Chapter 22: The Baos' Innocence

"Your Majesty, it has been determined that the assassin's appearance is ultimately linked to Prime Minister Li Changshu!" Ye Changmian spoke in a low, grave voice.

Boom!

At that moment, Qin Xiao erupted in fury.

He shouted, "Guards!"

Ye Changmian hurriedly interjected, "Your Majesty, you must not."

...

When he reached a spot just five or six meters from the mountaintop, the path dipped downward. Pang Tong could see the scenery beyond the mountain, gazing at the vast forests, lofty peaks, and low hills. He strode forward, heading outward, returning to the world he once belonged to.

Upon hearing Ouyang Luo's words, Su Ying shrank back. As long as Su Binghuai remained, she could not find a moment's peace. Instead of lingering here in fear and anxiety, it seemed wiser to let Ouyang Luo take her somewhere safe.

For a time, Hu Shubao and I were trapped in a long, awkward silence. I looked at her, and she glanced at me, then at the animated show playing on the television, as if unsure how to begin.

To be honest, he had been uncomfortable then, feeling he wasn't as bad as others believed, but now it was clear he had overestimated himself.

Pang Tong spoke as he walked over to the wooden racks, searching for a peerless sword, but found only bronze and iron blades, all exceedingly ordinary.

Regret filled his heart at that moment. If not for a rash impulse clouding his mind, if he hadn't tried to violate Su Jiaxue, he would not have fallen so low.

Yao Zhan said, "By chance, I brought food and wine. Your Highness need not prepare anything—they are ready." He showed the food box and wine jar in his hand.

Iron Yin Mountain was incomparably sturdy. Martial Emperors had once fought atop it, leaving only blade marks and sword holes, utterly incapable of causing large-scale destruction to the mountain.

Jian Mo's nerves, once taut, gradually relaxed... her nose tingled and her eyes grew misty.

"The Second Young Master hasn't left yet..." The centurion, feeling wronged, was about to speak when Bei Minghong kicked him again.

Among the five nations, the people of Dizhao made crafting their national foundation. According to her deduction as an alchemist, forging a divine weapon required several conditions: the quality of the ore, the fire, and the mental strength of the craftsman.

Though that girl was told to consider, several days had passed with no response. It seemed her heart truly belonged to Prince Jing.

On Dao Peak, formal sparring could only be conducted within the Dao Academy; private duels elsewhere were forbidden. If discovered, entry to the Dao Academy would be barred for thousands of years—a punishment agonizing for cultivators who lived for their practice.

When he heard the servants mention her questioning the maid in the Four Winds Courtyard, he knew trouble was imminent.

The sun rose high overhead, its fierce rays drawing sweat from the exhausted trio of Class Seven, weary from the drills. The development that followed was unsurprising: Naruto and Sasuke, having broken free of their restraints, sought opportunities again, only to fail entirely.

Hunters differed from farmers; hunters could enjoy meat and sold their game themselves. They were often robust and quick-witted, unlike the weak and numb common folk. The Dong brothers were both hunters, supporting each other and stronger for it.

Qian Qian understood this tactic—it was a subtle reminder to the Duke Wei's family that she was not a true princess, incomparable to the Emperor's own phoenixes, her current status and position granted only by royal favor.

The doctrine of moderation held neither good nor evil, neither right nor wrong, seeking only simplicity and purity. It could be the essence of the Dao, or of yin and yang.

"Kakashi, we didn't get to finish last time. This time, my Sharkskin will savor the taste of your blood," Kisame hefted the bandaged sword, smiling coldly.