Chapter 5: Differences

A bowl of Dragon Whiskers Noodles, the broth gleaming like amber, clear yet rich. The first taste brings the mellow flavors of chicken and pork bones, followed by a hint of sweet dried scallop, and finally, a delicate fragrance of mushrooms lingers on the tongue.

A bowl of knife-cut noodles, spicy and aromatic, the red chili oil shimmering. As the noodles slip past the lips, the scent of wheat, meat, and spice bursts forth, each chew growing more robust and satisfying.

“Hoo—”

Master Fang let out a long breath. Just that one mouthful felt as though warmth flooded his entire body.

Before his eyes stretched a crystal chandelier ceiling, lavish and romantic. On the vintage French long table, orange-gold patterned porcelain vases held crimson roses, their petals vivid and dripping with color.

“What did you say?” Chu Haoran asked irritably. Damn it, did he really say he was an old man? Since when did he speak with such pompous airs?

“Hey, Senior Bu Er, what exactly is the pendant on your necklace?” Taocheng, undeterred by danger, spoke up again. The others, hearing this, perked up their ears in an instant; even Kikumaru, who was playing ball, slowed his pace.

As I steered the bamboo raft, I asked Shirley Yang, “How can you tell these terracotta figures were made from living people? And how can you be sure it’s related to the King’s sorcery?”

“We’re here.” Guo Honglei pulled the reins, nimbly dismounted, and strode toward the gate, the others quickly following suit.

Summer is a season bathed in sunlight, a time for new beginnings. Dreams sprout wings and take flight, striving forward. In this verdant season, carrying their hopes, they set sail, pursuing the light of their dreams. Perhaps they’ll encounter obstacles, perhaps their steps will be slow, but retreat is never an option.

“Hey, there’s actually cola? Where’s ours?” Sharp-eyed, someone spotted the drink in Arai’s hand, their eyes lighting up as they scanned the room in search.

Miao Territory is a poisonous tumor festering in the Northern Sea Domain. The Miao people’s ways are strange, their sinister poisons inspire both fear and disgust.

“I…” Hanlai lowered her gaze, seriously pondering the question. It was as if the tension and doubts from moments before were an illusion. She was wholly immersed in the atmosphere that Kong Shen had woven. Her heart felt empty, as if she’d forgotten everything else, focusing with all her being on his question.

The chaos outside remained unknown to Chi Jian. When he opened his eyes, longing to catch another glimpse of the warm figure in the sea of light, the world was silent. Only a thin, dry yellow sheet of paper lay quietly beneath him.

Of course, as they recovered, everyone retreated a dozen meters. As they withdrew, the countless balls of light faded and vanished from the scene.

In the grand hall, the same faces as before. After all, this was a battle concerning their race—such matters could not be concealed. A complete plan was needed, one that allowed everyone to contribute.

Shen Rou’s heart raced madly. She struggled, but could not escape Yang Ming’s grasp. No longer daring to move recklessly, she feared what shocking actions he might take next.

“If Uncle likes it here, please visit often! Here, take this card,” Yang Ming said, presenting a prestigious membership card with both hands.

The laws of space trembled. I took a step forward, exiting the place where the rules converged, heading toward the thatched hut that had saved me.

Nangong Lei saw the man charge out and let out a thunderous roar, rushing into battle himself.

Hearing Sea Eagle’s words, everyone exchanged glances, then nodded in understanding, the look of realization brightening their faces.

A deafening crash erupted, terrifying waves of power bursting forth, spreading in all directions.

Gu Chen called everyone over, gathering them in front of him.