Volume 1, Chapter 22: Beyond Defense

“Alright! Gentlemen, please come in!” The clerk tucked away the silver coins and led the two grimacing Taoist priests into the building.

Ling Yichen clenched his teeth in anger; it was he who had insisted on inviting her to dance, and it had been a half-forced proposal.

“Your Majesty, your son pays his respects.” After Chen Erya finished bowing, he asked Chen Xuan, “Father, was it you who assigned this task to me?” Chen Erya’s voice was neither humble nor arrogant, and the qilin pendant at his waist radiated a refined elegance.

Liu Hui ran up from behind and stood in front of me. She had been present in the ICU earlier and had witnessed the conversation between Lin Xiaoran and me. She also understood that I had no intention of saving Zhao Jianfeng.

Looking at the expression on Er Gouzi’s grandfather’s face, it seemed as if he had known all along. Upon reflection, it made sense; Er Gouzi’s grandfather, Li Hui, was a close friend of my own grandfather and had some knowledge of yin-yang arts thanks to my grandfather’s influence.

Being tricked by a fairy trap would at worst cost some money, but if the old man at home found out about such a penchant, the loss would certainly be far greater than just money.

“Don’t you want to get out sooner and save your friend?” Xing Tian looked down at Sheng Sheng and said.

“All right, then we must act without delay. Taotao, you stay behind to watch over Quanya. Sheng Sheng and I will head to Beishan,” Taotao instructed.

For a force of over eight thousand, a temporary withdrawal of 127 people was not a major issue; this was anticipated by the teachers at the Huaxia Martial Arts Academy.

Qin Yan gritted his teeth against the discomfort in his chest, quickening his pace to catch up with James. He kept using his body to bump James from the side, attempting to disrupt his rhythm.

“Hey~ no, what I meant was that you can rely on me more for future missions, Commander!” Yamato said proudly.

Old Master Cheng placed a hand on Cheng Huailiang’s shoulder and shouted in his ear, startling him so much that his face changed dramatically.

Outside, a raucous cheer and clamor rose, accompanied by Yaya’s loud calls. Yin Yin frowned and turned away from the busy factory area to investigate.

After Li Ke finished speaking, his gaze fixed tightly on Changsun Wuji. Li Ke had carefully considered his words for a long time before speaking, as Changsun Wuji was not someone easily fooled.

—

“Hey, Uncle Dona, want a cone? It’s delicious!” I waved the ice cream cone in front of Dona’s face, who looked utterly displeased as if tasting something foul.

Yet the bullets from the magic spear seemed to have eyes—they relentlessly pursued Han Xinlan without letting go.

The spear trembled like a burst of sparks. Qiu Zhiming was retreating, but his spear thrust forward and collided with a flying knife with a sharp clang. No sparks flew, but after the clear sound, the spear tip in his hand was gone.

However, amidst the massive flames engulfing the surrounding vehicles, a shimmering protective shield enveloped Nan Beitong and Liu Zhongxing, shielding them from harm.

Jiang Ziya of the Zhou dynasty finally emerged from seclusion, accompanied by Shen Gongbao of the Shang dynasty. Both wielded the power of words to command the world and began traveling the states to persuade the lords.

“No, Immortal, the treasure you bestowed can save my father’s life. With such grace, how could I neglect it?” Zhou Yingjie spoke again.

Old Master Chen spoke slowly, seated above and looking down. His eyes shone with a light that seemed capable of penetrating one’s very soul.

The reason was clear—Fangshan had told him before they came, not only telling him to let go but also explaining why.

Wu Wei disagreed; while there were still some savings and the Xueling region was in its best condition, his orders remained defensive.

My close friend mentioned this matter twice, but I hadn’t given it much thought. At least for now, I had not pondered these issues deeply and didn’t feel strongly about Nan Beitong, though curiosity was inevitable.

As expected by Luo Chen, Feng Wuying noticed Luo Chen slowing down and struck a desperate pose, conjuring numerous afterimages around Luo Chen, preparing to strike ruthlessly.

Now, the territory won rivaled that of Lu Bu at his peak, and she was just one step away from completing her revenge and settling into a peaceful life of family and teaching children.

In less than forty seconds, a simplified map appeared before everyone, even the map-illiterate Wildcat widened her eyes to take it all in.

Yin He’s bodyguard kept a close watch on the fierce Yin Langge, fearing he might lose control and attack Yin He.

—

This city had borne many names over time, but before the world-ending catastrophe struck, its last name was Gongqing City.

On the couch were only two cushions. Yin Langge rested his head on one, covered by his jacket, with his long legs crossed and half suspended in the air.

This place was incomparably more luxurious than Kaze’s villa. No matter how mighty his Dragon Art was, he couldn’t escape alone.

Back in the locker room, the team still couldn’t calm down. They sang and danced, shouted and raged, as if determined to exhaust every last ounce of energy they had left.

“Hmph, Uncle Chu just doesn’t believe it.” Chu Wan ‘Yu’ pouted but dropped the green stone into the nearby wine jar. Chu Uncle tried to stop her, but it was too late. Seeing a fine jar of aged wine spoiled was a painful sight.

It was the first time Zhang Xiang had spoken with such humility, but all he received in return was a cold refusal!

He formed a hand seal and waved. A blue beam exploded forth, overwhelming the red light ring. The ring was swallowed by the shockwave and extinguished.

A Bi grew more and more worried. Before leaving, Wen Shang had told her to take good care of Yue Chu and hinted that she should immediately inform him if she saw any bees hovering around Yue Chu.

The temper of Medicine Emperor Danyangzi was markedly better than Hong Tianxiao’s. Not only was he not angry, but he also began explaining things to Baili Qinlong.

Li Yalin was the first to ascend the tower, followed closely by Tiona. Seeing the two leap higher and higher, Ice and Tione exchanged a glance and immediately began climbing with renewed effort.

Unexpectedly, his mother died from a sudden illness. Alone and left to his own devices, he took advantage of his freedom, roaming about, wanting first to see Jiangnan, a place he had yet to visit.