Chapter 87: What Is Their Relationship?

Lu Fei chuckled slyly. In the underworld, deception and scheming were the norm—how could one possibly wear their true intentions on their face for all to see? It was true that he could sweep across the land with overwhelming force, unifying the world under a single banner, but the cost would be immense, with casualties beyond counting. He walked the path of medicine, and compassion was at the heart of all healers—that was his nature. So even though the Myriad Immortal Hall and the Divine Emperor Hall were mortal enemies, he saw no need for the two sides to clash in a bloody battle.

Sometimes, a little intrigue, a few clever words...

“Whether it works or not depends on the bullets—but at close range, this thing can pack a punch,” Yan Yi replied, lacking much confidence.

She had entered the palace, far removed from the center of gossip in Shangjing, and besides, Lin Yan, now a legend, was esteemed as Empress. If it were only some baseless rumors being stirred up, knowing Lin Yan’s temperament, she would likely ignore them altogether.

Zhang Nianzu was already used to such things; he clapped his hands twice and, in a tone reserved for fooling children, said, “Wow, a runway of lights.” This time, at least, it had something to do with high-tech, fully proving the maturity of domestic LED lighting technology.

But before Qiu Xuan could reach the wall, Pross had already caught up. The two darted across the rooftops, one pursuing, one fleeing.

“Senior Brother, we’ve reached Peach Blossom Town,” Zhang Hu suddenly called from outside their carriage, startling the two inside, who were acting like thieves.

When Qiu Xuan arrived at the commander’s mansion of the city guards, someone was already waiting for him outside. As soon as he gave his name, he was led inside—it was clear the arrangements had been made in advance.

Those present all knew this was a provocation, but fell silent, watching coldly to see how Lin Yan would respond.

Zhang Liang nodded. Though he was somewhat displeased at being disliked by everyone, he thought of his spiritual root and set his feelings aside.

Meanwhile, Ma Chao, troubled by recent battlefield defeats, received what he considered good news: Yan Xing, a trusted officer of Han Sui, had come over with his men to submit.

Gu Qianyu glanced up; the lotus pond was already far behind, and everywhere was a riot of noise—the clinking of cups and dishes interwoven with lively conversation.

“Dad, don’t worry. I’ll take care of Grandpa,” Ma Shengli nodded firmly, then stepped forward to support Ma Zhishan.

“Beiming Linyuan? Where did this one pop up from?” Jiang Ling frowned deeply. He knew Beiming Xue, and now looked at Baili Bing, his gaze full of inquiry.

On the way back, Zhang Mo had also taken the opportunity to pacify the Three Han regions of Liaodong. This area was home to some wild tribes, and many were puzzled as to why he would bother subduing such barren lands.

Wang Tianyu, having reached this point, initially meant to give this ticket to Song Caiwei, but ended up sending it back instead.

Still, to be safe, Zhang Mo decided to set up camp outside the city for the night and enter after a night’s rest.

First came astonishing news from the expedition team: in a parallel world, they had detected the etheric energy signature of another lesser demon god.

Even if it was the “Good Person Chain,” it had to be identified as such—no couples would be allowed to slip by under false pretenses.

Seeing that all the families were safe and sound, Yuan Shao finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had traveled through the night and secretly ordered Tao Sheng to rise in rebellion, thus managing to turn the tide.

In just a short while, Baiwei Liujin’s eyes had turned red, her emotions in turmoil.

Her gaze deepened. Yun Xi summoned Xiyue Zheng with a flick of her wrist, then, with a deft touch, vanished like smoke amid the sixteen strings, slipping silently out of her cave abode.

Yet when she thought of the price she had paid for these skills and abilities—even without a physical body—she instinctively shuddered. To master these arts, she’d come dangerously close to madness.

The sect leader flew into a rage, and when Dugu Xu, gravely wounded, sought to recuperate within the sect, she was instead met with charges of “colluding with evil sects and betraying her master,” and the decree that her cultivation and spiritual root were to be destroyed, and that she would be cast out from the sect.