Chapter 47: Blades and Shadows
The imposing mountain gate of the Xuanyuan Sect stood tall and majestic, resembling a fierce beast baring its fangs, its sinister presence amplified under the cover of night. Feng Ruqing stepped inside, the faint scent of blood in the air growing stronger, as if an ominous aura seeped up from the earth itself, suffocating and oppressive. She remained calm and collected, heightening her vigilance to the utmost.
As she delved deeper along the mountain path, the trees on either side swayed like phantoms, whispering with a rustling sound that only deepened the eerie atmosphere. Yet, these people from the Eastern Isles were not fools; though they fancied themselves superior to the Ming, the military might of the Ming was plain to see. They knew well that attempting to invade the Ming by their own strength was akin to an egg striking a stone—a fool’s dream.
Despite her beauty and favorable circumstances, history had shown that those blessed with such allure often bore tragic fates, their lives marred by innocent yet fatal grievances. After following the Sword Saint Changhong for half a month, the latent potential within his body was gradually awakened. At the very least, a boy of eight could now effortlessly catch a carp weighing about ten jin from the lake.
“If this were a deliberate trap, there should be fresh blood as bait around,” Ding Qi observed. In any case, she was confident that her path of developing patented high technology was the right one, fully aware of the current global situation.
---
Within the grand hall and the adjacent VIP chambers, the auctioneer and guests had all become mere spectators, watching with keen interest as the two sides bid fiercely. Even Meng Bo declared he would keep an ear to the underworld’s whispers, while Zuo Songxing called to offer assistance.
In the films, he never hid his supernatural abilities, making them known worldwide and inviting a host of troubles. Everyone involuntarily gasped, for such powers were truly extraordinary to ordinary folk.
However, matters far exceeded anyone’s expectations: the newly manifested phantom hand did not attack the elderly knight as anticipated but struck forcefully at the center of the strange area instead. Though Zhao Xi had been here for some time, he still felt embarrassed by the troublesome people around him.
The two exited the private chambers one after the other, only to see Tang Mingsang holding a jade toad. Upon hearing the official report, Li Xiue’s expression changed, and Old Lady Zhao’s face darkened—both knew last night’s misfortune was their fault.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yancheng and his three companions also felt uneasy. Though their spiritual energy consumption was less than others’, much was spent sustaining the spiritual formation. Such a lavish tomb was rare in rural areas; even with low prices here, it likely cost over a hundred thousand. Few in the entire village or town could afford such expense.
---
Su Changqing nodded and only then noticed that the youth held a wooden sword. The Second Prince stood by the river, saying, “My son is willing to take on this burden for you. I am ready to bear this difficult responsibility.”
Before he finished speaking, footsteps echoed from the stairwell as the swordsman, carrying two blades, descended with his sword in hand.
“I’m glad you’ve all returned.” The commander’s smile was radiant. Having lived most of his life without hope of defeating the giants, it was in these last days that humanity achieved a great victory—the first in history—though at a tremendous cost, it rekindled hope and a glimpse of the future for mankind.
Ye Jingfeng seemed unwilling to explain further and strode directly into the cave. Lin Peng quickly followed.
Guangxu’s face turned pale; such a significant event had occurred without his knowledge. No doubt, it was the doing of that so-called “biological father.”
At that moment, chaos erupted on site. No one knew whom to support; if one’s choice was not selected, it would be deeply embarrassing.
Sure enough, about five meters ahead, nearly three squads lay in ambush. Though they used no live ammunition, anyone hit would face punishment. Fortunately, no one was ‘wounded’ in this engagement.