Volume One, Chapter 31: Competence, Rebellion, and Stubbornness

Boom! A terrifying force erupted in an instant. At once, wild energy spilled directly from within the Soul Suppressing Stele. The monument now unleashed its full power, and before it, a massive portal unfurled completely. Gazing at the portal before him, Duan Chen narrowed his eyes.

“I understand now, Mother… I’ll wait for him to become someone Father approves of.” Yu’er blushed shyly, wrapping her arm around Zhilou’s.

The young man shouted loudly. His soul raised both hands. The earth shook and mountains trembled. A breath of destruction radiated from the auric dragon he had conjured from spiritual energy, surging directly toward Hai Kui. Without hesitation, Hai Kui pointed with both hands. Countless golden fire lotuses bloomed before him, blocking the dragon’s onslaught.

Dark clouds veiled the moon, the air thick with yin energy. Hundreds of ghosts roamed the mountain forests at night. Taught by the elders, Yuan Shuai knew that venturing into the deep woods on nights heavy with yin was a grave taboo. Yet, for the sake of a human life and the release of many wronged souls, he could only grit his teeth and press on through the pitch-black forest.

“Point-to-point protection,” Xu Yichen muttered under his breath, then threw out a shield to Wei Xun. Meanwhile, four doctors each cast an immunity activation for one person.

The seaweed leaf shot forward at full speed, and just as it was about to break the surface, Hai Kui’s figure suddenly appeared. Sword in hand, he slashed upward, channeling all his true essence into the blade. A massive arc of sword light soared toward the heavens.

That child! What is he up to now? An Ping thought, though his actions halted as he sat back down. Watching Le Qing stride past him to the front, curiosity welled up—what was Le Qing going to do?

Jiang Caiping quickly rose to gently massage Jiang Zhongxun’s back, her brow furrowing. “Father, this cough—why hasn’t it improved at all?” For years, Jiang Zhongxun had suffered from a persistent dry cough, which defied every remedy. In recent years, with his longing for family ever deeper, his coughing fits had only worsened with every season.

“That day, Madam was in good spirits. When I asked for time off, she kindly told me that if my grandson was truly very ill, I should stay home for a few more days and only return when he was better. Sigh, Master and Madam have always been so good to me and Juanzi,” Mrs. Liu said with feeling.

“Roar!” The bellow shook the great hall. At this moment, under the savage assault of Duan Chen and his companions, the evil spirit sorcerer had long since fallen into a frenzy, his wild cries tinged with a madness born of rage.

The bursting fireworks drowned out his voice, yet for some reason, she suddenly felt warmth blooming in her chest, making her want to laugh and cry at once.

If it’s a mistake, wouldn’t it be terribly embarrassing? What if they use it as an excuse to attack us—what then?

Yet in just a few short seconds, the dueling ground was plunged into a glacial abyss, the entire clearing sealed in ice. Not only that, but the freezing energy shot straight into the sky.

Heaven’s tribulation was a momentous affair, and more and more people gathered here—not just those from Pegasus Star, but many cultivators from nearby celestial bodies as well.

She spoke, eyeing Lu Lin with unconcealed distaste, even snorting twice in utter disdain.

“Master, you’re back! Did you get the spring water?” As Tang San returned, Wukong and Bajie hurried to his side.

Cheng Kun had heard of Hong Qi and knew his fearsome reputation. His father had once tried to recruit him, but Hong Qi was elusive, let alone persuading him to join. He never expected to encounter him now by chance.

“You dare touch my belongings?” Lin Feng fired another shot, hitting the bandit chief in the other leg.

Opening the door with that key, Xu Ping’s jaw dropped in astonishment. He was speechless, staring at the living room—spacious and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows beside it.

“No matter. Just tell me where it is. Whether I go or not, I will decide for myself,” Ding Ning said.

Now, having failed to take first place at the Earth Ranking Grand Assembly, while other participants broke through to the Ming Dao realm, he was still stuck at the Spirit Wandering stage. Worse, his obsession with Daoist arts made him the subject of scorn among other cultivators.

Though her heart was surging with emotion, Lu Xiaoxiao didn’t even bother to say thank you; she just slipped on a random pair of shoes and hurried out the door.

Shen Xiuhe placed a heavy bet on Yu Zhan, but what she didn’t expect was that Yu Zhan’s coma would bring her into a predicament. Shen Chaohuang had no intention of telling her, preferring to let her discover it slowly for herself.

Moreover, if he were truly to venture deep into the Miao territories, he would first take the opportunity to bolster his strength in this ancient town of Xiangyang, striving to reach the late stage of Qi Refining.

That fool, Haruhara—if he hides under that table, he’ll be found the moment the door opens.

Apart from his single-minded devotion, everything Chen Xi described reminded me entirely of Jiang Hao, simply because Jiang Hao loomed so strongly in my mind.

As soon as they heard the word “walk,” several people came running, pulling and tugging, giving it their all. Qingcheng, standing to the side, covered her mouth and laughed softly. Xin Hao, just straightening up to rest, turned his head and was instantly stunned at the sight.

“Please, for Hao Binru’s sake, let An’an see Hao Lin,” Hao Yuru pleaded, once again bringing up her brother.

In an age where “the will of the parents and the word of the matchmaker” trumped all else, they were undoubtedly fortunate.

Among those present, many officials owed their current positions to Ling Yan’s generosity. They regarded Ling Yan as their benefactor, and naturally, whatever their benefactor asked of them, they strove to accomplish wholeheartedly.