Volume One, Chapter 26: What's So Fascinating About Fleeting Things?

As soon as the words left his lips, a crisp crack sounded from the neck of the man in the blue robe, and his entire body slowly toppled to the ground, the bamboo flute in his hand falling into the grass with him.

From the corner of his eye, he glimpsed Zhen Baochai, who had just risen beside him, a trace of astonishment still lingering at the edge of her eyes. Li Ji's lips curled into a slight smile.

When Ye Mingchen heard the news, his excitement was no less than if he had been named Best Actor by the judges.

Madam Zhang and Yu Rong stayed peacefully in the room next door. After changing into the attire of the male attendants and washing up, Mei Xue sat by the window, writing a prescription for Ping’an.

“Brother, when we get there, you mustn’t act rashly. We're going to discuss business, not to start a fight. Whatever you do, don’t provoke them.” Yang Jingshan spoke as he drove.

After all, it’s easy to see the difference between a ten-million investment and a friend who can produce a billion star coins in one breath.

In the end, the spiritual energy of water within the entire spiritual cavern only gradually settled and stabilized after its concentration reached twenty or thirty times that of the outside world.

Thanks to Bai Changsheng and the tireless efforts of the Water Dragon Avatar, a domain of his own was finally carved out.

Although the company immediately issued a statement denying any possibility of bankruptcy or absconding, their explanations did little to calm the nerves of the crowd.

The director’s team simply switched off the microphones in Ning Tang's room. One could just make out her lips moving, but nothing she said could be heard.

Yet, as soon as he finished speaking, a tremendous vibration began to shake the long-dormant main ship—not an explosion, but rather the effect of something unimaginably massive appearing.

Hu Lin Village was one of the imperial estate’s lands, considered a large village with over a hundred households. The villagers all lived by farming the emperor’s land; their customs were simple, and the community was close-knit. Most of the villagers bore the surname Xu, with some families named Wang and others.

As the water vapor accumulated deep within the earth was heated and rose, it cooled high above, forming clouds and rain. This deluge fell without ceasing for several million years.

Speaking with confidence, he handed over some trinkets—items now of little use to himself, but of much sentimental value to the other party. This seemed to have become a tradition at partings—at least, that was how he saw it and carried it out.

“How dare you insult me! Are you looking for a beating?” The dark-skinned young man was not one to back down; he rolled up his sleeves, ready to brawl with Chen Kun.

After a few songs from the troupe boys, Lord Liu Jingchun rewarded them. His favored concubine, Lady Qi Yang, also came forward to sing a few pieces. At this time, most performers were men, but who would object if she wished to sing?

“Of course it’s…” Although Allen had no idea what had gotten into the fellow before him, he answered impatiently.

Some nearby masters of the airways seemed to pick up on the situation. Eager to curry favor with these two promising alchemists, they obligingly cleared some space and greeted the elite disciples and elders of various sects waiting outside the Hall of Destiny.

“Brother, Sister Mengyao!” Upon spotting Zhang Wei and his companion, Zhang Zhongyi waved.

Thus, Slay, who had spent so long in the Lightless Zone killing only thirty-two beasts, flawlessly completed Beria’s assignment.

After their time in prison, their interactions were as before, yet a wariness had settled between them, a barrier that could never truly be crossed again.

Lin Xiaoji found it odd. Lan Junyuan had already sent news about Elder Fu—why send someone again, and in official dress no less?

Kronis grew anxious, placing his right hand over his left chest to show his sincerity. Allen could doubt everything about him, except his character.

“At this point, what choice do we have but to retreat to Dai County? Do you really want to stay in Ji City, waiting to be surrounded by Tao’s troops, to share the same fate as Bu Yunzhang?” Zhuge Liang’s tone turned stern.

“Elris!” Seeing this, Shunaida cried out, meaning to help, but was struck simultaneously by Mebius and Rayber.

Allen also saw that Sterling was in dire straits. He resolved to help Sterling fight the Wind Wolf King. Though he’d already depleted his mental energy using the Spinning Air Shield Spell and his head still throbbed with pain, he hadn’t lost his ability to attack.

“Can you all still hold on?” By now, his teammates looked fatigued. If this continued, Wu Fei’s heart would truly ache for them.

Half-conscious, Lu Zifeng tirelessly absorbed Wei Wuji’s legacy as time slipped by unnoticed.

Zhou Qingyun remembered her own wedding—too anxious to sleep, afraid her groom would not be the right one, reluctant to leave her family, her eyes swollen from crying.

But now, it seemed as if everything had changed in an instant, beyond comprehension. I remained silent, but she was the first to speak.

The private room was elegant, styled after a Jiangnan home of the Ming and Qing dynasties. There was a screen and large lanterns, and the table and chairs were solid redwood—truly fine furnishings. The care shown by the owner suggested the dishes would surely be exceptional.

At the sound, Yunxiu looked down and saw the headdress atop Lady Shu move, revealing a familiar face—it was her second aunt, Linghu Han.

Wen Feiyu was utterly dejected. That night, they found not a single clue; meanwhile, the one impersonating Wen Feiyu had already returned to their old cave. He wore a sweet, false smile, but upon entering the cavern, found it empty.

“Alas, Chumo, we've come all this way for nothing. I meant to introduce you to Boss Liang to discuss a big deal. Now, it seems our plan has fallen through,” Deng Fadong said with regret.

Chen Hongxia agreed with Chen Chumo’s suggestion. So, she stayed to watch the stall, while Chen Chumo went off to print flyers.