Chapter 83: The First to Taste the Crab

Inside the carriage, Lin Chuxia and Shen Mingle had both fallen asleep. Shen Mingxuan didn’t dare wake them, instead instructing the driver to head straight for the imperial city. As for whom this haste was for, that was another matter entirely. It didn’t need to be probed too deeply; any ordinary person could surmise the answer.

Li Yuanhao’s heart skipped a beat as he suddenly recalled her words: “Let the imperial favor be equally shared.” Did she truly wish for him to bestow his affections upon others?

She stared wide-eyed at Li Yuanhao, neither agreeing nor refusing. He kissed her, and she responded to his gentle, scattered kisses. When Li Yuanhao slipped his hand inside her inner garments, her whole body trembled. Her senses returned, and she pushed him away.

In Liao, Yelü Zongzhen heard that Emperor Renzong of Song had married off her ceremonial tomb to Di Qing. He felt a pang in his heart. Though she was gone, Yelü Zongzhen couldn’t bear the thought of anyone marrying her openly.

“School opening? Why such a strange operation codename?” The Heavenly Emperor looked at his ministers, bemused.

She sprinted all the way to the hospital—after this, she probably wouldn’t need any more training. Her speed was practically that of Liu Xiang.

He lowered his head, a trace of ruthless resolve flashing in his eyes. Half the country in exchange for Chu Mingyu’s life—he considered it a fair bargain.

Ming Yi once again detailed the suspicious points in Yin Niang’s miscarriage and her contacts with Ye, and informed that she’d learned the whereabouts of the Tianyi Gang through Lijing Sect.

“Hey, don’t spread this around,” Brother Qiang said, feigning mystery as he toyed with his wine glass.

Jenny felt her heart thud heavily, her whole body stiffening. Lear’s words were profoundly enigmatic, seemingly concealing vital information. She had intended to scoff at him, to say it had nothing to do with her, but the words died on her lips.

“Hiss!” Geng Haoshi set down Li Shishi, clutching his right arm with his left. His right arm was cramping. In that moment, Geng Haoshi found himself missing his former, plumper self; if he were still covered in fat, he probably wouldn’t be cramping.

A fine breeze swept the treetops, as if something was dashing through, stirring the air. Narrowing his eyes to discern, he saw nothing amiss. In the distance, another tall tree’s crown was buffeted by the same strange wind, as if an invisible ripple was rapidly spreading outward.

Seeing Sun Quan make his decision, Zhang Zhao said no more. He knew there would be plenty of opportunities in the future; why insist on making a choice now?

“Heh, heh heh, ha ha ha ha…” Lear tossed aside the newspaper and doubled over with laughter, leaving everyone else utterly baffled. He laughed for so long—a full minute passed and he still hadn’t stopped—until Simon, frightened, tugged at his hand.

Xiao Baozhu woke again to the sound of a door opening in the next room—it was Tina’s. She hadn’t expected Tina to return at this hour.

Gongsun Yu propped everyone up and placed them all on the sofa, then called the staff to have the five of them sent to the spacious RV he had driven over. As for Song Pingyan, Han Yu, and Zhu Qixia’s three cars, Gongsun Yu instructed the proxy drivers to follow behind.

A glimmer of disappointment flashed in Henry’s eyes, but he said nothing. Instead, Jamie, who had previously doubted the plan, reversed his stance completely and began to persuade Simon with great enthusiasm.

That morning, he’d been in the middle of a company meeting, negotiating a deal with an important client. The contract was nearly sealed when his sister’s entire family caused a commotion and disrupted everything.

Li Can picked up Luo Lingzhao in her arms. Other than An Lan, there was no one else in the sleeping palace, so Li Can carried Luo Lingzhao out without hesitation.

Yue Ning had indeed been busy lately, caring for her little one and barely finding time to relax herself.

Xia Yunzhen had never wanted to monopolize Li Can. Her wish was so humble that she only hoped to remain by Li Can’s side.

In her eyes, this man’s ostentatiousness was merely a facade to protect his pitiful pride.

When he was just a boy, his father would often repeat this phrase to the brothers at home. Back then, it stirred excitement and joy, but now, alongside those feelings, he also felt a profound shock. His father’s ambition was evident from those very words.

As for his developments elsewhere—like the construction of the Soul Spirit Platform—it likely involved the secrets of the Array Clan.

The whole room fell silent, everyone trembling with fear, even the doctors and nurses hiding far away.

Just as this thought crossed his mind, someone tapped him on the shoulder. Turning around, he saw it was none other than Qin Jia, whom he’d been thinking of.

Lu Keke had always admired Su Mian. During university, Su Mian had already won numerous art awards. When Lu Keke’s family sought an art tutor, she specifically requested Su Mian by name.

“I have something to say to Her Highness the Princess alone.” He spoke with a careless air, never putting Princess Li Lingyue’s status in his eyes.

Father and Mother Ye were perfectly safe at the Esper Academy, but even Ye Xiao couldn’t guarantee he could hold off everyone.

“Isn’t this nice? All right, go ahead and say it.” Su Chen smiled at it, and the Kun also ceased absorbing energy.

“You scoundrel! You’re trying to ditch me, aren’t you?!” Seeing his words, Mu Qingli threw the orange in her hand, which happened to hit Xiao Tianding square on the head as he walked in.

“I was afraid you’d fall if you nodded off,” Liu Jin said gently, nudging the stirrup. He rode Li Lingyue’s horse alongside his own, leading both steeds at a leisurely pace.

He rose from the driver’s seat and swapped places with Niu Liang, who sat down, closed his eyes in excitement for a moment, then opened them to glance ahead. Turning the ignition, starting the engine, gripping the wheel, the car slowly rolled out of the garage.

“Squad leader, my classmate came to visit me. Could I have half a day’s leave to look around Bashu City?” Xiaoxue pleaded with Black Phoenix.

The city gates swung open, revealing heaps of corpses—evidently the gate’s garrison. Each wore armor, but what had once been shining and sturdy was now rusted and decrepit, encasing nothing but bleak white bones.

Step by step, whether it was Shui Wuxin, the other guards, or even Prime Minister Zhou—who had always disliked Yan Chutian—they all found themselves convinced.

Yet, with so many people unable to kill that demonic beast and even being pursued so far, something was clearly amiss.

“The domain has already enveloped this city. Its counterattack is about to begin,” the middle-aged man said, gazing blankly out the window.

Dongfang Wenying’s fate was sealed; there was no need to remain there any longer. As smoke swirled, he vanished, yet forever remembered the face of that sniper.