Volume One, Chapter 21: The Priceless Dove

In the realm of cinema, even Qian Lai was no match for Yan Xuan, who had amassed her fortune through various means tied to filmmaking.

Sometimes, human memory itself cannot be trusted; it automatically beautifies and alters certain events, making the good even more splendid and the ugly more repulsive. It can also render some memories like rippling dreams on the water’s surface, leaving one to doubt whether they truly happened.

Every time Zamuchen looked at Wei Xin’s face, he longed to step forward and scratch it, yet he could only watch helplessly as Wei Xin walked away.

Just then, a skylark flew over. Ye Qingcheng sat up and reached out her arm, and the skylark alighted upon it.

He did not oppose competition among players nor fear the tension it might bring, but appearing now was simply too premature.

Of course, how far they were from the final step was still unknown. At this stage, their abilities only allowed them to open a temporary mirror-like space for defense or to imprison enemies. At best, they could replicate some attacks, turning the enemy’s weapons against them.

“Next up is dealing with this scrap metal,” Captain Kajio vividly likened the current state of the Celestial Realm.

The great hall bore no golden plaques symbolizing family honor. Upon reflection, that made sense—this very hall and the massive spirit tablet rack already attested to the Yuan family’s glory.

Ye Kai said, “The day before yesterday was the day someone brought the coffin.”

Boss Song replied, “How come I didn’t see five strangers like that come into town that day?”

Xu Yangjian nodded. They all understood such rules: as the fish to the butcher’s knife, before negotiating terms, many actions could be taken.

Amber frowned unconsciously. What did Duanmu Hao mean? How could anyone be glad that others hated them?

***

Wang Lingyue kept her head bowed, speaking softly, “I know nothing said now will help.” Then she suddenly lifted her head, gazed earnestly at Luo Tian, and pleadingly said, “It’s all my fault. Please spare Qin Feng.” A tear slipped down, and her voice choked with emotion.

The light released within the spatial barrier was blinding, leaving everyone uncertain of what was transpiring inside. Many believed Luo Tian would surely perish under the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder, but Ling Kong and others firmly believed that even the world’s strongest magic could not take Luo Tian’s life.

“Owen, have you arrived?” Ding Yalan searched around but saw no sign of Xiong Xiaobai. Even calling An Weichen went unanswered. Feeling isolated, she was unexpectedly relieved to see Xiong Ruiyi at that moment.

Watching Shangguan Feng follow, the eunuch’s lips curled into a faintly sinister smile. Yet Shangguan Feng remained oblivious, for she truly harbored no such scheming heart—and besides, she knew that with Xuanyuan Ye around, everything would be fine!

Entering the production workshop, Zhong Shan immediately spotted Liao Bingkun busy at work and greeted him.

“Don’t pretend,” Duanmu Hao had overheard Han Jingxuan say she was already prepared to accompany him to hell.

Shangguan Lengyi smiled foolishly, relaxed, and laid back on the grass like Ziyan, facing the blue sky and enjoying a moment of tranquility.

Though only a fleeting glance, Wang Yu clearly saw the shape of the Destruction Beast. It resembled an ancient tyrannosaurus. Wang Yu even suspected this beast had survived from an era far older than the ancient times.

“Diplomatic work” had always been one of Zhong Shan’s priorities. All guests were well treated; their requests for ceramic exchanges were fulfilled, and without exception, they were invited to stay a few more days at the “Ceremonial Guesthouse” outside the Zhong Village ancestral temple.

Long Shen looked at Zhang Hao’s car with a wry smile. He had intended to hold a unique conversation at Zhang Hao’s villa but had not expected Zhang Hao to be so wary as to drive straight out of town.

That night, Tian arrived in Russia, several days after departing Jiangcheng. His destination was not Moscow, the capital.

***

Just as Jiutouben and all the immortal powers prepared to strike and kill Chu Feng, a thunderous roar shook the nine heavens, echoing into everyone’s ears.

“Now it’s your turn!” Zhang Hao withdrew his hands, raised his brow, and looked at Masayano Gen.

Only after inheriting everything did he realize that medicine was not just the modern tradition of Chinese medicine but included poison doctors, charm doctors, and others. Especially charm doctors—legendary figures capable of expelling diseases from the body with a single talisman. Think of the power that held.

Originally, there was no problem; Tae-yue should have felt relieved. Yet for some reason, Tae-yue grew increasingly uneasy, though he couldn’t pinpoint why.

Those few staff members were somewhat speechless. Though Xia Ying was intelligent, her words were jumbled, making little sense.

Luo Meifeng promised Zhang Hao she would invite experts for further research and hoped Zhang Hao would supervise closely. Having heard that Song Chunxiang was a Seven Orifices Flower planting consultant, Luo Meifeng directly asked for her phone number, candidly saying she would consult Song Chunxiang if anything was unclear.

Seeing that Beidao Qianxue did not refuse, Fujiwara Sara—without hesitation—picked up her teacup and took a sip.

***