Chapter 31: The Hands-Off Manager

In truth, Gu Yu had a plan in mind, though it was not yet fully formed, so he kept it to himself. For now, it seemed that Si Si would have to bear the brunt of the effort. But Gu Yu was determined; as a man and the family's pillar, he was resolved to grow faster and stronger, shielding his loved ones from hardship.

Seizing the good mood that enveloped everyone, Ji Si Si decided to make dumplings that evening so the whole family could share a joyful meal together. This was the benefit of having family members who were not mere bystanders but actively involved.

"According to Li Wenqian, Yan Zi is indeed not one of the Blood Moon faction! As for why he refused Li Qian, I’m not sure either, but I suspect he has some other plan in motion—one that even involves Li Qian herself," Xiao Tian remarked.

At that moment, not only Huang Sha himself but all the members of the Huang Sha Sect wore expressions of extreme confusion, while the followers of the Evil Sha Sect were visibly excited, their faces alight with anticipation.

Princess Ling Yao cast a quick glance at Emperor Zhuge Fei and then at the calm young man standing on the high platform. Suddenly, concern flickered across her face, though it was unclear what troubled her so deeply.

Mo Qing silently followed Shen Miao forward. Hui Xiang hesitated for a moment but then fell silent and continued to follow along.

"Not afraid that loneliness will find you, but afraid that loneliness might speak?" Autumn Zixuan, her eyes dreamy and tousled, murmured as she gazed at him.

With a flash of light, his sword was drawn. The gleaming blade shimmered like a white dragon, cleaving through the air with the force of thunder as it struck toward the Demon Lord Sha.

Only then did Murong Yan rise, but his demeanor was somewhat uneasy. Dan Xuan cast a glance at the elderly eunuch and Murong Nanqing standing rigidly behind him. Upon meeting Dan Xuan’s gaze, Murong Nanqing trembled as if startled like a frightened rabbit and quickly averted her eyes.

“Ten crystal stones.” Before Bai Qingshan could respond, Yan Yuhong had already presented the ten crystal stones. The city’s cultivators who oversaw the defense looked enviously at Bai Qingshan, who found their gaze somewhat embarrassing.

“Old Gu, am I really that unbearable? Jingling and I are mutually fond of each other. No matter what you say, there’s no way Jingling wouldn’t like me, haha!” Lin Youxuan retorted, a vein pulsing on his forehead in exasperation.

Many attempted to win a beauty’s heart through wealth, status, or talent, but alas, all had failed.

Even though in my heart I hated this rough, greenish body and wished to start anew, I dared not attempt death again in exchange for a new form.

Coming downstairs just as dinner was served, everyone moved into the dining room to take their seats. Still feeling the lingering warmth from when she had been held, Tang Luoran chose a seat near the middle of the table, with Tang’s mother sitting beside her.

She was frantically searching for Ye Jiu, appearing somewhat unbalanced, yet she had not entirely lost her reason.

Who says those of the lowest class can only produce more of the same? Thirty years the river flows east, thirty years it flows west. Now, good fortune has finally turned to these scoundrels—they have become the lords of the western bank.

“Eh! … Old Rogue! Weren’t you going home? Why are you still following us? We don’t need you to dampen our enthusiasm anymore,” Old Wai quipped sarcastically.

The man leapt again like a monkey dragging a long tail behind him, but this attack was far swifter than the previous two, as though someone had given him a speed boost.

Zhao Yu immediately nodded, whispering, “I will not speak recklessly.” She inwardly smirked. Such a valuable trump card—if Xia Yan Qian wanted to use it, of course she wanted it too. She would never reveal it casually; it must be reserved for the right moment.

At last, she could steal a moment’s peace, free from these tedious concerns.