Did No. 40, the substitute, play today?

"Here!" Lin Yue kicked the toolbox over to him. Wei Zhinan glanced at her but said nothing.

When the Emperor summoned the officials, it was little more than a formality. After announcing the matter, the specifics were left, as always, for the Ministry of Rites to implement.

As he watched the blackened heart, along with blood and dark fascia, all consumed and reduced to ashes in the karmic flames, Zhong Li's brows remained tightly furrowed, never relaxing.

Guo Gaodan listened to Lu Chaojin, who was doing his best to appear detached, but Guo knew that none of Lu’s words were truly sincere.

Lü Anru’s fingers hovered over her screen for a long time, unable to type a new message. She didn’t know how to reply; within her, schadenfreude mingled with a thousand worries.

The moment Jun Luo left the great hall, the palace collapsed with a thunderous crash, burying everything beneath the ruins.

Jiang Yu awoke in an instant, gripping the demon-subduing staff tightly as he channeled his power into his eyes.

With a sweep of his spiritual energy, Guan Jiao drew a deep blue magic circle, and the gate to the Underworld immediately appeared before them.

From this event, they understood that the underworld was always watching every move in the mortal realm.

"Shadow Shaojie, are you insane?" barked one of the shadow guards. It was the first time the shadow guards had spoken since the battle began. This was also the first time Zhang Tian heard them speak; yet their words were halting, as if they had long forgotten how to use their voices.

"A Ren, this matter is yours to handle. You may choose your own people," Lin Zetian entrusted everything to Jiang Huairen. Jiang nodded—he had already made his plans. However, he did not intend to bring the people Lin Zetian had chosen.

"Master, I wish to enter the Realm of Life and Death," Liu Ming said as he turned to Qin Tianze. The Realm of Life and Death was a cave in the Floating Cloud Sect, said to offer only two outcomes: ascension or death. Typically, only those who had reached the end of their years and saw no hope of advancement would choose to enter.

Online opinion was no longer one-sided in cursing Ye Xiu; now it was split almost evenly. Half believed and supported him, while the other half still doubted.

Zhang Tian was also present, and Shi Yong was at his side. Not knowing if Blood Blade would strike again, Zhang Tian was deeply concerned for Shi Yong’s safety. As for Nalan Xue, Zhang Tian had also tried to find her, but there was no trace.

Xuan Fang’s actions quickly galvanized the city defenders of Xuan Yang City, their spirits clearly lifted by knowing a saint was among them, and perhaps also by the shame of recent humiliations.

Chongyang needed only to send one letter to make the rift between this scar and the Twelve Stars of Jingtian utterly unbridgeable.

Zhuang Jian marveled at the world created by Xingchou. Xingchou already possessed the power to construct his own domain. Though the world he had built was still somewhat chaotic and lacked many details, compared to other demigods at his level, he had already taken the most crucial first step.

Yet the magic beasts still came in endless waves, as if trying to exhaust the mages’ mana with sheer numbers. Even though the magi could deal widespread destruction, they could not hold out forever.

"Ye Xing!" Jun Xueyi called in alarm. Ye Xing waved a hand to reassure her that he was fine. After spitting out that mouthful of blood, his complexion had improved.

Qiu Zhuoxi was about to reveal himself and chase in the direction Zhan Xiaoli had gone, but saw Lian Chengjue’s deadly move aimed squarely at his weakness. The Lord of the Lotus Domain, the Patriarch of Mount Tai Sect, and the Master of Xuan Zhi Ravine all took the opportunity to slip away. Lian Chengjue did not try to stop them.

If one intervened in the present battlefield, it was highly likely that Qin Yu would be put in danger, or worse, have his identity exposed.

Heavenly Emperor Palace had always ranked among Lingzhou’s top powers, thanks in no small part to the divine arts handed down from the ancient Three Sovereigns.

"Lord Qian, what could have made you so angry?" Zhao Yuan, who had just arrived at the Mint, heard the commotion outside and called out loudly.

In the end, the three of them chose to stay at the Tianfang Inn. A single low-grade spirit stone was enough to pay for three days’ lodging.

The Second Prince instantly felt terror shoot up his spine as he stared blankly at the general before him, a chilling, murderous aura flooding his entire being.

"Young Master Lü, are you going to collect the Divine Essence Fruit? Let this old man show you the way," he said, stepping ahead to lead.

"Human, you are quickly exhausting what little patience I have left. I am giving you one last chance: hand over the fruit now and I will spare you. Otherwise, my minions will tear you apart," the beast king roared at Ye Xing, fully enraged and intent on killing.

The others nodded in agreement. Without trying, there was no way to know. And this was supposed to be the weakest area—yet even here, several elders had been forced to use the Seven Stars Big Dipper Formation, and now their inner energy was down to just a tenth or two. The might of a Yuan Sect was truly extraordinary; a single barrier could block ninety percent of all challengers.

Lan Muge forced herself to remain calm, suppressing her surging fury as she questioned Jian Tingting in a low voice.

She had spoken offhand, with no intention to slight or mock, but Angel’s expression changed instantly, the words striking a hidden sore spot.