Chapter 38: A Blind Cat Stumbles Upon a Dead Mouse

Sun Jian’s expression shifted dramatically upon hearing this.

The inspectors from the Censorate, however, seemed rather unconvinced.

"Lord Qin, we dropped torches everywhere we went; nothing could hide from our sight. We have thoroughly combed the area and found nothing amiss. What else is there to search for?"

Qin Yu let out a dry, dismissive laugh. He turned to Ge Tianyun and said, "I must say, the way your Censorate conducts a search..."

"Understood." Gu Cheng'an immediately issued the orders, and he, along with Lin Bingxuan and the others, began the urgent task of repairing the escape protocols.

After giving his instructions to Lin Bingxuan, Meng Bei went to fetch an oxygen tank, which he strapped to his body before biting down on the breathing apparatus. He was about to engage in a life-or-death struggle with the mutated Roger; wearing a full spacesuit would be too cumbersome, and he would be much more agile with just the tank.

"I do indeed have one. How did you know that?" Old Master Tong squinted at him, his voice laced with disbelief.

"If it comes to it, we have no choice but to force our way in," Roger replied to Gu Cheng'an after a moment of reflection.

Nine years have passed. Like a child to their parents, I have grown deeply dependent on you, constantly reaching out for your support, while you have always given and helped me selflessly.

Wei Nong's heart was indeed wavering. The seeds of doubt sown months ago had grown alongside Yun Chen's words, gradually casting a massive shadow over her mind. Yet, when faced with Yun Chen, she found herself more willing to trust Ming Chenyuan for the time being.

King Shaze had initially harbored some doubts, but upon learning that Jinhua had brought only three thousand personal guards, he completely dismissed his suspicions.

The captain of the Holy Church’s troops wore a look of utter exasperation, while the nearby elves and human adventurers burst into laughter. It seemed this was not the first time Chromie had been arrested.

The following day, after the morning court session concluded, Ming Chenyuan and Nie Xinghen discussed state affairs in private. Afterward, Ming Chenyuan expressed his desire to meet with Wei Lianpian. Knowing there was an ambiguous connection between them, Nie Xinghen readily agreed and even found an excuse to summon Wei Lianpian. The two arranged to meet in the backyard of the Eastern Palace.

Because she had tasks to occupy her, she did not feel the army's march was sluggish. She accompanied the troops for over two months before returning to Jingzhou. By then, Nie Xinghen had already been back in the palace for over a month, having finished dealing with the backlog of government affairs.

He did not know how much time had passed. As the flames dissipated, Solon regained consciousness. He touched his clothes, which were miraculously intact, and his face filled with astonishment. He clearly remembered his clothes—and his very flesh—being devoured by the insects.

Feng Yuetong clicked her tongue inwardly—it seemed this place was well-accustomed to travelers? Someone had actually crossed over here thousands of years ago.

Zuo Feibai glanced at Lin Ling, signaling to Cheng Tianfang to ask if he minded being overheard by her.

"What?" Solon stiffened. The shadow of a golden scale flashed before his eyes, and suddenly, his hand felt heavy. The corpse that had been stuffed inside his ring reappeared on the ground, and a chaotic, powerful, and familiar energy enveloped his entire body.

The whimpering, buzzing cries sounded as desolate, terrifying, and sorrowful as those of vengeful spirits from the depths of hell.

Consort Xian remained expressionless. She found a relatively clean spot, brushed it off with her sleeve, and sat down as if she were still a noblewoman seated on a high throne, her gaze drifting aimlessly toward Lin Ruo.

Beneath the thin skin on the back of her hand, the veins surrounding the wound were clearly visible; they crawled across her skin in a mottled, interlacing web, as if they were desperate to burst through the barrier of her flesh.

"It is quite simple: handle those responsible, and I can settle this matter immediately," Su Beichen said coolly.

He suddenly recalled a joke Lin Ruo had once made: "The most beastly men often wear the most polished masks."

When the door opened, Yuan Zhengqing’s insincere, smiling face appeared. Without waiting for Lin Qingya to respond, he stepped into the private room first.