32. Pursuing the River and Hunting the Monster

The shadow drew ever closer, accompanied by the rising mist of the river tides. From within the swirling fog stepped a lanky figure, about five feet seven or eight inches tall, clad in a bamboo hat and rain cape. His eyes protruded through the hat atop two stalks; after a brief glance, he fixed his gaze upon the wooden chest before him.

Wu Aguai’s heart gave a jolt. He had not received the thousand taels of silver promised by his family, but instead, the monster had arrived.

The man in the bamboo hat opened the chest and, upon seeing the gleaming silver, nodded with satisfaction.

Then—

“How about you? How many of your establishments have been smashed by the newcomers from North Construction District?” Wang Qingshan turned to ask Bai Baoguo.

Shaking his head, Haonan sighed helplessly. For a human to possess such a potent beast bloodline must seem strange to them; yet precisely because of this, these monsters were all the more obsessed, unable to let such an opportunity slip by.

“Just now… Come, have a seat. What would you like to drink?” He looked at me earnestly and handed over the tea menu.

The sound of bones breaking was audible; a mouthful of blood was spat out, and consciousness began to slip into darkness.

But there was a Resonance Stone here. The magical map showed a glowing point where the Resonance Stone lay. If one could not cross this lightning field and seize the Resonance Stone, then collecting all of them would become impossible.

Even Brother Fool thought Old Limp had a better chance of success. After all, they were not professionals at this; to take down Wang Gui in the New River District without anyone knowing?

A surge of heat shot through his body, the masculine vigor beneath him pressed against her soft secret place. Luo Tianya was enveloped by his domineering, soul-captivating aura, her own breathing growing rapid to match his.

Upon the designated dueling ground, the surrounding peaks, hills, trees, and boulders were already thronged with people. The best spots were claimed by the renowned names and factions, and others dared not get too close.

Yet I could clearly sense the aura among our group—a timidity, as if the oppressive atmosphere kept us silent. Was it really these few blond youths intimidating us?

Though Venusaur was the weakest of Lingxiao’s Pokémon, its strength still ranked at the champion’s summit, making it a standout among a trainer’s Pokémon.

“My birthday is not far off. I heard official registration will begin after Halloween, and by then I’ll be seventeen,” Cedric said, a smile blooming on his face.

Daji had already fled a million feet high—so far away she was out of sight. Yet when Xiao Chen looked up, she felt as if a rabbit eyed by an eagle: an electric itching and numbness surged through her entire body.

“Don’t talk nonsense! When did I ever try to seize your inheritance? I only heard news of your death and didn’t want the Zhao family’s business to fall into others’ hands. I am your grandfather—shouldn’t I take over your estate if you’re gone?” Old Master Zhao grew more convinced of his own reasoning as he spoke.

Lin Zhenye had already notified everyone; once they learned the person had been found, all breathed a sigh of relief. Those going to find her gathered at the villa entrance. The two elders of the Ye family were present; the old lady clutched Luo Jinghao’s hand, tears streaming down as she lamented her suffering.

From the ground emerged a dozen or so figures clad in black bodysuits, masks revealing only their red eyes—resembling ninjas straight out of a movie.

“Bang—” A dull thud echoed as Field turned to look. There lay a giant snake at least twelve feet long, coiled with its head slightly raised, exposing a pitch-black mouth and a crimson tongue toward him.

For a moment, both sides were deadlocked. In a flash of lightning, the Destroyer Kalanso appeared, sneering, and with a wave of his staff, fire blazed forth. A nine-headed fire serpent materialized, nearly twenty meters long, its whole body ablaze. Each head hissed, then gaped wide, spewing countless fireballs like a dragon casting pearls, all hurtling toward Azmodan.