Volume One, Chapter 42: Resubmitting the Manuscript

The editor-in-chief arrived at the appointed place, carrying her bag and waiting. Soon, a girl in sunglasses, pink high heels, and a short pink skirt walked over. She removed her sunglasses, her eyes brimming with arrogance and audacity.

She stretched out her hand, “Where’s the thing?”

“Miss Fu, here’s the outline. Wait—where did the outline go? I’m sure I put it in.”

As if to answer her question, imperial guards soon delivered a confidential report from Beijing. Zhu Linmei skimmed through it, then handed it to Yu Xin. “The intelligence says that Duoduo suffered a crushing defeat at the northern desert against the Khalkha tribe, forcing them to retreat and sue for peace. The Chahar tribe has also renewed their allegiance to the Jianlu forces, and Duoduo returned victorious.”

“This is... what I owe you!” Guo Xiaoru’s face was wet, impossible to tell if it was water or tears. She spoke strange words, and once again threw herself into Wu Hao’s arms.

Shuo Juefeng, who had been watching Shan Huaqing’s expressions closely, sneered inwardly. See, finally the fox’s tail is showing. Soon, he’ll probably get scolded and beaten.

In the courtyard, Yao Qisheng pointed at a sealed crucible half-filled with raw rubber. “Your Highness, I’ve been thinking—if we use sulfur fumes instead of powder, might it mix more evenly...” But as he turned, he saw Zhu Linmei running toward the north gate of Prince Lu’s residence, not looking back.

Su Wu chuckled lightly. He could guess some of everyone’s concerns. In just a few months, the county town had grown even more desolate. The buildings lacked life, and since most houses here were made of grass and wood, with no townsfolk to maintain them, their condition was easy to imagine.

“Don’t listen to Chief Xiang’s nonsense. If you don’t understand something when we get back, I’ll teach you. My grandpa’s ancestors were imperial physicians.” Meng Tao, unable to stand it any longer, came over, patted Feng Hao’s shoulder, and laughed.

Earlier, the thunder of more than fifty cannons from the four Galen warships terrified the grain-guarding Qing troops into thinking the main Ming force had arrived. They all fled toward Hangzhou.

And it wasn’t just a couple of pats, but a relentless barrage. If it had been someone weaker, they might have been slapped to death.

But his restrained demeanor still made her feel a little pity. In the end, Gu Nanqiao perhaps out of compassion, leaned in to kiss his lips.

Wang Chufei flew out the window, so fast that even Lias didn’t realize she was gone, heading toward the rooftop. As she approached, a dazzling light appeared... Who was that, so blinding?

In the Lingyun Hall, Dong Heng sat at the head seat. Twenty-seven years had passed, and his features had changed somewhat, now resembling a man in his thirties.

“This is the Blood Sea of the Wildlands, a place of concentrated filth, the resting place of the dead. Yet, the world is incomplete; this is only a blood sea, not a place for eternal rest.” Sun Ming had come to the Blood Sea for the first time, and it truly was terrifying.

“Well done, Brother Ye Kai. I really think you must be a barbarian too.” Daqi scratched his bald head and grinned.

The power of the Nether Sect had greatly diminished. Now, beset by internal and external troubles, how could they face the crusade of the major martial clans? I couldn’t help but worry for Xu Ruonan in secret.

A middle-aged man walked out of the supermarket, perhaps having heard the commotion outside, coming to investigate.

Why are Dark Night’s products selling so well in the universe now? Besides the fact that Dark Night’s goods are truly popular, the strong presence of those Central Asians is also a key reason.

“But without him, I wouldn’t be here holding you. Zijing, come back to Shanghai with me. Let’s get our marriage certificate,” Qin Ze said.

“You’re no match for me.” Li Yuanba glanced at Lin Ruyan, his tone full of pride, but also seeming perfectly justified.

The committee was his mortal enemy; Chu Cheng would never let go of any chance to strike at them.

He turned to look back, and saw Bai Qi leading over a thousand soldiers, already charging forward. Just outside the city, Fang Zhenhai’s main force had formed up on the battlefield, advancing in parallel with Bai Qi’s troops, pursuing the enemy. He let out a long breath. No matter what, this time was a decisive victory. The Donghu army’s defeat would surely weaken them greatly.