Chapter 23: Tea Party Spectacles

Standing to one side, Yan Tian and Yan Di were struck with horror. What secrets did Sect Leader Chen truly harbor? Having spent months in his company, they had no idea such an illusionary realm even existed.

After Xiaowei departed, Mo Heng’s gaze darkened as he stared at the sealed Sumeru Tower. Xiaowei, meanwhile, was consumed by resentment. He could not fathom how he, an elder, had lost to a junior like Zhang Tao, nor could he accept that their agreement remained unfulfilled. Though he was no match for Zhang Tao’s ultimate strength, he still possessed the technique of breaking orifices.

"Alright, it’s getting late. I’m hungry; let’s find somewhere to eat," Zhao Na interrupted.

"Boss! I’ve already booked two rooms at the hotel next door. It’s midnight, you should go get some rest," Lei Qiang said as he approached.

The burly man watched this scene with a flicker of gratification before silently following behind. The setting sun stained the sky a deep, blood-red, as vivid as a hero’s sacrifice—full of iron-willed grandeur, yet possessing the shy, tender blush of a bride awaiting her wedding day. It was a sight so mesmerizing that it brought serenity to the soul.

"Just come here!" Fusheng was crouching outside the window, wondering if he would have to freeze there all night, when Pan Yulian suddenly appeared and pulled him up.

"That’s better." Seeing this, Long Yanhua finally breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed her 'pet' wasn't entirely useless when it mattered most.

She recounted the conspiracy the high-ranking members of the Southern Domain had woven against them, leaving nothing out. Fortunately, only her own kin were present, so she could speak freely. As for whether to inform the dozens of people currently riding the bird-bear, that would be up to her grandfather and second brother.

Suddenly, the ranged players of the War Alliance were gripped by panic. In the blink of an eye, many had been instantly killed by that elusive archer, yet they hadn't even grazed a hair on their attacker.

"He's a hateful fellow; you won't like him, Zhang Tao." Although they hadn't known each other long, Yang Honglin and Zhang Tao had grown close enough to address each other by name.

The motorcade stopped upon entering the gate. Before the vehicles had even settled, the security officers in the front and back cars stepped out, immediately taking up positions. The firearms holstered at their waists were clearly visible. Seeing this, Li Mu could only offer a helpless, bitter smile.

Yang Duan shuddered violently. He managed to contain the poison from spreading further, but in that short span of time, his left arm had already turned a terrifying, ghastly shade of emerald.

Meanwhile, the chaotic state of his body—especially the gradual erosion of his internal organs—made Xiao Zhen’s condition appear increasingly dire.

Wei Manli couldn't help but despise the man, yet she felt his experiences were legendary. He was destined to be an extraordinary man, a true titan of his era. She simply found him disagreeable; she often felt that only by giving him a good thrashing could she vent her frustration.

"Well done..." Bai Feng’s voice sounded ethereal at that moment. Watching Xie Ningyao kneel before him in such a pathetic state filled him with a sense of conquest.

Li Jun nudged Wang Chao, whispering that he felt Wang Chao might become the boss’s trusted aide. However, a series of frustrating events had occurred recently; Boss Sander was in desperate need of capable people, yet he hadn't entrusted Wang Chao with any significant roles, preferring his usual inner circle instead.

Zuo Yixuan and Yi Chen remained silent. The choice rested with everyone; they could not decide for the group. But the longer they stayed in the canyon, the greater the danger. If they delayed any further, even that one percent chance of survival might vanish.

Lord Lu Ya’s expression remained unchanged as he stared silently at Su Chen. The complexity in his eyes left Su Chen curious—what exactly was he hiding up his sleeve?

Ning Fan had no money, but that was only because he hadn't been refining medicine. If he were to sell even a fraction of what he carried, he would have no shortage of wealth.

His psychology was simple: his childhood had been nothing but pain, devoid of a single happy memory. But now, he looked as he had in his youth. If his sister were to also transform into her younger self, he would finally have the blissful childhood with her that he had always craved.

"Not yet; he said he’d bring it to my room in a while!" Yingqiu was too shy to lift her head. This was the first time Bai Shizu had spoken so much to her, and it was only because of the Lu family. It made her both delighted and nervous.

He didn't believe Bai Mujin could be so lucky forever. The Dali Temple was not under Prince Xuan’s influence, and with Old Master Lu away, who would give her face? Besides... the Chief Justice of the Dali Temple had close personal ties to the Prince of Chu’s estate; while not directly controlled by them, it was nearly the same.

She possessed an aura that one could never find in the countryside. Even if a village girl dressed up like her, it would be a clumsy imitation, lacking this refined, ethereal elegance.

Xiuyao estimated that the mill would be completed before the bitter cold of winter, allowing them to relocate it the following year. She couldn't help much with the construction, so she stayed out of it to avoid being a hindrance.

Before, her father and the others were always demanding money. Now that she claimed to be broke—and with the family truly mired in debt—they stopped asking. But couldn't they at least help with some chores?

However, after hearing Tao Xiaoyan’s delirious exclamation, everyone knew this was absolutely not the style of the honest monk, Xiao Tu.