Chapter 17: Standing Back Up

She reached out and plucked a bell from its silver chain, then tossed it into a vase filled with water. The bell, freed from its delicate chain, shimmered instantly beneath the surface. She watched curiously until the light faded, then snipped the candlewick and pulled the embroidered quilt over herself, drifting into sleep.

He felt a burning pain in his left eye and an icy chill in his right, but unable to control his body, he couldn't even reach up to rub them.

Wind Wuyi ignored the words spoken behind him, focusing intently on sensing the aura blade of Huoke Nu.

With her influence, a casual mention on stage would instantly garner countless shares and support from netizens.

If I were alone with Ah Xiang, I fear I would lose all restraint and be easily tempted by her.

This week, I’ve truly felt every metric rising; my confidence surged, filling me with joy.

My hint was nothing more than pouring oil on the fire, hastening her revenge.

After meeting Liu Qingning during the Spring Festival, she ignited a powerful resolve: to reclaim the twenty lost years and return to her rightful place.

Ha, it’s no wonder that the military commander can control a garrison full of fierce generals—he likely holds sway over the governors and commanders by knowing their dirty secrets... Such a man should not be a military chief; he ought to castrate himself and serve as a eunuch inspector, patrolling the inner court while surveilling and controlling officials.

Elsewhere, having left Shouchun Yong, Shi Nanxi was caught up by Liang Jiugong as she prepared for a stroll by the rear lake.

Li Muye said nothing but handed her a crab missing one claw. He Xiaoqi paused, then took it and fiercely bit off the other claw.

Meanwhile, in the real world, Lin Yin handed her phone to Irene, briefing her on the situation and outlining her next steps.

Five of them stepped into the inn, greeted warmly by the owner’s enthusiastic welcome.

“Too bad, after today, you won’t get another chance!” Yuan Chen said coldly. Suddenly, he stomped, a vast aura erupting from him as he charged toward Yan Gu Xuejun.

---

After exhaling dragon’s breath, the golden dragon swung its tail at Hua Jieyu again, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

“Proud Mastery of the Absolute: Wildfire Blaze!” Situ Xuan unleashed his most formidable technique, the strongest he could wield.

A Bao seemed very trusting, cautiously scanning the surroundings. I knew well that the ‘she’ they spoke of was me, concealed.

“No one knows except Lu Jingyu and me,” Cui Hao said nervously. He Liu’s gaze was sharp, rarely seen so piercing.

Li Maogong smiled at Minister Murong, especially when he saw Murong’s carefully concealed but noticeably thinning hair, his smile brightened even more.

It’s good that the child has grown up; the only regret is that Lu Dongting suddenly realized his own age.

These viruses weren’t merely spreading; they continuously mutated, absorbing microbes from rain and stagnant water, multiplying exponentially.

That day, the amusement park’s live stream nearly exploded with viewers, thanks to Emperor Zhou Yu’s influence and the drool-worthy god-tier collectibles—success was inevitable.

Wow, it seems I’ve been banned in the 2D world. Apart from a line of text appearing above my head when I look in the mirror, there are no benefits.

The only way to make them willingly part with their silver is to offer them greater profits.

Meanwhile, the demon outside felt a deep unease, sensing a strange force inside her belly. She felt her dark space being violently destroyed by a powerful energy—whatever it was, it tore at the heart.

Beside the hotel stood a Grade A stadium, where a match would be held three days hence at 9 p.m. Coincidentally, a singer was holding a concert there; a ticket would grant access. Though Zhou Yu did not know the singer, his real purpose was to watch the other match on the stands.

Hearing this, the burly man’s eyes gleamed with a hint of joy. It seemed he could use the blood pool to take down the arrogant fellow and avenge his brother.

Lin Tian naturally had no need to deny it—after all, he set the trap, so he wasn’t worried about the opponent going off-script.

---

“Pah!” Though her hands were shackled, Alice expressed disdain and refusal through her actions.

Han Yu chuckled inwardly. If it were other means, he might hesitate, but to think mere flames could trap him was pure fantasy! Playing the part fully, he made no resistance, letting the flames engulf him. Just as he pondered whether to scream, the second sister's expression suddenly stiffened, and she quickly put away her Buddhist beads.

He had prepared to face the consequences, but Jiang Lin’s smile rekindled a bright hope within him.

As the two struggled to accept this information, another message arrived.

Lu Xiuchen cast a sidelong glance at him, his brow faintly furrowed, a cold glare shooting straight at him, his face seeming to say, “I don’t know you.”

“You kicked her, no one else would,” Luo Feifei shouted angrily.

Besides, if Yu Zhizhi were present, she might mock her endlessly; she was foolish to let Yu Zhizhi witness it firsthand.

Could it be as I suspected all along—that Lin Mo had been silently enduring all these years, only now revealing his claws upon discovering the rebellion of King Liang and Xiao Ruzhi?

Though he harbored vague suspicions, he dared not believe it, for he had held hope—only to be disappointed too many times.

Though the nine madmen remained defiant, always plotting rebellion, they sometimes listened to Jiang Ruocheng.

At that moment, Jin Feng approached, glanced at Blood Phoenix without a word, and simply stood beside Luo Li.

“I never said that; I was just asking routinely. Why are you so nervous?” Yu Zhizhi narrowed her eyes dangerously. With this reaction, it was truly hard not to suspect their involvement.