Volume 1, Chapter 24: A Firm Stance

Gu Jiao was not particularly surprised by Li Jiangping’s betrayal, though the focus of her suspicions differed from Xiao Heng’s. The Empress had planted the seeds of hatred against Linglong in his heart with a single remark, and he had since seized every opportunity to relentlessly smear her name before the Emperor.

Perhaps unsatisfied after the assault on the Armored Dragon, the Werewolf, eager to tear down the building, charged forward with dozens of his brethren. Having spent far too much time confined to a laboratory for simulated combat, the Werewolf—once a core soldier of the Decepticons—had long since grown weary of such tedium.

Shortly thereafter, the Empress Dowager’s complexion turned pale, her lips gradually deepening to a shade of purple. Dark red blood began to seep from the corners of her mouth, slowly forming a thin line of crimson.

A gentle breeze, carrying the distinct fragrance of plants, enlivened the thoughts of Tian Chen, who had been lost in deep contemplation.

Years ago, when the Yao family’s younger brother married, Lady Yao had traveled to the Yao ancestral home in Qingcheng, unaware that she was pregnant. She stayed there for half a year before returning to the capital. She had intended to reach the city to await the birth, but labor unexpectedly began on the road.

It is difficult to recall what one did last month, let alone over the span of fifteen years; in such a long stretch of time, many things are simply forgotten.

In truth, he could have waited until Nan Zhao left before acting, but he felt that explaining his motives later would be troublesome. After careful deliberation, he decided to leave subtle clues each day for her to decipher. If she were to ask, he would simply speak his heart openly.

"It really is different..." The young man watched Xiao Liulang’s retreating figure, sensing an aura of a capital nobleman about him—a presence difficult to perceive for those who had never encountered it before.

Touching the bruises on his hands and looking at his tattered clothes, Zhou Xuan suddenly grinned.

With another thunderous roar, the Fire Phoenix and the Ice Phoenix could no longer hold their form; they fell to the ground, reverting into the Li Fire Bow and the Frost Arrow. Yet, they had lost all their luster, indistinguishable from any other discarded weapon in a pile of scrap.

Shu Sui, however, did not share such concerns. Her mind was entirely captivated and bought over by the house; her eyes were filled with joy, excitement, and longing.

Xu Jun had rarely appeared in Zhou Xuan’s sights before, and Ye Zhiyuan certainly would not have voluntarily brought him to his lair to enjoy the treatment of a friend. Having finally caught Ye Zhiyuan in a position of need, Xu Jun felt it was high time to demand the treatment he deserved.

Clenching her fists, Fu Shilei stood outside, stomping her feet in frustration. She glared at the interior, gritting her teeth in resentment.

"I... I cannot see your red thread. Not even a trace of it," the Old Man Under the Moon said with a grave expression.

Xiao Wu did not find it disagreeable; she merely thought it novel. Who would conduct business in such a manner? Wouldn't they be sent flying by a slap?

An Youran’s interjection caused everyone present to blush as they stifled their laughter, though a few young palace attendants couldn't help but let out a giggle. Yelu Yimo immediately silenced them with a lethal glare.

"You may request a lawyer, but for now, please cooperate with us and come along," the police officer said with polite formality.

"I advise you to let me go. Otherwise, you might lose your lives over this. I am not threatening you!" Qin Tian said slowly to the two officers flanking him, a smile playing on his lips.

Chen Donghui was not yet in a condition to speak; he merely returned Zhang Zijian’s provocation with a smile.

Ling Han Yu opened the car door but, instead of addressing Xiao Mingluo, walked to the front of the vehicle.

"Second Brother, don't overthink it. Just focus on your recovery. The doctor said it takes a hundred days to heal from broken bones and tendons," Zheng Panjin said.

The infighting among the three major factions was common knowledge, but the existence of Tang Zhan had clearly transcended their petty squabbles. It involved the rise of the Federation’s martial arts and whether humanity could truly defeat the mutated beasts to reclaim their territory.

"Do not call the police! Please, I beg you, don't call the police. He was only massaging me for my own good!" Li Shufen had finally regained her senses.

Qin Tian roared in fury, gripping his machete tighter before charging headlong at the approaching wolf demon.

This feeling was truly inexplicable, arising from the depths of my heart for no apparent reason. The moment the thought surfaced, I felt a wave of restlessness wash over my entire body.

Master Huo had intended to resolve this matter within the underground society, but he had not expected complications. Xie Fanglong had intervened, explicitly telling Xu Zhenqiang that the matter was to end there and that no further trouble was to be stirred.

She did not know how to face the unrecognizable Liu Che, but she knew that their former vows of eternal love could not withstand the grim reality of their sins. She knew she should no longer have any association with Mu Ze.

Ye Xiuya watched in astonishment as the green-haired youth walked out of the examination hall, clutching his head with a carefree, indifferent attitude.

Lin Xue leaned over and picked up the White Phoenix. With a flick of the treasure bracelet on her wrist, a fragrant, cyan-colored medicinal pill appeared. She lightly flicked it, and the pill landed by the White Phoenix’s lips, slipping into its mouth in a flash.

Chen Xi, by virtue of his position as a monitor, occupied the front rank, allowing him to see the movements of those before and behind him with absolute clarity.

To the right stood the Celtic warrior with indigo tattoos on his upper body, carrying a precious sword—the "Right Hand of Abona," Biduitah.

The second day of the seventh year of Chongzhen was the "Great Cold," the final solar term. Having survived the most bitter of seasons, could spring be far behind?

My second impression was of the flowers. It was not that the decor was gaudy, but rather that there were many fresh flowers in every corner of the room, many of which I could not even name.