Chapter 40: Returning to the Capital

Jing Tian was just about to ask how things were going with Liang Siqi when Chen Lei arrived outside, bringing word that Liang Siqi wished to see her.

After weighing the situation, the boy ultimately compromised, both for the sake of the grandmother who had raised him and had been the only one to treat him kindly, and out of a fear of being abandoned.

Yan Ye learned of the situation afterward. Upon hearing the news, he dialed Lian Xinying’s number, but her line was busy.

The tournament followed an elimination format; mecha trainees were considered graduates once they achieved five consecutive victories. Subsequent training relied entirely on self-exploration. Although one had to promote their own rank, there were always references available, allowing operators to learn skills corresponding to their mecha’s tier.

Immediately after, the ropes on her feet were untied, and the knots on her wrists were loosened into slipknots, granting her a small degree of movement.

The sound of horse hooves gradually faded into the distance, followed by the noise of a door being pushed open. A man with an incredibly ordinary appearance, dressed in grey and black clothing, emerged from the tavern. He glanced at the departing carriage, gave a slight nod, and beckoned to a nearby carriage, signaling the driver to approach.

This manager had been hired with Yan Ye's assistance. Yan Ye had tasked him with overseeing the studio's operations while simultaneously keeping a close watch on the original group of veteran employees.

In a noble and elegant room, a man with a head of silver hair lay on a simple bed, the cold and desolate scene radiating a sense of loneliness.

Tears slipped slowly through her fair fingers. Chen Liang, filled with immense pity, pulled Jing Tian into an embrace.

"Morning, husband." Ye Anran greeted him softly. However, the thought of parting with him so soon filled her with such reluctance that even her voice carried a faint trace of sorrow.

Her speed was unparalleled. As three swords lunged at her mid-journey, she merely swept a cold gaze over Li Meng, the young man, and Zhang Yingying. She raised her hand, deflected their blades, and snatched the old man.

Struck by her melodious and gentle words, Pei Junhao felt a warmth surge from the depths of his heart. He reached out to grasp the hand she had rested on his leg. His Zhihan had returned—the one who could laugh, play, be mischievous, and act spoiled. She was his Zhihan, the woman he had always loved in his heart.

Li Daniu’s right hand made a sudden downward swipe through the air! The murderous skeletal figure, on the verge of escaping the hall, came to an abrupt halt.

Although Huan Luo was a mere acquaintance, she was the most familiar with the forest and the most combat-capable among them, serving as their pillar of strength.

"So you blame me? I didn't know that meant to turn!" Li Daniu retorted, feeling even more aggrieved than him.

"This actually works!?" Thanks to the skin my mother gave me... Someone felt their worldview and value system crumble into dust and scatter across the floor.

"Who are you, where do you come from, and what are you doing in Icathia?" the soldier on the fortifications shouted.

The second path: knowingly walking into the enemy’s trap, infiltrating their camp, obtaining intelligence, turning the tide, and ascending to legendary status.

"Compare you my head! I seriously suspect you're bullying people now!" Instructor Wu said, softening his tone.

"Hahahaha..." The demon kings were thoroughly amused, shedding the dignified aura they usually maintained as masters of their own caves.

Chen Siyu said nothing, her large eyes simply fixed on him with earnestness, quietly awaiting his explanation.

While eating the meat prepared by Heiling, Chu Ge asked Bai Wanru about various matters concerning the demon race.

"Look! There is a range of divine mountains over there! Every peak has glowing pavilions," Hou San exclaimed.

The Black Dragon looked at the medicinal pills on the table, struggling inwardly. He had indeed come to see Shen Yao with this specific intention in mind.

Two friends with the same surname agreed to seek out a tomb together, but ultimately, the greed of human nature triumphed over the friendship between brothers.

This stone house was the same one our group had passed by and stayed in for a night on our way to Master's old residence.

The white-browed tiger stepped forward, lifting its hand to flip over several palaces and hurl them at the Dragon General’s defensive position, dismantling their perimeter.

With a rip, she tore a piece of her hem to cover her face. With a twist of her wrist, her sword was already in hand.

Roy remained deeply resentful of the fact that Taibi had refused to save Lele at the inn that day. The blow he had suffered at the time remained hidden in his heart; given the chance, now that his strength had improved significantly, he certainly wouldn't mind facing Taibi in a duel again.

Although Li Zhaoyuan’s body and limbs had been frozen into ice crystals, causing him to lose sensation in his limbs, he vaguely felt this was not a major issue and that he would surely recover.

Lei Sen didn't care whether the beast understood him or not; he kept muttering a long string of nonsense. Liang Lingfeng, leaning against a tree, felt like jumping out to scold him. If you want to fight, just fight—why talk so much? Besides, you're only after the Cold-Shy Grass the beast is guarding; is there any need to be so hypocritical?

At this moment, the green-skinned demon ghost thought its scheme was working and that a delicious blood-meal was right before its eyes. It brandished its giant, python-like tongue, dripping with white slime, and began to coil and lash out at the unarmed Li Zhaoyuan.

However, at this very moment, the "Demon-Slaying Sword" felt so unfamiliar—Yue Ying had sealed the Flying Eagle badge used to frame Roy within it. The impact of this act was not the main issue; the critical point was the method she had used to seal it.

"That's right, I must save my first start in the league for Jiangbei No. 1 High School! For the other high schools, your participation is more than enough!" Wang Bo’s expression was somewhat twisted as he said this.

It was like a tacit, widely recognized unwritten rule; many people knew of it and had the capability to break it, but they simply couldn't bring themselves to make the decision, nor would they touch that red line they subconsciously feared.

Seeing Jiang He prepare to strike at Liang Lingfeng, Jiang Tingfei was instantly overjoyed. However, he did not turn his horse to flee, for he knew Jiang He’s strength well. Liang Lingfeng’s meager martial arts were nothing before Jiang He; if Jiang He wished, he could subdue Liang Lingfeng with a mere flip of his hand.