040, Everyone with Their Own Agenda!

Two seconds later, Qi Ran finally realized what had happened! The Feather-folk youth had just used a soothing psychic skill on her! Yet, as she withstood the effects of this ability, she had sensed nothing amiss; it was only after the fact that the realization dawned on her. Although his intentions were kind—likely mistaking her for an undifferentiated cub and fearing that her sudden arrival in an unfamiliar environment, compounded by the aggressive posturing of the others, had overwhelmed her—she simply offered a quiet smile. She cast a glance at Kang Qiao, then bowed her head in silence, saying nothing further.

"What did you say?" Upon hearing this, Immortal Lord Xuanyuan unleashed a formidable pressure that descended instantly upon Hua Tian. Had Hua Tian not been prepared, that force alone would have surely pinned him to the ground.

Seeing the exotic beast before him, a faint smile graced Hua Tian’s face. This creature was none other than the Mirage Lion that had been sentenced by the Demon Emperor to patrol the mountains for a hundred years. It was an old acquaintance; years ago, within the tomb of the immortal, this very beast had nearly taken Hua Tian’s life.

Watching Hua Tian disappear around the corner with A-Qing, A-Xiu could no longer contain her emotions. A single tear escaped the corner of her eye. She knew all too well that after this parting, it was unlikely they would ever meet again.

Fainted on the second stone step, Hua Tian felt as though he were trapped in a long, endless dream—a dream from which he might never wake.

"However, I will say this plainly: if you are deceiving me, I shall discard all decorum to settle the score."

When he heard that the Emperor and Empress intended to choose a consort for him, Tang Lin felt an even greater urgency to recover the missing piece of his soul. This feeling grew more pressing until tonight, when he finally began to search—to hunt for that which was so vital to him.

If Princess Yunjing had not yet reached the Tiangang Realm, Zhou An would never have dared to engage in such an act with her. It wasn't that dual cultivation was impossible, but failing to help her break through would be a waste.

"Therefore, we have discussed it and decided that Long Chen, Leng Mei, and Long Xiang shall accompany you to the Demon Dragon Sword Court."

Upon hearing Guo'er’s words, Situ Linxiao, Hua Tian, and the others broke into a cold sweat. To offend the two greatest powers of the Eastern Continent simultaneously—in this gathering, only Guo'er would dare such a thing.

Turning the matter over in his mind, his anxiety intensified. He shook his head to cast the thoughts aside and knocked on the door.

"Unless you resign as Governor-General of the Southwest and return to the capital to serve honestly as Minister of the Navy," Zaitao said bluntly.

In her eyes, no matter how monstrously talented Yun Feng was, he could never be her match. Yet, once they crossed blades, she was horrified to discover she was being utterly crushed by him.

Deep within the Black Dragon Society, a colossal statue of a black dragon was carved from precious obsidian gold, radiating a dim, somber light at all times.

"Xie Qiao, you are injured. Rest here while I go save Yu Die!" Settling him onto a nearby boulder, Brother Feng fluttered his translucent, thin wings and flew toward the massive white web, attempting to forcibly rescue Yu Die.

Yun Feng’s gaze turned frigid, his eyes brimming with murderous intent. Faced with such madness, Old Man Qian shuddered and hurriedly nodded in agreement.

"I am fine. Notify all staff officers; we will hold a military briefing in five minutes," General Sulent said in a low, stern voice.

"This is Deputy Squadron Leader Mohammed Khalifa of the Divine Harrier Squadron. Captain Dongtian has died in the line of duty. Communication ended." The channel cut off the moment the words were spoken.

"Our arsenals can utilize it. In short, if it costs nothing, take as much as we can get," Chen Ning said.

Qi Mu waited outside the Moon-Watching Pavilion. Seeing Peng Mo’s grim expression, he frowned at Liu Ying and her companion, noting their equally dark countenances. Recalling the cryptic look Wei Yingran had cast him before leaving, his heart sank. Knowing something had gone wrong, he dared not delay; he cracked the whip, spurred the horses, and raced back toward the General’s Mansion.