Volume One, Chapter 47: Sesame Seeds and Watermelons

"Now that we're at sea, how could we possibly let Zeng Chengyu disembark?" Liu Huaiyong spoke with a trace of anxiety from the side.

Zhang San looked on with a cheerful smile as the ghostly creature before him scattered and faded. He released a thread of golden light from his hand; the war god’s body shuddered, the golden glow withdrew, and it transformed once more into a yellow bean, flying back into his palm.

"It might be because the abandoned item was left with me; I have the greatest likelihood of adopting it," said Zong Yong.

But no matter how she thought about it, Zheng would never frame Yunxiu with something like this—after all, she was a noble daughter of a minister’s family, and was soon to become the wife of the prime minister. Even if she truly couldn’t tolerate Yunxiu, there were countless means and time at her disposal; she’d never need to dirty her own hands.

Moreover, let’s not forget the second task: to resolve worries, the task clue, and the system’s hint about the force behind the opposing party—all of which would likely need to be uncovered from this young man’s lips.

"There are many other unbelievable things as well. Enough, let’s not dwell on it. We’ll see as we go," I said, heading off into the distance. Now, we were famished and in desperate need of a meal. Fortunately, we hadn’t walked far before the painted signboard of an inn came into view, its wine curtain lifted.

The civet cat leapt and, as expected, pounced straight into Yunxiu’s arms. It was surprisingly heavy, and Yunxiu was pushed back several steps before she managed to steady herself.

"Yuetishan is the pride of our fox clan! Alas, five thousand years ago, a sudden heavenly fire descended and turned Yuetishan to scorched earth; even the palaces and halls were reduced to ashes! To this day, wildfires still rage across Yuetishan, and not even a single blade of grass grows!" When Zong Yong finished, his face was full of sorrow.

Before he could erupt in anger, as a wise and supportive partner, it was my place to hold him and comfort him. I wrapped my arms tightly around Wen Feiyu. His severe manner as he spoke to me was still enough to startle me.

Wu Jin and Mu Xue realized that it was now a great effort for the old man to speak, and quickly nodded repeatedly in his direction.

He Junren pulled his scythe back in front of him, as if he, too, wished to recover some strength; that ferocious blow just now had indeed consumed much of his magic.

Chasing Wind clung to Su Jin and wept for a while, then released her and wiped her tears. "Your Highness, let me see if you’re all right," Chasing Wind said, inspecting Su Jin several times from all angles.

"But..." She looked at his expression and faltered, words stuck in her throat. The handsome man's words made it clear he would not reveal the truth to her. How, then, could she find a way to uncover it herself?

The blacksmith’s shop was much larger inside than it appeared from outside, yet it was quite empty. However, the walls on either side were densely hung with weapons—mostly swords and spears. At a glance, there must have been hundreds of them, and just by their appearance, they were in no way inferior to the broadswords displayed outside.

Zhou Yafu’s words were lofty and dignified, but carried a hint of self-importance. To rise to the position of commander of the imperial guards, just a step away from military marquis, anyone would bear such pride. Gu Fan’s strength was only at the innate level; in Zhou Yafu’s eyes, he was a junior in the military.

"I am Bai Yufei. Thank you, sir, for looking after my belongings," a polite voice spoke from nearby, abruptly interrupting his train of thought.

"Do you have a better way?" Cheng Yan’s voice was utterly devoid of emotion, his cold gaze saying plainly that if she had no better idea, Lan Xi might as well perish together with Fan Qingyun.

That bottle was custom-made—just like an ordinary spatial pouch, its interior was much larger than it appeared on the outside. There were only a few such bottles; even if she wished to copy one, she couldn’t.

"You have no leverage to negotiate with me. Do you believe I won’t smash the egg right now?" Long Ming shouted at that moment.

Their combat power was low, but their numbers were the greatest—enough for two full teams! These were Zhang Jiaming’s most loyal followers.

The man could speak so calmly after saying such things—it was truly enviable.

Fei Yang’s brow twitched as he slowly walked over to Zhang Zhiyuan’s side, only to see a snake as thick as an arm coiled in front of him.

The man's handsome face was tense throughout, his thin lips pressed into a straight line. Even as he held the beauty Nai Xi in his arms, he didn’t spare her a single glance.

Recalling what she had just said, she bit her lip, still troubled by matters between Bai Yufei and Si Shaojue. Yet her heart softened despite herself, and seeing Si Shaojue left her feeling awkward.

But before she could finish laughing, Si Shaojue had already taken some cream from the dish and smeared it on her face.

Hua Wuque didn’t hesitate to use the first move of the Soul-Stealing Sword Technique. Xun Gou, having lost all consciousness, was as helpless as a fool, completely at his mercy.

Listening to what Old Wang said, the man slowly began to realize the implications; his face twitched, turning ghostly pale, utterly devoid of any color.

However, even though Gu Yuechen was still the same as ever, Shen Yanjun was nevertheless quite surprised by the situation.

No team member would willingly accept a cowardly captain. For the sake of his own dignity, he could only grit his teeth and forge ahead. He would fight, even if it meant battling until his last drop of blood.

"President Si, what are your instructions?" The one who answered the phone was the ever-diligent Assistant Zhang.