Volume 1, Chapter 26: The Madman

Just as in their first meeting, she was dressed in white like snow, with an ethereal beauty that transcended the world. Her grace was peerless, and as she looked back, a calm and radiant smile seemed to linger.

He smelled her scent and instantly felt at peace. Stumbling forward, he pulled her into his arms, nuzzling against her repeatedly.

Constantine’s status was unique. Born with the ability to distinguish between angels and demons, he had chosen suicide to escape the agony. Under the laws established by Gabriel, he was denied entry to heaven and instead cast into hell.

Meanwhile, the people of the Zhao household were in a state of anxious agitation. Old Master Zhao and the Sixth Concubine were deeply worried that Pan Xiang might have no heir. Now that he held such a high-ranking official post, were they to let the family legacy be carried away by Sister Huan to someone else’s house?

"An advancement battle?" Qin Changfeng breathed a sigh of relief, yet a sense of helplessness rose in his heart. If he had not been forced by circumstances, he would never have made such a formidable enemy for no reason, especially while his own foundations were so shallow. But fate and enmity were never things one could control.

The next day, a member of the Zheng family arrived as expected. Zhao Ting changed his clothes and hurried out to meet the eldest son, Zheng Mingjin. After an exchange of polite pleasantries, Zheng Mingjin presented the tokens of gratitude and, having finished his business, rose to take his leave.

"How is my father? What did you say to him?" As Qin Changfeng left, Cheng Shifei, who had been waiting outside, asked, scratching his head and pacing restlessly.

The Alpha soldiers were caught off guard and bore the brunt of the assault. Their armor rattled under the barrage, and several were knocked over by the sheer force of the impact.

Song Heng felt a sudden jolt in his heart, an ominous premonition washing over him. Just then, his phone rang; it was Yan Jiaohu calling.

Seeing the First Prince being taken to the Changle Palace, the others felt they understood the situation. Some even went to the Bihua Palace to mock her, saying that in the end, her son had been taken away regardless.

At the same time, he could not help but feel a sense of vigilance. This Xiao Yu... did not seem particularly surprised?

If the Empress intended to seize this invention, she preferred to act proactively rather than be forcibly robbed, using it as a "pledge of loyalty" to bridge a connection with the Empress.

"Then, what if I am very ugly, and the other person says it doesn't matter?" Xia Ruanruan asked, lowering her head.

"It's only just noon. If you really want to go out, we won't stop you. After you die, Tang Wulin and I will burn plenty of money on your grave so you won't be short of funds in the underworld," Luo Yucheng said with a tone of icy indifference, delivering the most venomous of barbs.

***

Xu Chu’s position was unique. Although his rank was below Man Chong’s, his words were dismissive. The middle-aged, stern official could only gasp and hold his tongue.

At this time, the Wei and Jin dynasties had not yet been established. The positions of Fengchang and Zongzheng, which were later consolidated by Mengde, were not yet unified. The office of Fengchang was vacant, and the person presiding over the sacrificial rites was the young Jiang Ji, who should have been traveling the world at this point in history.

Xia Ruanruan thought to herself: if this child truly had such influence, he must be either wealthy or noble. It would be easy for him to get into a cardiothoracic surgery department; why come to her for help?

"Accidentally discovered"? No one would believe that. The bamboo carts everywhere in Dongjun, the strange and sharp agricultural tools, and the giant crossbows on the walls of Dong'e City—were these all accidents?

At Xu Gu’s age, he no longer fought for fame, wealth, or empty titles. Time was running out for him, and in the little that remained, he sought only to do something meaningful and change something for the better.

"It’s the beginning of winter. Cold winds are starting to blow in Fujian, so it must be even colder in the north. I wonder if Sister Yao is afraid of the cold," Cao Ruyan mused.

The man looked remarkably ordinary, but his eyes were exceptionally shrewd. It seemed that the power of decision for both of them rested in his hands.

Gu Yiwu shook his head helplessly, called for the butler, and ordered a sobering tonic to be prepared.

"How could I not recognize Miss Fang? Zhilan greets you." Yue Zhilan had changed significantly; the arrogance was gone, and she had become much more composed.

Su Ruoyao didn't speak, thinking back to last night—she indeed had that idea: to force Cheng Yanzhong to borrow money.

Dongfang Wensi gritted her teeth, walked to the first cage, and crouched down. Her hands trembled as she opened it; she wanted to reach in but felt a flicker of fear.

He Shuhang looked at me in terror, so I picked her up and threw her heavily into the reed bed.

Shangguan Rongxi roared, and the two finally fell silent, though their eyes remained locked in mutual defiance.

"I don't want those useless things. As long as you don't mind my crude appearance, that's enough." Su Ruoyao kissed him sweetly on the cheek. He pulled her close, celebrating his new job with a passionate kiss.

***

"Keep yourself in check. I don't have time to indulge your nonsense." Wu Dan cast a meaningful glance at the flip-flops, returned to the bedroom, locked the door, and flopped onto the bed.

However, if he knew that Yun Fei had only been practicing martial arts for two or three months, he would surely be shocked beyond words.

"How could that be? I was just spacing out. Greetings, Third Master." Xia Xinnuan flashed a sweet smile, though she wondered why he seemed unhappy again. Who had provoked him?

For a long time, she remained stuck in that state of hyper-arousal before finally emerging, feeling a sense of loss and confusion.

The Battle of Nanjiang—if one’s heart was not strong enough, the mere memory of it would still leave one shaken.

Watching this streamer play with such mastery in the Rift, he felt an uncontrollable itch to play himself.

Su Man washed and sliced the cured meat, plucked some fresh greens, rinsed the rice, and counted the mouths to feed. Aside from "Lei Ao," there were already five others in the space waiting to be fed.

And so, the three of them divided the labor—cutting meat, starting the fire, brushing on the soy sauce—and began roasting lamb skewers, eating as they cooked.

This surprised Wu Dan. She scanned the mortuary, her gaze finally settling on the tape recorder.

While Kou Gangyi and Yao Xue were busy dreaming of a beautiful future, Huo Yanting pulled Su Mu out of the apartment.

Cloning technology, atomic bomb, evil aura, May Day, earthworm, hand-drawn world map, Cape No. 7.