Volume One, Chapter 52: Preparing for Battle

When the name Su Yingmei was mentioned, Lu Haotian’s tone deepened once again.

Mo Kaichen led them to an ordinary ice cream shop. He had the attendant order two plates of cold desserts for the two children and then sat quietly, watching them eat.

At this moment, the wilderness seemed like winter vegetation—after enduring the harsh winter’s trials and the cold hibernation, it had revived, blossoming with new life.

“She must be exhausted after such a long journey. Have someone take her downstairs to rest first, and make sure she’s well taken care of,” Old Madam Cheng instructed as she looked at Mrs. Zhao. Mrs. Zhao hurriedly stood up to agree, called over the servant, and personally led her out to arrange for her rest.

The next afternoon, after coaxing Jiang Jingmo to take a nap, Li Danru quietly stepped out of the side room. She had barely walked a few steps when she saw Jiang Yanshu turn around. Upon seeing Li Danru, Jiang Yanshu hurried forward a few steps. They exchanged greetings, and Li Danru gestured for Jiang Yanshu to enter the main room. Zhu Yi served tea, glanced briefly at Li Danru, and then led others out.

Li Danru laughed at a remark from Jiang Yanming, who joined in the laughter, saying, “Now, Uncle can finally claim some luck: a Deputy Minister of the Secretariat and an elder brother who passed the imperial examination. I don’t know how many envy them with red eyes. This is good; it fulfills Uncle’s wishes.” Li Danru could only smile wryly and shake her head.

Li Yujü spoke for more than half an hour. In the middle, Chunyan came in with a bowl of red date and lotus seed soup. After eating, the two chatted a bit more before Li Danru rose to take her leave.

Though the sun shone brightly, Su Yuyang felt a chill lingering behind him, cold and gloomy.

Of course, the Nine Heavens Mirror, a treasured artifact of the sect, was guarded with utmost strictness. Stealing it would be nearly impossible.

Wang Kai sneered inwardly. I am a nonbeliever; I only trust myself. If the Second Dimension System were invented by your sect, I would worship the Church. But it isn’t. So if you want to impose your faith on me, save your breath.

Bai He nodded. After a simple medical check-up, he boarded a plane to the central base of the Investigation Bureau.

Whether he could seize it or not was uncertain. Even if he succeeded, could he withstand the forces behind the men in black?

—

The next day, Lin Ju burst into laughter the moment he saw Li Yihang. Li Yihang looked puzzled, not knowing what was so funny. Lin Ju bent over, clutching his stomach, unable to speak. Li Yihang grew more concerned and asked what was wrong. Lin Ju pointed to the mirror and told him to look himself.

They were now less than three kilometers from the Southwest Branch. The winter night in the desert was bitterly cold. Under the dark sky, distant flames flickered faintly.

“Becoming friends with the restored demons means you’re one of them. Your words cannot be trusted,” Hua Yuan abruptly interrupted Li Yihang, sensing danger.

One was a deity-level being, the other a semi-divine spirit. Their attack left the mole rat no chance to resist. Yet, just as it was about to be dragged into the Eternal Shrine, two transparent blades suddenly struck, severing the golden threads binding it, targeting the angel and the wise god Okorigen.

The quantity was too small. They needed to foster an entire orchard and waterways. Thus, it was difficult to divert the Spring of Backflow soon to breed poultry and livestock.

With a splash, Li Yihang fell into the river and vanished immediately. Gaodeng watched for a moment, then laughed heartily. Turning around, he saw two lovely women crying on the deck and couldn’t resist teasing them.

“If the two elders of the Holy Dragon Realm have already led people away, then why was the entire city of Qianlong slaughtered?” Lin Fei asked.

Qin Ruxuan recalled the embarrassing matter from earlier and blushed, lowering her head in silence.

This poem vividly portrayed the crab’s image and demeanor without mentioning the word “crab” once. In just a few lines, it captured the crab’s reputation in the sea.

I believe when we dive for work on the seabed tomorrow with the crew, everyone will eat a pound of them.

Meiyan said nothing but silently placed her clothes before Xu Zhixian, then fixed him with a sincere gaze.

For unknown reasons, Xi didn’t have the habit of locking his phone. The man raised an eyebrow, seemingly pleased.

—

A hurricane swept toward the convoy. Several vehicles directly in its path were overturned, spilling leather bags, boxes, and other items. Many minerals and herbs scattered across the ground.

Some areas were thick with a barrier-like fog so dense one couldn’t see a hand before their face. Once inside, it was impossible to find direction, leading to being lost.

But its effect was negligible. She only comprehended two profound mysteries; clearly, ‘Light’ was not among them.

Freshly picked cucumbers were crisp and refreshing. A bite produced a satisfying crunch, delicious beyond measure.

“This song isn’t bad, right?” Xu Zhixian said, seeing Shen Youna listening intently.

It turned out they had been waiting downstairs all along. Luo Chenxi’s phone was already monitored. Once the kidnappers dialed in, they would use the most advanced tracking devices to locate the call.

“Is that so... then let’s hear what your captain thinks.” The general fell silent and then pressed the communicator’s switch.

No one expected that beneath the seemingly turbulent New River District lay so many surging undercurrents.