Volume One, Chapter 117: The Bamboo Pavilion

“One sword, two swords, three swords...”

Rustle, rustle... On this day, Ji Die wielded his long sword, cutting bamboo trunks deep within the grove.

By afternoon, Yun Su came to inspect, carrying a wooden sword imbued with a sharp edge. With a casual slash, the spiritual bamboo that Ji Die had struggled to fell was sliced neatly into segments as if cutting through melons and vegetables—like firewood.

Ji Die’s pupils contracted slightly; it was the first time he truly witnessed Yun Su’s prowess. Though he had suspected she was at least in the late Foundation Establishment stage, only at this moment did he gain a profound understanding of her strength.

With a single effortless stroke, she felled what he had labored over...

The sound of the umbilical cord snapping through the air rang out sharply, but Yue Ke was too slow to react. The icy moonlight penetrated his body; the flames of his blood weapon were extinguished by the cold. The breath exhaled by the high-ranking knight had already crystallized into frost.

Hey, I heard his subordinates leaked word, intending to sell one or two statues. It’s a pity I didn’t buy them.

Wei Shuyun’s stomach grumbled first. She took out her phone and scrolled through recent announcements. There seemed to be nothing requiring her to maintain her figure—just interviews and variety shows. No matter; as long as her face didn’t swell, a meal wouldn’t make much difference.

Soon, the young man at the forefront stumbled, then began wildly gesticulating.

They had only walked ten or twenty yards when a voice came from behind: “Hey, there’s a carriage? With grain!” The voice was loud enough for Jiang Chen and the others to hear despite the distance they had covered.

Faced with Lin Nuan’s pleading and the sudden heart-wrenching sobs, Gu Yi was overwhelmed, struggling to breathe. Though he had faced countless life-and-death moments and was accustomed to farewells, he prided himself on mastering his emotions. Yet at this instant, he was completely undone, tears uncontrollably moistening his eyes.

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“I warn everyone here: do not resist. Twenty years ago, to counter the increasingly powerful Solar System nations, our vanguard equipped with lightspeed engines already set out.”

At this revelation, the veteran angels remained composed, but the new generation—especially those under ten thousand years old—were shocked, disbelief etched on every face.

Jiang Chen fully understood. This must be the Empress Jia’s intention. Since Sima Jiong had declared himself against Empress Jia, she naturally bore a grudge. With Sima Jiong dead, she couldn’t let his subordinates escape either. The first incident was suppressed with heavy punishment, ensuring no one dared oppose Jia Nanfeng again.

Lin Xi felt her mind go blank upon hearing this. Though she was unclear on prior events, she had witnessed the consequences firsthand. While the outcome was just, this reasoning was utterly flawed.

Of course, Qin Tian truly thought so. Whether others understood the deeper meaning behind his actions was of no concern to him. Fundamentally, it was a psychological suggestion he imposed upon the Overseer.

Le Fan greeted Old Lady Liu with utmost courtesy and extended salutations to Qian Ling. At the same time, he recalled that two years ago at this time, he had just purchased that Porsche SUV, loaded it with gifts, including one for the Qian family.

“If you travel without a treasured sword for protection, how can that be? Moreover, I am used to the intercepting silver spear; swordsmanship feels somewhat unfamiliar,” Xiao Yaozi said firmly, refusing.

Half an hour later, Xiong Yan laid all the information before Ling Feng, who sifted through the documents and finally gained some understanding of the surrounding situation.

Silently nodding, Liu Jianjie agreed as well, then turned and left the chamber.

With the blue light illuminating the display case, the exhibition officially began—also marking Hu Guolong’s opportunity to showcase his talents. This time, other merchants’ exhibits occupied the hall as well. Police officers were stationed to protect the venue, and as Hu Guolong and Chu Yun arrived, everyone exchanged greetings.

“Jin Lian, though you may not want to hear it, this is the truth. If you don’t believe me, you can visit the site. Although the area has been cleared recently for renewed mining, they still haven’t reached the place where the collapse occurred... There is no way he survived!” Uncle She continued.

“How could that be? Isn’t Qiu Ying in Han City?” Logva frowned, sensing trouble.

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“Do you know what the mountain god’s greatest ability is?” Hua Zhong didn’t answer directly, instead asking Xiao Yaozi.

“Even if fate is hard to defy, I will go against the heavens. How can I watch them be forever separated by life and death?” Perhaps I’m meddling, but I cannot bear to let go.

Having earned the future master’s approval, especially after Li Xu’s sincere words, the eight birds finally felt at ease. They spread their wings and flew to the highest place to enjoy the spiritual energy crystal gifted by the master. After so many years without proper cultivation, today was their chance.

The Dingyuan Tower turned to dust and settled on the ground as Li Xu entered the first layer. Two pieces of sphalerite lay within the Juyuan Cauldron, faintly emitting a rainbow glow.

Wuchang smiled sheepishly, “Isn’t this a bit of a personal matter causing delay?” Dean Shali was a monster who had lived over two centuries. He immediately saw through the situation. The Sand Gold Academy had long been concealed on Sand Dune Star. They were well aware of the sweeping global revolution decades ago.

Leng Lie’s voice was devoid of anger but carried an overwhelming arrogance, a disdain for all living things. Those from the Undying Mountain were known for their pride; their renewed display stirred a sense of injustice in others.

“Alright!” Huyan Hao’s face was animated as he bowed deeply, then retraced his steps outward. At some point, Mo Li had already donned a cloak—prepared earlier by Huyan Hao and now put to use.

Since encountering Chan Tian, I have grown accustomed to being treated as prey. To most monsters in this world, I am just a novice, the lowest rank of monster. I have no right to hunt them; often, they hunt me instead.

Piao Wuzong obviously knew what they worried about. From his bosom, he produced eleven “indenture contracts.” “Rest assured, I always keep my word!” he said while casting the most basic fire magic. Instantly, the contracts, bundled tightly, were engulfed in flames.

Over nearly eighty thousand years, baptized by the primordial chaos and the chaotic energy, the eighteen monsters had become vibrant with life—yet all were bound, unable to move or awaken.