22. Unrefined

"Your friend is not only afflicted with the Heart-Devouring Gu, but also carries another type of poison in his body—not one contracted later in life, but one he was born with. It is this poison that has rendered him unable to cultivate," Feng Ling said, gesturing toward Liu Wuxie, who remained lying on the bed.

"It seems he also likes to wear an old suit." Looking at the way the man gripped his blade, it was strikingly similar to that of the principal.

As Li Qingfeng focused, he suddenly felt that the problems before him had become simple; one by one, he conquered them all.

"You mean to say that Wang Qiang has actually broken out of prison!" Hei Yi was shocked. If Wang Qiang hadn't escaped, they would have had to go to great lengths, even paying a hefty price to the Demon Race to take the fall for them.

"The trade between the Underworld and the mortal realm is a lucrative piece of meat. I would love to get a piece of the action, but you don't realize that this trade is managed by the Punishing Judge. Without his nod, it is absolutely impossible to conduct business with the mortal realm."

Xuan Chen was momentarily stunned. The newcomer was exceptionally tall with eyes as deep as the sea. He wore black robes and gripped a three-pointed, double-edged spear. As Xuan Chen looked at his forehead, he felt his spirit tremble. A piercing, frigid chill bore down on him. Xuan Chen subconsciously wanted to look away, but Sun Wukong pinched his jaw to hold him in place.

"You are still within the Seven-Kill Formation, but you are currently inside a barrier I have cast," Feng Ling said, drawing up one leg and sitting lazily beside Ye Qingqiao.

"Actually, you make a valid point. If we cannot claim the top spot and build a reputation, we will naturally be at a disadvantage when facing Apple. But our current talent reserve is indeed insufficient," Li Ying conceded, as if softening her stance.

Such behavior, had it gone unnoticed for a day or two, would be normal, but for it to remain hidden for so long meant that Wei Changzai was not as fragile as she appeared on the surface. Even Liang Jiugong had to admire her schemes; otherwise, how could she have managed such clandestine operations?

As the yellow light descended, the corpse that had been circling in the river suddenly stopped, settling as calmly as a withered leaf, and drifted slowly toward Zhao Tiegang.

"And then? Where did those corpse-sharks go afterward?" I asked. This segment of history was not recorded in any historical texts.

For the two large crabs, Wu Xiao simply pulled a few green onions from the vegetable patch, steamed them, and sprinkled some wild cilantro on top. Once steamed, the shells turned a golden red, contrasting with the green of the onions and cilantro. Even before tasting it, the colors alone were enough to make one's mouth water.

***

Without taking the time to look at the scenery behind her, Alice arrived at the filming location the moment she finished her business. Directly opposite the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio, in the middle of the sea, sat a luxurious villa on a plot of over a thousand square meters—a testament to the owner's status compared to the slums across the water.

"I hate all demons and evil spirits in this world! If she returns as Yuhuaji, I will surely kill her!" Yao Ling declared with ironclad resolve.

A light, airy apology slipped out. Though it left Yun Zhi feeling somewhat unwilling, it successfully halted Bei Chongjing’s hurried pace.

"You are overthinking it. To be honest, I am not entirely certain about this doctor either, but he is a disciple of the Ghost Gate medical school. His skills are extraordinary, and I believe he must have other ways to treat you. If you don't believe me, you can ask Doctor Hu yourself," the Valley Master replied.

Zong Zheng and the Eight Wolves of Zhongshan vaguely heard a sound and looked toward its source, catching a clear glimpse of the faint light.

Kim Young-min was still backstage at the concert. He had just been preparing to sabotage the performance as an act of revenge when he heard that his own news, his family background, and those dark dealings had all been exposed. His face turned deathly pale; he could never have imagined such a thing would suddenly come to light.

"Eat." Wu Xiao placed the dress on the bed, deliberately not taking it out, and walked outside.

Blows rained down like a storm on the arms and legs that 'Dark Night' used to defend, red marks gradually appearing on the skin, darkening until 'Dark Night's' entire body was covered in bruised purple.

Immortal Hongji narrowed his eyes, watching the projection of Lu Xuanying. After a few breaths, he looked to the other five, seeking their input.

Seeing so many people, Hua Hu was not afraid and continued, "My subordinates and I charged into the rebel camp, and they hadn't even set up the caltrops or fences properly. The sentries at the gates were dozing off! I suppose that since we hadn't raided the camp for so long, they had let their guard down."

Who could have tamed these creatures? The level of skill was truly admirable; such precious demonic beasts were enough to make anyone envious.

Since the New Year, first guarding Anqing, then playing power games at the feet of the Emperor, and upon returning, facing a crushing fiscal crisis without a word of complaint. Then, traveling thousands of miles to inspect various nations in Nanyang—he had barely rested for a single day.

***

"Old Dragon, what are you doing? Why did you stop so suddenly without giving a warning?" Jin Xiang complained.

Everyone agreed with a roar; this was a time to relax, and they could finally have a proper drink.

It was simply marvelous; He Liuhun was overjoyed. Especially after Hou Jing demonstrated it, he realized how simple it was. A common soldier could learn to use the repeating crossbow effectively in just three days.

Everyone looked at Li Maogong, confused. Some even thought he had been scared out of his wits and was only trying to stall the Divine Lord’s chariot in such a foolish way.

He did not know how long he had been walking when he bumped into a figure coming the other way, but as if he hadn't noticed, he continued moving forward.

"I understand. In that case, we shall take our leave. I apologize for not bringing any gifts this time." Saying this, Wallace nodded to his disciples, who immediately understood and took two Pokémon eggs from their backpacks, placing them on the table.

He could leave whenever he wanted; it would be even easier once the soldiers were fast asleep. For now, he had to find out where his companions were so he could rescue them.

Yet, even with such thoughts, it was uncertain whether he could act in a way that would satisfy You Han in practice. If he could not be happy no matter what, what was she to do?

After hearing Uncle Zhang’s explanation, Ming Nan finally understood. For a branch family to come and divide the inheritance was a monumental event—something that had never happened in the Shangguan family before. No wonder Uncle Zhang was in such a panic.