Chapter 153: Secret Anecdote

As Shangguan Chuci’s words fell, the atmosphere on the scene instantly grew tense and charged, as if swords were drawn and bows bent.

Wei Xuanji sighed and said, “Young Master Shangguan, though the King of Lanling holds the stature of an outsider royal and wields extraordinary power within the court, this is after all Zhenhaichuan. Even Her Majesty the Empress has limits to her reach here, let alone the King of Lanling.”

His words unmistakably hinted at the formidable backing behind Shangguan Chuci, prompting expressions of surprise among the onlookers.

“Your Highness, you flatter me. I have merely been restless in seclusion and yearned to stretch my legs,” Old Chen chuckled softly.

After much effort, he finally uttered that one word. Zhou Zekai wanted to say something, but his aging body would not permit many movements. Suddenly, he squeezed Chen Xinmin’s hand with force. Despite this, Chen Xinmin did not release her grip; instead, she gazed at Zhou Zekai with even greater emotion.

The brutal battle on the Wind and Rain Bridge remained hazy in Ji Jue’s memory, yet he still remembered who had saved him. Just after escaping danger, he was utterly weak and his mind sluggish, but the attempted assassination that nearly cost him his life was as clear as a mirror in his heart.

Yang Fangfang and Yang Le were bewildered by the scene before them, able only to watch from the sidelines and daring not to step forward.

A vast sea of peach blossoms like clouds and rosy mists spread beneath the trees, where a figure in red stood serene and ethereal. Her flowing robes fluttered like butterflies as she stared blankly at the cascade of falling petals, thousands of which fell silently before her eyes—so familiar it was suffocating.

“It’s nothing; I’ve grown used to it,” Ye Zang said calmly. After all, having spent so long in that ghostly place, he had adapted to early rest and early rise.

Yet a strange unease grew in their hearts. With their keen senses, even amid fighting the three-eyed thunder eagle, if any evil cultivator lurked nearby, they would have noticed. So why the sudden ambush? Could it be that the attacker had just arrived?

“Rustle, rustle.” Sasuke did not appear directly before Ye Zang but hid in the bushes, waiting to see if Ye Zang would notice him.

“I suppose I, this heir, am fortunate to hear the insights of Lord Mingcheng,” Ji Jingxi said with a lowered gaze and a smile.

Shi Hui pondered that if Ning Caichen were a bit older, she might attempt the next phase of her plan. But for now, she could not let a mother leave her young child. She had thought to wait until Ning Caichen could live somewhat independently, but an opportunity arose when he was only four.

Currently, he had gained favors from the noble families but no progress had followed. The families, clearly impatient, had sent their son to urge him along.

In the slanting wind and fine rain, a lone figure stood by the mist-shrouded lotus pond, holding a single umbrella. Clad in white flowing robes, black hair swirling with the breeze, she appeared as an immortal from the heavens—pure and untainted, untouched by a speck of dust.

Her eyes cast sideways, expanding her vision as she conducted a meticulous search of the surroundings. Her target was, of course, the phantom shadow.

Yu Yin was taken aback that Zhang Ruyun would use such a despicable trick. Unlike her opponent’s intent to ambush, she was caught off guard and lost the initiative. Feeling the rush of wind beside her, she knew the youth was already close and had no choice but to rely on her senses to identify the weapon, striking out with a palm.

“Heh heh! Truly bold and remarkable! I like that!” The voice from afar turned into a hoarse old tone, heavy with the energy of the lower dantian.

Duan Fengbu Hui might not be an exceptionally powerful figure, but many supreme beings had once extended olive branches to him.

After speaking, Liu Mei staggered and began to rush toward the door, apparently determined to seek help.

Though surprised, Lin Chen’s disdain did not diminish in the slightest.

Regarding this mission, Shuishu had already informed the three Jonin. Since they had all arrived, Shuishu intended for them to take over, with herself assisting as a subordinate.

Lin sighed helplessly as he looked at the excited George Hill and said, “George, can you think carefully? Do you really believe the old man would confide his plans to me? That’s clearly impossible. So why do you insist on believing it?”