Chapter 108

Chapter 108

"Brother Hong, Brother Lie is right. Why don't you reconsider going tomorrow?" Wu Songran asked, her expression filled with worry.

Since the truth had already been laid bare before them, Wu Hong felt no need for further reservation. He gently stroked her soft hair and said, "Sister Ran, don't worry. I will be fine. They cannot harm me, and besides, I have my trump cards."

To put her at ease, Wu Hong offered these comforting words, his hand unconsciously brushing against the black Universe Ring he wore.

"Hong'er, you had better think this through. Do not be reckless," Lady Li advised from the side.

To her, Wu Hong was no longer just her son in name; her daughter’s heart was entirely tied to him, and she was deeply concerned for his safety.

"Young Master, she is right! I have heard that Yang Guang, the tyrannical Emperor Yang, practices a sinister and mysterious martial art. Knowing full well how formidable your strength is, his invitation to the imperial palace is clearly a trap," Li Yunda said, his body trembling as he spoke. He still had some unchewed food in his mouth, making his speech slightly slurred, yet his genuine concern shone through.

Li Ruolan remained silent, but her tender, anxious gaze said everything that needed to be said.

Wu Hong felt an inexplicable wave of emotion. He bowed deeply and said, "What have I, Wu Hong, done to deserve such care from you all? But uncovering the true murderer of my father is my responsibility. I cannot allow these unstable elements to threaten the people I love, the people I respect, and my friends."

Wu Hong’s gaze swept across each of their faces: infinite respect for Lady Li, boundless love for Wu Songran, and the warmth of friendship for Li Yunda. When his eyes rested on Li Ruolan, the look was somewhat more complex.

Moved by his sincere words, they ceased their attempts to dissuade him. They also knew that Wu Hong’s current martial prowess was rare in this world; even if he encountered danger he could not overcome, he would surely have no trouble escaping.

The meal was a somber affair, and before long, each retreated to their rooms, lost in their own thoughts.

Wu Hong sat cross-legged on his bed, his consciousness entering the space within the Universe Ring. The space was now thick with swirling black mist. The countless vengeful spirits contained within were immensely powerful; even with his consciousness merely brushing against them, Wu Hong felt a chill run through his body.

He did not understand why the Universe Ring and the Myriad Demon Ghost Banner had not been reduced to ashes in the face of that earth-shattering lightning tribulation.

At this moment, the aura of the Myriad Demon Ghost Banner was terrifying. To Wu Hong, it felt as vast as the heavens and the earth. This was no small matter, especially considering how powerful Wu Hong himself had become—he could not even gauge how many Peak Houtian masters he could face alone.

Yet, the banner still instilled such terror in him. There could only be one explanation: the Myriad Demon Ghost Banner had ascended to the Xiantian realm.

However, because the banner was sealed within the space of the Universe Ring, no experts could sense its aura to come and claim it. Otherwise, heaven only knew what kind of storm it would have stirred up. Despite its power, the Myriad Demon Ghost Banner was, after all, merely a weapon.

Through a series of coincidences, it had ascended to the Xiantian realm, but it was not a living thing. These various fortuitous circumstances had left this unique existence within Wu Hong’s Universe Ring.

This was Wu Hong’s greatest trump card. The countless vengeful spirits in the ring were each many times more powerful than an ordinary Peak Houtian master. The sheer destructive potential of the banner was evident.

What surprised Wu Hong even more was that his two constant companions, the Ox-Slaughtering Hammers, were now wreathed in black mist, with divine auras intermingling with the eerie darkness. The Ox-Slaughtering Blade was the same.

The Sky-Net he had taken from Zhao Luo was also entwined with black and gold, its aura significantly more formidable.

Wu Hong dared not bring any of these weapons out. These items were so terrifying that even a mere touch of his consciousness sent shivers down his spine; heaven knows what would happen if they were unleashed into the world.

"Creak—" Just as Wu Hong was lost in his thoughts, Wu Songran’s head poked through the door crack, her eyes darting around suspiciously. She tiptoed inside and gently pulled the door shut.

"Sister Ran, it’s so late, why are you..." Wu Hong didn't finish his sentence before Wu Songran lunged at him, pinning him down onto the bed.

"Ah! Sister Ran, you can't do this! My innocence!" Wu Hong cried out.

"Giggle, lecherous brother, that’s a line I should be saying!" Wu Songran laughed, beginning to tear at his clothes.

"Oh, the tragedy! My innocence! Fine, come then, I surrender!" Wu Hong stopped struggling, lying back on the bed and letting her have her way. This only drew another burst of delighted laughter from her.

Even then, it felt somewhat surreal to Wu Hong; the world had gone mad. He was actually... with her... spending the night together.