Chapter 26

In an instant, the world seemed to turn entirely white. The dark figure spat out black blood, like a hero at his journey's end, like a broken verse in a poem of blades. His limbs were twisted into grotesque shapes, yet no cry of agony escaped his lips; instead, he wore a smile of pure contentment.

Seeing this, Mother Zhang’s face darkened. She grabbed the mouse, clicked erratically, and shut down the video, looking genuinely annoyed. Zhang Yue was stunned, and Yan Xi’s laughter cut off abruptly as she stared blankly at her mother.

"Oh no, what do I do?! There isn't a single card left on the field..." Chen Jing watched her side of the board being wiped clean, her heart filled with sudden panic.

The silver dragon floated hundreds of feet in the air, roaring toward the heavens. Visible sound waves rippled outward, shaking the very souls of those who heard them.

You Jian spoke nonchalantly about the inherent flaws of the Sky Striker archetype, but Yun Fan was not buying it.

When Yuan Kai heard this, his mouth dropped into an "O" shape. It took him a long while to recover, and by then, Qi Yu had already walked some distance away. He hurried after him, bowing and scraping as he spoke.

"And so, after my mother was beaten to death, I, at age five, began venturing into the dangerous forest alone to earn my sister’s living expenses, all to ensure she could survive under our father."

Leng Xue had told Yun Xiao everything about the incident at the Lingtian Auction House three days prior. Yun Xiao knew that the Cursed Elders had appeared at the end, and it was these two old wretches who had left Leng Xue in such a state.

As for why Qi Yu had appeared there, it was actually a coincidence. The tree spirit from before had not truly died—or rather, its root system had refused to die. Fueled by immense life force and primal instinct, the roots had found another way to persist.

Zhang Yue wanted to say something more, but seeing Yan Xi’s grave and serious expression, he simply nodded. He knew she was truly angry, though he couldn't fathom why—it certainly couldn't be jealousy.

Qin Zinuo, assuming Doudou didn't yet understand the concept of a father, offered a brief explanation.

Zhao Fushang could not believe it even if his life depended on it; how could anyone compose two world-renowned masterpieces in such a short span of time? This was not the talent of a mere scholar, but the genius of an immortal.

"I only caught this Leaf Spirit to give to my master as a gift," he muttered to himself, his voice drifting off into the air.

***

"I am the County Magistrate, the third-in-command of Shuangyang County. With the County Assistant currently home observing mourning rites and unable to return for two or three years, I am effectively the second-in-command with the rank of section chief. You think I can't touch a Criminal Investigation Captain who only got his job through nepotism?"

"It is no matter, Clan Head Wu, please continue. I shall take my leave." With that, Bai Xuan was the first to exit the water pavilion.

"Teacher Ling, would you like to go get something to eat together?" A man wearing glasses and looking impeccably neat walked over to initiate the conversation.

Hua Qingfeng was the only friend the Drunken Old Freak had in the Xiqiao Mountains. The two were friends despite the gap in their ages, bonding over martial arts and wine. On the surface, they seemed to have no connection, but in reality, they were inseparable.

Damn it, there’s plotting and scheming involved even in giving a sword? First seduction, and when that fails, sowing discord? Just how deep does Zhao Fushang’s malice run?

Indeed, while others might view these officer-grade swords as precious treasures, to Yang Chen, they weren't worth much at all.

Just as the two stepped out the door, they saw several palanquin bearers. Looking closer, they recognized them as servants from the Liu estate. After asking, they realized Liu Qingqing had sent them specifically.

"Hehe, little sister..." The look on his face was so comical that Mu Yiyi knew immediately he was up to no good.

Man Long held a massive iron hammer, square-shaped with sharp, jagged edges. Even more startling was the hazy yellow glow radiating from it—the manifestation of dense Earth energy.

"What technique is this? It’s so wicked, to actually absorb the vital blood of surrounding martial artists for its own use!" the warrior from the Beast-Taming Villa exclaimed in shock.

The one speaking was the guy I had just slashed with my blade; it had only torn his clothes, and he didn't seem to be injured at all.

Bing Xiao was more than just a little disappointed, but suddenly, she didn't want to deal with any more trouble. The exhaustion of the past few days made her crave nothing but the solitude of her room. Thus, she watched the two leave and then quietly slipped out of the kitchen, heading toward her own quarters.

What was that white gemstone radiating such immense energy? If it wasn't a spirit stone, then what else could it be?

***

The crowd then watched as the sky suddenly split open, revealing a massive fissure hundreds of feet wide, through which the world beyond could be faintly glimpsed.

"Are you talking about young people getting married?" Zhang Yan’s mind was sharp and broad-thinking; she caught the essence of the problem instantly.

The vast disparity in those numbers made it clear that the scale of fuel consumption decades ago could not compare to today.

"Is that so? Then let’s continue." Tang Ming smiled slightly, his hands moving in a rhythmic flurry. Every punch carried the terrifying power to shatter mountains and cleave rivers in two.

Only then did Liu Zong understand the guide's words. If he truly let these blank-slate followers grow on their own, there was no telling how long it would take.

The Far Rescue Society would spare no effort in scouring for everything Qiu Zhe required and delivering it to the laboratory. In return, Qiu Zhe had to produce an effective serum, one hundred vials of high-grade strengthening agent, and five hundred vials of secondary strengthening agent within two weeks.

"Are you alright? You’re so heavily injured," Yan Zhong asked with a frown of concern. Suifeng Ershi’s face was as red as a ripe date, and he appeared utterly withered and listless.

Upon entering the house, Xu Xiangqing looked around. The structure was orderly, built exactly to the blueprints she had provided. The decor leaned toward minimalism and utility, without any flashy adornments. Yet, in this day and age, such a house and interior were one of a kind in the countryside.

However, contrary to what they had imagined, the several men who had been chatting among themselves suddenly turned their heads, their expressions going blank the moment the faint, lingering fragrance brushed past them.