Volume 1, Chapter 31: The Pinnacle of Martial Arts

Zeng Guofan was ushered into the main room by the old man and invited to take a seat, after which the host personally poured a bowl of hot water and set it before him.

Ye Feng discovered that the spiritual energy condensed by the talisman paper and ink had an upper limit; once surpassed, even if the paper could withstand the pressure, the resulting power of the talismanic runes remained largely unchanged.

Zhou Jianfeng had fallen into despair following the death of Senior Sister Liu Yixue; he would likely not be satisfied until the Restoration Organization was destroyed. As a long-term pawn, just as Zuo Nan had become a targeted member of the organization, he too had undoubtedly become a long-term piece on the board.

"What is it?" Hou Zhenshan was too busy devouring the food provided on the train to join the conversation with Lian Sheng.

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Suddenly, a Taoist priest appeared. With a mere wave of his hand, a massive fireball manifested, shocking the crowd into complete stillness.

Lian Sheng collapsed to the ground, barely managing to stem the bleeding with the three-character mantra wheel inside him. The strange flower, however, was relentless; though it could no longer animate the lethal vines, it kept them wrapped tightly around his neck. Du Meng, locked in battle with three beasts, could not spare a hand to assist him.

Behind them, Wu Yanran gazed at the back of Ye Feng’s head with eyes far more fervent than before.

Before Qing De could finish speaking, a loud thud echoed from inside, as if something had fallen to the floor.

Lin Yu felt a sense of wonder and began to call out. His voice echoed as if this space were an entire world unto itself.

In her extreme exhaustion, Su Nian’an whispered his name, then closed her eyes to savor the warmth of his embrace. It was the first time she hadn’t fallen asleep halfway through. She remembered every moment vividly—how he looked, not his usual gentle and scholarly self, but something more domineering, even primal, like a beast.

"You wanted an apology, didn't you, you pathetic wretch? I’ll give you a proper apology this time!" Consort Dou’s malice was fully unleashed, her beautiful face now twisted into an ugly mask.

"Night Wraith, you and the two masters will personally oversee the evacuation of the villagers. The destination is marked on this map. Move out immediately." Yan Canglan handed the map to Night Wraith and gave his command.

As long as Qin Muchen was involved, as long as she thought of him, a faint ache would bloom in Su Nian’an’s heart.

Having left Round Bead City, Shinji continued toward Kaji City, home of the seventh gym. After passing through a forest, he arrived at Thunder Town.

"Thank you for your understanding, Auntie! Yuko is young; if I have said or done anything wrong, I hope you will be lenient, so as not to waste the bond between us." Wen Yuko bowed gracefully and was promptly helped up by Lady Dou.

Lunch was delivered by an assistant, and the two left hand-in-hand after work, Su Nian’an looking only at Qin Muchen, oblivious to everything else.

As the dragon’s true essence flowed into him, Zhou Tian’s body jolted, and he slowly opened his eyes.

"Venusaur?" Shinji watched as A-Yan sent out his Venusaur, but Shinji did not swap his Pokémon, choosing instead to continue the battle with his Shiny Golduck.

After all, Jiang Sinian had been injured because of him; he could not be an ungrateful person.

This money must have been borrowed by Lu Haoting. Even if he didn’t use it, he still owed the favor, so it was better to use it and pay some interest to settle the debt.

The energy, which had been maintained at a stable and abundant 99%—well above the safety line—leaped to 100% in that moment.

When Liu Dazhu and Liu Qingmin finished changing Luo Cheng’s clothes and emerged, they paused, stunned by the scene before them.

Li Ping'an strolled leisurely through the exhibition hall with Lianxue Paopao. On the display stand, the last remaining "Hair Care Capsule" was encased in a crystal glass dome, casting a wondrous glow under the lights.

Paper Kite, waiting outside, grew impatient. She asked Lianxue Paopao, "Paopao, has this guy 'Cool Brother' ever shown you his synthesis skills?" The implication was clear: she did not believe the gear Lianxue Paopao wore had been crafted by Li Ping'an.

Pan Xiazi had already sent word back to the village to rally men, and now the villagers of Shangwan were swarming in, armed with hoes and shovels.

Upon stepping into the realm of a Grandmaster, he would at least be on par with the likes of Feng Hongsheng in the future, with a chance to rank among the top Grandmasters of the Cold North. He had thought he might finally catch up to Chen Mu, but the gap remained as wide as ever.

"What’s wrong, A-He? Can we not leave yet?" "We can't. These owners all insist on having technicians from the Energy Bureau install the units, so we have to draw lots. After all, there are only so many technicians, and they’re overwhelmed."

Faced with Liu Yun’s indignation, Cheng Hao could only offer a helpless, conciliatory smile.

Practical training courses at the Apocalypse Academy were taught collectively by instructors, though each department was assigned specialized mentors to provide guidance on phantasmal beasts.

Although Wang Li was a skeleton, he possessed the soul of a Martial God. The moment he stepped out of the trading market, he felt someone tailing him.

The dwarves would provide the weapons and armor, and Thorn Flower would handle the sales, with profits split fifty-fifty.

"Of course you have to pay me back; this is my private savings." Chu Yunxiao handed Kang Mingxuan another fifty taels of silver.

Seeing Yang Tianrui covered in the spill, Zhao Yun remained expressionless, though she was secretly startled.

Before Bi Zhongpeng could even speak, the Pidgeot, having dove down as a streak of white light, slammed directly into the Cutiefly.