Chapter 40: Mr. Huo Falls Ill

Although the Huo family was not particularly well-liked, in situations like this, everyone still stood united.

Ruan Tang frowned as she watched them leave, then turned to notice the worry etched across Huo Yanxiu’s brow. Her heart softened, and she leaned closer, whispering, "Let’s go take a look."

At her words, Huo Yanxiu immediately nodded. After reminding Nie Rong to take good care of Huo Qingqing, the two followed the main group.

Upon arriving at the clinic, everyone was in a flurry of activity. Huo’s mother went to register, while the village chief returned to the fields. Gazing upon the thirty plots of land where medicinal herbs were being cultivated, it was as if countless gold coins danced before his eyes.

Norman City, once thrown into chaos and panic, was gradually returning to its former calm.

However, Wang Xiang was more cunning. He suspected that Bigan’s real target was that strange man, Jiang Shang. Surely, upon realizing he had been deceived, Bigan would pursue Jiang Shang. So, Wang Xiang’s eyes shifted sharply, and he deliberately moved away from the Huang residence in the opposite direction.

When the gunfire signaled the farewell, Yue Song and Fox were chatting nonsense as they headed toward the regiment headquarters. Having just crossed to the opposite riverbank, they suddenly heard a burst of gunfire. Instinctively, they took cover, drew their pistols, and disengaged the safeties. Scanning the surroundings, they saw nothing unusual. After the initial shots, silence returned.

"Don’t worry, this city will definitely hold." I spoke confidently over the channel.

Unbeknownst to all, within the Deer Terrace, the National Master was embroiled in turmoil as well! In a side hall, Yu De and four others sat sullenly in a corner, silent and grim. In the central chamber, Wang Mo, Qin Wan, and twelve others were loudly arguing with a man cloaked in tattered hemp robes.

Blood-Red rode a three-eyed ox—a gift from his master—while the monk calmly rode a donkey, both looking down disdainfully at two wild boars wallowing in filth.

The remaining option was to perform as a resident singer in a bar. Fu Cheng was certainly willing to continue, and the income was considerable. Yet, while this could serve as a side profession, making it a primary occupation left a lingering sense of insecurity.

“Alright, the headquarters has only one security battalion nearby, with no other troops around. The closest is our Second Regiment. Captain Luo, Captain Hu, assemble your forces immediately and head to provide support,” the regiment commander ordered.

Master Yan glanced at Zhuanxu Hong, then at the smug expression on Xiu’s face, sighed, and stepped toward the ancient drum.

It was a black banner shrouded in endless demonic energy, faintly revealing countless twisted souls screaming in hysteria—an aura of resentment poised to devour all living beings under heaven.

“Yes, sir, I’m certain!” Deputy Minister Zile responded decisively, sounding as if he had made a well-considered and deliberate decision.

Watching the battles unfold in the sky, observing the vast emptiness above, Zhang Ang pondered the same question.

From a distance, they appeared as a single black line, trailing a long tail, tracing a lengthy arc across a blank sheet of paper.

Even superficial harmony could accomplish much and avoid the endless bickering that plagued the present. But before anyone who knew Meng Jingye could speak, a burly man unfamiliar with her broke the silence.

Meng Jingye gently drew back the curtain, observing the city gate. Guarded by several hundred soldiers, yet martial artists below still came and went armed as if no restrictions were in place. How could this be? Meng Jingye was puzzled. Wasn’t there a ban on weapons?

“Tsk tsk, Qu Ying, why are you so worked up? Your face is flushed, and you still won’t admit it!” Cui Xiya teased skeptically.

“He is indeed the grand disciple of the Daoist Master, but from his youth. The Daoist Master used great magic to send you back to a war that Lin Lei experienced in his youth, making it the setting for your trial,” the system explained calmly.

“Get to the point! How exactly does she control animals?” the young shepherd wolf interrupted roughly.