Volume One, Chapter Eleven: Identical Gifts

"Just a demon crystal," she thought, not even as much as Li Qi absorbed last night. How could it not leave everyone shocked and incredulous?

Speak of the devil, and there he was. Before they could step out of the hall, the cry of a hawk sliced through the sky, landing obediently on Hui’er’s shoulder.

Having promised the concubines to visit them when time allowed, he cast a plaintive glance at Li Zheng. "I’m a man, and you trust me to interact with your wives?"

After a brief glance, Levi noticed something odd—the beastman boss seemed to grow more spirited the longer they fought.

“Welcome, honored ‘Saint Envoys,’ to our Goose Demon Clan. I am the chieftain, Ancient Stone.” Only then did Li Qi realize that, at some point, this chieftain named Ancient Stone had been waiting at the portal for their arrival.

Elder Sky Tree invited all sects to remain for a meal and rest before departing, but the leaders declared urgent matters and hurried away.

Lan Yi couldn’t say she got along with her, yet she held her in considerable respect. The two ceased speaking of Wei Changjue and instead discussed the jewelry of Golden Jade Pavilion. Perhaps, when together with someone distant, speaking of trivial matters made both parties more comfortable.

Within the bottle was a single drop of black blood; as it was removed, everyone sensed a surge of invisible demonic energy rising in the air.

They came upon a pavilion surrounded by lotus leaves, each crowned with blossoms. The breeze stirred ripples across the lake, mist encircled them—a scene akin to a mortal paradise.

But what shocked her more was that Ye Mu-jun did not object, instead nodding gently.

“Mmm, Jing, are there any saplings for sale nearby? When the new year comes, let’s buy some and plant them all around the house. Here, peach trees; here, pear; over there, apricot and cherry.” Xue Li smiled, sipping wine as she planned her home’s greenery, her eyes squinting with joy.

Yue Feng nodded, offering no reply. In truth, though both were disciples of the Five Peaks Sect, the Mount Hua branch held higher status than Mount Heng, especially given the distinction between inner and outer disciples.

Yang Ling looked at the lotus—now completely withered, its spiritual energy exhausted. Surprised, he hadn’t expected Linglong to absorb medicinal herbs in such a manner, a method even the Chronicles of Nine Continents did not record. The Linglong Fox could directly draw out the essence, rather than simply devouring the whole herb as he’d imagined.

Xue Li saw her turned away, sensing her sorrow but unsure how to comfort her. She followed the servants to rest, and as she turned, felt someone’s gaze. Looking back, she caught Jia Pearl peeking at her, caught in the act, tear stains still visible on her cheeks.

Yue Feng, after composing one poem, couldn’t use lesser works to respond. For the others, with such brilliance already displayed, none dared make a move. Thus, it was a blessing—they could keep all the exquisite peonies, the one taken not being so important after all.

Yang Ling’s gaze turned icy, but he quelled his killing intent and did not summon the Five Elements Heaven-Shaking Seal. Instead, he sneered, “Ximen Ji, you’ll remember this slap for the rest of your life!” Then, carrying his Heavenly Dragon Lance, he strode away.

“I never lose out. Since you started this fight, I want a little compensation.” Yun Changkong’s hand lingered on Cen Xiaoyan’s springy backside, whispering with a laugh in her ear.

Yang Qi chuckled and didn’t refuse. He moved his fingers, and suddenly flame and water surged forth, forming two worlds—water and fire—spinning and evolving four kinds of tribulation.

In that clash, he felt many thoughts within him shatter, unable to coalesce. The opponent’s powerful will and illusions wounded his own spirit.

“This is the guide you requested before.” The proprietor of their previous hotel brought over a person who looked extremely experienced—a traditional Ruoqiang native, from skin to attire.

Now, his parents were no longer players but locals. Especially since they’d died in the real world and lost their physical bodies, they couldn’t revive like players, dropping a level. Only resurrection golden pills could restore them; no other method or quest would suffice.

Someone remarked, “Even now, that battle was truly brutal. The skeletons lying in the ancient bronze hall—perhaps they were the greatest warriors of their time.”

Gazing at the clean, empty mourning hall, Yun Mu suddenly felt the sense of a wanderer returning home—peaceful and tranquil, as if all noise and trouble were shut outside.

The Sky-Swallowing Beast’s breakthrough came from devouring a “Golden Immortal Beast Remnant”—an immense opportunity for its avatar.

With the collapse of the surrounding city, the air grew increasingly turbid, the atmosphere churning. The sky darkened, though the sun was high—it seemed as if night had fallen.

“It’s Jade Spirit God! Jade Spirit God lurking in the shadows, launched a sudden attack on us!” The Lord of the Sun raged.

Blade glanced at Ronan, then returned his attention to the disgusting giant head at the center.

As if in response, a dazzling tail flame streaked through the night, landing grandly—a figure clad in red-gold metallic hues: Iron Man. The radiant, inverted triangle arc reactor on his chest signaled that Tony Stark had mastered the new energy supplied by S.H.I.E.L.D., elevating his power to new heights.

This time, he heard it clearly—the sound of bones shifting was nothing like ordinary bones. It was more akin to metal striking metal in fierce collision.