Chapter 27: Birthday Gift

Fang Wenxuan and Lin Hui were both taken aback at the same time.

"Wenxuan, you're always like this—you never remember your own birthday. I made sure to arrive before your birthday, you know. Look, this is a souvenir I brought you from my trip, and this one is your birthday present," Chen He said, taking out two exquisitely wrapped boxes from behind his back and handing them to Fang Wenxuan.

It was only then that Lin Hui understood the meaning behind Chen He's slight smile when he entered. It was a deliberate move to put him on the spot, since he hadn't prepared any gift for Fang Wenxuan. The main point was, he didn't even know today was Fang Wenxuan's birthday.

Fang Wenxuan opened the gift boxes. One contained a luxury Italian leather belt, and the other a pure crystal gun ornament, with the barrel studded with diamonds.

There are some things that mustn't be said too plainly, or one oversteps the bounds. If the producer is clever, he’ll know what to do.

Zhong Nan wasted no time; the group soon made their way to Wu Family Village. Through the village head, they found Qiu Xiang's paternal uncle. Upon meeting, the words the man spoke struck Zhong Nan like a blow to the head.

His thoughts were much like Qin Shuiyan’s, largely due to that bizarre kick Tang Yun had used during their previous encounter.

Both Dongxing and Hongxing were chapters of the Utur Association in Donggang City. Their names were directly taken from a classic gangster film that had been passed down since the old calendar era—a testament to their fondness for the genre.

After refining four stone steles, I found myself with an even deeper understanding of the vast land of Shenzhou. Many things became clearer in my mind.

If the gray-robed elder had already broken through to the Martial Emperor realm, Qin Hao might have been tempted. But as it was, the elder was only at the peak of Martial Emperor, and his particular rule power was exactly what Qin Hao’s own world could devour. This was far more valuable to Qin Hao than simply subduing the old man.

A shiver ran through his body, and he slapped himself twice across the face. The drunken haze vanished in an instant.

As soon as Zhong Nan entered, he saw Zhu Yijun sitting blankly on the dragon throne, looking despondent. It seemed the emperor was in low spirits, and Zhong Nan knew it was time for another session of psychological counseling.

"As expected of the commander—sharp as ever. Did you all hear that? That’s why none of you are fit to be commander," Lei Xiao turned and grinned mischievously at Nangong Bai.

The sword of fire just now had, of course, been brandished by Hong Shaoyu. Hearing Qi Xuanhui’s reminder, he merely smiled coolly, unconcerned.

Regrettably, the black-boned creature that unleashed that palm strike remained unscathed, regarding the spot where man and beast had fallen with a sinister smile.

Watching the blood-red spear materialize out of thin air, tightly gripped in Martial King’s hand, Yun Xing was momentarily stunned. This so-called Silver Spear was, in fact, the color of blood.

Even the fleeting burst of purple flame energy he had just released was nothing more than an attempt to draw Yin Shoufan’s attention toward himself.

But since Chen Long never spoke of it, she didn’t press him. She only hoped he would return safely, and soon.

Looking down, Shen Yue saw that everyone was still alive, which filled him with delight. He quickly focused his energy and began to recite an incantation.

"Honorable Immortals..." Several well-dressed middle-aged men hastily dismounted, suppressing their fear, and saluted the two descending members of Jingguo.

All the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas present felt a sudden premonition. Their eyes met, and seeing the same unease reflected in each other's faces, their expressions turned grave, full of worry and apprehension.

The remaining six only then snapped out of their daze and hurried to catch up with Fifth Mingyue.

As the lost members rejoined, the Hundred Domains Alliance grew ever more powerful. Even in this inverted world, they became a mighty force, causing many factions to look on with apprehension.

At that moment, the Qilin Ring on Yun Xuan’s finger began to emit a faint glow. In the next instant, a protective shield enveloped the three of them, with Yun Xuan at its center.

"Get in, I’ll give you a ride," she said, shaking Lin Yan’s car keys at Lin Qingqing.

Hearing Ji Caidao’s distinctive footsteps, A Jiao immediately fell silent. She knew the dangers of speaking carelessly—fortunately, the hurried Ji Caidao hadn’t caught what she was saying.