Chapter Ninety-One: Omen

Mu Chengyao strode through the gate with his long legs, casually removing his white gloves and handing them to the orderly. Ji Cang hurried after him, chattering nonstop, “I heard Song the Cannon has raised taxes again in Huizhou, forcing the local people into misery. Many have started selling their children for a bit of food. Imagine, no disaster, no calamity—just a good harvest year, yet people are being pushed to the brink. How can Song the Cannon be so ruthless!”

Mu Chengyao acted as if he hadn’t heard, making his way toward the study.

Ji Cang didn’t mind his boss’s indifference and continued, “The east part of Huizhou is under our control, so life for the common folk is bearable. But the western side is tragic—Song the Cannon treats them like beasts, and they have to watch their neighbors living better lives. It’s like night and day! I’ve heard recently…”

Could they have been ambushed here all along? How did I not notice so many people moving? In Qingyu’s heart, he wondered: these black-armored men are strange indeed, appearing beside us without a sound. Even Master Hengshui didn’t sense them. Who are they?

Kong Xuan and Duobao Tathagata stood facing each other, surrounded by the innate five-colored divine light and golden Buddhist radiance that shot into the heavens, illuminating much of Western Ox Continent in a kaleidoscope of colors. Various divine arts manifested within, waves of supreme power radiating outward.

Time passed, moment by moment. The Liao people kept falling, and at last, no one knew who started it, but the Khitans—finding no way to heaven or earth—fell to their knees with a thud and surrendered.

Speaking of him, the Golden-winged Roc has an extraordinary background; he is the second son of the Phoenix of the Undying Mountain, known as the Golden-winged Roc. Born from the primordial yin and yang, he only took form a few centuries ago. Relying on his innate prowess, he has spent his days feeding on humans, utterly unrestrained.

Viscount Vladislav was bewildered. He hadn’t expected Yang Yi to pay taxes like this, since in the past, taxes were levied directly on the lords, and never had kingdom-appointed tax collectors dealt directly with the people of the territory. Yet he had nothing to pin on Yang Yi, who hadn’t refused to pay, but instead had devised a way out.

“Of course, actually Junior Sister Tong isn’t so different from us. Anything she can do, I, Dongfang Li, can do just as well. Haha!” Dongfang Li shouted again.

At this moment, personal matters and grievances with Chen Lanruo were best left unspoken.

Without innate fortune or transformation, ordinary beasts, even if they slowly take shape, at most become common demons of mediocre talent, ever at risk of falling into the path of evil.

Old Lady Lin narrowed her eyes slightly without a word. Madam Zhu glanced secretly at Song Ruyu, regretting silently that this child wasn’t a girl; if she were, placing her in the young master’s quarters could have spared them much trouble.

“Haha! It’s starting! The timing is perfect! Absolutely brilliant!” they laughed.

“My name is Zhou Jie. I’m older than you, so just call me Sister Zhou.” Her distrust and unwelcome attitude toward Liao Wanxu were plainly written on her face.

Liao Wanxu didn’t know how to respond, so she simply stayed silent. Xie Danru had no intention of comforting her, and when he spoke again, he simply changed the subject.

Seeing he didn’t answer, Qiao Minzhi anxiously slapped the bed twice. She’d learned her lesson—not to slap him carelessly, remembering he was still a patient.

Because she would be in seclusion for quite some time, Xiling Yao went to see Li Wannian once more. It was nothing urgent, just to thank him for his care of the Xiling merchants. She then visited Master Void, shared her plans, and finally returned to Yaozhu Valley.

“Alright!” The Ice Envoy’s power erupted instantly, and the surrounding sea water froze into blocks of ice within seconds.

Hushuo didn’t know why An Jinyun suddenly sought out the Grey Wolf, but since he was always involved in An Jinyun’s mischief, seeing the two shake hands and make peace left him anxious all day.

Lou Youcheng glanced at Liang Yuduo, then turned to his fiancée. It seemed more appropriate for her to take charge now, since Qi Xin worked at Chen Group and knew Chen Haotian inside out. Her words would carry more weight.

“Abai, why did you suddenly come back? Wasn’t England good?” Shirou asked.