Volume 1, Chapter 22: The Estrangement of Two Brothers

Xiao Keleng let out a series of long sighs, finding himself utterly helpless. I alone remained, adopting a "watching the tigers fight from the mountain" approach, waiting to see how the Divine Spear Society would untangle this deadlock.

A few days later, Hanlin Academy compiler Xiang Mingxuan finally accepted the position of Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard. With this settled, the marriage alliance, which had been postponed due to the fire at Yuli Palace, was back on the agenda.

Crown Prince Jian, seeing Teng Geng make such a fool of himself, sulked in frustration. Chancellor Sun Jia of Qi shook his head, secretly thinking they were bringing shame upon themselves, though he dared not voice his opinion. Hou Sheng, meanwhile, rolled his eyes, thinking this Lord of Chang'an was quite extraordinary, yet he dared not applaud him.

Down the long corridor, the sound of bells, drums, and cymbals erupted just minutes later. The monks seemed determined to hold a massive water-and-land ritual there. For the time being, Teng Jia would be unable to break away.

As they spoke, Jin Xuanmin felt his heart grow cold at the realization that he would be out of work for a month.

"Mother..." Seeing Noble Consort Yan blame herself so deeply, Xiao Xisheng felt as if her chest were stuffed with thick cotton, a suffocating discomfort that even eclipsed the dull ache in her lower abdomen.

However, when he saw the headline in the news feed, his expression shifted slightly. The title struck him as odd, prompting him to click and investigate.

"Miss, you need not be afraid. There is no need to shield such a beast; I will teach him a lesson," Xiao Tangtang declared righteously.

Yet, in the direst of circumstances, Chen Feng would not hesitate to use these [toxin needles].

In the age of chaos, in the face of great catastrophes, during the wars against gods, and in the slaughter of men—deities fell one after another. The ancient gods had long since become legends of legends, and even the newly born patron deities were few and far between.

"Meeting here is indeed a matter of fate. However, taking you as my master is impossible today. Firstly, because my aptitude is insufficient. Secondly, because I possess no object of faith. Once my cultivation is complete and I have fully grasped the essence of faith, it will not be too late to become your disciple," said Bai Jinu.

After finishing breakfast, Jia Cong led Daiyu, Ping'er, Ye Qing, Baochai, Tanchun, and the new maidens of the Eastern Palace toward the Cining Palace and Xian'an Palace to post spring couplets and welcome the door gods.

Host, please capture the Triwizard Tournament trophy within the mission timeframe and reshape a physical body for Mr. Riddle in the diary.

"Hu Weiwei!" Hu Weiwei gritted his teeth as he spat out his own name, wishing he could swallow Lin Chu whole.

Dou Wei thought for a moment, then stood up and smiled: "I am here with the Imperial delegation and hold an official status, so some of my itinerary cannot be changed on a whim."

Su Yun: "..." Wen Yan was apologizing; it seemed she had not yet let fear stop her from speculating on the irrational details.

Reluctant to leave behind such a promising "financial prospect," he let Lin Cheng stand in for him for a moment, promising to return immediately.

That Senior Brother Li was one who rarely spoke, but when he did, his words were vicious, leaving one unable to suppress a surge of anger.

Even if it were an illusion, there are always those who crave a final spark of hope, are there not? Yet, wandering alone through the burning ruins, all one ultimately gains is nothing but meaningless debris.

Just as Xia Feng and Meiya were conversing within the mental realm, Nalan Yanyu suddenly furrowed her brows, scanned the surroundings with suspicion, and then looked at Xia Feng with a strange expression.

These people looked at each other and immediately began to laugh. Thinking about it, it made sense; with Nalan Yanyu’s personality, she wouldn't waste time with idle chatter. Having received her permission, the men cautiously picked up their chopsticks and reached for the dishes in front of them.

Li Ye’s arrangement had a deeper purpose. Putting aside the fact that no one knew when these people might turn into corpses, even if they didn't, he didn't need them firing their guns—it wouldn't harm the "Fear-mongers" and would only hinder his coordination with Saeko.

"Of course I want to." The Big Bad Wolf, well-versed in such routines, replied even as he leaned in to kiss Feng Ying.

Xia Feng believed they likely understood something of the other side of this world. Xing Qitian, as an esper with flame powers who had managed to attain the rank of Colonel, already spoke volumes.

"Boom!" The papal melee monk, unable to dodge in time, was instantly sent flying by the immense force, while the vines entwined with the two strange swords had only just reached George.

"It's ruined, Senior Ruan! The Hall Master only left a few hours ago, and they've already attacked!" Lin Shuihan said, his eyes filled with fear.

"Is that really so? Then why did he suddenly leave this place?" Lord Pingchuan had truly not discovered his son's assault on Xue Xue. It wasn't that he couldn't investigate it; it was simply that Ping Yuan hadn't assaulted her at all. If there was any assault, it was by the Big Bad Wolf, Nangong Ping. How could Lord Pingchuan ever find evidence of that?

"Clan Leader, they have all begun their cultivation. What shall we do?" Long Chen asked, looking toward Long Miekuang.

"Silly girl, why haven't you gone yet? If you wait, you'll miss your chance," the Peony Fairy said, walking up to pat Qiong Yao on the shoulder.

"I didn't see anything special, only a pair of moon-flask vases, which were decent enough," Qin Hao said, pointing to a pair of moon-flask vases in a nearby glass cabinet.

However, those spatial ripples had barely begun to dance before they were dispersed by a vast and frigid cold current.