Volume 1, Chapter 21: Gone, Dead

An Xiaoxiao rummaged through her neatly folded but pitifully sparse collection of clothes, picked out the one she wore most often, shook it out, and turned to look at Gu Chen, waiting for his answer.

With Mo Yanhuan’s interference, Commander Mo had undoubtedly succeeded in getting Gu Xiran out of the house.

“You still haven’t answered me: why are you here?” Feng Guang scanned the surroundings with the corner of her eye, searching for anything she could use for self-defense.

“Very well! Then let me ask you again: who is currently the Chief Physician of the Imperial Academy in the Jin Kingdom?” Qiao Dongling kept her gaze fixed on Ye Shouli, remaining calm.

Xu Qiao did not respond. What was the point of wasting words on people like them? She followed the person guarding them into another room.

Her eyes, glowing with a brilliant golden light, focused on the three insect warships arranged in a triangular formation. Her mind, operating with absolute rationality, raced through every possibility, desperately trying to find a way to realize that insane idea.

The four of them could not help but gaze up at the night sky once more. The stars were dazzling and bright, scattered across the heavens like water; the scenery was so exquisite that they felt as if they were in a dream.

A group of thieves capable of defeating two ninjas? Could it be that Liu Ying’s parents had been inactive for too long, causing their strength to decline significantly? Or was this group of thieves truly that powerful? Or perhaps, they weren't a group of thieves at all?

“Fine.” Feng Guang didn't even glance at her father, who was hoping she would bring her mother home. Without a moment’s hesitation, she left with Yan Fei.

In the month to follow, she would have plenty of time to do whatever she wanted.

“Old Ghost is an honored guest of the An family of Huaibei. Anyone who dares to be disrespectful to him shall face this fate!” An Chen stood with his hands behind his back, positioned beside Xu Mu like a loyal and steadfast guard.

Xiaoxiao’s face turned pale, and her body trembled uncontrollably. Tears streamed down her face in large droplets due to the pain.

At first, Liu Baotian had not recognized the man, but as he drew closer, he realized it was none other than Zeng Yongqiang.

This time, Hua Lun, the nephew of Hua Tuo, had also come to the army. He brought several physicians from the Hua family. Hua Lun prided himself on his experience in treating arrow wounds, but he was truly eye-opened by the techniques of the military medical officer, Li Ding.

It turned out the roof was designed like an open-air balcony; as the vehicle moved, it was essentially a mobile terrace.

“Brother, I’m an honest man without any grand schemes. If you don’t mind, I’ll follow you from now on. Whatever you tell me to do, I’ll do.” After struggling for a long time, Liu Baotian finally managed to get these words out.

A trade token was essentially a license recognized by the government. The merchant pass issued by Qingzhou guaranteed unimpeded travel within its borders. In this day and age, it was impossible to get anywhere without one; while business was profitable, it wasn't something just anyone could undertake.

“You already taught me a lesson just now.” She was like a hamster, moving restlessly even while pressed into the bed.

It still had its uses, yet this guy had tossed it directly into a latrine. If that wasn't a waste of a precious resource, what was?

Zhao Yuan stroked Yun Yang’s waterfall-like hair, feeling the strength of her arms tightly wrapped around his neck, and for a moment, his heart overflowed with joy.

Ye Xun was stunned. That hairpin actually had such a history? A thought suddenly clicked in her mind, though she couldn't be certain. She hurriedly asked, “Before that—before I received the news about entering the palace—did I… did I do anything else unusual?” The question sounded incredibly awkward, but Ye Xun didn't care.

“Is there really no other way?” Xiong Li said through gritted teeth. The sorrow in his heart consumed him every moment; even his once-black hair had turned mostly white.

There was also the aspect of sharing life and death. Because their life forces were completely linked, if one party died, the other would perish simultaneously. It could be described as nothing short of tyrannical.

Feeling an aura that was in no way inferior to his own, Wang Ao’s frustration reached its peak. The rival he had chased his entire life had a son who had now caught up to him—how could he not be frustrated?

Zhao Kuo was far more agile on the cliff face than he was while dangling from a rope. He scrambled upward with a sudden burst of speed, slashed his halberd blade, and severed the rope. Moments later, a shrill, heart-wrenching scream echoed from below.

“How is that possible? Isn't there plenty of game on the mountain?” Xueer’s question was translated by Hua Wucheng for the boy. Seeing that the people opposite him didn't intend to kill him, the boy sat up, waving his hands excitedly and explaining something in a rapid-fire, babbling manner.

However, she was unfamiliar with the Prince’s mansion. Relying on her intuition to find her way, she had taken a wrong turn. Unexpectedly, the sisters shared a telepathic connection and met here by chance.

Tang Xiao spoke indignantly, as if using these complaints to make herself feel less hurt while simultaneously offsetting some of her own self-reproach.

If Yun Mo Yue could speak now, she would definitely give these two terrifyingly precocious children a good lecture.

Yao Shan was still shouting, using such filthy language that the students who usually thought highly of her were left in shock.

Master Tan held up five fingers. The eldest uncle gritted his teeth and said, “Fifty thousand?” Master Tan shook his head and replied, “Five hundred thousand. If you think it’s too expensive, go find someone else. To be honest, if it weren't for the fact that I gave my word and didn't want to ruin my reputation, I wouldn't do it even if you offered a million.”

She glanced quietly at Feng Tingchuan’s back, then followed An Jingrou forward in silence.

“My mother?” Zhou Bilian had been well-nourished lately, and with a steady supply of tonics, her skin was much better than before—plump and radiant.