Chapter 22: We Need a Different Approach

The group wandered through the forest for quite some time without encountering anything, so they had no choice but to circle back to the spot where they had set the traps. Unexpectedly, upon returning, they found that one of the traps had been triggered—a rabbit was caught, its neck ensnared by the trap’s rope, struggling fiercely.

"Hey, we actually caught a rabbit! Xiaolin, your trap works great!" Zhao Renyi said with a smile.

...

However, this method had its drawbacks. After all, the traps were made of cloth or had patterns printed on cloth, which would be destroyed as soon as fire touched them.

After three days of arduous trekking, the landscape suddenly opened up to a vast, flat expanse capable of accommodating thousands. Only Elder Qiao could find such a place.

At that moment, the military supply wagons arrived, and when the towering long-haired oxen entered the camp, they caused an even greater stir. Those who had seen long-haired oxen before were especially stunned, their mouths agape in amazement.

When there was no road, they followed the river. Though the riverbanks were slippery, this route saved them the trouble of carving through mountains. Moreover, the river’s open skies provided better lighting conditions.

In Bi Xin’s hillside villa, the first-floor living room was set with an exquisite banquet. Bi Xin hosted An Jiazhi to welcome and honor him.

Kang Mang’ang was the one biting, but he failed—his teeth couldn’t break through his own lips and tongue, which only deepened his frustration.

After Chen Yufeng sat down, he casually scanned the room and saw only middle-aged men with impressive bearing—noteworthy compared to the average martial artists outside, though none matched his own aura.

The constables’ faces changed drastically. They paid no heed to the thugs still lying on the ground and ignored Fang Yiai, slinking away in defeat.

Countless black leaves fell from the sky, as if the Tree Mother herself was scattering paper offerings. The sight compelled all to close their eyes involuntarily, savoring the last traces of warmth.

---

“Ten days! This might be…” The Holy Emperor knew all too well the terrifying volume of the Qianliang Institute’s ledgers. Even just browsing through them, let alone uncovering the false accounts, would require more than ten days.

Along the way, the Crown Prince repeatedly urged the Emperor to return to the palace, citing concerns for safety, but each time the Emperor refused. After an hour, they arrived at a secluded, serene spot outside the city—a grand residence with three gates in and three gates out.

After entering the city, Niu Dabao followed Feng Qingyao’s instructions: everyone dispersed except for Huoshao, who accompanied Feng Qingyao to a teahouse.

Seeing Han Yingmei clutching her bowl tightly in frustration, it was clear she wouldn’t be eating today. Reluctantly, they left.

Mo Zhanhua wore a silver-edged dark purple robe, with mountains and rivers embroidered in silver coins on the sleeves. In the sunlight, the garment shimmered with a faint purple glow. His golden crown bound his hair neatly, his tall and graceful figure exuded an aura of supreme nobility.

The treasures here had long been plundered over millions of years. Although this was still a gathering place for the Four Realms, it was far less enticing than the Boundless Mountain.

During the wedding ceremony, the onlookers gradually dispersed—some took their seats, others busied themselves with tasks—until the crowd thinned considerably. Mo Zhanhua’s deep eyes swept over the banquet hall, noticing Gu Mingqian speaking with the ceremony officer. Madam Gu had already left.

They had not even been formally betrothed. If she acted coquettishly toward her husband Feimo, then Benina could just keep her distance as far as possible.

Zhi Qian raised an eyebrow and strode over confidently. Although her makeup had failed her today, she refused to lose in presence. Even in plain clothes without adornment, she embodied the flawless, natural elegance of uncut jade.

Heart-wrenching sobs caused many servants to pause. Among them was Zong Yuanyu’s maid, but they didn’t understand the situation and dared not intrude.

Watching Han Elder clutch the field deed as he left, Han Lao sighed heavily, feeling as if her heart were bleeding.

A gentle warmth suddenly flooded the mind. The divine consciousness solidified; the heavenly laws ceased, and the spirit no longer dissipated.

Chanjuan regretted her earlier behavior and foolish words—how would the Emperor view her now?

---

Opening the deep blue box revealed a letter addressed to Xuān, but the letter itself was unimportant. What mattered was the signature below—Lanno.

Yi Xuan muttered anxiously—this was unavoidable. His body weakened; a sharp pain in his chest sapped all strength, leaving him like a puddle of mud.

In fact, as soon as Feng Ziyu descended to the living room, Old Master Feng already sensed his presence. Although Feng Ziyu tried to lower his voice, the vigilant old master still detected him.

Ye Baiwei awoke suddenly in the middle of the night, groggy and confused to find Zhou Yan absent from bed. Seeing the bathroom light off, she was alarmed: where had Zhou Yan gone?

As his inner rage grew, the Beast Emperor’s murderous aura reached its peak. Zhang Hui, sensing danger, unleashed a brilliant sword flash from his arm. The Devouring Void Sword struck at the Beast Emperor with overwhelming force. At the same time, the spirit bearing Dianyun and Yuan Qiao rapidly retreated.

His voice was gentle, but inside lay something cold—like ice water pouring into their hearts, instantly restoring their clarity.

Yet the elder of the Void Clan still gazed blankly into the void where the forty Void cultivators had vanished. His eyes were filled with profound sorrow, tinged with confusion and a glimmer of hope.

“She is my sister Annie, also the vice president of the student council, just like Brother Chen,” Satana introduced happily, dispelling the earlier gloom.

Longsheng Hall had once been the site of a battle between good and evil, both sides suffering losses. This was a major reason the hall’s sinister conspiracy ultimately failed.