Chapter 20

Under an inexplicable attack, the demonic beast was rendered immobile. Its essence and blood scattered in every direction as its body slowly went limp.

Gao Tianming’s secret technique could not be used consecutively, but the stone-carved guardians, having lost their weapons, saw their offensive power greatly diminished. Even without the secret technique, Gao Tianming was more than capable of crushing them. Finally, after a grueling quarter-hour battle, the two stone guardians were reduced to a pile of rubble.

Gao Tianming, who had been teetering on the brink of madness, instantly regained his senses. Only then did he notice the dreamlike, multicolored wind swirling around him—it was this very breeze that had purged the corruption of the baleful energy from his system.

Though the fall appeared rapid, time seemed to stretch infinitely, with every passing moment feeling like an entire cycle of reincarnation.

Lin Jian did not stand on ceremony. He opened the box to reveal a dollop of white jade-like, smooth ointment that emitted a faint fragrance. Perhaps harboring a genuine respect for Qin Shou’s skill in saving lives and healing wounds, Lin Jian did not fear that Qin Shou had poisoned it; he proceeded to smear it onto his own hand.

Realizing his slip of the tongue, he immediately corrected himself, nearly having revealed his own secrets.

"The Imperial Capital is the Imperial Capital, for sure; wonders and strange events never cease," Lai Gou'er said, echoing Li Chenglong’s sentiments, having learned such an idiom somewhere.

"Lin Tianyou, why are you here? I warned you last time not to pester me again. It is impossible for me to marry you. Get out of Star-Moon Academy immediately. If I ever see you appear before me again, don't blame me for being unkind," Xue Ning scolded, her tone haughty and imperious.

Suddenly, the Golden Dragon Warrior under siege split into two, each occupying one side. Their appearances and auras were identical, and both were surrounded by a thousand golden swords.

Seeing that her grandfather was truly angry, Ouyang Yue'er had no choice but to behave. A wise person does not fight when the odds are against them; she knew better than to add fuel to the fire while he was in such a rage.

In the dilapidated house in Bohe Village, two people and a dog sat around a rickety, low wooden table that was missing a leg and propped up by a stone.

The corridor was gloomy and dark, seemingly untouched by sunlight for years. At its end stood a wide, imposing door, the golden ring upon it gleaming brightly.

The rider sat astride her cool motorcycle, wearing a short black leather trench coat. As she rode, the coat fluttered in the wind, paired with tight leather pants that mirrored her jacket. Most striking of all were the high-heeled black boots that accentuated her long, slender proportions.

Zhang Liang broke the awkward silence, pulling him up and heading toward the village. He was lost in thought, wondering how he would explain to the neighbors that he had rescued a vampire.

Since losing weight, many of Has’s old clothes no longer fit, hanging loosely on his frame. They had gone on a shopping spree yesterday, and the clothes Has wore now were all selected by Hill, a style completely different from before.

On the thick snow, his boots—worn thin enough to reveal the cotton batting inside—made a crisp crunching sound with every step.

The second step was holding a memorial service during the burial, where a priest would read a eulogy. This usually took place in a church, with friends and family sharing memories of the deceased and a children's choir singing hymns. Of course, this was the Christian tradition; since Bo did not believe in religion, the choir portion was omitted.

Some people smiled to hide their sorrow, others to conceal their anger or fear; some were forced by circumstance, obliged to put on a smiling face and compromise their integrity.

Long Shen did not even know where the enemy’s true body was, nor did he fully understand their abilities. He could not be certain that these people would truly protect him with all their might.

Qin Huairu was so angry she wanted to strike her, but seeing people in the alleyway watching the commotion from afar, she had to let it go.

"This is only in his ordinary state. If he were to unleash the power of a Sovereign, I fear I would be the one being suppressed," Bai Moyou thought, looking at the Royal Guard buried amidst countless corpses and skeletons, shrouded in bone fragments and dust. His heart was not as elated as one might expect.

"Give me a bulletproof vest," Fu Xueyao commanded a police officer, intent on entering the mountains to conduct the search herself.

Given his level of cultivation, the true measure of Jiang Tian and his companions was clear to him at a glance; there was no need to ask further.

In truth, he had faced immense pressure when he insisted on introducing this program. It was a cross-border variety show, uniting stars from both Korea and China, and the investment was enormous. Had he not personally secured the funding, the station would likely have abandoned him long ago.

Chen Fan grew even more suspicious, but seeing Ma Xianyun’s secretive refusal to speak, he took out a dagger, gently sliced his fingertip, and dripped blood onto the ring.

One must realize that the Valley of Doves was only a hundred kilometers from Tokyo. At such close range, if the Miyazaki clan harbored rebellious intentions, could the government’s forces truly stop them?

In that instant, Yang Qingqing’s gaze toward Quan Quan changed once more. At that moment, a mysterious aura seemed to emanate from him, one capable of inspiring the persistence and longing for dreams within her own heart.

"A Space Jump Card! I’ve finally repaired you!" As a card-making apprentice, no one could truly understand his feelings at this moment.

After reaching an agreement, the three headed toward the Mercenary Guild together to exchange their gold coins and gather some intelligence.

The black-robed Qi practitioner possessed magic power ten times stronger than Zhang Ji’s. With a single slash, he shattered the mana Zhang Ji had channeled into his demonic spear. The attack, devoid of any blind spots, was riddled with openings, yet the powerful blade energy forced the spear aside and slashed toward Zhang Ji.

"Alright, alright, alright, stop being so polite. We’re all friends here. Speaking of which, where do you plan to go for this long holiday?" Mu Qiqi’s voice echoed.