Volume One, Chapter 51: The Withering Heavenly King!

Wang Beihong was the first to sing, seated at the piano. His dashing movements and the captivating glint in his eyes sent many girls in the audience into a frenzy of screams. The three mentors also broke into smiles, immediately aware that a singer of some renown had arrived—and the voice was unmistakably familiar. In fact, one of the mentors had already discerned the identity of this mysterious guest.

This program allowed for heavyweight guest performers, a double-edged sword. The benefit was the surge of attention it brought. The drawback was the risk of becoming invisible, as all eyes were drawn to the star. Yet, if someone managed to shine while performing with such a guest, they could become an overnight sensation.

Wang Beihong’s voice was crystal clear...

The prayer bead itself was not particularly remarkable, but after years of being cherished by Monk Guangfa—imbued with his intentions—a subtle, mysterious bond had formed between them, making it an inseparable part of his life.

Although Jian’an First High ranked only in the twenties province-wide, it was among the top three in Northern Min.

Alas! It was all my own fault for being so mischievous, deliberately playing hide-and-seek with those uncles. How could things have ended up like this? How can I face my father now? If he learns of this, how will he face his people? No, I mustn’t reveal the truth; I can’t be the reason my father’s name is tarnished.

As soon as the name Wang Luyuan was uttered, Huijue’s previously composed expression flickered with shock and disbelief.

Sun Li led his troops away, but another army of Shu soldiers descended upon them, cutting a bloody swath. Sun Li found himself alone, his men all fallen, and the Shu soldiers closing in. He spotted a water ditch nearby, thick with reeds. He leapt in, hoping to conceal himself in the water and seize a chance to escape.

So, when these sixty or seventy black-clad bodyguards showed up uninvited, Lin Ye certainly wasn’t about to let them leave so easily.

I have already strengthened our coastal defenses and dispatched troops to intercept the Shu army that has invaded Yangzhou. Given time, we can eliminate this force, while also guarding vigilantly against Liu Bei’s fierce assault.

The Buddha said, “All things with form are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow, like dew or a flash of lightning; thus should you view them.” Zhuangzi dreamed of being a butterfly, saw a butterfly, and dreamed of himself. So what is real, and what is false?

At that moment, as the blazing spear swept toward Zhao Yun from above, it suddenly lifted and thrust upward! In a contest, victory is decided not just by techniques, but by the mind—guessing the opponent’s moves, thinking through every next step.

Though it was painful to abandon her beloved disciple, it was the wisest choice; at least she could avenge her apprentice. And as long as she retained her strength, there remained a sliver of hope to one day grant Ayesha the blessing to cure her weakness.

Before heading to Haoyang Sect, she had long wished for such an opportunity. Perhaps, if she had never had that chance, she would have sought other ways. But having seized it once and acted on it, to give it up now was a bitter pill to swallow.

As for Totori’s mother’s instructions to come see her after school, Totori chose to ignore them. Faced with a powerful mother who could threaten the safety of her ginseng, Totori would rather devote herself to the grand plan of cosplay to protect her precious root.

But in the next second, Oka’s figure suddenly vanished from sight! In a flash, he reappeared right before their eyes, this time with a blade gleaming blindingly bright. The assassin felt a stabbing agony in his throat, then lost all consciousness.

“How did you know I’d come here? Or have you been following me all along?” Changning was desperate for answers to these questions.

Having made up her mind, Lin Xiaoxiao decided she would at least supervise him for several days, making sure he practiced properly with the old car at her father’s house before allowing him on the road. It was a matter of safety for herself and others.

A scene of utter desolation—decay and silence reigned, mud covering hills and fields, villages, towns, and livestock left behind, all buried beneath an endless marsh. It was as if a river from the underworld had left true hell upon the earth, the air thick with the scent of death, beyond words to describe.

“It’s a great honor...” Totori returned the greeting with practiced formality. Then, led by the old man Archimedes, she began the final ceremony to join the order. Yet she did not notice that, in addition to excitement, a shadow of worry lingered in Archimedes’ eyes.

“Enough with the nonsense, I know the Zacha tribe. Tell me—is it true your tribe was attacked by Roman cavalry?” Uwei impatiently waved off the villager’s nervous chatter, cutting straight to the point.

Sometimes, people under immense pressure indulge in a little fantasy—perhaps that, too, is a way to relieve oneself. Changning glanced sympathetically at Jun Wuyou, and together, they walked slowly toward Mount Zuowang.

“Onii-chan... I’m sorry.” Sora Kasugano bowed her head in shame, feeling she had disgraced her perfect brother.

Now, Ye Mo had cultivated an image of wealth and charm. If he could add a touch of gentlemanly grace, he would surely win even more hearts.

“A little, it’s really freezing today—must be forty below.” Xia Meng, seated in the back of the car unlike her second brother who was cycling, felt the chill all the more.

A murderous gleam flashed in the Sea God’s eyes. With a roar, he charged straight at Qin Feng.

He glanced anxiously into the distance, then let out a low growl and rushed in Qin Feng’s direction.

After all, for an immortal, there was nothing especially distinctive about their appearance.

But Ning Qingyu was already a veteran at this sort of thing, far less fragile than others might imagine—she remained calm and collected throughout.

Even he sometimes couldn’t understand, but Ye Mo’s decisions had always proven right; so at this moment, Ye Fei chose to trust his elder brother unconditionally.

The black bear fell silent, lost in thought.

After the passage of time washed over it, human society’s chaos finally subsided, with major blocs forming a tripartite balance of power.

Longyuan, though formidable at first glance, was actually terribly clumsy in her movements. If she were to face an opponent of similar strength who was also agile, Longyuan’s weaknesses would become all too obvious.

This was the phrase that Pearl kept close to her heart, even in moments of absent-mindedness.

Seeing Qin Zhou’s insistence, Ni Chuanqiong said no more; with Qin Zhou by Mei Yang’s side, he was at ease. He glanced at Mei Yang. “Then I leave her to you.” With that, he stepped out of the room.

Yuan Futu’s lips did not move, and he continued to inscribe divine runes with composure, though his speed had slowed greatly; most of his focus was now on that sliver of soul power.

“But, Miss San still has business to attend to!” Miss San tried to remind Huangpu Yu that she still had a mission to carry out.