Chapter 102: Murder

Bai Huan returned to the small courtyard and received a contract delivered by her mother’s messenger.

Upon opening it, she found it was a purchase agreement for "Battle Incense," personally sealed by the Marquis of Ruyang. The contract stated that the Bai family was responsible only for supplying the goods, which would then be handed over to the Marquis of Ruyang, who would in turn deliver them to the Military Supply Officer.

Suppressing the turbulent emotions within her, Bai Huan calmly slipped the contract back into the envelope. "Did they say anything when they came?"

Chen Xiang replied, "Madam said you should make the decision yourself."

Bai Huan understood.

"What kind of service do you want?" Qin Dandan also offered preferential services to customers.

However, the map was very rudimentary, with a blank center and only two markings at the corners, which happened to indicate their current location and the desolate city.

“Seeking death!” Wielding a long blade, all her true energy condensed into a massive sword that sliced down with the force of splitting Mount Hua. Her clothing fluttered without wind, and her loose long hair stood on end like withered grass.

Zhao Weiming clicked his tongue. “The more I think about this, the more wrong it feels. Spending 400 a day to rent a taxi but driving it yourself—has this person lost their mind?” As the car turned, he instinctively followed it stealthily.

Not only the emperor but all the ministers had been working tirelessly for the imperial fields over these months, contributing greatly. Now, with the wheat harvest bountiful, everyone was concerned about how it would be distributed.

Yuyangzi’s face paled, and Lu Xueqi, hovering in the air, looked even more unwell, her icy, frost-like face growing paler still.

Tang Long’s deduction was based on the wounds found on the deceased. Judging from the witch’s behavior, it was clear she intended to make Ma Qi the scapegoat.

Standing in the research institute’s backyard, Rockie spoke a word into the communicator before turning to look at Orton and the others in the distance. After giving them a thumbs-up, he leapt into the sky and soared upward, disappearing into the clouds in the blink of an eye, then suddenly accelerating until he vanished entirely.

The Grand Canal runs through the entire northern Zhili, passing through the prosperous Jiangnan region, truly the lifeblood of the Ming Dynasty. The stakes are self-evident. However, with rampant corruption in the canal’s transportation system deeply entangled, even a slight tug affects the whole network, making it impossible to resolve overnight.

Mellover and Leah sat opposite each other at a table. Though neither spoke, the closeness between them was unmistakable—such a bond needed no proof.

“Han Yu, I…” Fan Tao looked up at Han Yu, wanting to say something but ultimately falling silent.

Huang Xu saw long-unseen companions; unexpectedly, they remembered him and smiled as they ran over.

“We reached the alley when suddenly four or five men in black appeared out of nowhere, knocked us unconscious, and took away the man named He.”

Upon hearing He Jin’s words, He’s expression shifted slightly but he continued to show reluctance.

When the lieutenant closed the dormitory door, a faint sound was heard, waking all the soldiers inside who had been on constant alert.

“Father, what happened? Why are you so happy?” Seeing his usually steady father, Lan Youyu was at a loss for words, surprised by such joy. Ning Hao was equally baffled.

“Just tell them to pack up and get lost. That should settle it,” Huang Zhong declared resolutely.

“You tell me this—aren’t you afraid I’ll go tell Escobar?” Han Yu smiled faintly.

“Big brother is right. Besides, the demon clan is barely on par with our witch clan now, and we haven’t suffered many losses. If we break their formation with full force and severely injure three of them, the outcome will be ours to decide!” The Ancestor Witch Zhujuyin spoke calmly.

They had not expected that this seemingly erratic new helmsman, when unleashed, was so formidable. Afraid of becoming prisoners themselves, they chose to behave respectfully, at least outwardly submissive, careful not to provoke Chen Ao’s wrath.