Chapter 693: Taking Action, Collision

In the game, there’s a situation that brings great satisfaction.
Due to the uncertainty of game time, the in-game story tasks never waste words. Though not straightforward, they still provide opportunities to get to the point within the conversations.
After a round of drinks among the three, Li Shimin started talking, telling Kaixin that Shi Qingxuan and Xu Ziling had an unusual relationship, and that the Shi family would surely come here for a brief meeting soon.
Xu Ziling’s face turned red…
“Brother Shimin, you’re teasing me. Qingxuan and I are just ordinary friends. Brother Kaixin, please don’t misunderstand.”
“Misunderstanding? Is what happened between Kou Zhong and my sister also a misunderstanding?” Li Shimin casually mentioned Kou Zhong’s name while smiling and drinking.
Kaixin didn’t disappoint Li Shimin. He looked around and said, “By the way, Brother Ziling, I’ve long heard of the reputation of the ‘Two Dragons of Yangzhou’—never apart. I wonder if Brother Kou Zhong is on the ship?” His words sounded casual.
Yet, a hint of wariness flashed across Xu Ziling’s face: “He has some matters to attend to and can’t leave for now.” Those who aren’t good at lying indeed have many flaws when lying.
“I see, that’s too bad.”
Kaixin said, “Next time there’s a chance, Brother Ziling, you must introduce me to him.”
“Sure!”
Li Shimin, unable to sit still, didn’t want Kaixin to meet Kou Zhong. He quickly interjected with a laugh, “There are plenty of opportunities to meet Kou Zhong. Do you recognize the heroes here, Kaixin?”
“I don’t really.”
“Let me introduce them to you. Over there on the west side is the Yin Queen, along with her beloved disciple Wanwan. Brother Kaixin, don’t be deceived by her cute appearance—she’s a little witch, even more tricky than the Yin Queen…” Although Li Shimin lowered his voice, he clearly underestimated Wanwan and the Yin Queen’s strength.
The Yin Queen’s expression darkened. She lowered her head, dipped her finger into her wine cup, spun it, and flicked it out.
Whoosh!
The old butler standing behind Li Shimin pretended to be indifferent and coughed, causing the liquid flying through the air to lose its force.
But while they could defend against the Yin Queen, they didn’t notice Wanwan also taking action—a tiny strand of hair-like electricity shot toward Li Shimin.
The old butler, whether intentionally or not, failed to intervene.
Kaixin sighed helplessly.
Although he didn’t want to get involved in this mess, it seemed Xu Ziling also hadn’t noticed Wanwan’s move. With no choice, he slightly bent his hand hidden under his seat and sent out an invisible gust of wind.

The fine hairs were instantly shattered in midair.
“The Empress Dowager!”
The movements of the two eventually caught the attention of many people. The warriors not far away drew their swords and glared at the Empress Dowager’s group, ready to charge at her command from Li Shimin.
“Young Master Li, speak of others behind their backs less often.”
The Empress Dowager showed no concern over her failed attack. She gave a casual glance at the old butler, whose expression was grim, and spoke in a calm, unhurried tone without the slightest trace of anger: “This time, consider it a warning for you.”
“Uncle Li, are you alright?”
Li Shimin looked worried. He could see that the old butler had suffered a setback in the earlier fight, and he felt uneasy.
“I’m fine,” the old butler replied, his face turning slightly pale as he shook his head slowly, his wrinkles deepening.
As both being powerful beings in the Mythical Realm, the Empress Dowager was clearly superior!
“Thank you for your help just now, young friend.”
“It’s my duty.”
His cheerful reply angered Wanwan, the witch from the other group:
“You people of the Murong family are also interested in Master Yang’s treasure? Or have you become lackeys of the Li clan? First helping Shi Feixuan, now helping Li Shimin—do you deliberately oppose me and my sacred sect?”
“Since ancient times, good and evil cannot coexist. Happy has no intention of helping either side, but when he sees injustice, he will surely draw his sword to help—it’s our duty as people of integrity.”
His words were neither arrogant nor humble.
“Haha! What a true sense of justice! Brother Happy! You truly are a man of principle.”
Li Shimin’s goodwill toward Happy grew even more!
Xu Ziling also smiled.
Happy’s words showed neither flattery nor bias toward Li Shimin, nor did they reveal any ambition—they were in line with his usual manner of conduct.
“Ziling offers you a drink.”
“So it was Brother Happy who helped Miss Shi earlier. Li Shimin also offers you a drink.” Li Shimin’s eyes lit up.
“I’m not here to drink…” Happy certainly couldn’t say that, especially in front of Xu Ziling and Li Shimin. Not wanting to offend them, he picked up his cup and drank it in one gulp.
However, Happy soon felt two cold gazes on him.
“Young Master Happy.”
A delicate fragrance filled the air as Shi Feixuan, dressed in a snow-white gown, stepped forward to the three of them.
At this moment, it seemed that Happy’s group had become the focus of the entire boat, with everyone’s attention on them.
All factions were watching!
“So it’s Miss Shi.”
“You saved me from Master Meng in Yangzhou today. I am deeply grateful. Shi Feixuan offers you tea instead of wine as a toast.”

“Miss Shi, you flatter me. As men of chivalry, we would draw our swords to help our comrades when we see those from the evil sect harming them. It’s just pleasant to be there at just the right time.” As he spoke, Kai Xin noticed Xu Ziling’s gaze on him seemed somewhat unusual. “Brother Kai Xin, Ziling would like to toast you again.” Beneath his shy expression lay a sense of gratitude and determination. “I shouldn’t accept.” He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp. After several rounds of strong liquor, he felt a slight burning sensation, but the Nine Yang Divine Skill quickly dissipated the effects, expelling them from his body, leaving Kai Xin still full of energy. “I wonder how Master Qingyuan is now? And Brother Xibai’s injuries…” “Master Qingyuan’s injuries were too severe; he has passed away. Xibai’s injuries are mild, and he is now being taken care of by Lord Li, so he’s out of danger.” Shi Feixuan’s expression turned slightly gloomy. Kai Xin sighed deeply: “If only I had acted sooner, maybe I could have saved Master Qingyuan…” “Young Master Kai Xin, there’s no need to blame yourself. Master Qingyuan asked Feixuan to express his thanks before he died. After all, he was able to hand over the key to Feixuan before passing away. It’s just a pity…” She paused briefly, then glanced quickly at Xu Ziling with guilt in her voice, “It’s a pity we couldn’t keep the key in the end.” “Miss Shi, it’s all because Emperor Taizong was careless,” Li Shimin said with a bitter expression. “It was my mistake for trusting others, which led to us losing the key…” Hearing this, Kai Xin frowned slightly, feeling uneasy: So the key was still lost after all, not falling into Li Shimin’s hands. Judging from Shi Feixuan’s reaction, could it be that the key really is in Kou Zhong’s hands? As he pondered, Kai Xin suddenly remembered that strange player who had been following Xu Ziling without saying a word. His brows tightened: No!