How could he not fear someone who'd apparently killed both Xie Lei and Xu Ruhu, and now, seemingly, had even managed to defeat and kill a genuine true-energy realm master like Xie Daohan himself?Meanwhile, Mo Qian and Ximen Kan had spent the entire morning gambling within Weiyang Hall, with everyone they'd encountered along the way ultimately losing considerably to their combined luck.By noon, when lunchtime arrived, Ximen Kan remained visibly energized and excited, while Mo Qian's stomach had begun growling audibly with hunger—he'd only managed a few modest buns that morning.Left with little choice, Ximen Kan reluctantly agreed to accompany Mo Qian for a proper meal."Just wontons for lunch?" Mo Qian clearly wasn't entirely satisfied with Ximen Kan's suggested venue."That'll do for now. I'll treat you properly at Babao Tower tonight with proper drinks."As Ximen Kan spoke, he glanced repeatedly toward a stall across the street, his mind still preoccupied with his gambling dice, e

The tip had already broken skin, piercing slightly into Yang Zhen's body. Mo Qian's grip on the sword's handle registered that unmistakable sensation of penetrating flesh!Yet at that exact moment, Mo Qian's own chest constricted violently, seized by sharp, spasming pain!He genuinely couldn't tell whether this pain belonged to himself, or to the original owner of this body!Mo Qian's hand froze there, suspended. Had he pushed forward just one more inch—perhaps even half an inch—Yang Zhen would have died instantly.He'd already decided he must kill Yang Zhen—this conclusion had crystallized the moment he'd spotted him at the gambling house's entrance that very afternoon. Since that moment, an oppressive weight had settled permanently over his heart.Mo Qian had no idea how long he remained frozen there. He suddenly felt an itching sensation across his own face, assuming momentarily that some spider had dropped from the rafters above, and reached up instinctively to brush it away.Inst

Studying the surrounding stalls briefly, Tao Rong's gaze swept left and right before suddenly focusing on a particular spot. He walked over decisively, reaching up to retrieve a sheathed blade positioned high on a display rack.Returning to Mo Qian's side with a satisfied smile, Tao Rong offered the sheathed blade directly. "Brother Mo, try this one."Mo Qian glanced at the weapon Tao Rong offered, noting its scabbard coated in considerable dust, hesitating momentarily before accepting it. He shook off the accumulated dust and drew the blade free.The moment he studied its design and grip, Mo Qian's eyes brightened immediately.This particular blade lacked the bright, glossy finish typical of most weapons—its coloring appeared considerably more muted and understated.The blade featured single-edged design, its spine slightly thicker toward the back, the tip curving with distinctive, pronounced arc.Noticing Mo Qian's evident interest, Tao Rong explained, "This is called a Bright Rainb

"Mo Qian, I never had a son of my own. Passing these particular techniques along to you represents, in some sense, leaving behind a lasting piece of myself. Yet I understand you'll ultimately need to forge your own particular path forward!"Clearly, Xiao Zongting harbored deeper, unspoken sentiments beneath these formal words!As he spoke, his gaze drifted briefly toward Xiao Yu. He'd already recognized her genuine feelings toward Mo Qian, yet both remained genuinely young, and they were about to depart for a distant sect entirely. Who could genuinely predict how their futures might ultimately unfold?By passing these particular techniques specifically to Mo Qian, he hoped he might come to properly understand and appreciate her feelings, ensuring he wouldn't someday disappoint her.Studying the two manuals in his hands, Mo Qian's eyes reddened slightly.He'd already examined Xiao Zongting's own weapon essence previously.By passing along these two particular techniques, Xiao Zongting

As Lu Qingzhu spoke, she let out a soft sigh herself, genuinely missing home and her elderly grandfather somewhat.This particular journey down the mountain had carried her thousands of miles, exposing her to countless worldly experiences. Throughout this journey, she'd genuinely found little that captured her interest—none of it truly compared favorably to her quiet mountain training, nor particularly suited her own temperament!Officer Qin stood similarly at the crowd's periphery. Watching Shen Yanliu from a distance, currently conversing with Shen Mizhi beside her carriage, his expression carried visible melancholy.Throughout Shen Yanliu's three years serving Xiangu County, Officer Qin had devoted himself faithfully to serving him, managing arrivals and departures, handling both family and official affairs with genuine dedication. He'd genuinely assumed Shen Yanliu would bring him along upon receiving his promotion, yet unexpectedly, Shen Yanliu had shown no such intention whatsoe