Volume One, Chapter 42: Exemption from Public Grain Tax

“What do you mean?” Yin Chen had just raised his hand, ready to tap Zhao Linghun on the forehead—a standard gesture he used when “scolding” him—but he paused mid-motion, his hand lingering in the air without delivering the blow.

“They say few in the Immortal Realm can match him.” Though the words were spoken, Shi Qing dared not casually speak ill behind the back of such an unparalleled master.

Atop the Bone Dragon sat an armored skeletal knight. In the hollow sockets of the skull, flames flickered like two intensely condensed orbs of energy, and wherever the knight’s gaze fell, it seemed like beams of light pierced through the darkness.

Yin Chen’s voice turned cold, low and hoarse, carrying a subtle hypnotic menace, yet his coaxing had no effect at all.

She was Lin Xuanchen. The moment she watered the flame, Yin Chen’s extinguished fire rekindled. Otherwise, even if Wang Shenhail had been cast into the sea, that fire would never have died out.

Next, they would venture to Hu Ban’s hidden treasure trove. Gu Wen had a strong feeling that the contents of this secret place were crucial to him; missing it would surely lead to regret.

This device simulated the sensations of weightlessness and flight, perfectly replicating the feeling of wearing steel armor.

A shout rose from the soldiers aboard the ship, but Huang Gai strode forward, grabbed the helm, and steered the Red Horse Vessel just in time, averting disaster and saving the ship and crew.

Rushing in, Wu Mu, after exchanging greetings, got straight to the point and recounted the story of Ye Yifei killing Mo Ye—though he conveniently omitted the fact that he himself had been beaten.

It was declared that the state would no longer restrict the number of children one could have, instead adopting a voluntary and autonomous policy, allowing individuals to decide their own reproductive matters.

“Captain Ise, isn’t that unnecessary? The Celestial Team only appeared three days after us. Do we really need to place such importance on the Central State Team? Could it be that the Central State Team is stronger than the Celestial Team? That’s impossible,” Yamamoto, short and stout, scoffed disdainfully.

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Jiang Qi glanced back at the curious onlookers and the guards sprawled drunkenly at the entrance, letting out a faint snort. “If that is the case, Qi won’t linger. But if one day I find out you deceived me today, don’t blame me for being ruthless.” With that, he whistled, summoning Zhui Yun from nearby.

When it was confirmed that Black Wind perished under the moonlight, several young women refused to believe it and began questioning me on how exactly I managed to kill him.

“Xin’er?” Zhu Jun exclaimed in surprise. He never expected Huo Xin’er to be here, and even to have arrived earlier than himself.

Miao Ran glanced at He Baoguo. She had brought her elder brother-in-law along partly because He Jianguo worried about her safety, and partly because she needed to assess this man’s abilities. Miao Ran wanted to check if this room or the box had any cameras or other advanced surveillance equipment.

“Chu Xuan, can you figure out what the Sen State Team is thinking?” Xiao Honglü asked, while commanding several East Sea Team members he had enslaved to hold the front line.

“Young Master, have the old manor send someone in to inspect and clean once more. Let’s head to our place first,” Zhan Song said in the local dialect to those behind him, then took the lead with Zhan Shuo, luggage in tow.

Unaware of my meaning in Heaven, a shadow suddenly flung itself beside Yue Hanfeixue. With twin swords, one swept horizontally, perfectly blocking the Tree Demon’s attack.

Xia Yenuo thought it was just her imagination and paid no mind as she opened the door to her office. Unexpectedly, even his usually calm demeanor was shaken by someone inside.

The commotion far exceeded Ling Luo’s expectations, for one thing he hadn’t anticipated was that Tong Tong’s popularity had soared far beyond before.

Her face showed disbelief, teeth clenched at her lip, sorrowful enough that Si Chengdu thought she might give up—only to see her suddenly lift her head.

Ning Chuan strode confidently toward the Long family, laughing loudly as he walked.

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Long Zhongying remained silent, fearing that if she said “yes,” Ning Chuan might overthink it.

Unconsciously, Ning Chuan pondered the future: if one day he grew old and his body failed him, would he lie helplessly in bed, hooked up to countless medical devices, just like the patients he had seen?

Gu seemed not to hear her words, pulling her by the shoulder to force her downstairs with him.

Chang Qing, trying to ease Long Zhongying's tension, spoke softly without turning to look at her.

Yet, the matter remained grave. The city government had to take charge of the investigation, especially the pursuit of Zhang Yang. Delays would surely provoke dissatisfaction from the provincial government, particularly from Lu Yuan.

“I’m a bit tired today. I’m going to wash up and sleep,” Yu Duo said, yawning. She was truly exhausted.

The four Taoist warriors had guarded the village overnight and made preparations, yet the murderer still succeeded. A seventeen-year-old youth had died at home, his head severed—a silent mockery from the killer directed at those Taoist protectors.

After hanging up, Lin Ge lay on her bed, eyes closed but mind in turmoil. The urgency to complete the mission left her unable to calm down.