Chapter 23: Torn to Pieces

Lu Fei did not truly blame Luo Yutian; after all, managing the Divine Emperor Hall was primarily the responsibility of the youngest junior sister, and Luo Yutian could hardly be faulted for it. He turned to ask, “Isn’t Shu Changjiang fine now? Why do people outside still think he’s at death’s door?”

“That fellow is probably making some grand move; who knows what he’s really planning.” Lu Fei mused thoughtfully.

...

After speaking, he let Sun Simiao remove the silver needles for him, picked up a basket of strawberries, and headed back to his residence. Wei Chi sat quietly in the shade, silent and lost in thought. Sun Simiao patted his shoulder, understanding that what Wei Chi needed most now was time to reflect, and returned to the front hall.

For the positions of registrar and scholar, Wei Chi recommended choosing people who were equally accomplished in both medical ethics and skill. Whether from the Imperial Medical Bureau or among those merged from the National Academy, selection should be made from among their peers. After all, medicine is a specialized discipline; if even the grade leaders are appointed from outside the field, it would be far too ironic.

When Aunt Chun saw that even Qin Shu was urging her to leave, she knew there was no hope left; in the end, she could only take the money and depart from Marquis Tang’s residence.

Zhang Yu and I were often together, and perhaps influenced by me, she remained calm and composed in the face of the upcoming college entrance exams.

“Make yourself clear first—what do you mean, go back? Go back where?” Shangguan Wenfei ignored Cheng Ren’s advice, forced herself upright, and questioned him.

The plump man stomped his foot. “Hey! Can’t you wait a bit? I’ll send someone to fetch some gold bars.” Apparently, he didn’t have enough money on hand.

Beigong Boyu produced a sealed letter and displayed it for all to see, all the while observing their expressions.

They had just started up the mountain when bursts of eerie laughter echoed around them. Shadows flitted through the forest, closing in from all directions.

So he had no choice but to crawl, dragging himself forward with both arms, leaving a trail of bright red blood behind.

“Heh, evildoers always get what’s coming to them. I’ve witnessed it for myself today.” The youth grinned from ear to ear, nearly breaking into a dance.

“After I recovered, I searched everywhere for you. I lingered where we first met, but you never appeared. Fortunately, I remembered your scent, and that’s how I finally found you.” He completely ignored what I had just said.

“How is it? Are your injuries serious?” A fragrant breeze drifted by, and suddenly, a figure appeared beside someone.

He seemed to place something on the table, then came over and gently pulled the quilt off my head. I kept my eyes shut, pretending to sleep, but I could feel his hand stroking my hair, followed by a soft kiss.

“If I lose tonight, am I still worth chasing?” Xi Men Jinlian suddenly smiled with deep meaning. Was it her someone wanted to pursue, or her extraordinary skill at gambling stones?

All the victims’ bodies had turned to ash; aside from a few police badges, nothing else was found.

On the bus, Jenny awoke from darkness. The first thing she saw was a face that seemed faintly familiar.

The bond between master and disciple is of great importance. As the years pass and loved ones gradually leave, often only the disciple remains. That is why many powerful figures become ever more cautious when choosing apprentices.

“All right, this is my gift to you. I hope you like it. I have something to attend to, so I’ll be going now. You can sleep a bit longer.” Le Fan left a final kiss of farewell and departed.

“You see, I had planned to sweep in and steal the bride in style, but instead, you caught me looking a mess.” I pointed at myself in the pristine white wedding dress lying on the bed.

“The commotion was still too great. Luckily, I set the coordinates within this Domain of Life and Death—a place cold, dark, and desolate, where hardly any living creatures exist,” murmured the Ancient Ancestor softly.

Many things in the world are hardest the first time, just like when Chen Jingrun proved that 12 equals 3; once done, others could look at it and think, “So that’s how it’s done—nothing special after all.”