Volume 1, Chapter 23: Tearing Off the Mask

Liu Dingyuan holds a position of significant influence within the Eastern Hu, second only to the head of the clan. His personal attendance to accompany his nephew to welcome the bride clearly signals the importance the Liu family places on this marriage. Duanmu Jingguang naturally breathed a sigh of relief; regardless of the scandals that have plagued the Prince's residence, Liu Dingyuan’s presence signifies that the Liu family at least acknowledges Huaizhen’s status and standing.

With a basin of ice providing a cooling breeze, everyone returned indoors. Zhao Yuan began chatting with Old Doctor Ge, discussing everything from the medicinal properties of saltpeter to the doctor's own expertise. Zhao Yuan's extensive knowledge left the old doctor deeply impressed.

The wedding ceremony concluded perfectly. In the evening, Feng Jiutian and his two brides changed into new attire and invited everyone to the banquet in another grand hall.

Qianfo Wuyao breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as though every ounce of strength and energy had drained from his body, yet he drifted into unconsciousness with a profound sense of peace.

Chu Feng flipped through the pages again, confirming that this volume of the "Supreme Thunder Arts" contained only five elemental divine thunders, each with a single attribute. The technique for cultivating the "Nine Heavens Divine Thunder," which unites all five elements, was nowhere to be found. He surmised that the missing final page must have contained the secret to the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder. He couldn't help but wonder who could be so malicious as to destroy such a powerful thunder technique.

The grand chair he sat in was exquisitely carved, draped with soft blankets, and spacious and comfortable; every detail reflected unparalleled nobility.

But at the thought of Lin Duoer, Wang Yue hurriedly pushed those images from his mind, refusing to dwell on them any longer.

After Xiuya left, Su Ruohui no longer concealed her exhaustion. Ignoring Xiuwan’s hesitant attempts to ask about the details of her injuries in private, she dismissed the others and drifted into a weary sleep.

The second prince raised his head, gnashing his teeth as he spoke, staring coldly at the commander of the Imperial Guard before drawing a deep breath.

In an instant, time seemed to freeze. Boundless dragon might, laced with murderous intent, surged toward the heavens. Chu Feng’s enormous vertical pupils remained locked onto the cultivator who had unleashed the magical artifact.

After he collided with it, he was actually rebounded. His hulking frame stumbled backward, his clumsy steps nearly causing him to fall.

Xuanwu and the others were left stunned, looking at the terrifying speed before them in disbelief, as if they could not accept that what they saw was real.

The summoning lasted for quite some time before Zhao Li and the others arrived, their bodies wreathed in the blood-red aura of the ritual.

However, apart from Dong'er and Hu San, the others present could hardly fathom the emotions Dong'er was experiencing.

***

He truly could not bring himself to give a common mortal smartphone as a gift; if it were another deity, he wouldn't have minded.

"Very well, you may begin the debate. The first segment is for each side to state their reasons for whether or not to offer help. The second segment will be the debate between the two parties. As for the final outcome, it will be judged by myself and the students present."

As the hospital director, Delis enjoyed considerable freedom in her schedule. She exercised her authority to grant herself an extended leave and mentioned over the phone that she was planning a skiing vacation.

Professor Bonner was not short of money; as a top professor at the MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering, the income he earned from private consulting was enough to make many envious.

Liu Xiaoyu looked on, utterly bewildered by the scene. However, the next moment, when she saw Chen Fan slowly close his eyes and fall into silence, her confusion transformed into a sudden realization.

Beside Shen Jiayi stood a man with a rather fashionable look and trendy attire. Lin Fan had no recollection of this person.

Therefore, the matter depended on the progress of the shipwrights. After receiving a firm confirmation from them, Ye Jinyu promised Li Yuan that he would complete the remaining three airships during the Lantern Festival period.

At this moment, Lin Shiqi activated her divine ability. In the pitch-black universe, streaks of white light flew in from the distance, coalescing into a handsome man wearing armor and exuding a masculine aura.

The former captain of Team E had never encountered a situation where he was blocked and killed on the road during a match. Now, not only was he being killed relentlessly, but he even had a jungler escorting him back to his lane.

He was filled with shock. Clearly, the opponent’s sword stance was subtle and the sword intent was weak, yet why did a single strike crush him entirely, while the opponent hadn't even moved half a step?

The difference was that the UTV used a racing line, while Mo Shu employed a drifting technique.

Thanks to the Spirit Stone Milk, his body had remained on the verge of collapse without ever crossing that threshold.

Beiming’s sword danced in a flurry of blossoms. The tree was sliced and fell, with countless wood fragments hovering in mid-air, all of which flew toward Fang Hao with a single sweep of Beiming’s blade.

Those who followed Song Jie were no simple individuals; their ability to take on several opponents each made the energy expenditure truly immense.

***

Zhang Peng climbed ashore and pulled me up. We lay on the lawn, panting. Liu Ling, soaking wet, walked to my side. "Go back and change your clothes. There is still time. It’s windy by the sea; I will wait for you," I said to her with a smile.

Just as Sun Jie said, the identities of the dead soldiers could not be traced; it was as if they had never existed.

Chen Jin and He'er attended a banquet held in honor of his victory, though in reality, it was merely an attempt to win him over.

"Keep moving a bit more; let's see if we can create a little brother or sister for Youzhi tonight." His half-lowered eyes were deep and dark, filled with hidden restraint.

"No," Ye Li shook her head, her eyes brimming with something crystalline. She hurriedly blinked hard and lowered her head even further.

Upon hearing this, Saito’s hope surged instantly, and he watched Ryoko Hamada intently to see what she would decide.

When they were finally face-to-face, a surprise emerged: several of them possessed extremely powerful supernatural abilities. Chen Jin finally understood why his father had wanted him to recruit them.

Subsequently, Tan Gong and Tan Po from the Chongxiao Cave on Mount Taihang, Tan Po’s senior brother Zhao Qiansun, the "Iron-Faced Judge" Shan Zheng from Mount Tai and his five sons (the Five Heroes of Mount Tai), Ma Dayuan’s widow Lady Ma, and Master Zhiguang of Mount Tiantai were all invited and arrived one after another.

This guy didn't care for money at all; he turned everything over and went off to Europa again. He transformed into an advisor sent by Chen Jin—in plain terms, he was looking to see if there were any other benefits to be scavenged.

After dinner, the group of "lunatics" gathered in the courtyard to brag as usual, while Ma Linshu went to Zhao Tiantian’s place to change his dressings. After that was done, he headed straight for Li Xinran’s room.

But given Wang Jiajia’s background, she wouldn't listen to such things. "Spare me. If Uncle Zhao can have one, why can't we?" She was determined to get it today.