Chapter 30: The Grinning Corpse

The man in the black jacket eyed the jewels, then suddenly grinned—a smile that was a touch eerie. He rose slowly, swaggered over to the pile of gems, grabbed a handful, and let them fall with a clatter, as though what he held was not treasure but worthless dirt.

He kept on grinning. Laughter bubbled from him.

Just then, the mischievous moon slipped behind the clouds. The silvery light vanished without a trace, and the entire orchard was instantly shrouded in thick darkness. Even the road at their feet became indistinct and hard to make out.

“Sister Gu, I’ve made a spectacle of myself tonight,” Su Ruhui said, her complexion tinged with unease, trying her best to compose herself.

“All right, then it’s your turn to drive.” Liu Xinghao tossed the motorcycle keys to Qian’er, bid farewell to the old woman, and stepped outside.

Together, Situ Xuan Yin and Feng Chenxi had managed to withstand Yang Yunhan’s “Dragon Armor Divine Technique”—specifically the force of his “Heaven Covering Form.” But at this moment, as Yang Yunhan unleashed “Heaven and Earth United,” the two suddenly felt themselves enveloped by a vast, righteous energy.

Now, the pair sat on a stone bench in a pavilion nestled in the green, chatting idly, their words drifting on the breeze.

The third-floor bedroom still looked as it had when I lived there, except for several large earthen jars. The captured spirits were all locked inside—preventing their escape, yet ensuring their safety.

On the villagers’ faces, a host of complex emotions played out. Liu Xinghao took it all in, feeling gratified. He had done all he could, said all that needed to be said; persuading people to goodness could only go so far.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” The eunuch was impeccably courteous, showing not the slightest sign of disrespect toward Helan Yao, though she was a princess without power or influence.

“If I remember correctly, the road in front of Cai Mingxuan is paved with bluestone. Because of the Empress Dowager, the palace paths in Renshou Palace are all carefully maintained, lest anyone should fall. The Fifth Prince, though young, is no toddler just learning to walk. Why, then, did he suddenly run into the princess?” Su Ruhui pondered aloud.

The manor was spacious and elegant—a landscape of artificial hills and flowing water, emerald and sparkling, flowers in riotous bloom at every turn. From time to time, the clear and melodious calls of birds echoed through the air.

“What now? I should be asking you that! He was right under your noses—how could he just disappear?” Deputy Captain Zhang Feng retorted.

“I’m going to throw the bouquet from the balcony,” Yao Yao declared. She shot Bai Yu a mischievous wink, then, not giving anyone time to react, hurled the bouquet with all her might. It landed squarely in Bai Yu’s hands.

Ji Rong wept with wrenching sobs, as if what had happened truly was something Helan Yu had forced her to do.

He could scarcely believe that someone dared to be so brazen, to cross into the Ming Empire’s borders and station troops there.

“Next Valentine’s Day, no matter what, we’ll be together,” Zhou Bai murmured, lost in thought.

By the banks of the Qinhuai River, the scene was enchanting—the moonlight reflected in the water, and several painted boats floated ahead.

[Investment Task Red Envelope]: When the host completes an investable [Task Red Envelope], they may choose to invest certain items already acquired. Upon successful completion of the [Task Red Envelope], the items invested will be returned fivefold. Note: Only one item may be invested per task.

A Sha is another form of soul; when souls devour each other and resentment gathers, the soul becomes tainted by evil and transforms into a Sha.

No matter how formidable the immortal cultivator, before the presence of a true Buddha, they stood utterly powerless.

The laws of Great Qin stated that local officials were forbidden to leave their territories without permission, under penalty of severe punishment.

So, lest Liancheng Yanran seize on any careless lies, she decided to speak from the perspective of a physician.