The tavern was in a rather secluded location, yet it was bustling with people. Travelers and merchants passing through would often stop by for a drink. Xia Qing sipped his wine while subtly observing his surroundings.

When she woke up, it was already past noon. Without even opening her eyes, she caught the scent of food, followed by the sound of chopsticks clinking against plates and bowls. She opened her eyes, sat up, and turned to see Yan Family’s uncle and nephew using the office desk as a dining table, eating heartily.

Before Zuo Junlin could retort, she had already broken free from the surrounding beasts and leaped toward Xiangliu.

At that moment, Zhao Yun had charged in with his iron-blooded cavalry. Their horses leaped over the courtyard walls, and they began slashing at the resisting guards with their spears and sabers.

The crowd saw that a tall, middle-aged man in white robes with a rugged, Western appearance was following behind Lu Guanying. This man, with his deep-set features and brownish-yellow hair, was none other than Zhao Chang.

“Let’s go,” Xu Han said in a low voice, causing Qi Jun to shiver before taking a step forward.

Next, some other officials from different departments of Yiling stepped forward to present their official seals and documents.

“Indeed, your master’s path avoids the world’s conflicts and fosters the education of the southern tribes. He’s chosen a good path for you, far better than what many other disciples, like Sun Bin, Pang Juan, and Zhang Yi, have chosen. Your master hopes you will carve out a unique path,” Li Fei said.

He understood that if their roles were reversed, he might not be able to do it either. Cultivation was about living a more brilliant life, perhaps a longer one. The real struggle wasn’t with one’s own life or death but with the guilt of personally sending one’s teacher into such a situation—a burden that few could bear.

Jiang Si looked at Jiang Yan, her back straight and defiant, radiating pride and stubbornness. A pang of fear crept over him. Jiang Yan never lied, just like in their first year of high school, when she’d declared that she would outdo him in every way. And she had done just that, which was why their mother had eventually forced her to leave the Jiang family.

Qin Yan’s voice brought everyone down to rock bottom, as if they were trapped in a pit from which there was no escape.

This powerful weapon was right before her; she only needed to separate the deep-space energy from the black mist to create a world-sweeping weapon. Yet, without the necessary equipment, she could only watch, frustrated beyond measure.

Thus, bravery was a key criterion when the Soul Hunters selected members.

Zhang Yu silently encouraged Qin Yan. In truth, he’d never heard Qin Yan sing, though he often saw him practicing dance in the training room.

“I...I...I think…” Duan Mengrou stammered, lowering her head, her face turning slightly red with embarrassment. The rest of her sentence never made it out, nor did she invite him to her room for a talk.

Gu Nianchu glanced at Chen Yuyao, then at Li Junyao, before finally turning her gaze to Shen Tinglan, standing at the podium.

Inside the city gates, another group surrounded two young men like stars around the moon, moving in the direction of the city gates.

By holding onto Bao’er and Ling Yue, she had the Jin family’s patriarch and matriarch right where she wanted them.

To conserve electricity, a dim bulb hung overhead, casting a soft glow that concealed the thrill and excitement bubbling beneath.

The burly man on the ground wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. That attack hadn’t even come close to harming him.

“Sorry, but I don’t welcome people who like to falsely accuse others in my restaurant,” Li Lin said slowly.

But just as Elder Sang’s fist-sword was about to pierce Ji Yang, Ji Yang turned his body, grabbing the injured Elder Sa and using him as a shield. Elder Sang’s fist-sword struck Elder Sa instead.

“Huh? Why has it gotten dark up ahead? And how is there rain in the desert?” Lin Xia Fan, having just finished whispering with Xiaoxia, looked forward to see an endless black expanse in the desert.

In past elder meetings, Corey and Xuehong would casually sit, munching on fruits and drinking wine, and any elder who wanted to say something would simply speak freely on any topic.

Li Xiuyun’s joy was evident; even the air around her seemed sweet as she let go of her worries.

“This has nothing to do with you. Just get off your horse and come with me,” Gao Sheng said coolly.

One masked warrior’s gaze shifted over to Wang Qiang and Lin Xiu, a cruel glint flashing in his eyes.

Richard stared at the scene, stunned. The elevator doors behind him opened, and Wuming and Bu Jingyun stepped out, seeing Jian Hui’s crescent-shaped eyes, much like Richard. All three stood frozen, as if struck by lightning.

Though he was considered a "freeloader," his family’s financial status was more than adequate. His father had already said that once he retired, the shop would go to him. His older brother, who’d started his own company after graduating from college, didn’t mind him taking a small cut; after all, most of the money came from their parents.

“Boom, boom, boom…” A deafening roar echoed louder than their shouts of “Long live!” Amidst their screams, hundreds of white lights disappeared into the night, signifying the teleportation of numerous samurai back to Wa Kingdom.

Immediately afterward, a formation of guards marched in unison, clearing a path and pushing onlookers to the side of the street.

Seeing this, Zhao Yun held back his tears, lifted Tao Sheng’s body from the ground, and followed Liu Ye closely.

Tao Xian couldn’t hold on any longer. He yawned, with tears half from sleepiness and half from frustration, before retreating to his room with a soft whimper to sleep.

At that moment, two hundred White-Yi soldiers and five hundred newly recruited troops surged forward, clashing with the three thousand Yuzhou defenders in chaotic combat.

Listening to this, Cui Gege felt increasingly distressed, unable to hold back her tears and failing to hum the lullaby.

As Liu Ye wondered about the man’s identity, the scholar in front of him revealed his name and background without prompting.

This tea wasn’t ordinary. As soon as it touched Tao Xian’s lips, he noticed a rich date aroma, sweet but not cloying—a taste that was somehow both delightful and unique, clearly the result of a special preparation.

TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - I'd really like to see how far Leon goes and how far we can increase the number of chapters. Thanks~!

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