Chapter 89: The Rival

Shu Yiming gazed at the car, his brow furrowing slightly. The person in the vehicle seemed oddly familiar to him. With this thought, Shu Yiming glanced over at Wang Daniu and asked, “Daniu, is there anyone else in your village who grows mushrooms, or are you the only one who does it so well in this area?”

Wang Daniu frowned at the question and replied, “...”

Even though the attack had been blocked, Qi Bao’s sea of consciousness, his body, and his soul all fell into a state of silence—only his awareness remained clear. Yet he found no trace of the Shadow Demon King. When he looked inward, he discovered his sea of consciousness was unchanged, leaving him somewhat bewildered.

Across the room, Mantianxue and several others quietly rejoiced, grateful that they had kept their wits about them and hadn’t tried to attack him for the sake of their ranking.

“Lando!” The man’s eyes were bloodshot as he struggled to leap to his feet. Without even glancing his way, Qin Zheng extended a finger behind him, sending a beam of dragon fire, as thick as a finger, streaking toward the man’s other knee, forcing him to kneel once more.

Li Xiang sat down with the others. His earlier actions had drawn the attention of some, including those on the dais. Li Xiang ignored the hostile gazes but nodded in return to the friendly ones.

There were only two reasons for the scorched lands to send troops across the river in the past: to solve their food crisis, or to address their population problem.

After the army from the chaotic riverbank retreated, the forces of Mechanism City also withdrew into the city. Lao Qian, A Yan, and Tog, along with others, returned to the city lord’s residence to discuss the aftermath. Only then was the crisis in the main city of Mechanism City finally resolved.

But Angus would never do such a thing—he wasn’t a fool. This was Qin Zheng, invincible below the Third Star rank. What power, other than the Three Star Pillar Lords, could subdue him instantly? And the Griffin Empire had only two such lords, neither of whom would be patrolling here.

Two robust demon cultivator bodyguards behind Peng Shaoqian immediately stepped forward to stand protectively before him.

“Hmph! You haven’t even managed to descend yet, and you already want to devour me. Do you really think I’m some pushover you can squeeze at will?” Xiao Yi sneered, his figure flickering as he took the initiative to charge at Black Scale.

At that, Jin Sanpang immediately cowered, addressed Ye Han as “big brother,” and shamelessly pointed at the martial lord, claiming he was the one who wanted to kill him.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting!” Returning to the first-floor living room, Li Cheng poured a cup of tea for Guo Yongjun, then sat down across from him with a warm smile.

Nonetheless, with Boss Zhao’s sincere apology and the announcement that the shop was closing for the day, the customers all quickly left.

Gu Tianxue pulled Tiansheng into her embrace, holding him tightly, unwilling to let go. She feared that the moment she loosened her grip, Tiansheng would vanish again.

“I don’t believe it. You dare cause trouble in the Heavenly Court? I bet it’s just a few guys from your Western side giving you confidence. Unfortunately, I’m not buying it. Show me what you’ve got,” Ling Duyu sneered.

Hu Santong, lost in his pride, failed to notice the flaw in Chen Zheng’s words. He chuckled and whispered, “The heads of the Nine Great Sects are all masters of the Thunder Tribulation stage. Our island lord is still somewhat lacking in comparison.”

Ling Duyu only smiled politely at this man’s self-introduction. After a few pleasantries, at Uncle Ye’s invitation, he took a seat at the table.

Tang Ling’s head shot up, her expression one of delighted surprise. The young master… actually praised her? What an honor!

That evening, a banquet was to be held at the residence of Roman deputy administrator Cloto Catacus, in celebration of the prince’s promotion to governor of Viae.