Chapter 73

If Mao Jiuying and King Ksitigarbha truly intended to work together to help both the mortal and spirit realms survive this second great calamity, then Gong Jiudie, though not an imperial sovereign, held a position in the Qingzhou Secret Realm second only to Pu Xingtang. Coupled with Pu Xingtang’s dominance, the other city lords had no choice but to heed her, which gave Gong Jiudie considerable authority.

By comparison, my relationship with the Ghost Taoist was much more familiar. Even if he didn’t give his all, he would still do his utmost if I asked for help, never shirking his efforts.

Thus, the statue of the valiant general took the initiative, radiating a gentle energy, attempting to cushion the impact of the Wutan Haimen disciple hurtling toward it.

No matter his private thoughts, with the Grand Elder of the sect arriving in person, he certainly could not refuse to meet him.

“What use is a pretty face if she’s marrying a useless wretch, a pauper! Today I’ll make sure her wedding doesn’t happen!” Fang Lan said coldly.

“Ye Huan… you’re the person I trust most… but sometimes, you truly frighten me.” Eurydice leaned against Ye Huan, her voice soft.

Song Tianji hurried forward to inspect the scene: a hole slightly larger than a cauldron, and inside it, a model of a cauldron. Whether it was embedded during a past battle or intentionally placed there, he could not tell.

“If those two crown false emperors, they will be reviled by the world. When the time comes, raising an army against them will be justified. But now, both Chang and Cao stand against Dong Yingjie as loyalists—how can we act rashly and arbitrarily?” Liu Xian retorted.

Lifting his head, Ironflame could only pray silently in his heart that Han Xiao would defeat the two masked specters, or else, with just them, they would be at the mercy of others.

The mobilization had been completed long before the army set out from Anguo County. In Liu Tianhao’s indoctrination, the Yellow Turbans were but feeble bandits, easily crushed! Even if there were a hundred thousand before them, what did it matter?

Though the man’s gaze was cast toward those lying on the floor, Xing Yue felt as if he were speaking directly to her.

“He succeeded in absorbing the Fire Spirit Fruit.” The deep, slow voice of the middle-aged monk echoed, each word resonant and weighty, reminiscent of an ancient bell tolling solemnly.

In the KV private room, Liu Shuang and his friends were drinking merrily when the door was suddenly kicked open from outside. Liangzi, with bandages wrapped around his neck, charged in at the forefront, wielding a machete with its handle wrapped in cloth. He pointed the blade at those inside, grinning menacingly.

The night passed in silence. The next morning, the group of twelve continued their flight toward Tianyuan City. Dongfang Xue’er was quite familiar with the route; it was clear this was not her first journey there.

“The Grand General summoned Dong Zhuo from Liangzhou to Bingzhou to divide his power. And now Dong Zhuo is in Bingzhou, he can also keep me, Liu Tianhao, in check! Isn’t that so?” Liu Tianhao’s voice was stern and forceful.

After speaking, Deng Feng strode forward and, without hesitation, swung a punch at Xing Yue.

Gao Shun and Zhang Liao did not dare answer Liu Tianhao’s question, fearing that a misstep would cost them face. The logic Liu Tianhao spoke of was far deeper than what they had considered, so both stammered without reply.

The first floor revealed no clues. Lei Chen ascended the stairs to the second floor, which, in contrast, was rather bare—little decoration, few furnishings. It seemed the family all lived downstairs.

Yet, just as the sky had been clear for miles, a torrential rain suddenly poured down. Gao Qing’s face turned ashen. How could it be such a coincidence? He had only just prepared to leave, and now this inexplicable downpour began. Was there truly something wrong with this inn, or were he and his cousin simply too suspicious?

Next, a pulse of dread swept through the air as an ancient, black door carved with archaic patterns materialized within the room, instantly sucking the crimson-clad specter inside.

Yang Qingshan narrowed his eyes, refusing to back down. He swung the Celestial Moon Blade with all his might, no flourish or technique, just a single, emotionless strike.

Seeing the sincerity in their faces, Beast could only nod woodenly, his expression unreadable. He truly didn’t know what to do. Was he to go up to them, call them brothers, and drink as though nothing had happened? These were foes who had moments ago nearly killed him—he simply couldn’t do it.

Lei Chen rolled his eyes. The license plate had been arranged by Long Qianxing. As the Young Master of the capital’s Long family, he could put whatever plate he wished on any vehicle—even a bicycle with a military plate, and no one would dare interfere.

At that moment, the ambulance Lei Yongli had called finally arrived. Several doctors leapt out, immediately trying to take the battered city inspector for treatment, only for him to shrug them off with surprising force.

“Zoro!” Luffy, standing at the bow, spotted Zoro ahead. Before Zoro could react, the ship’s prow crashed into him.

Time flies like an arrow; days and months pass in the blink of an eye. In a flash, time raced by our sides like a swift steed, vanishing without a trace.