Chapter 82: Prophecy or Curse (Part One)
The Almshouse was akin to an ancient government-run nursing home, but it sheltered not only the elderly. Any destitute person—whether widowed, orphaned, solitary, or a beggar—could reside there, so long as they met the requirements.
The chubby one nodded, saying, “Yes, that man was also an old resident of the Almshouse, surnamed Zheng. In his youth, he was actually a scholar! However… he passed away from illness half a month ago.”
Yun Shuang frowned. “Passed away?”
“Yes.”
Ke Leng retreated again and again, but at last, there was nowhere left to go. He could only watch as Arthur extended his single arm and, with inhuman strength, pinned him against the inner wall of the tank, crushing his shoulder to pieces in an instant.
This turn of events delighted the group immensely. In the days that followed, You Meng had them begin to familiarize themselves with these high-tech weapons. At the same time, she started to recruit her own subordinates and penned a letter, hoping that Lin Xiaozhi, the current head of Jade Void Palace, might send forces to assist.
Through this incident, Qu Junming realized that, although Xia Bai had promised him all sorts of “benefits” and had spoken with apparent kindness, if he failed to be enthusiastic and cooperative, Xia Bai might well dispose of him as easily as anyone else.
Mo Xinbei wore a smile of recovery, as if on the verge of healing. To her parents, she seemed just as she had always been, unaffected by her disfigurement. Yet, there was something subtly off about her.
Within the pet shop, aside from the computer’s voice, there was no other sound—not even the pets at play disturbed the silence. The atmosphere was unexpectedly safe.
Under Song Youting’s leadership, the Leopard-head Society grew from a ragtag group into a formidable force. Today, it stands as one of the leading gangs in Nanhai City’s underworld.
“Mercenaries live for the mission—you taught me that! If you’ve lost your blade, it’s nothing but your own misfortune!” the one-eyed man said coldly.
Mo Xinbei had grown aloof and indifferent; no matter what the boy said or did, she remained unmoved and wore an icy expression. Yet, her face was beautiful in every mood.
“You’re always touching me, sneaking peeks while I bathe—fine, I could let that go. But today, even with Mother at home, you tried to force yourself on me. I—just…” Her voice choked, and she could say no more.
Li He’s wife was illiterate, but she had seen two people enter the ancestral hall. Each had gone in proud and full of spirit, but every one emerged half-dead, as if their souls had been stripped away.
Du Juan and I entered the private dining room and sat down. I shook my head, determined not to dwell on things further. Instead, I chatted and laughed with her, focusing on enjoying my dinner.
“And what about you? You and Xiao Ran are no different—there’s no future for you either. Why are you so bent on this?” I was indignant, stung by Li He’s words, so I deliberately mentioned Xiao Ran to provoke him.
The scene quieted once more. The noise ceased, the whispers faded, and only the brilliance of the stage remained.
I smacked both their heads together with a crisp crack. They clutched their heads, their blood aroused, and charged at me. The others, fearing they’d be caught in the crossfire, all quickly filed out.
That’s why students who performed poorly in school often become successful after entering society, while those who faced difficulties by sighing, “Why am I so unlucky?” only find their luck worsening in the real world.
“So you see, he may well be the key to our reversal,” Black Tiger said gravely to Axin.
I was injured, so Qi Tianyang dared not do anything further to me. He obediently carried me to the hospital, where I received antibiotics, dressings, and an IV drip. He kept his head lowered in silence, the picture of remorse.
Because here, I truly hadn’t seen him. Yet in my dream, his words had felt so real. Could I really have misjudged him? Was his sole intention to lure me into this deadly array?