Volume One, Chapter 45: Zhao Yuanshan Regains His Confidence

At that moment, a dazzling burst of light suddenly blossomed above them in the sky, as if a flare had exploded overhead.
“There!” someone shouted, and the group hurried into a building. Right now, they had no time to puzzle over how they had arrived.
Once someone lost their shadow, they were no longer human, but a ghost. They didn’t even know how they had died, nor why they had gradually become specters.
“In this situation, even if we try to leave, who can guarantee we’ll escape? We might as well remain here and see what unfolds,” Mo Ran thought. If necessary, she could lead everyone through the barrier to the Underworld.
Boss Mu had been used to being in charge all his life, commanding the wind and rain. How could he accept losing a leg?
Granny Jian sat blankly in her wheelchair, watching box after box and bag after bag pile up at the door. As she refused entry, the workers could only set the goods at the threshold.
These two still started from a higher point than most, possessing some basic skills—being a cook was enough to get by in these times.
An Nianchu was obedient, immediately changing into her pajamas. Then she cast a resentful glance at Qin Muchen.
“Madam, just look at yourself. You’re as filthy as if you’d fallen into a mud pit. Are we being toyed with?” General Liu looked at his soot-blackened wife, unable to bear the sight.
Huoyun was a master of innate martial arts. Everyone now knew this, and so no one doubted his words. Moreover, since there was no sign of Qiu Xuan’s corpse, hope lingered in their hearts as they awaited his return.
She had no wish yet to reveal her strengths. Facing the Empress, who had contended within the harem for years, it was best to hide her abilities and act in secret.
Wan Zexi slowly lifted her fair chin, her deep, jet-black eyes gazing steadily at Chu Jun on the hospital bed.
Ye Yun had heard vague rumors; the matter was delicate and troublesome. For now, it was best not to meddle. Self-sufficiency was the safest path.
Thus, after Grand Tutor Xue and Matchmaker Qi set the date for the betrothal gifts, Zhang Luo was forced to leave with Matchmaker Qi.
“He’s getting married and didn’t invite me!” Xue Qing sulked at his desk. Chen Lihua found his mood rather amusing.

He was already here, after all, and longed to see his son. The shadow of his abduction still loomed overhead—Su Zilong dreaded that at any moment, he might lose his chance to see his son again. Yet the intensive care unit was not a place one could enter at will, and having already offended the doctors, how could he ask them for help?
Zhang Luo held Xue Qing’s arm, carefully studying his expression. Xue Qing was smiling—gone was the previous foolishness and innocence.
“Who are those people!” Angela cursed, frowning up at the van and instinctively memorizing its license plate.
At this, he took a hard drag on his cigarette. Perhaps it was too dark, but Qiao Yu thought she glimpsed a hint of red in his eyes.
At first, when this matter came to light, the rest of Xingyao’s team worried about Wan Zexi’s feelings, but now it seemed their concern was unnecessary.
Her attributes hadn’t changed much, but her business acumen had advanced to a higher level, and she’d gained five attribute points. Ji Rongyu wasn’t displeased; it was as she expected. If she could reliably gain five points each time, all her attributes would soon rise above failing! But that was just wishful thinking—she hadn’t fully realized it yet.
Huo’er and Yueli stepped forward, standing ahead of the group. At this moment, they alone hadn’t drunk from the Blessing Platform and still possessed martial skills.
Ji Rongyu felt a tremor of guilt, and, extending her hands, caught his tears.
She knew very well now that the person she served was not the Emperor. Yet why had she not been executed, but instead rewarded so greatly?
As they turned, they saw Consort Shu standing not far behind, and were instantly so frightened their faces turned pale.
“Thank you, Princess, for saving my life. Thank you, Prince and Princess!” the shopkeeper stammered incoherently.
When Yueli and Qiuling first heard the dreadful news, they were overwhelmed with grief. Yueli even pleaded with Ye Wuchen to take them into the Nineteen Kingdoms. She had never asked him for anything before, and at her request, Ye Wuchen’s heart melted at once. Without hesitation, he brought them here.
But Mother, no matter how much you love me, you can never truly be me. I must fight for myself, not for the Wen family.
Leng Yuchen, seeing the earnestness in her words, did not refuse further. In the depths of his narrow eyes, a gentle light flickered.
“So what will you do in the future? Are you planning to bring Qi Hong with you after you’re married?” Ji Wuche’s words were pure jest.

The young soldier muttered under his breath. Though he still thought Wang Yan was crazy, what he’d seen earlier could not have been faked.
Without further thought, Xia Wangdong dashed toward the car, dialing Mo Ming’s number as he ran.
Even without carrying this corpse, at his current strength he could only cover half the distance in twenty seconds before being overtaken by the vengeful specter. Still, how could he know without trying? Lei Yu said he would hold off the creature, and for now, he could only trust him.
As dusk fell, Reno returned home—only to be greeted by the aroma of a delicious meal wafting to their noses as soon as the door opened.
There is no order without rules. In this world, every profession, high or low, has its own codes—some explicit, some hidden.
Though not entirely willing, Mo Chenfeng had no reason to conceal things, so he explained in detail the specifics of the Black Dragon Clan’s blockade, their siege strategy, and how they aimed to control the water supply. Throughout, Mo Chenye questioned him repeatedly, probing every aspect of their plan.
Qin Tian’s face turned pale with terror and dread. He instantly used a Lesser Sect Command and the power of the Nether God to steady his soul.
To them, anyone undergoing tribulation must be an old man—if they found such a person, why not claim him as an honorary grandfather? Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
Each of them held a tube made from a plant stem in their mouth, allowing them to breathe underwater and remain hidden, ready to ambush their target when the time was right.
Chengxin found it odd but simply shot him a look without speaking, quietly chewing her bun and peeling her egg.
Yan Ning’s arrangement was reasonable, but Second Young Mistress Wu refused—she wanted to accompany Yan Ning to the Northwest. Yan Ning leaving their family behind to hurry ahead—how could that be right? What if they ran into danger?