Chapter 31: The Hostage

“Are we evacuating?” Yang Xiaohong asked hurriedly. Her feelings were complicated—part reluctance, part anticipation. Reluctance because she had yet to take revenge by killing Nan Zao Yaziko and Liu Changchuan; anticipation because she could finally be with her sister in the rear, forever.

When this thought surfaced, Zhou Zhongqing couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion. These words always seemed so familiar, yet he had never imagined uttering them himself before. A bullet once again struck him between the eyebrows.

In truth, he longed for Zhao Yang to stay at his residence, but the timing was unfavorable—if the officials misunderstood and thought he was stirring trouble, how could he bear the consequences?

The plan to eliminate Liu Zhang remained unchanged. As long as Liu Zhang lived, the threat to the Southern Yue Kingdom persisted.

Suddenly, five divine generals, formed from solid rock, swung their fists and charged toward Li Muxuan. Their massive bodies stomped the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

At that moment, Yu Tuo felt the sword vibrate in his hand, a puzzled look crossing his face. The subspace watch hadn’t sent him any messages recently, but some simulated robots had been assigned to monitor those with grudges against him.

Later, under Yang Yi’s leadership, Zhao Yang circled around the Fan Tower area, inspecting the local environment. Then, with Wang Zhongzheng and others, they returned to the inner city by carriage.

She longed for the chance to visit the twenty-second century, curious to see what Liu Zhang’s hometown looked like.

Li Gan complained that Liu Zhang never shared the good things. He was certain there was no food hidden beneath the covered wool blanket.

Only today did he realize how joyful it was to speak a language no one else understood. Though all eyes were strange and wary, he remained utterly unaffected.

Princes who had not yet left the palace to establish their own households took their consorts through the Chongde Gate. Zhou Weizhao’s grand wedding ceremony now mirrored that of a prince, so Song Chuyi’s carriage was escorted from Chongde Gate all the way to the Eastern Palace, then into Yong’an Palace.

“No way. With the boss around tomorrow, Brother Jiang wouldn’t dare act rashly. Who dares to leave the stage before finishing his song? Watch me break his legs if he tries.” Lian Yifan joked and scolded, masking his underlying unease. Since Commander Jiang disappeared from the villa without notice, this anxiety had lingered.

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“Boss, I’m back!” Lian Yifan couldn’t wait to report news to Jian Fantong as soon as he disembarked.

Song Chuyi nodded slightly, showing no sign of displeasure. Turning, he left with Qing Ying. He had intended to visit the Ningde Courtyard, but then unexpectedly ran into Mrs. He.

“Are you going to...” I nervously asked upon Shen Na’s return, fearing something might have gone wrong.

“Did you go to accompany Qiqi yesterday too?” I asked Gold Night Xuan as I walked beside him. He simply responded with a grunt.

Song Jue and Song Chuyi were modest and respectful, bowing to them before sitting down to the left of Grandfather Song.

Remembering that she had promised Guo Yantang earlier to delay returning to the capital, Grandmother Song frowned and sent Madam Qin to invite Guo Yantang—any change of plan required notifying others.

After the gunshots and firecrackers ceased, Du Yuesheng’s fervor faded. He calmed once more: “Get in the vehicle. Move forward.” Everyone silently packed their guns and began returning to the carriage.

The fireball was launched from a cunning and precise angle, perfectly blocking the path the black-robed cultivator must take.

Such strength, in Zongshan terms, was neither high nor low—middling and unremarkable, unlikely to attract attention.

“What should we do? Isn’t she supposed to give birth in over a month? I only left two midwives. Fine, Zhao Pozi, go check on her!” I pointed to the honest midwife and sent Shuangjiang to assist. Shuangjiang belonged to Qimin; she was the best choice.

As Shen Feng spoke, the Sixteen Sea Hawk Guards moved. Thousands of flying swords flew out from the Execution Heaven Formation, converging on a single point to intercept Li Yan’s advance. Now at the first level of the Void Immortal stage, the formation composed of the Sixteen Sea Hawk Guards could even withstand a “Nightmare” attack. Dealing with one Li Yan was no challenge.

“Beneath the sage, all are mere ants. Why bother debating right and wrong with ants? When the time comes, what I say is right—even if it’s wrong, it’s right.” The Eastern Emperor also raised his head, but for some reason, Xiao Luoyi still couldn’t see his face clearly. From his eyes, however, came an endless coldness.

Yet Inter Milan’s laughter didn’t last long. Less than five minutes into the second half, veteran Di Natale’s goal brought Inter back to even.

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All teams from the three major regions held their breath. Besides the “Kingdom of Kings” and the blood-stained elegance from the Southwest region, no guild wished to face the Red Flag Army, a full-level-60 team, in the first round.

Qin Susu turned her head to look at Baili Cangming, who sat calmly as if unaffected by the situation. Qin Susu raised an eyebrow; Baili Cangming’s composure was almost excessive.

Just then, thunder rumbled through the dark clouds outside, illuminating the distant horizon as if the sky itself had descended in a flash of lightning.

Behold: a strange mist, gusts of cold wind; colorful clouds shrouded in golden light, auspicious clouds blooming in countless hues. Mountains lined the front and back, cultivators and Taoists of the Quanzhen sect; marshals stood to left and right, wandering hermits and scattered guests.

“Mr. Jiang... is it done?” Zhang Chuzhu’s face was filled with exhaustion; she had barely rested these past few days.

When Shen Qingning arrived, the school was still about ten minutes from dismissal. She parked near the school gate and waited.

Yin Tianyu shook his head bitterly, helpless inside. The famous doctors invited from Jinyang City over the past few days had probably already drained all the silver he had withdrawn from the Spirit Storage Ring. There was no money left to hire better doctors. Besides, Old Yin was now advanced in years and could not travel far.

“You’re very weak now. I’ll help you inside to rest,” Li Xu said, giving her no chance to refuse and led her toward the dilapidated temple.

But silence, sometimes, can feel peaceful and comforting; other times, it can be unbearable. For Min Ji, it was especially tormenting now.