37. The Intelligent Wolf Pack

Raising his eyes to the blazing sun overhead, Jiang Ruo bid farewell to the elder and the young child before heading toward the Yunluo mountain range behind the village.

Though it seemed close, Jiang Ruo knew well from childhood the truth of the saying: “The horse dies running toward the mountain”—distance can be deceptive.

Behind the entire small mountain village, the atmosphere was eerily silent. Early autumn was the season when flowers and fruits filled the air with fragrance and birds frolicked playfully. Yet here, not a sound disturbed the stillness. There were no blossoms or fruit to be found, not even a single weed, and the trees stood stripped of their bark. Not a single bird was in sight.

Ziyu partially understood this. At just nine years old, a boy’s age for play and mischief, he had been prematurely burdened with the title of crown prince and forced to study the dull strategies of governance, forsaking the pleasures of childhood entirely. It was only natural that a prince raised under such strict education would develop a temperament with certain imbalances.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Reno murmured repeatedly, pressing gentle kisses while his hand moved deftly. Merlansa’s anger gradually melted away under the ceaseless apologies.

The Immortal Slayer’s clone unleashed its most potent technique, invoking the divine power of the Royal Map. Periodically, a celestial deity star would fall from the heavens, and with the boundless might of the Supreme Heaven, the energy surged to its ultimate limit—yet it still failed to suppress the torrent of energy pouring forth.

I have great admiration for Casey. Whether for her influence or her decisiveness, she commands respect within this company.

Zhiqing and Hua Zishu were stunned, the sound of “thud splash” abruptly ceasing in their ears. They looked at each other, then toward Hua Ziyu, who was shrouded by Chang Huan’s cloak to conceal her exposed skin. For a moment, the five seated upon the Lotus Platform were at a loss, left only with the gentle night breeze and flickering lantern light.

“Your kindness and great favor, senior, I only ask for a single divination. I hope you will grant it,” Tang Yaotian said hurriedly.

From the crevices atop the mountain flowed a clear spring, converging into a waterfall pure and white as silk. Below the cascade lay a deep pool, mist rising in gentle swirls, casting a hazy reflection of the moon. The shadows of trees twisted and danced upon the water’s surface, resembling a host of strange and eerie beasts in ever-changing forms.

With Ying Zheng’s consent, Jing Ke received the map from Qin Chaoyang, holding it high as he stepped forward steadily. Qin Qing’s heart quickened, her full attention fixed on his every move, hoping to adapt and intervene before he could take action.

With this in mind, Chen Feng began his brief rest, patiently awaiting the dawn. Yet, unexpectedly, though he sought no trouble with others, trouble found its way to him.

Wang Situ seemed to sense something amiss. He scrutinized the actress embodying Sai Yan’er on the stage as she slipped backstage, a trace of appreciation curling his lips.

Chang Le smiled strangely and, with a forceful tug, flung Mo Langyue toward the stone wall. The wall cracked open under the impact, then automatically rotated, pulling Mo Langyue inside.

Cheng Lingzhi’s mouth twitched involuntarily, then she rolled her eyes. “Are you out of your mind?” she said before continuing forward, unwilling to waste more words on this lunatic.

“How is this possible?” he exclaimed instinctively. He knew Chuan Qianiao’s strength was on par with his own, both at the pinnacle of the Earth Tier. Otherwise, they would not have cooperated. Yet now, this Earth Tier peak expert was being slapped repeatedly in the face.

Li Hu guessed that the Song army had already launched their assault, so he planned to raid Lingxia and two other locations fiercely. This would both support the Song’s attack and strike at the very foundation of the Dangxiang people.

Xiang Ziyao approached, noticing many red rain caps by the doorway. It seemed many long-beaked birds had collided with the crystal here.

In an instant, Gu He Yilang flashed beside Xue Wuhen, slashing at him. Xue Wuhen hurriedly dodged but failed to evade. Resigned, he took the blow head-on, staggering back several steps and coughing up fresh blood.