Chapter 167: Peril on Every Side

While Ye Cheng was busy handling the matters concerning his subordinates who had once lurked among the Xiongnu, a massive crisis was quietly taking shape elsewhere.
A few days ago, in Liuzhou, at the Wu family residence.
"Sir, Young Master, something bizarre has happened."
Steward Liu ran in a panic from outside the villa into the living room.
"Panicking..."

Now, history seemed to be repeating itself, only in a far more severe manner. Once Yang Sichang was replaced, not only would Li Zicheng prove impossible to suppress, but the Later Jin from the north would also seize the opportunity to breach the passes, plunging the Ming dynasty once again into the awkward predicament of fighting a war on two fronts.

According to the theories of certain arcane schools, this is the reactive force exerted by nature against anomalous phenomena of concentrated magic. Similarly, divine blessings and mantra-enhancements, including the various applications of spiritual talismans, all suffer from the problem of time limits. Regardless of which spellcasting system is employed, rendering a magical effect permanent always demands a price.

Pablo truly had no time to spare for him. Leaving no words behind, he skirted past the front of the pickup truck and continued running forward, with Weekend following closely behind. The scene unfolding before them happened in the blink of an eye; it felt as though he had stepped onto a Hollywood movie set, the sight awakening countless memories within him.

The treasures he had scavenged from the Cracked Mystical Earth had all been authenticated by Yuchan, though he had omitted any mention of Lingpingzi, feeling that it was a private matter belonging to another and not something that should be shared with too many people. He had only intended to speak of it with Zhixia, but as fate would have it, heaven had arranged otherwise, and he ran into the Four Fortunes of Yunlin before he even had the chance to mention it to his Second Senior Sister.

"I know, your regenerative ability is exceptionally strong, isn't that right?" Meng Cangyuan still wore a stern expression.

Xun Yi glanced around, finding the phantom gone, and then grinned, saying, "I was just praying to the heavens. Heh, the Old Man Up There is certainly giving me quite a bit of face. Are you alright now?" Since the True Immortal was unwilling to manifest, it was best not to pierce the veil; such high personages presumably detested unnecessary complications.

The confrontation between the two parties had long since alerted the various sects residing on the upper and lower floors, and disciples from each faction had rushed over to watch the excitement.

Thinking of how deeply worried his master would become should he fail to return on time, he truly could not resist falling out with this celestial consort.

After nightfall, Lin Tao installed infrared surveillance cameras around the county town and the temporary base. The body temperatures of the xenomorphs were higher than those of ordinary people, allowing scientists to observe their nocturnal behavior through the lenses.

Putting on a forced smile, he chatted with the five of them for a while before leading Lang Ming to the spot where he had discarded the stones.

Under the soft, amber glow of the lights, Zhou Xiaoyi appeared even more stunning and moving, noble yet elegant. Shi Xiaofeng sighed inwardly: she was no longer the Zhou Xiaoyi he used to know.

"No way, the first few items depend on your ability, but the last is out of the question. If you can manage it, go ahead and pursue me; if you can't, I won't let you chase me even if I die." Si Zhe raised an eyebrow, issued an ultimatum, and logged off.

Such combat examples were fully recognized for their tactical value by the Soviet forces during World War II and were actively promoted. In certain campaigns, Soviet snipers instilled a terrifying sense of dread among German military officers, playing a significant role in shattering German morale.

Shi Xiaofeng traversed mountains and ridges all the way, moving with the agility of a bird in flight, thinking to himself: Is this what it felt like back then for the Expeditionary Force crossing the Savage Mountain? His imagination ran wild as he envisioned the scenes of the Expeditionary Force annihilating the enemy, silently paying tribute to the heroes of the War of Resistance.

Ever since she was intimidated by me, Sun Zhiyang had been utterly respectful toward Qingxuan. People who are so full of themselves deserve this kind of intimidation; otherwise, they will remain arrogant and overbearing forever.

Even though Captain Chen knew Shi Xiaofeng's intention was to stall for time, he still felt displeased and let it show.

"Comrade, could you tell me how to get to Jinqiao Building?" With her head slightly tilted, she anxiously and somewhat blankly shuttled through the misty rain, asking repeatedly, hoping someone could relieve her confusion.