Volume One, Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Lu Family of Brocade City

For Fang Cheng, this peerless sword was an absolute must-have, and with so many masters gathered here, absorbing their inner strength would also be a tremendous boost.

“What’s in the basement?” Zhao Manjun looked at me anxiously, her expression uncannily like that of a mother who has lost her child.

The group that had been surrounded was the artillery regiment rushing over for reinforcements. They had been cautious along the way, but still ended up in an ambush, unsure even of who their attackers were. As soon as the firefight began, the artillery regiment leader, Tiger, realized their enemies were formidable—fierce, reckless, and with astonishing combat prowess. He had no choice but to order his unit to take cover and fight back.

After seizing the millennium tree heart, Zhang Lingsu retreated along the giant hand’s arm, finally falling into Wu Chu’s mouth.

As time passed, his spiritual sense swept through every nook and cranny, searching inch by inch. He refused to believe that the illustrious Dragon Palace could lack any secret places—it simply wasn’t possible.

Satan’s great sword had vanished, and his body, split in two, was barely held together by his own demonic power.

Early the next morning, Zhang Yin found Zhao Wuji and reported that the goods were ready. He’d also received a call from Messi, who said he would come to collect them in a few days. Zhao Wuji instructed Zhang Yin to prepare everything and accompany the delivery, reminding him to call Messi and have him wait at a western seaport in Myanmar. There was no need to make the trip himself.

The Wuji team practiced proactive ball-receiving. In the sticky mud, with the uneven ground and puddles, it was impossible to pass the ball accurately—it bounced and skipped unpredictably. Without taking initiative, no one could get to the ball. The players had all developed the habit and awareness of aggressively intercepting, learning to judge the ball’s speed and trajectory, and then pressing their advantage.

The scouts had spent the whole night frantically galloping back and forth, driving even the mightiest Red Fierce warhorses to the point of foaming at the mouth, yet still returned with no news of those foot-marching Milaians.

Beyond the mountain lay a vast plain, and the official road was bustling with divine beings—some traveling by carriage or sedan, others carrying burdens or pushing wheelbarrows. It was a scene not unlike that of the Journey to the West.

“Mommy will go home today, all right?” An Ruchu remembered that Mo Chen had already awakened and was no longer in danger. There was no need for her to keep a constant vigil. Even if she returned home, she could visit for every meal each day.

Coco stubbornly bowed her head, unable to match his strength, but must she simply endure such bullying without reason?

As one of the three most powerful city lords of the Great Li Dynasty, in these turbulent times at court, Santa could not possibly avoid coveting the throne of the Divine Emperor.

Bing Yuye was so domineering—wasn’t he? Coco immediately darted a triangle-shaped, embarrassed look at him. When she looked up, she was met with another spoonful of porridge and Bing Yuye’s swiftly chilling expression.

Qian Yunce was absolutely unwilling to let her eat. If she refused, that would suit him just fine. But Coco, realizing her mistake, rolled her eyes, turned away, and with a swift motion, the porridge slid into her mouth. She finished it, even licking her lips with evident satisfaction.

“No need for excuses. The match hasn’t started yet—if you admit defeat now, there’s still time,” Fang Xiaohan said from the stage.

Lu Jiaqi had visited Ke Xiangbao more than once, and since Ke Xiangbao had already informed her staff, she went straight to her office without being stopped.

“I worked late today. When I got to the kindergarten, Mo Mo wasn’t there. I asked the teachers—they said he left on his own,” Mina’s voice trembled, on the verge of tears.

“That’s nothing. I can do things even more surprising!” Qian Yunce seemed unconcerned; as he said, even if he were asked to walk through fire and blades, he would do it, if only Coco would forgive him and smile again.

Given this, Tang had nothing more to say. If the Destroyer were in his hands, he could simply toss it onto the hall floor and declare, “Who cares for your precious trinket!” But now, that was no longer the case. Alas, there were too few people on earth like him—unfettered by possessions, free from attachment.

The two of them sat in the hall, each holding a cup of tea, drinking it down in big gulps.

If Encore agreed to join Heavenly Road, then both achievements, sponsors, and other strong domestic players would naturally be drawn to the team.

Fortunately, this was a border town with a constant flow of merchants and travelers. People were used to all sorts and didn’t ask many questions. The two were checked in without trouble.

“Coulson, how is the development of the Victory Swallow going?” As it concerned S.H.I.E.L.D.’s next-generation fighter, Nick Fury naturally cared deeply.

Gu Shengchao lay awake, unable to sleep as the chorus of snores rose and fell. He wanted to turn over but was afraid of disturbing Wan Ruo, so he forced himself to stay still. As he listened, the once-annoying snores began to take on a rhythmic cadence. He found himself breathing in time with them, and before he knew it, he drifted off to sleep.

Ling Ying, seeing Xiao Xun’er’s expression, frowned but said nothing. With a flicker, he vanished into the shadows once more.

“Uncle Master, it’s me! Wait there, we’re coming right over!” Wu Jun called out to Gu Shengchao, leaping with joy.

“If you don’t say, I won’t leave. Besides, my advisor and classmates are all still in there!” Su Yang said firmly.

Yan Linger, in the past, had only revered the Demon Ancestor; she never placed her hopes on a mere statue.

Let Jiuwei cast an illusion on them when they arrive—let them see nothing of supernatural beings or gods, just an ordinary, lavish wedding.

“My father won’t be back for a while. If you trust me, tell me what’s going on,” Second Uncle said.

“Wonderful! The groom’s vows were deeply moving—a promise never to part from the bride!” Lu Ranjia clapped enthusiastically, prompting the rest to join in.

And just then—“Crack!”—a tremendous boom resounded. In the distant sky, a massive bolt of lightning suddenly flashed, a golden arc splitting the black clouds again and again, flickering ceaselessly.

Yang Sanshi, witnessing all this, could only look at Yun Chen in confusion, unable to make sense of what was happening.

Duan Cizong felt impatient. With so many urgent affairs in the world, seeing the emperor on the throne remain silent, he understood that the greatest obstacle to the monopoly on liquor and tea lay with the emperor himself. All the famous liquors in the world came from the Shi and Wang families. Once the monopoly was enacted, the emperor’s and empress dowager’s families would inevitably suffer losses. It seemed the emperor would not easily be persuaded.