ATPnovel Chapter 3866 Stealing Hearts
Chapter 3866 Stealing Hearts
Chapter 3866 Stealing Hearts
In an instant, seven or eight figures emerged from the manor, each exuding a powerful aura... In the outside world, they would be at least among the strongest LV3 level.
"who!"
Before them stood a gaunt old man with a long, gray beard reaching his chest, dressed in a gray robe—but the astonishing aura he exuded at that moment was enough to command respect.
"Hmph! What kind of Tom, Dick, or Harry dares to obstruct me?" The eldest elder of the Gongsun clan snorted coldly.
In an instant, the guards in the manor were so shocked by the elder's last words that they coughed up blood and almost logged off... Everyone was terrified.
"Why bother with these juniors, Elder?" A clear, cold voice slowly drifted through the manor. "It's been a while. Please come in and have a chat, Elder."
The manor gates opened instantly.
The elder narrowed his eyes slightly, put his hands behind his back, and calmly walked in amidst the watchful eyes of the crowd.
In front of the main building of the manor, a tall and thin man was standing. "My name is Hou Bai, and I am currently Mr. Shi Yu's assistant. I have just met the Grand Elder. Mr. Shi Yu has prepared tea. Please follow me, Grand Elder."
"Unnecessary!" the elder snorted. "I want to see what tricks this brat Gongsun Shiyu is up to."
……
Main hall.
Gongsun Shiyu sat down in front of a tea table made of rosewood, leisurely brewing tea... Every movement seemed to carry the ultimate martial arts essence, implying the harmony between man and nature.
Upon seeing Gongsun Shiyu again, the Grand Elder couldn't help but sigh slightly—no matter what, Gongsun Shiyu was indeed the most outstanding genius in the history of the Gongsun clan.
The younger generation in the Gongsun clan would need decades to learn just how to brew tea.
After the initial praise came deep sorrow.
Gongsun Shiyu was once the most brilliant jewel of the Gongsun clan, but now she has become a disgrace to the Gongsun family.
Gongsun Shiyu gestured for him to sit down, "Elder, please sit down."
The elder frowned, walked straight to the tea table, glanced down at the tea that had already been poured, and impatiently picked up the cup and drank it in one gulp.
"You...remember that I like to drink high-quality tea?" The elder pondered for a moment, the taste of the tea quickly lingering in his mouth.
This is not a rare or precious tea variety... In fact, it's just tea dregs, something that poor families used to keep on hand.
"I still remember the teachings the Grand Elder gave me." Gongsun Shiyu respectfully poured another cup for him.
The Grand Elder remained silent for a moment before saying in a deep voice, "Alright, the tea has been drunk. If you wish to reminisce with me, let's talk about it after I take you back to Xuanyuan Palace!"
“Since Xuanyuan Palace has already expelled me, it doesn’t matter whether I go back or not.” Gongsun Shiyu shook his head. “Elder, you should know my character… When I go to Xuanyuan Palace again, I will definitely not do so as a criminal.”
"Hmph!" The Grand Elder slammed his hand on the tea table and roared, "What other identity do you intend to use? Do you really want to rebel against the Heavenly Gang?"
Gongsun Shiyu simply watched the enraged Grand Elder quietly.
"Gongsun Shiyu, don't think that just because you joined that [Michael Club] you can act with impunity!" The First Elder's eyes blazed with fury. "Because of you, your father was punished and imprisoned in the Thousand-Year Ice Pool! Because of you, the entire Gongsun family has become a laughingstock of the Eight Departments of Xuanyuan Palace! If you have any shame left, surrender! Don't force me to take action against you!"
Gongsun Shiyu simply shook his head slightly.
Upon seeing this, the Grand Elder let out a cold snort and directly reached out to grab Gongsun Shiyu's neck... but Gongsun Shiyu remained completely unmoved.
The Grand Elder, who already held Gongsun Shiyu by the neck, suddenly froze, an expression of disbelief on his face… This wasn't because of the other party's lack of resistance, but because…
"How did your skill level regress so much? You... lost your power?!"
"There are always people better than you, and there's always something beyond your understanding." Gongsun Shiyu said calmly, "I've just encountered an opponent who is difficult to defeat."
The elder frowned and released his grip, pondering, "Who injured you? With your cultivation level, no one in the Beautiful Country should be able to do this."
“I wasn’t injured here.” Gongsun Shiyu shook his head. “Elder, I will not go back with you now. But I promise you, one day I will return to Xuanyuan Palace.”
The First Elder pondered for a moment and said, "Come back with me! You might not die if you go back! You are the most promising member of the clan... The Elders' Hall has discussed this, and as long as you are willing to go back and confess your sins, we will bring out the Gongsun family's pardon!"
Gongsun Shiyu was slightly moved, but then fell silent again.
The elder said softly, "The immunity token was earned by our ancestors; it is the foundation of all our clan's achievements... But for you, we all believe it was worth it. Shiyu, don't be so stubborn. You are still young, and your injuries cannot be healed outside."
"I'm sorry, I still can't go back." Gongsun Shiyu sighed softly.
"Then don't blame me for getting serious!"
Gongsun Shiyu smiled slightly, "Elder, do you think I can defeat you in my current condition?"
"You've never beaten me before!" The Grand Elder of the Gongsun Clan was truly enraged by this rebellious fellow, and his domineering true energy surged through his body.
The indoor temperature suddenly soared, and a terrifying heat instantly melted the floor.
Suddenly, Gongsun Shiyu's pupils lit up... His pupils were like two vortexes, one positive and one negative, and a strange spiritual force instantly invaded the Grand Elder's mind, making him extremely dizzy.
"【Heavenly Demon Holy Scripture】...Crossing the Demonic Heart?!" The Grand Elder of the Gongsun Clan was instantly shocked. "You actually cultivate such an evil technique!"
"The cultivation technique is merely a vehicle; it has no inherent good or evil," Gongsun Shiyu said calmly. "Since it has been recorded in the Xuanyuan Palace and has never been destroyed, it proves that it can be practiced... This is indeed a good cultivation technique."
This evil art doesn't emphasize cultivation at all; the main focus of cultivation is spiritual power.
Martial artists... especially those at the level of the Grand Elder, possess powerful mental strength even without deliberately cultivating it.
At this moment, under the influence of the Demon Heart Crossing, the Grand Elder's spirit was as if it had been thrown into a millstone, constantly being crushed.
"...How can your mental strength be so powerful? Is it really because you have cultivated the Demon Heart Crossing Technique?"
"Elder, times have changed." Gongsun Shiyu said softly, "The clubs you despise actually have many harmless methods that can directly improve mental strength... There are actually shortcuts to practicing martial arts."
"You're spreading heresy! I'll cripple you completely today!!"
roar!
The Grand Elder's true power completely transformed into raging flames, and every move he made possessed terrifying power... Although the manor was large, it could not withstand the Grand Elder's violent power.
In the blink of an eye, the main building of the manor was smashed to pieces by the Grand Elder!
At this moment, the Grand Elder felt that Gongsun Shiyu was deliberately avoiding him... because he had broken his cultivation and his power had regressed significantly, making him unable to confront him head-on.
"Gongsun Shiyu, surrender now!!"
In mid-air, the Grand Elder waved his palms repeatedly... On the ground, huge palm prints seemed to shatter the earth—the people in the manor fled in panic.
"This Grand Elder of the Gongsun Clan is probably close to being at least a Level 7 Mythical Realm expert..."
Hou Bai subconsciously swallowed.
Just then, someone nearby said calmly, "The martial arts of Xuanyuan Palace cannot be simply distinguished by the level in the eyes of the world."
Hou Bai nodded silently, still looking at the incredibly destructive Grand Elder of the Gongsun Clan with a heavy heart—at this moment, the Grand Elder seemed to have fallen into some kind of frenzied state, shouting and frantically urging all sorts of terrifying moves... hitting the air!
Demon Heart Crossing!
Gongsun Shiyu never actually fought his opponent from the very beginning.
The elder was tricked.
Hou Bai composed himself and tentatively asked, "Mr. Councilor... how long will this state last?"
"He's exhausted his true energy." Gongsun Shiyu's eyes were full of indifference. "But if he dies like this, it would be a waste of the Grand Elder's true energy."
Finished.
Gongsun Shiyu suddenly vanished and silently appeared behind the Grand Elder, then struck him on the back with a palm!
The Grand Elder, who was trapped in the Demon Heart Crossing, was caught off guard and took the heart-crushing attack head-on, causing him to cough up a mouthful of blood!
"what……"
With a scream, the Grand Elder fell like a kite with a broken string... He instantly broke free from the control of the Demon Heart Ferry and regained a sliver of consciousness!
But at this moment, Gongsun Shiyu grabbed the Grand Elder's head with one hand.
A sinister glint flashed in his eyes... and he said softly, "Old man, do you really think I intend to reminisce with you? I only have my eye on your skills. Since you place such high hopes on me, then grant my wish."
The Grand Elder's astonishing power was rapidly drained away, like a flood...
"You actually cultivated..." the Grand Elder trembled, "You...you've truly fallen into demonic possession..."
"No poison, no manliness." Gongsun Shiyu said calmly, "That's what you taught me."
"Xuanyuan Palace will not... let you go..."
……
A moment later, the Grand Elder, under Gongsun Shiyu's command, had turned completely white-haired, his face withered, and he collapsed to the ground like a dried-up corpse, barely breathing.
Hou Bai quickly led his group to Gongsun Shiyu's side.
Gongsun Shiyu wiped his hands with a handkerchief and said calmly, "Don't let him die. Find a place to lock him up."
Hou Bai nodded, but secretly felt a chill in his heart... This [Sun] councilor seemed to have become a different person recently—what remained unchanged was that the councilor was still powerful!
People in the club are naturally inclined to obey the strong—following a powerful councilor is much better than following a passive one.
Apart from the councilors with the Major Arcana, most people in the club were pursuing mundane things... There aren't that many people chasing ideals.
“Now that the Grand Elder has discovered this place, it’s only a matter of time before the people of Xuanyuan Palace find out.” Hou Bai thought for a moment and said, “Mr. Councilor, we should give up this place.”
"Go and make the arrangements." Gongsun Shiyu nodded, then his heart stirred and his gaze fell in a certain direction.
Not far away, Situ Duojun, dressed in a pristine white training uniform, was looking in their direction with concern.
With a slight movement, Gongsun Shiyu appeared in front of Situ Duojun and said softly, "Duojun, what are you doing here?"
Situ Duojun said softly, "I heard a noise and was a little worried... Are you alright?"
"What could possibly be wrong with me?" Gongsun Shiyu chuckled and reached out to embrace Situ Duojun. "But I'm truly happy that you're worried about me."
"I just……"
Gongsun Shiyu lowered his head and kissed Situ Duojun's lips, silencing her... This left Situ Duojun's mind blank, her body stiff, and her thoughts in disarray. She dared not resist and could only close her eyes tremblingly.
Gongsun Shiyu greedily took what he wanted… but his gaze seemed to drift to a corner of the manor.
In the shadows… Situ Qingfeng clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.
After a long while, Gongsun Shiyu finally released Situ Duojun, then took her hand again and said, "I will handle your grandfather Situ Leiming's matter. He died at the hands of Sky Shield, so I will eliminate Sky Shield for you. As for the Hongmen, I will also do my best to assist you and help the Hongmen rise again."
"I...I'm not worthy."
"You are the woman I love most." Gongsun Shiyu said gently, "Doing anything for you is nothing to me. As long as you are always by my side, I will help you fulfill any wish."
"Thank you...Shiyu, for tonight..."
Gongsun Shiyu didn't speak, but simply reached out and pressed her lips against Situ Duojun's. "I just absorbed the Grand Elder's power and now I need to enter the secret chamber to refine it. You will protect me outside... I don't trust anyone but you, not even Hou Bai."
"I...I see."
……
……
……
……
In the United States, [Gotham]... in a high-class restaurant.
The afterglow of the setting sun scattered, the sunset... yes, the colors of Xi Ruo—Xi Ruo, who was not used to using a knife and fork, was complaining that the food here was not good and she could not appreciate it.
"...It's not even as good as the food from the roadside stalls outside my house." Ah Xi Ruo muttered to herself, "A plate the size of a washbasin, what is this thing? It's not even as big as a ping-pong ball. Isn't this just a pure rip-off?"
She's probably the type who would kick off her heels and run even while wearing an evening gown.
Luo Qiu simply smiled slightly and lightly tapped his finger on the dining table... The molecular gastronomy dishes on the table instantly disappeared, replaced by a table of steaming hot Chinese dishes arranged in a special order.
"This is..." Ah Xiruo was taken aback at first, having long been accustomed to the scoundrel's methods, "The Seven Great Bowls of Xuanyuan Palace?"
"Taste it."
Ah Xiruo rolled her eyes... However, she really hadn't eaten Xuanyuan Palace's Seven Bowls for a long time—this thing was like a special dish that ordinary families would only make during the New Year.
Her favorite dish was the plain white shrimp balls, and she immediately picked up a piece to taste.
"Huh, this smell..." Ah Xi Ruo stared blankly at the other person, "What's going on?"
"It's a grand celebration for the millennium of Xuanyuan Palace," Boss Luo said softly. "The entire palace is having a seven-day, seven-night feast. With so many people, even if one table with seven large bowls is missing, no one will notice, and it won't affect anything."
enemy……
Ah Xiruo had no idea what it tasted like after she ate it.
A grand ceremony at Xuanyuan Palace, a ceremony that lasted for millennia... It was before she became a true dragon, on her tenth birthday.
These plain white shrimp balls taste just like the ones her mother used to make.
……
"You...you don't think that just because of this, I'll forgive you for dumping this trouble on me!"
"I see, let me think about it..."
"...Stop thinking about it! Where are we staying tonight?!"
Emmmm…
Luo Qiu blinked; the date had indeed come to an end...