One does not let one’s own wealth benefit outsiders.

On either side of the entrance were flowerbeds cultivated by wood elementals, their blossoms shaped with a distinct springtime charm, releasing a faint fragrance in the gentle breeze. At intervals, ornate fountains and flowerbeds appeared, and the paths were paved with cobblestones and white marble, all encircled by a broad avenue convenient for mercenaries to patrol and protect the area.

The villas stood scattered throughout, some detached and others in rows, each with gardens at the front and back. The exterior walls were built with earthquake-resistant metal. Madam Long had always been proud by nature, strongly disliking to gang up on others. Yet now, before so many people, she disregarded her own status to join the Pig Demon King and the Jade Elf in besieging Invincible Win—she truly regarded him as a formidable rival.

Yang Twenty led Chenlong to the hotel coffee shop on the first floor, found a booth, and sat down. Soon after, a thin Chinese man in his forties appeared in the booth.

"Damn it! The contract has been switched..." The man who had been replaced by Duan Chi with Mr. Xue slammed his fist on the table.

Arriving at the old lady's place, most people had already gathered. Fortunately, the Huangs and the Marquis of North Town had not arrived yet; otherwise, more faults would have been found.

As the saying goes, when the city gates catch fire, the fish in the moat suffer. One could only hope that their fighting would not bring harm upon the common folk below.

Not only was Zhang Xiaolin suppressed by Du Yuesheng, but the Japanese consulate was also having a hard time. Over the years, the Japanese had painstakingly cultivated various hidden forces in China, but in just one week, Du Yuesheng uprooted more than half, like pulling weeds. After suffering such a heavy blow, they were, of course, severely reprimanded by the Japanese high command.

"Shenwu, do you remember that fat man?" The fat man Du Yuesheng referred to was the one whose skull had been blown apart by a shot from Wang Yaqiao.

"Young master Zichen is truly misunderstood. Mo Mo only wants young master Zichen to enjoy a good foot soak," Su Mo Mo replied to Shi Zichen with a radiant smile.

"Prince Ming, it has been so long!" A clear voice rang out, and for a moment, Bai Li Cangming's outstretched hand halted midair, unable to move forward another inch.

Though he did not know what plan his young master had in mind, now that he had spoken, there was nothing to do but trust him.

No one knew what upheaval these three would bring to the decades-old palace order once they entered. When it came to reading people, none matched the palace veterans. These youngest and most delicate buds were to be tended early, so that one day, when they blossomed and bore fruit, there might be a share of sweetness for themselves.

Huang Quan and Wang Lei were among the few who advocated for war; Zhang Song, Fa Zheng, Meng Da, and others favored surrender. The local bureaucrats turned a blind eye, knowing that whoever came would have to rely on them, content to observe from the sidelines.

Seeing Lei Ting's unwavering determination, Tito realized there was no persuading him. After some careful instructions, he allowed Lei Ting to make his move.

The Nether King clan could directly communicate with the Underworld; in other words, like the Mu family, they were themselves a god-tier lineage.

What a risk, what a challenge this was! If anyone could easily murder a prince, would the royal realm not have long since been handed over to others?

Dai Jin wished to explain, to say that Jing Cheng was utterly devoted to her, even more so than the prince, and had no ulterior motives. If there was anything unethical, it was the prince who had acted far more.

Zheng Decai gritted his teeth and bowed his head. "I am simply puzzled how the Taiping rebels managed to bypass the flood, launch a night raid on Jizhou Prefecture, and then vanish without a trace..."

"Is Elder Wei recovered? I think I'd better keep my distance." Wei Xian had always claimed illness and rarely attended court, unless an urgent matter arose, he would not enter the palace at such a time.

The martial arts techniques used by King Juming were completely unfamiliar to Lin Yin, but she could tell that his style was not of the Central Plains schools; the moves were peculiar, mostly simple and effective, bearing some resemblance to the Ten Directions Free-Fighting or Ten Directions Free-Sword techniques.