Chapter 67

The place bustled with people coming and going, lively as any commercial street in the city. From the scene alone, it was hardly less lively than those famed marketplaces.

Within his mind, the deduction became ever more distinct—black and white lines seemed to come alive, constantly extrapolating the path of what was broken, each verifying and repairing the other.

On another stretch of open ground, numerous workshops had been erected: some for brewing wine, some for making sauces, others for producing various seasonings, and some for bulk roasting the ingredients for medicinal cuisine. Many spirits and monsters busied themselves within, their work ordered and efficient.

“The Qi household has fallen into trouble. Miss Luo has already separated from Young Master Seven and left the family. According to your instructions, I have settled Miss Luo at our own manor,” Hanmei whispered.

Huangfu Xingchen’s remaining consciousness already possessed the cultivation of an Emperor. With the support of the Nine Dragons’ True Qi, he could now unleash at least the power of Ma Xingkong at his peak, perhaps even that of a Spiritual Master. The price, however, was that the Nine Dragons’ True Qi would be utterly consumed.

Putting down the kettle, he came over and drew Wei Chuxiu’s clothing more tightly around her. “The autumn nights are windy. Why did you come out without a cloak?”

Yet outsiders could only see the elegance and refinement of the place. Most were drawn to the glass ornaments, others to the calligraphy and paintings on the walls. Who would imagine that these private rooms, so carefully soundproofed that not a word could be heard from outside, concealed so many secrets?

Since she no longer desired a child, did not wish to wrong her master again, nor betray herself, her only choice was to bid farewell to this time forever.

He had witnessed Lin Tian’s entrance—despair and relief mingling in that moment. It left Bu Fan with a pent-up frustration, unable to find release, until his gaze landed on Ghost. His moves grew ever more fierce.

Jinglin acted as if it were only natural; she had entered as a disciple of the Pill Sect and was already used to the deference of the Affairs Hall.

Mingqian shivered violently, a chill running through her. What was this? Far too reckless. This was no mere jest, but an accusation—implying that Fan Mingqian harbored illicit feelings for the horse merchant, a pretext for punishment. Was this the princess’s intention?

…Since their pride was the same, let them each hold to their convictions until the very end. Let everything return to its origin.

“Isn’t that Young Lord Cheng?” A legendary figure of the e-sports world, born into a wealthy family yet untainted by its excesses. Compared to playboys like Li Yao, he was worlds apart.

“How do you know I wouldn’t understand your happiness?” Yan Duo’er smiled, her gaze unwavering as she looked at Leng Dichen.

Mo Gongyi’s explosive strength was remarkable, but Li Huai’s responses were swift. Each parried the other, returning blow for blow without weapons; after more than a dozen exchanges, neither had gained the upper hand.

Ever since Su Meng saw Shu Meng, she had set aside her usual vivacity, replacing it with a gentle, amiable demeanor that endeared her to everyone.

“Eh? Meow Meow? How did you find my company?” Aside from weekends, when they’d occasionally meet, Meow Meow rarely appeared before Han Yuzhe.

While Yan’s parents were busy unpacking, Leng Dichen whispered into Yan Duo’er’s ear.

Lady Wang had come to visit Fan Mian and, incidentally, brought Mingqian a box of spring palace flowers granted by a noble in the palace. She spoke of exotic items brought back by overseas merchant ships. Mingqian received them with proper etiquette, thanked her, and, after some polite conversation, took her leave, bidding farewell to her father and aunt before returning to her room.

When Su arrived at the dormitory, everyone was preparing to head to class. Their reactions to her arrival were tinged with discomfort.

Han Luoxue almost laughed out of frustration. By his logic, who knew when he’d have money? They might both be dead by then.

Qin Xunyan cried out in excitement. Her skin, already fine, had never reached this level. She hurried to continue cleansing.

Mu Yunshu, hearing Shi Wuxing’s name, blinked gently, took the pill, examined it, then brought it to her nose to smell.

“…” Yu Buyu was speechless. Did Chen Yu name all his plans with his toes?

“The person we’re about to meet is Han Third Master’s key contact here. I advise you…” Han Zhecheng frowned, actually wanting to dissuade Xia Cheng from going.

The Crown Prince’s voice was calm, but Mengyao felt deeply unsettled. Others might not notice, but as the Crown Prince’s confidante, she knew all too well.

Su Ti did not want to provoke speculation. There had been too many flirts around Baichuan over the past few years.

A hero’s descendant should not be wronged. If they weren’t in the same dormitory, she might not have gotten involved.

“I divorced Shen Che… He’s fighting me for custody of Xinghe. The Shen family… they took my child.” Gu Chengcheng wept, speaking in desperation. She had no other choice but to come and beg Qin Ze for help.

Upon hearing this, the wealthy wives all frowned deeply. Though they disliked Xie Zhiqing’s tone, the matter concerned Madam Feng, and so they chose to quietly move away.

When Ji Wanrou tried to stop Simei, it was already too late. After knocking down two bodyguards with a furious sword, she followed Simei’s form, chasing toward Yuelin.

Taking advantage of the cover of trees and rocks, I crept closer without a sound. Two men of similar build were snickering and whispering conspiratorially.

“This time, Zheng He and Ji Gang must have been roasted like suckling pigs!” Haishan, along with Pamivira and the others, watched with vengeful satisfaction as Zheng He’s fleet was consumed by fire, hatred in her words.