Chapter 81

Seeing the situation turning dire, Zhao Jianhuai rushed forward. The guards, sensing the tension, stepped up one after another; both sides were on the verge of drawing swords, a murderous air filling the street.

Wang Zikun was both shocked and furious. He fixed his gaze and saw a golden needle embedded in the “Outer Gate Acupoint,” its tail still trembling, the force yet to dissipate.

Gu Yun immediately sat down on the spot, hands folded before him, holding his breath, focusing his spirit, dispelling distractions, gathering his energy, and quietly guarding his spiritual platform.

Le Zhiyang was startled by the noise. Suddenly, the palace doors swung open, and the Princes of Jin and Yan, accompanied by the Crown Grandson, walked out side by side. The Prince of Jin’s eyes wandered, his mind seemingly unsettled; the Prince of Yan’s eyes were reddened and his face bore the traces of tears. Le Zhiyang thought, for such a renowned prince to shed tears in public, it must have been a deep humiliation. That thought stirred a sense of pity in him.

Tang Yi fell into silence. The Nine Forms of Azure Dragon and the Divine Storage Ring could both be handed over; he had already memorized the former, so surrendering it meant little, and he still didn’t know how to use the latter, making it practically useless in his possession. But with the Supreme Primordial Ring, Tang Yi hesitated a bit more, as it concerned his own cultivation and realm.

It turned out that Gu Yun had drawn the last number. What puzzled him, however, was that Dongfang Ao, the one responsible for recordkeeping, looked at him strangely, as if there was a hint of murderous intent in his eyes.

Zhong Kaixin nodded and said, “If you ever need anything, just mention my name to Luo Qiang. Tell him you know Ghost Foot Xi Zhong Kaixin and see if he gives you any face.”

Outside the city, shouts rang out like a gale, chaotic and wild. Ye Lingsu listened in bewilderment but could not make out what was being called. The southern army soldiers around them were in disarray, glancing back and forth. Suddenly, someone bolted first, and the rest scrambled after, all fleeing toward the city’s outskirts.

The hall fell into utter silence. Friend and foe alike were struck speechless by Ye Lingsu’s presence. Suddenly, Chu Kongshan whistled long and loud, clapped his hands, and laughed, “Ghostly and unpredictable, ghostly and unpredictable…” He laughed heartily, as if more delighted than when he himself had triumphed.

The English teacher stamped her foot in rage, cursing Jiang Kun for his shamelessness. I really couldn’t bear it anymore; if it were any other day, I’d have gone up and kicked that pig-headed Jiang myself. Even though I was weak now, I couldn’t stand by and watch the teacher be bullied without protest. I faced him angrily and said, “Jiang Kun, don’t go too far.”

During the scuffle, Tong Luoman turned her head, and her large eyes carried an air of disdain. Yet her curvaceous figure left the male disciples present drooling.

This is the sorrow of princes. They possess noble titles, ranks, and wealth, but are absolutely forbidden to leave the sphere of influence belonging to Hannover City, or it would be tantamount to rebellion. Decades ago, a prince outside had raised an army in revolt, hence the strict rule.

Just as this was said, a soldier hurried in to report that Jones, leading his troops, was headed toward the prairie.

The first to appear was Zhao Fengchen, now the most promising young talent in the capital, hoping to claim the opening victory in this battle and lay a solid foundation.

A beam of blue light struck Li Lingyi’s protective energy shield, producing a loud noise. He was astonished to find that his shield now bore dozens of holes.

Yang Yi was at a loss. He had drawn four twos, but then picked the Queen of Hearts. Was it the Queen of Hearts missing him? He glanced at the others’ cards and found that, except for his pair of hearts, everyone had different suits. Now he was the target, waiting for everyone’s questions.

It smelled a bit like floral water. Yang Yi was instantly invigorated, and with a burst of strength, overturned Princess Sophie onto the ground… It was a scene of passion, and Yang Yi’s mind remained in a feverish state. And then… there was nothing further, for when Yang Yi reached the clouds, he actually drifted into unconsciousness.

The Zhao family of Stone City was a super clan capable of rivaling the Zhou family. Their power was obvious. Intelligence showed that even in the capital, the Zhao family from Stone City had formidable backing, far beyond what the local Zhou family could muster.

After hearing Luo Yan’s words, Yu Nian felt especially oppressed. He silently vowed that, in taking over the Yuxin Coal Mine, he would ensure the highest safety standards, never allowing the life of any worker to be taken so ruthlessly because of him.

Mi Zhu laughed and scolded, “Nonsense!” She raised her hand to strike Tian Xuanzi, but before her fist could fall, her face inexplicably flushed, and joy welled up in her heart. It was the first time Tian Xuanzi had seen Mi Zhu like this, and with her celestial beauty, he could only grin foolishly.

“What’s there to fear? Are they supposed to be stronger than Lü Bu?” Ma Chao said with contempt.

“All right! Let’s hurry and row the boat back! Everyone’s gone to the temple fair today—I hope no one saw us looking so ridiculous.”

“Speak, my lord. As long as it is within my power, I shall do my utmost,” Jing Fei declared, fists clasped in salute.

So Xiao Fan spent the whole day in a gloomy mood; even after school, as he returned to Phoenix Lake Villa, the depression lingered.

Rosie looked at her former boyfriend; his skills were almost uncanny. His shoulders trembled slightly. The once frail Zhang Chen—how had he become so capable? Could he have been feigning weakness earlier, letting them beat him on purpose?

“Him!” Instantly, the entire class pointed to the last row in unison, as if trained for years.

After saluting again, Zhao Qian and Zhang Fei headed to the southern county officer’s office. They pushed open the door and found someone inside, dozing off.

Shanya entered the nightclub with a smile, only to realize that raucous sounds filled the place. It was her first time in such a venue, and the pulsing music seemed to saturate the air with decaying youth.

The music began, but no one left. Li Ruotong’s singing was nothing less than heavenly; with such a rare opportunity, no one was in any hurry to depart.