Chapter 39: Irrelevant

Taking the contract, Ye Yan paused for a moment. He hadn't expected Xu Si to be in such a rush, skipping even the most basic pleasantries; it didn't quite seem like him.

If this were history, he would have unhesitatingly named the Li family of Taiyuan, but in the original record of the Great Tang, it was hardly certain—not to mention that the world had changed drastically since then.

Half a year had slipped by, and Yang Guang, true to his malignant nature, was relentlessly squeezing the life out of the populace. He pushed for the construction of massive ships, preparing for a pleasure cruise to Yangzhou, while leading his few remaining elite troops north to the border to flex his military might.

Shen Faxing, the Governor of Wuxing Commandery, rose in rebellion. With an army of sixty thousand, he occupied over a dozen commanderies south of the Yangtze River. This was territory Li Zitong had his eyes on, and naturally, he was unwilling to yield. He not only ordered an attack but also demanded that the Jianghuai Army, with whom he was allied, deploy their forces as well.

As she finished writing the first sentence, Jiang Xiao felt her anger subside, for these two lines had stirred an unexpected ripple in her heart.

Eighteen armored vehicles and eighteen Gatling guns unleashed thirty to forty thousand rounds of ammunition in just one minute, and their assault showed no sign of stopping.

Inside the great hall, Mo Yunchuan took a light sip of the tea in his hand and explained his purpose to Jiang Yuanxiao, who sat across from him.

She scrambled up from the floor, but as she took a step back, she suddenly collided with a solid chest. The scent of alcohol filled her nostrils, leaving her dizzy.

After indulging in a hearty round of self-congratulation in the depths of his heart, Zhu Xianhai took out another box.

Yet, he did not take a single step back, for he, too, wanted to see just how great the gap in physical prowess was between himself and these men.

"Mingxuan, what do you think?" After spending so much time together, everyone had grown accustomed to following his suggestions.

"Didn't you keep calling me a loser just now? Today, everyone else can leave, but you cannot!" Danchen pointed at Gu Qing and said fiercely.

Lu Bu was equally unyielding; he swung his painted halberd in a reverse strike, slamming it into Zhao Yun’s back. Jolted by pain, Zhao Yun had no time to pull back his bright silver spear. He let go with one hand, jerked the reins with both, and leaned back, forcing his horse, which was about to collapse, to regain its footing.

***

After a long while, Shi Jingtian raised his head and wiped the tears from his face. He had wept once over Li Siguang’s betrayal, and again over Qin’er’s death; now, he had wept uncontrollably once more.

"Old master, my name is Lin Jingyi. Please, don't be so formal. I can't stand it—it's giving me goosebumps." Lin Jingyi truly couldn't handle such polite pleasantries.

Some advised the general that if the sword was broken, so be it; he should just get a new one, a better one.

Facing this man, Yan Wudao could only offer insincere words; after all, this was a man he could not afford to offend.

Beneath Ji Pass, in the Cao camp, cups were passed around. Cao Ren held his sword in hand and walked toward the high platform. His booming voice echoed across the field, stirring the soldiers' fighting spirit.

Lin Jingyi was a bit curious; ever since they had met, he knew that Jin Shi had always wanted to go out and see the world beyond.

True to his word, Mingxuan immediately went back to pack his luggage, ready to leave and seek out new challenges.

As Shen Qin walked away, Qin Sang’s anxious voice rang out behind her. Shen Qin’s footsteps faltered for the briefest moment, but she did not stop.

Not far away, Xiao Shuo watched as Mu Jin was held by the man in that intimate posture. He picked up a glass of red wine and drained it in one gulp.

Once he finished speaking, Li Jingsheng crushed the remaining half of his cigarette in the ashtray, stood up, and walked toward the entryway.

The dishes had been ordered beforehand, all signature plates of this private restaurant. Yu Dangui wasn't picky, eating whatever others ordered. However, Liao Zhiping still apologized to Yu Dangui for taking the liberty of choosing the meal.

Their eyes met, and Ruo Yu was nearly led astray again by the warmth in Tianxiu’s jade-like gaze.

However, only a few in the sect realized this. As for the others, the higher-ups were obsessed with internal strife, while the young disciples either followed their lead or remained naive, believing that no matter what, they were all members of the same sect and would continue to support one another.

***

After a long while, Qin Zheng released her and cupped her face, looking at her intently. His gaze was so warm it seemed capable of melting Nie Wanluo.

Li Chendian bent down, took one look at the deceased's clothing, and then frantically pushed through the onlookers, throwing himself onto the body and wailing in agony.

Xiao Shuo let out a soft chuckle; it wasn't loud, nor was it mocking—at most, it was the amusement of a bystander.

The expression on Yan Yuan's face changed slightly, his features softening visibly, carrying an undisguised depth of affection.

The scoundrel father, unwilling to deal with this disrespectful child any longer, simply told Princess Yong’an to dispose of the matter as she pleased.

As expected, there was no response. A complex series of emotions flickered across the soldier's face. "Are there any warriors of Xiliang in the mist?" he asked, phrasing it differently, though his furrowed brow and clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil.

A month had passed, and Dongfang Han’s figure appeared at the location of the grand teleportation array in the Holy City.

Ten minutes later, Yang Ke and Will were walking leisurely along the riverfront promenade, scouting for a target. Will carried a camera, the logos of MBC and *Infinite Challenge* covered with white paper.

Ximen Xin’er returned to the wall opening, steadying her emotions. The hole opened, and a rough, aged voice emerged: "Copper plate." Ximen Xin’er held her breath, offering no reply. The rough voice spoke again: "Copper plate." Ximen Xin’er remained silent.