Chapter 26: Is She Really That Powerful?

"Charge!" The New Army, having broken free, surged forth like tigers released from their cages. Dividing into two columns, they struck with their staves, relentlessly compressing the space held by the Left Martial Guard.

The first phase of the assessment was a traditional test of strength. Master Ku gestured for Lu Fangliang to step forward and demonstrate for the group.

The defenders of Red Mountain Pass were no incompetents. From the start, they had calibrated their artillery to cover three distinct zones of impact, complemented by longbows and heavy crossbows at closer range. It could be said that they left no ground uncovered, from the furthest reach to the very feet of their position, all while maintaining a steadfast resolve to hold the line.

After repeating this tactic of darting in and out of the surrounding woods several times, Zod exploited the narrow terrain—where long-chain weapons were ineffective—to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Once he had snapped the neck of the final disciple, Zod didn't even think; he collapsed onto the ground, letting the muddy water sting his wounds, utterly exhausted.

Just moments ago, the trial of Wang Defa and Tang Xinyue had begun. Wang Defa intended to speak before his foolish disciple, but the Three-Quiet Elder of the Xianxia Sect specifically called for Tang Xinyue to give her account.

Despite all the machinations of Zhangsun Wuji, he never could have imagined that the exceptionally shrewd Empress Dugu would piece together the existence of the Heavenly Net from mere fragments of information, only to disclose it to her most trusted nephew, Li Yuan.

In truth, Huo Bao was dying of curiosity: what kind of treasure was this glass lamp, exactly, that its accidental shattering by the General who rolls up the curtains could strike such terror into the hearts of the gods?

If he didn't reveal the truth about the Heavenly Net, and the Emperor already knew, he would surely die. But if he did reveal it, how could he explain his concealment of the matter?

At the level of a Great Emperor, a chosen successor must be an unparalleled hero; otherwise, it would bring shame to the Emperor’s legacy.

Before long, the black smoke ceased its resistance, yielding like clay in a child’s hands, reshaping itself into creatures identical to Wangcai—the barking earth-hounds.

Zhou Yu clenched his fists in agitation. Then, watching the retreating figure of Zhuge Liang, his gaze grew complex.

Only by knowing exactly what the opponent intends can one devise a countermeasure. If one remains ignorant of their true objective, how can any strategy be formed?

But now that Yun Feibai and Yuan Qinghua had unleashed such heaven-defying power in succession, why did it feel as if Canglei Mountain had mastered both the arts of immortals and demons?

Because it was the evening rush hour, it took a long time for the car to reach the shop mentioned by Chen Tianwang.

If not for the deaths of Long Teng and Lu Hu, Bai Lin would never have declared their seclusion upon arriving at the imperial capital of the Heavenly Fox Empire. After all, with their leader Long Teng missing in Dragon Sealing Valley, they were powerless to help. Thus, Bai Lin blamed his own dereliction of duty for Long Teng's death.

***

Legend had it that Palasius’s martial arts were superior to Schroeder’s and his abilities far more mysterious and unpredictable, but few had seen Palasius fight in earnest, so such notions remained mere speculation.

Unable to find her mobile phone, Yun Mouxue did not think of her mother, but instead picked up the landline nearby and dialed a number.

Just as the wild girl was feeling excited, two figures suddenly walked into the animation department, immediately spotting the siblings hugging each other.

Luo Nan stepped forward and, with lightning speed, wrapped his arms around Tian Jingmei from behind. As he held her warm, soft form, his heart leaped into his throat; he felt dazed, as if in a dream.

They had discovered that since returning, the Sect Master had changed. After being injured, she did not bleed; instead, she seemed made of stone, which had begun to crack.

"Sister, I’m afraid this scar will last a lifetime. From now on, you won't be able to wear those beautiful off-the-shoulder clothes. Brother, don't you think you should compensate Sister heavily?" Hua Lili’s eyes sparkled as she leaned in close, staring straight at him.

Su Ziyi was startled, her eyes wide as she watched the man in silence. She always felt he carried some heavy burden; he looked so sorrowful, and she even found him profoundly lonely—the word "solitary" was not an exaggeration when applied to him.

Bei Xun Junting nodded in sudden realization, looking at the person supporting him with a glint of appreciation in his eyes.

For a long time, Kong Yingda had felt suffocated, unable to find the right opportunity or a suitable vanguard to clear the path, leaving his energy pent up and unreleased.

In fact, others couldn't really tell that her hair was thinning severely. It was only when she woke up every morning and saw so much hair on her pillow that she panicked, becoming increasingly afraid to look in the mirror, feeling she must already be a wreck.

After the final round of the selection tournament, she had pulled strings to get into the backstage area to get an autograph and a photo with Xi Zhengxuan, only to accidentally overhear some players referring to her as "Sister-in-law."

Da Hua giggled, feeling no shyness at all. She simply thought that Big Brother Hong Gu was sometimes far too bashful and always stayed silent.

The only 3rd-rank longbowman and the heavy crossbowman stayed by Prince Wang Ziming’s side to provide long-range sniping.

Su Ziyi sank into her own thoughts, running through a thousand possibilities, yet unable to find a single reason.

Forget about forming ranks; everyone simply gathered together, clustering around Shi Yuan to listen to their captain’s orders.

***

"Remember that." Fu Shihan nodded and tucked the medicinal powder deeper into her sleeve.

Fang Han bowed to the old man in green, then turned, swept his gaze over everyone, lifted his chin slightly, and spoke in a resonant voice.

Hearing Auntie Liu say this, the smile at the corner of Chu Nanxiang’s mouth became increasingly gloating. She couldn't understand why she was so devious.

The six of them lowered their bodies, with Klowa in the lead. Footsteps were drawing closer. Before they had even reached the curved passage, Klowa lunged forward.

Song Lao San was kicked under the table by the Chief, clutching his chest in such pain he couldn't even crawl out. The people below were holding back laughter, looking quite strained.

But this Meng Yang was a genuine headache for Wei Boming. After all, the Zhonghuang Group had leaped to become the dominant enterprise in Zhonghai, and Meng Yang claimed to have connections with Old Man Feng. Wei Boming could not afford to offend him, so he could not force him to leave.

She was heartbroken, sobbing until she couldn't catch her breath, but He Zhiyuan did not soften in the slightest. After finishing his threat, he turned and left.

"Senior, at this Dao Discussion Conference, who do you think will be your strongest rival?" After the novelty of the private jet wore off, a bored Mu Xiaoxiao asked Su Yan.

This group of men was broad-shouldered and imposing. The middle-aged man in black at the head of the group surveyed the room and abruptly cut off Max. He spoke in Arabic; though somewhat stiff, his meaning was clear.

Wu Yan’s face was as cold as water. Behind him, a squad of soldiers surrounded the entire teahouse, leaving the guests startled and confused.

"Don't dwell on so many things. When we reach the mountain, there will be a path. We will definitely finish this, and it will be beautiful." Lin Yuan seemed to have sensed my concerns and said this in my ear again. I nodded heavily.