Volume One, Chapter 42: Accusation

Prime Minister Lin gazed at the scene before him, his brow furrowed tightly. He had not expected Murong Yunyi to defend Lin Wantai so vehemently. Was this move, after all, a mistake?

He turned to his daughter and spoke in a low voice, “…Qing’er, you…”

Facing the oncoming Japanese soldiers, Jiang Shan’s eyes grew even colder. Seizing an opening, he lowered his stance and charged forward. As his bayonet pierced the chest of the enemy on his left, his right hand swiftly drew the dagger he carried and, with a fierce backward thrust, stabbed through the chest of the Japanese soldier on his right.

But for Wu Jingyu’s plan and the revival of the Wu family, Wu Jingyu could only choose endurance and ruthlessness. As long as Xu Bo could help him reshape the Wu family, he would surely eliminate him.

The eruption of flames burned away most of the meridians in his arm, and just then, Xiu Quxi seized the opportunity. A surge of bone-chilling cold, as if it could freeze the soul, burst from her other arm and shot into his body, sweeping through his limbs and bones with unstoppable force.

“Master Lin! Lord Luo Xuan is here to offer you his sincerest apologies.” Luo Xuan’s demeanor changed dramatically, and he bowed deeply to him with all due respect.

Outside the tent, the night was utterly dark. Occasionally, the wind would rustle the trees, and from afar came the sounds of laughter, merrymaking, and singing from the bonfire gathering. Qi Miao rested her head on Bai Xiyun’s arm. The two smiled at each other, feeling as if even the air around them flowed more slowly, an atmosphere of tranquility and peace enveloping them.

The group arrived outside the city, where mist was rising among the mountains. The night fog stretched endlessly, veiling the sky and moon, with only faint starlight remaining.

“But before we bring it up, let’s do some investigating. After all, something so precious is bound to have its oddities…” Senior Brother Winter remarked, a playful look on his face.

“But don’t worry—cultivating here doesn’t take hundreds of years, so it will barely affect you. Do you understand now? That’s the true marvel of the Tower of Heaven!” The boy’s tone shifted, turning immediately proud and smug.

Cangdu and Ying Tianyu together were a force meant to confront the Four Heavenly Lords. In the Celestial Realm, Ying Tianyu had already reached his limit. Though Cangdu was formidable, facing all four at once would surely push him to the brink.

“Your Majesty! Consort Xian is absolutely right. If such a worthy man were to miss this chance to display his talents, wouldn’t it be unjust?” Noble Consort Zhang remarked with a half-smile, fanning herself with her silk fan.

Huo Xu leaned against a cushion, trying out several keywords, his slender fingers gliding slowly over the screen.

At Fang Xuanling’s residence, the assassin came to report recent developments. Both he and Du Ruhui were men of intricate thought, assisting the Emperor in governing while also advancing the progress of the grand game. In order to find the touchstone that had already appeared in the mortal world, they were prepared to spare no effort—no matter the cost.

“Well, uncle, you barely said a word this whole journey, but now you sound like an expert,” Chen Long said with a laugh.

Qing Hen crouched down and took Gusha’s wrist, about to check his pulse, when she noticed his hand was as pale as paper, with dark matter writhing under the veins at his wrist.

Wei Xi nodded as if she understood, finally ceasing her questions. She simply promised to follow Lady Murong Feisi’s arrangements.

The commoners were eager but dared not speak. Seeing that Luo Gan’s speech was about to fall flat, Er Hu got up from the ground to support him.

Looking at the ring filled with elixirs, Ye Lingyu let out a long, relieved breath. If Shi Die were here, he would have to divide his attention to care for her, which would only be a burden.

Lu Liting smiled, his brows arching, a rare expression for him. Yet Qiao Mimi suddenly had a sense of foreboding.