Chapter 39: The Mastermind (Part X)

Song Yuan was stunned for a moment, then could not help but throw his head back and laugh heartily. Watching him, Lu Xiang felt a sudden realization: this was the true Song Yuan. Reflecting on her memories, she had never seen him laugh like this before. Yet, ever since he returned from his injury, he had changed.

Chuxiu knew that the situation in Nanxi was settled and King Mu’s ascension was imminent. If Shen Yu wanted to restore his family’s prestige, he had to sever ties with the past. King Mu was clearly testing him to see if he possessed enough loyalty and ruthlessness.

Shu Shilei said, "If I starve to death, no one will bear you a grandson. Your line will end, and you’ll be left without heirs, just like the Second Uncle, forced to rely on a nephew to carry on the family name."

Although the style of the clothing was simple and elegant, the intricate and noble patterns caused Gongsun Ye’s brows to knit slightly. He was not a member of the royal family, but having traveled the world, how could he fail to recognize that what Su Xia was wearing was the casual attire of an Empress?

Kong Long left the priest behind, bid farewell to the NPCs, and hurried with me and Tang Youyou toward the Tower of Confinement in the north. The priest, named Kong Zhi, had originally been a military doctor in the Imperial Capital’s Winged Army, but he had been killed by bandits during a suppression mission.

Over the past few days, thanks to Su Xia’s meticulous care, Su Jingyan’s internal injuries had healed, and the poison in his body had been completely purged.

"We're doomed!" Ou Yunfei sighed. Knowing that Jin Hui had no chance of winning, he felt sorrow for his misfortune and anger at his incompetence, unable to bear watching any longer.

Reminded by the Old Madam, Chuxiu understood immediately. Connecting this to Yun Tan’s sudden visit, Yun Cheng’s insistence on returning home early, and Yun Xiangrong’s intense reaction... Chuxiu felt she had caught a glimpse of the truth, though she dared not believe it—or perhaps, she simply did not want to.

Hearing that a criminal suspect was staying at their hotel, the front desk staff was terrified; their expressions shifted, and their hands trembled as they processed the registration.

With that, Lu Hong flicked his sleeves and strode away, while Madam Lu followed close behind, still chattering and cursing incessantly.

Although Shen Yunche had heard from his secret guards last night that the Princess was skilled with hidden weapons, seeing it today confirmed it. His Jing’er truly gave him too many surprises.

"Excellent! The Princess’s skills are truly remarkable!" a burly man shouted in applause, followed by the cheers of the other soldiers.

***

Everyone stared blankly toward the center of the arena. When had that refined figure appeared? When had he arrived?

The next day, Ye Xi went to the shop she had purchased early in the morning, instructing the carpenters to renovate it according to her blueprints.

Lieutenant General Mabulilan only said that studies did not need to be considered for now, but he also mentioned that there would be specialized classrooms to tutor the reserve members of the Sea Dragon Commando.

Compared to the other three people who had their phones stolen, Fan Chuan and Shu Zhe were lucky; the others had not recovered their phones and had to pin their hopes on the police or accept their bad luck.

If Hua Xiyan could have foreseen the future, she would never have been foolish enough to bring Yun Qi back to that cursed capital.

As he began to blow, a cluster of blood-red light surged from his fingertips.

The attitude Ai Shuqiao displayed regarding her compromised interests left even Ren Hongde, a seasoned businessman who had seen all kinds of people, unable to remain calm.

The disciple guarding the mountain gate on the left had no time to defend himself before Tang Tian struck him directly in the eye with a fist.

In the room, at the dining table, Qin Shi sat beside Lin Ruge, Xiao Xian sat beside Qin Shi, and Qin Yu sat beside Lin Ruge.

This left Sun Bing deeply astonished. Then, with a thought, drops of golden blood manifested—this was none other than the vital essence of God Taixu.

Tong Weiguo gave a shove, but Shuo Ming didn't budge. Despite Tong Weiguo’s sturdy build, Shuo Ming was no pushover; in terms of combat strength, two of Tong Weiguo wouldn’t necessarily be able to defeat one young and vigorous Shuo Ming.

In truth, Sun Bing’s brows furrowed slightly. Even though the individuals behind him were very discreet, he could still sense a trace of them.

***

The eighteen Supreme Elders of the Blood Yin Sect, all at the early stage of the Yin-Yang Realm, were sent reeling backward uncontrollably after receiving Tang Tian’s attack.

The goblin showed off his bloody, bandage-wrapped green head while stamping Sherlock’s form.

In the end, Qiao Zhenzhen could only console herself: "Forget it, at least they politely acknowledged me in the end and gave me their name. That means I’m not so thoroughly disliked that they wouldn't even bother to respond. I’ll just have to find another way to get their contact information later."

The momentum was overwhelming; in mere moments, the cross-slash attack released by the two Yun brothers dissipated completely, failing to hold out for even a second.

Following the rules Qi Fei had explained beforehand, Tian Long moved a massive black chess piece through the air to the center of the board, making the first move.

I gave Huang Tianchou a look. He understood, turned, and grabbed Lai Bao to leave. Fearing that the Wuli might lash out, Hu Qingfeng brought his hands together and then apart, drawing a three-foot Longquan sword from his palm, pointing it at the black fish spirit to warn him not to act rashly.

"Hurry and spit out the Red Dragon Pearl, or I’ll dig it out of you!" Suoluo threatened with a glare.

It seemed Ji Chenggang hadn't told these people much about Long Wei.

Clearly, the chains would not voluntarily tell Qi Fei the way to return to the Land of Lost Souls, and Qi Fei reasoned that since he couldn't figure it out even if he racked his brain, he might as well call more people to think about it together.