs in anger.

Now, after persuading Zhang Hao, the two felt much more at ease. They hurriedly began registering. Fortunately, Zhang Hao’s health retreat had computers in every room, and Jiang Chengji, Bo Zhong, and others were computer-savvy; otherwise, it would have been difficult.

Only after hearing Chancellor Luo’s words did the common folk understand the situation. It turned out that Prince Jin had concealed the disaster to plot rebellion, using the people of Nanyuan as pawns. Such a man as emperor would be far crueler than Jiang Mingze, who abandoned them in times of peril.

A red radiance shimmered before him, supreme and alluring, brimming with energy, bringing a faint glimmer of light to his eyes.

Passing over the quilt, their hands brushed, and Mu Qing felt a painful tightness in her chest that made it hard to breathe. Xi Niang held the quilt and thanked him softly before slowly turning away. She walked unevenly, and the ankle exposed beneath her skirt bore marks left by rope bindings.

At that moment, Xiao Yunfei approached with a smile. Seeing Zhu Yilin beside Chen Fei, his gaze darkened with unmistakable lechery.

Chen Fei’s mood eased somewhat. I pulled him down to sit on a stool and hurried to fetch the medicine box to treat his wound. He was incredibly strong—a single punch had pierced through the wooden cabinet, and sharp splinters had shredded his fingers, embedding fragments of wood in the flesh.

Pei Shuyi was also caught off guard by Yan Qiao’s question. If she told Yan Qiao that he was her instructor uncle, would he despise the baby for being ugly and throw a tantrum? But if she said he was her father, Yan Qiao might reject him outright.

Shen Yan frowned and glared at Juan’er, signaling her to be quiet. She assured Jian Feng she was fine before hastily returning with Juan’er.

“But he was falsely accused!” I cried anxiously. Then I suddenly recalled that previously, outside the palace, entering the prison required bribing the guards. Did the same rule apply inside the palace?

Upon entering Yikun Palace, Dong E Miao Yi paid no attention to the décor. She bowed solemnly alongside the Ninth Prince, who knelt twice and kowtowed six times, while Dong E Miao Yi performed four salutations, two kneelings, and two bows.