Chapter 67: "Over-achieving" the Mission (6k+ words in this chapter, including bonus for Silver Patron)

"No, this Chen Wenwen will sooner or later become a formidable enemy of ours. We must find a way to deal with her. Mingfei is hesitating precisely because of her. Without her, Mingfei would have already followed us to America."

Inside the hotel, Old Tang paced back and forth, while Eriuri sat in a chair, peering out through the window.

"I still feel that Mingfei wants to go to America. Nobody in that lousy high school of his likes him. I can sense the malice from those classmates of his, and Mingfei must know it too—"

"Rufeng will be fine. We can still think of other ways," Murong Yunzhen said with a smile, though the anxiety burning within his heart was known to him alone.

At this moment, Ye Xuanfu finally activated the array he had laid down earlier. Pillars of earthly energy surged into the sky, transforming into giant dragons that soared upward toward Zhu Shuang in the high altitude.

Given the cultivation levels of their Phoenix Masters and Phoenix Generals, the energy scale of this battle had already touched the supreme limit of this realm. Already, boundary-force red clouds were gathering in the sky, restless and stirring.

She knew instinctively that this was the exact same bunch of candied haws that Ye Liangchen had been holding in the hallway earlier. Do not ask why; she was simply utterly certain of it.

The surrounding Onmyoji cried out in excitement, waving their arms as the glow of fireballs illuminated their distorted faces.

It seemed that Berkner had already learned the specific details of the second examination, and by temporarily keeping all the spoils of war to himself, he had ample time and maneuvering room to pursue his own agenda.

Zhao Chongzong, however, shook his head, clearly disagreeing with Zu Enshen's assertion. He had also discerned numerous clues and, combining them with the intelligence at his disposal, deduced that the mastermind behind this affair was none of other than the Celestial Master Sect.

"What do you stand to gain by doing this?" Zuo Liangyu understood that merchants never stir without profit; it was best to clarify these matters beforehand.

Zhang Chu was an anomaly among the rebel forces. While others were being chased all over Henan by Hong Chengchou, Zhang Chu was beating Hong Chengchou black and blue. While others had subordinates who went hungry and lacked proper clothing, Zhang Chu already possessed several counties of territory, leaving the imperial forces completely helpless.

Xue Zhong chuckled lightly. Having once again walked the border between life and death, the aura about him grew increasingly serene. Yet beneath that serenity, the churning dark currents of his psyche had grown even more formidable. He knew very well what Doli's mention of the impending arrival at the Elven Forest meant—it meant too much, far too much for him even to bear contemplating.

He would even inquire about the current activities of certain officials who were trying to redeem themselves through meritorious service. Piece by piece, chaotic strands of information were straightened out the moment they reached him; this was why his illustrious reputation was truly well-deserved.

Not only that, but alongside their increased income, their expenses had actually decreased. Their clothes were provided by the household head; for the sake of uniformity, they received several outfits a year. During the busiest periods of farm work, even in the most grueling stretches, the household would prepare fine food for them, and their children were similarly provided with three meals a day at the schoolhouse.

Zhou Yue suddenly felt that his brain was somewhat inadequate for the situation, and it seemed as though he had suffered a massive loss.

When Wu Chen found no anomalies, he immediately attempted to use the team communication channel, only to be met with dead silence. Clearly, the communication had failed. Next, Wu Chen tried spiritual communication. Despite possessing a dimensional communicator, spiritual communication failed as well.

While Luo Yu certainly trusted Linger's vow-bound devotion, should she encounter a top-tier overseas cultivator and find herself helpless, given Linger's unyielding temperament, he truly shuddered to think what she might do.

Fletcher-like flights of fancy, daring to kill and charge forward, fearing nothing in the world, fighting to the bitter death at the slightest provocation, throwing tantrums, and playing the rogue—these were the hallmarks of novices, and all of these traits belonged to Situ Hao.

"Right, right, right, Brother Liu is right as always. This time we'll let them know what we're made of. If they dare disobey us, they won't even be able to sell a single seed!" Scabby-head, completely oblivious to the specifics, chimed in with obsequious flattery.

Yan Sanniang merely instructed Manager Chen to step up the canal transport between Hangzhou and Cangzhou, maintain close contact with Fifth Brother Xue, and ensure the normal flow of the Xue family's northern and southern goods and personnel. Whatever issues arose, the Xue family would smooth them over for the Chen family. Having at least secured a promise from Yan Sanniang, Manager Chen departed the Yan residence with a heavy burden lifted from most of his heart.