Volume 1, Chapter 38. Chu Mian: I am late. Fu Jinnian: You arrived just in time.

The first set of nine illustrations records the method of dissolving internal energy and refining the body’s nine acupoints to absorb an enemy’s internal force. Lu Renjia named this state "The Sea Embracing All Rivers."

Although under siege, thanks to timely help from the chairman and prime minister, no significant damage occurred, especially to the equipment inside.

He urgently commanded over forty thousand cavalry to split into four routes: three to confront the troops of Bingzhou from the rear, front, and within the camp, while one team was held in reserve to provide support and guard his own side.

A tremendous wave of energy and spatial fluctuations rippled instantly. The region folded by space collapsed like a compressed spring, releasing all at once. Enormous spatial waves radiated in all directions across the void, which resembled a shattered mirror riddled with countless colorful cracks.

“The soul and gaze of our king watch over this place from the Gate of Heaven… We shall safeguard the final tranquility!” Captain Nu Feng of the bow unit sighed deeply. With no enemies left within his range of hatred, he waved his hand, and he along with all the archers behind him slowly vanished from sight.

Among the empire’s critical strategic locations, the Xius Hill Fortress was not as vital as the Tianheng Fortress, yet it was far from an ordinary stronghold. Only seasoned veterans of Junlin were stationed here for extended periods. At this moment, Lin Jun’s figure appeared inside the fortress.

Moreover, she indeed had questions for Yang Nai, though whether he would answer her and how much he would reveal was known only to the heavens.

“Heh heh, this is your destiny—none shall escape,” the venerable Lianyun sneered malevolently.

But before he could scan the star system to confirm the target area, a flashing point appeared, blinking rapidly on the radar screen.

“That night? Hmph! I was chasing Loki! If it weren’t for the ambush, could you have hurt me? I’d like to see how many blows you can withstand wearing that tin can!” Boasting, the proud Thor waved his hand, causing a glow to flicker. His ancient Thunder Hammer appeared in hand.

Though Elder Mei’s abilities were formidable, they remained scattered and lacked a core power truly capable of protecting him.

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“What ideas could there be? Isn’t King Bichi’s intention obvious?” Xie Yeyu replied with a smile.

Yet at this very moment, even though her heart leapt with joy as if every fiber of her being was celebrating, and she wished to grin from ear to ear, her face still bore an expression of admiration and curiosity. Shui Yao timely gave a thumbs-up in praise.

Song Xueliang smiled. Even as an adversary, Luo Lie could not help but admit her smile was enchanting and captivating.

The turmoil within his heart was clearly reflected in his body. As conflicting thoughts battled fiercely inside, he could no longer perfectly control his Sand Gathering Divine Skill—half of his body began to turn to sand, drifting away with the wind, while the other half hardened into rock.

Lin Yi’s complexion returned to normal as he said, “We had all the steps in place; it was only the final negotiation with Zhao Tiancheng left. If not for the sudden incident at Liushuping, it would have been settled. But when we went to talk to him yesterday, Zhao Tiancheng set a condition: he wanted to speak to you directly, or else he wouldn’t proceed.”

Liu Beibei was already boiling with anger. Cur Jing’s provocations ignited her fury like lighting a fuse, and she snarled fiercely, about to pounce on her opponent.

As for the power of Doom, disguising fortune was just as crucial. These were two interrelated yet completely opposing forces. Would simulating the opponent’s power be possible?

Thus, more and more people witnessed this. They did not leave but stayed, furious and feeling deceived, hoping to awaken more people.

Luo Lie said, “I have no friends.” It was not that he had none, but he did not want to burden them. The tragedy of the Hong family grandfather and grandson served as a warning. He must not drag his friends into his troubles; he wished for everyone to live safely and happily.

Among the three elders, two had already spoken. The remaining one, Xi Songran’s father, Elder Xi Jiuchang, stepped forward with a smile, urging the prince to calm his anger.

The next scene unfolded with Li Zhichen’s cold sword pressing against Ye Jingsi, while Liu Xiang’s long sword was held against Mei Hanxia. Both sides held each other hostage, resulting in a tense stalemate.

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The faces of the other Buddhist disciples changed drastically as hundreds of withered hands suddenly shot out from the ground, clawing wildly. Once they caught hold of a disciple’s foot, they dragged them down, vanishing without a trace. The Buddhist disciples were all shocked.

“Promise?” Zhang Zifan was stunned. Though his drinking habits were poor, he was not forgetful. Yet he had no recollection whatsoever of what Li Xingyun spoke about.

Hou Qimo’s lightness skill was exceptional. Though not on par with Crane Elder Huo Wuyu or Soul Chaser Elder He Zhixian, he easily dodged their attacks.

Li Zhichen leapt forward, slashing his long sword across the ground. Sword energy surged in all directions, kicking up yellow sand. Suddenly, a rumbling sound came from beneath as the ground shook and began to rise slowly.

Yang Qing glared at the one-eyed figure, shouting angrily, “How dare you! You even speak the leader’s name?” He then made a move to strike.

Xiao Yingying heard the noise from behind the door and ran out, calling loudly, “Big Brother, Second Brother, why are you here?” It turned out the two were Xiao Zan and Xiao Di.

Li Zhichen sprang upward, thrusting his long sword straight into the dust whisk. Invisible sword energy exploded outward, instantly cutting through the fine threads of the dust whisk. With another stab, the sword aimed directly at Cheng Lin Ting.

Everyone believed that Nangong Po's palm strike would either kill Wanyan Zongwang or at least leave him crippled. Yet Wanyan Zongwang stood a few dozen feet away, completely unharmed and firmly planted. Only then did everyone realize Nangong Po meant no harm. Shanggong Yun quickly retracted his sword.