Chapter 117: The Ratmen’s Cavern

Night fell.

The cat-folk trod upon the snow, leading the lich and the dragon-folk to the foot of an unnamed, snow-covered mountain. The lich and the dragon-folk had been riding a sled pulled by skeletal beasts, but it came to a halt at the mountain’s base. Beyond this point lay only rugged mountain trails and steep cliffs, no longer suitable for the sled.

The lich and the dragon-folk dismounted, and with a swirl of snowy mist, the sled and the skeletal beasts were buried beneath the white drifts. The skeleton soldiers vanished using a similar spell.

The gray wolf raised its head, signaling for Yao Yue to scratch its neck again, insisting that the fur on its throat needed attention too.

Lin Huahua felt his burning gaze, and looking down, her cheeks flushed instantly; she hurriedly pulled down her dress. However, the cold expression on her face shattered the gentle aura the cheongsam should have projected, lending her a look of striking, glamorous intensity instead.

On the ground, thousands of cultivators surged forward like a swarm of locusts, rushing toward the Imperial City in a chaotic mass. They believed that under such circumstances, they might not have lasted as long as Yao Yue did; after all, Yin Jiao had already forced four enemies off the stage by the time the match involving Jiang Feng and Yao Yue concluded, and that was only because Yao Yue had voluntarily conceded.

Calculating their own prospects, some felt it would be more prudent to compete in the afternoon and retreated to a secluded spot to begin their cultivation.

The current situation was much the same; upon learning that Gu Yue possessed glaring weaknesses, the awe they had held for him vanished significantly.

The Hung Mun was the most powerful underground organization in the Dragon Kingdom, yet for so many years, they had never committed an act of treason. Long Tao had never cast a suspicious glance in their direction.

Zhou Shilin’s tall frame stiffened, and he subconsciously stood in front of the trash can to block Wen Qian’s line of sight. His words were firm and powerful, flowing like a clear spring through a murky quagmire, limpid and transparent.

This sudden confession left Zhangsun Zhe greatly puzzled, though his confusion was far outweighed by other concerns. On his way back, he had already heard rumors of Fu Shu’s rebellion, but hearing from Yu Dang that Fu Yi was in poor health filled Zhangsun Zhe with profound anxiety.

"Fair enough." Shen Hu nodded, then grinned, squatting down to examine the items one by one.

Since waking up that day, Gu Yunqian’s condition had improved significantly. He was young and had a robust constitution; despite the ordeal he had suffered, his fever had finally broken.

"Uncle Ji saved me once, but it was during the day, so once I knew his skill, I simply didn't ask further." With every sentence he spoke, Xu Xiaosheng had to open his mouth wide and gasp for air, as if he would suffocate and lose consciousness if he didn't.

However, the moment her jade-like arm touched him, Zhangsun Zhe instinctively drew a sharp breath, causing Fu Yi’s heart to hang in suspense.

Under her parents' gaze, which was heavy with suppressed anger, Liliana maintained a reserved demeanor as she arrived at the temple.

Helian Huaxuan lifted her eyes to look at Feng Suyuan; she cared little for etiquette or hierarchy. Her rank was merely a notch higher than her own, and if His Majesty could promote her by skipping ranks, he must have had his reasons.

People used to say that the elder General Gu had sacrificed himself too early, leaving the younger generation to step up, lacking both age and merit. But looking at them now, the brothers were more than capable of carrying the general’s banner; the Northern Frontier was in safe hands with the Gu family.

"Brother, have you eaten?" Checking her watch, it was already past five in the afternoon. Miao Ran and the others had spent the entire afternoon at their meal and weren't hungry yet, but He Baoguo had been home all day, and she didn't know if he had managed to find anything to eat.

Zhao Yishan stared blankly into the depths of the sea of flowers where Le Yingya had vanished. As the tearing sensation in his dantian gradually subsided, the last shred of his clarity vanished as well, and he sank back into self-reproach and delirium, as if he could see the vanished Yingya standing before him once more.

Compared to Daoyan Qing, Daoyan Ming was undoubtedly more detestable. Feeling as though he were being played for a fool, Li Chuyi immediately abandoned Daoyan Qing and charged at Daoyan Ming with his sword drawn.