Chapter 35: Resolution and Gains

Zhao Shi hid behind Shen Chenfeng, feigning concern as he said, “Uncle Chen, at your age, why risk offending the Shen family over such a trivial matter? Wouldn’t it be a shame to lose your steward position because of this?”

At these words, every disciple present gasped. Though they all knew the Shen family’s disciples had always been arrogant and domineering within the sect, none had expected that a mere member in the Qi Refining stage would dare to directly humiliate a Foundation Establishment sect steward!

What was even more shocking—

“How are you both?” Shangguan Jinshi asked as she took out a medicinal pill to help one of them swallow it.

A challenge between spirit beasts was something sacred—always one-on-one. That was why the Crimson Thunder Leopard was so confident. These creatures could be troublesome if they attacked together, but one by one, he would surely win.

The final word was laced with killing intent; any disciple who had intended to approach quickly took several steps back. In the family, the words of the Grand Elder were no joke, especially when this matter involved the family head.

“I’m with the Tax Police Corps. That name of yours is something else, kid—ha! Hey, grandson!” The bald captain joked as he waved Sun Zhi’s name around, making the soldiers around them burst out laughing.

Mo Xiaosheng secretly found it amusing—Cangtian Long was a name he’d only given himself today, meant to hide his identity and spare Qian Mancheng from being accused of colluding with the resistance.

“Mo Xiaosheng, do you realize the danger you’re putting yourself in by doing this?” Hamster scolded in a low voice.

“This is what you get for acting cheap. Tried to pull strings with me? Next time you lay a hand on me, I’ll show you what it means to be bedridden for three months, your world painted red—‘Three Months of Red,’ that’s what they’ll call it!” With that, she turned and entered the house, where fish still simmered in the pot.

This was the world of Heavenly Fire, after all; the two new arrivals were likely from the Heavenly Fire World as well. With their addition, the odds of Heavenly Fire’s victory would increase significantly.

Looking at the ten burly figures before him, each exuding an eerie aura, Xiao Long already knew who they were.

Human history has witnessed many such events—foreigners ruling the native people, always through war and slaughter. Yet this time was different; war had given the natives of Beacon Star newfound faith and reverence for Xia Tian.

“Giggle, giggle.” Jing Mu, her face still covered as she pretended to cry, peeked through her fingers at the sound of her father’s call, unable to suppress her laughter.

“General, please give your orders and allow me to thoroughly investigate military discipline—to root out all spies, with discretionary authority to execute first and report later.” I hurriedly stood and saluted with clasped fists.

After the death of the Vermillion Bird, the firebirds atop the peak soared skyward, streaking north in a frenzy. Their eyes brimmed with sorrow as they glanced at the fallen Vermillion Bird, but when their gazes met mine, only terror remained. I knew they hated me bitterly, but since even the Vermillion Bird was no match, all they could do was tremble and flee.

People say there are no taboos anymore, but even in modern times, some superstitions linger. As the New Year approaches, the elderly still prefer not to hear words associated with death or misfortune; it’s a delicate subject.

“Of course I can’t just let it go—marrying Shen Mengmeng is my life’s greatest goal.” Liu Tianxiang wasn’t lying; it was a promise his father had extracted from him—he had to win Shen Mengmeng’s heart.

Shi Qianwei nodded. Right now, Luo Fan’s face was a complete mess—his face, arms, and upper body bulging with veins, bloodshot eyes, and saliva mixed with blood dripping from his mouth. His expression was twisted, terrifying; it was obvious Luo Fan was at his limit.

In Lin Tian’s mind, Shi Qianwei was still the fresh-faced student in school uniform from two years ago. She might dress more maturely now that she was in college, but to Lin Tian she would always be a child, and his feelings for her remained mostly familial.

Tang Guo instinctively shrank back at his words, assuming Qin Cang was mocking her again. But after a moment’s thought, she slowly realized that perhaps he hadn’t meant it that way at all. In fact, his response could almost be considered a tacit admission.