Chapter 128: The Eighth Layer of True Qi, the Aura of Decline and Calamity

Amid the blood-red purgatory, Ling Xiaozhi’s agonizing screams echoed relentlessly, as if he were enduring unbearable torment. Yet, the cries ceased in an instant. By the time Cao Kun’s fist shadow reached the center, Ling Xiaozhi had already fallen completely silent.

“You’re seeking death!”

Seeing his path to immortality shattered, Cao Kun’s fury surged uncontrollably. His lone wolf eyes, filled with a sinister coldness, shot out a chilling light.

At this moment, there was no time to hesitate.

“If he doesn’t satisfy us, I will still stop this marriage,” Song Deqing said sternly beside him.

Du Wenrou closed her eyes, searching through her memories. She found what she sought. The current Emperor’s Marquis of War, the younger brother of Noble Consort Lou, named Lou Dongfeng, was granted his title for his meritorious service in protecting the emperor and his remarkable military achievements. The emperor held him in special favor, bestowing the title with the character “Emperor” to signify his status.

“Dongfeng was taken from the princess’s hands back then. Should we return him to her now?” Song Ximing raised the question.

Just after Cheng Xunxun left, An Yin and Zhou Yanzhen appeared at the entrance of the mourning hall. Both dressed in black, An Yin wore sunglasses and linked arms with Zhou Yanzhen as they entered. Approaching the coffin, An Yin personally offered incense, then moved to the family members to express condolences.

Supported by Runyu, Ling Su steadied herself slightly, her eyes never leaving Jin Liunian. If it weren’t for Ling Jing’s betrayal, she might never have encountered such trials, nor would she have met Jin Liunian, who plunged into danger to save her.

In ways Gu Lian never imagined, she was not only used by Fan Xuebing against Mo Wanlin but also directly disrupted Yu Youjia’s work schedule—this was what enraged Gu Lian the most.

He Jiali had prepared a sumptuous feast. Everyone was present, and music played softly, setting the perfect atmosphere.

Zhao Fuxin entrusted Ouyang Feng to the guards’ care. Ouyang Feng was unconscious, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. Gazing at the exquisite sword case made of yellow rosewood in his hands, he hesitated to let it go—not merely because the sword was tied to his life.

Before Cheng Xunxun could finish speaking, Zhou Yanqing lowered his head and kissed her lips. The kiss was forceful; he bit her lips and tongue like a punishment. Cheng Xunxun did not resist but bore it all. Slowly, a tear slid down her cheek, mingling with their lips, leaving a faint bitterness.

The next day, Liu Tianhao arranged with Huangfu Song to dispatch all subsequent supplies and provisions to Jinyang City, the capital of Bingzhou Prefecture. They then handed over command to Huangfu Song, bid farewell, and withdrew northward, crossing the Yellow River.

Uncle Rong’s expression grew increasingly grave as he studied the data on the paper. After a long moment, he placed the paper on the tea table and absentmindedly tapped it with his middle finger.

Xuan Shao finished speaking and glanced once more at Yan Yu. His obsidian-like eyes were filled with deep concern, yet he turned away and walked toward the door.

Now it was the turn of the two big names in the entertainment industry to widen their eyes in astonishment. Only then did they fully grasp the extraordinary relationship between Baotong Temple and the Wang family. Even the beloved son of the family could be sent here to become a monk—such depth was unimaginable.

Yan Yu felt utterly exhausted. Forcing a smile, she closed her eyes and fainted.

Ye Ying’s expression jolted, revealing shock. This was the New China, not the old society. Killing someone wasn’t so simple anymore. Yet this thorny task was thrust upon me—wasn’t this forcing me to walk the same dark path with him?

“Did I ask you? Zou Fengya, you’ve always wished my mother dead for your own happiness!” Bai Nian shouted sharply, eyes blazing, her grimace resembling a demon from the depths of hell.

With a thought, Xia Haoran summoned a three-legged tripod cauldron over a meter tall, appearing out of thin air on the concrete floor. Good heavens, was this the complete form of the Shennong Cauldron?