Volume One, Chapter 32: The Path of Illusory Dreams

July 11, 2035, 17:20.
Evening.
The sun was gradually descending, and the lingering rays of the sunset bathed the towering skyscrapers, granting the dilapidated buildings a glimmer of hope.

"What do you think you're doing? Unauthorized personnel are not allowed inside!" A sudden voice pulled Xiang Yang’s thoughts out of her memories; she realized she had already arrived at the entrance of the Martial Arts Academy.

She was unsure whether she should tell Lu Yiyou about this matter. Just as she was about to speak, her heart sank. It would be better to wait until she returned to City A to discuss it. After all, explaining the need to see a doctor would require her to clarify what she had been doing previously to Lu Yiyou.

With a few swift "swish" sounds, when Xiang Yang came to a stop, the massive demonic beast from moments ago was unrecognizable, reduced to scattered piles of spiritual materials and waste.

For these past few days, Zhao Mengqing had remained at the hospital to care for Lu Cong'an. Having divorced Huo Jiangli, she felt too embarrassed to return to the old Huo family estate.

Surrounded by a cacophony of speculation and gossip, the three individuals at the center of the controversy remained indifferent, as if they were existing in another world, completely deaf to the chatter of those around them.

Sister Lan walked inside. As she drew closer, she saw her more clearly, and finally, she let out a sigh of relief—thankfully, her complexion looked decent.

However, one could not be certain that the Phantom Spirit Tree was truly with her. The Spirit-Seeking Beast would become exceptionally agitated whenever it encountered peerless medicinal treasures, so its reaction proved nothing conclusive.

Qin Hai’s face was twisted in anger and panic. He reached out to grab Qin Ming’s collar, but with a gentle flick of a paper fan, his body was sent flying once again.

After that deep, resonant voice faded, Lu Yiyou gripped his knife and fork with added force. Didn’t want to marry? Didn’t want to have children?

Over there, Bai Lu had finally quieted down for a spell. With nothing to do at home, she spent her days throwing tantrums. Initially, Mother Bai could still find the patience to offer a few words of advice, but eventually, she grew desperate and stopped trying to manage her altogether.

The Empress was incensed. After hearing the report from the Chief Eunuch, she flung her sleeves and stormed off directly toward the Emperor’s dragon tent.

"Wei Junsheng, why did you chase after me?" Choked by her own tears, Yang Xiruo’s breathing became rapid. She wanted to push him away, yet she could not bear to; it had been too long since she had been held by this man. The sensation felt like a natural homecoming, yet her entire being radiated a profound sorrow. It was a complex feeling.

Having said this, he hung up the phone. The driver beside him had been rendered speechless by his intimidating aura.

Xue Jiao did not speak again. His words had left her unable to respond. Her eyes were as deep and dark as a stagnant pool, filled with inner conflict.

"I imagine Captain Xu has already thoroughly investigated the surrounding terrain, has he not?" Wang Fan said once more.

He spoke these words slowly, and only then did Yan Lan’s anxious heart settle, finally ceasing its wild, fretful racing.

"Damn you! Don't you know that one's mood upon waking affects the entire day? Are you trying to make me like a powder keg today, ready to explode at the slightest touch and make everyone miserable?" She had a temper when waking up, and Yan Lan was already used to it.

His jet-black short hair brushed against his temples, and his handsome, clear-cut face was tinged with worry. His sword-like eyebrows were tightly knit—a visage that would make anyone who saw it feel a pang of sympathy.

Having eaten that half a steamed bun, she at least had enough strength to sleep. After working through a few things in her mind, she enjoyed a rare, peaceful dream that lasted until dawn.

The fact that he had returned was enough to make her happy. However, his cold attitude was like a bucket of ice water poured over her head. Her heart skipped a beat, as if something had fallen away from her chest.

Su Zhiwei coughed for a moment. By the time her eyes finally adjusted to the light, she looked up to see the Empress staring down at her with a frigid expression.