Chapter 747 (2): Zhao Changhe's Profound Control

The battle had erupted suddenly and ended just as quickly. Yuxu had not had the chance to intervene. But matters of politics were tricky; religious conflicts, however, provided the perfect opportunity. Under the pretext of the Buddhist-Daoist debate, this was the ideal moment to completely expel Buddhism from Chang’an. A rare glint of killing intent flickered in Yuxu’s eyes.

Even if I have to settle this the way you settled your “martial challenge” last night, this ends here.

Kong Shi chuckled, entirely unfazed. “You accuse me of colluding with the enemy’s leader, but I say that before the King of Qin, before all the aristocratic families of Chang’an, the real man standing here openly conspiring with the false dynasty is none other than you, Daoist. It is said that last night, you had a certain unknown altercation. And strangely, at that time, Vermillion Bird’s flames descended into the alleyways. The esteemed envoy did not arrive today—she was already here yesterday. Who knows what secret negotiations you held with her then, only to put on this performance today?”

Li Boping’s gaze fell upon Yuxu, but he said nothing.

Both sides now carried the stain of collusion, one with the barbarians, the other with external forces hostile to the Li Clan.

It was as if the accusations had canceled each other out.

On the battlefield of public sentiment, Yuxu stood on the side of the common people, while Kong Shi stood on the side of the Li Clan’s rule.

If this were a matter of public votes, Yuxu would win in a landslide.

But the decision ultimately lay with those in power. And from a ruler’s perspective, Kong Shi was the clear victor.

A moment of silence settled over the scene, punctuated only by the crackling flames from the still-burning court of state ceremonial. Yet no one moved to put out the fire. Not the nobles, not the scholars, not even the soldiers. Everyone simply stood there, reflecting on the state of things with silent sighs.

In that lull, a figure—one that had nearly gone unnoticed—suddenly leaped from a nearby rooftop, landing firmly in the center of the scene. “You... You’re the King of Qin, correct?”

Li Boping turned toward the newcomer, his expression calm. “And who might you be?”

Zhao Changhe smiled faintly. “I believe the King of Qin’s first priority should be putting out that fire. If it spreads, the consequences will be dire.”

Li Boping returned the smile. Of course, he had intentionally delayed ordering the fire to be extinguished, letting it burn longer meant the victims’ resentment would be directed at Vermillion Bird, the one who had set the flames in the first place. But now that someone had brought it up, he could not just pretend he had not heard.

With a wave of his hand, he commanded, “Extinguish the fire.”

“Yes, sir!” Soldiers immediately rushed to carry out the order, swiftly dousing the flames.

Yue Hongling glanced at Zhao Changhe, her eyes brimming with delight.

The feeling of moving separately, of never discussing a plan, yet arriving at the same place at the perfect moment, instinctively covering for each other, was simply beautiful. Only he would react to a political stalemate by thinking, first and foremost, of putting out a fire.

Vermillion Bird was also staring at Zhao Changhe, but her gaze was far less approving. Her eyes practically screamed: What the hell are you doing?! I told you to change your clothes and disguise yourself before coming out! Are you trying to get yourself killed? Jiuyou is definitely watching!

Zhao Changhe spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying a weight that made the chaotic scene still for a moment, “As for who I am... many of you actually saw me just yesterday... At Louguantai, when Master Kong Shi challenged Daoist Yuxu, I intervened. I believe many here noticed that I, too, am a disciple of Buddhism.”

Li Boping’s expression remained impassive as he said, “And what exactly are you trying to say? That a disciple of Buddhism would also draw his bow and interfere in a battle against the barbarians? Or that a Buddhist disciple would dare shoot an arrow at his own so-called sacred monk?”

“Sacred monk? That depends on whether the people accept him as such.” Zhao Changhe chuckled. He took a step forward and made a formal introduction. “Allow me to properly introduce myself, I am Qin Jiu, and I am acting under the orders of Abbot Yuan Cheng. I was sent to Chang’an to investigate the presence of demonic forces masquerading as Buddhist monks.”

The onlookers, gathered on rooftops and streets, fell into stunned silence for a brief moment before erupting into a shocked uproar.

What had begun as a Buddhist-Daoist dispute had now taken an unexpected turn into Buddhism’s own internal strife!

It made sense, though. Master Kong Shi had only emerged after Abbot Yuan Cheng left Chang’an. No one had heard of him before then. If Yuan Cheng had caught wind of this and suspected foul play, sending a trusted disciple to investigate would be entirely reasonable.

But to accuse Kong Shi of being a demonic cultivator? That was not a claim one could throw around without solid proof!

Kong Shi gave a low chuckle, shaking his head with amusement.

“My dear junior nephew... Your esteemed master could not withstand the pressure and abandoned Chang’an. But now that he sees how Buddhism has flourished under my leadership, he grows resentful. That, I can understand. However, to make baseless accusations, to slander one’s own granduncle within the sect as demonic—that is going too far.”

“Whether or not you walk the demonic path, we can settle that with a fight.” Zhao Changhe pulled out River of Stars, the black sword glinting ominously even in the daylight. Its tip pointed unwaveringly at Kong Shi. “Under the radiance of true Buddhist light, no demons or phantoms can hide. I, Qin Jiu, challenge Master Kong Shi to a duel. This is a matter of Buddhist internal affairs. Outsiders shall not interfere.”

Even Yue Hongling and Vermillion Bird, who thought they had seen it all, were completely caught off guard by this development. As for the spectators? They were utterly thrilled. It was an amazing spectacle!

Envoys from two nations. A swordswoman’s assassination attempt. The battle between Hu and Han. The conflict between Buddhism and Daoism. And now, a schism within Buddhism itself. It was one unexpected twist after another!

Truly, the bystanders had not wasted their time coming here today.

Li Boping, unsure of how to intervene in this so-called Buddhist internal affair, could only sigh, his eyelid helplessly twitching. “Young men are too hot-blooded. Let him suffer a little. It will be a good lesson for him.”

Rather than stopping it, he waved a hand, signaling his soldiers to fall back and clear space for the duel.

The crowd quickly withdrew, leaving only Zhao Changhe and Kong Shi standing face-to-face in the center.

Kong Shi’s gaze locked onto Zhao Changhe’s sword, his expression shifting between doubt and wariness.

You carry such an eerie, blackened blade... Yet you call yourself a disciple of Buddhism? Since when has Buddhism ever wielded such a weapon? If anyone here looks to walk the demonic path, it’s you.

River of Stars was indeed an enigma. It was an artifact unknown to the ancients, appearing only in this era. Not even Jiuyou had seen it before. And of those who had, such as Desolate Calamity, Hidden Wind, and Snow Owl, none were present. That was why Zhao Changhe dared not draw Dragon Bird but had no qualms about wielding River of Stars. To the untrained eye, the sword’s deep black luster seemed wholly unfitting for a Buddhist weapon. Yet among the many martial arts experts present, not a single one detected even the faintest trace of demonic energy within it.

On the contrary, its aura was vast and boundless, tranquil as the night, exuding a resonance with the Heavenly Dao itself. Beneath its surface lay an almost imperceptible yet undeniable sense of divine authority, a weight akin to the will of the firmament.

It was clear that this was no demonic artifact. This was a divine weapon. Jiuyou’s heart skipped a beat.

Where did this sword come from? Why does it feel so much like... her?

Meanwhile, Zhao Changhe himself felt a tinge of helplessness.

Drawing this sword would undoubtedly attract Jiuyou’s attention even more, but what could he do? Qin Jiu’s identity was already compromised. As long as he managed to escape today, he swore he would never use this face again. But that was a concern for later. Right now, there was a bigger problem. When fighting Bo’e, he had refrained from engaging in close combat, fearing he might give himself away. But this?

Blindie, you’d better come through. It’s fine if you stayed out of the battle against the barbarians. But this is a battle between gods and demons. Surely, you won’t sit this one out too, right?

That fleeting thought passed, but the battle had already begun. His attack was not reckless. There was a purpose to this strike. Zhao Changhe took a deep breath, his voice steady. “Master, watch yourself.”

Whoosh!

River of Stars pierced through the void, its edge appearing at Kong Shi’s throat in the blink of an eye.

The onlookers instinctively flicked their gazes toward Yue Hongling. Because this strike, this sword intent, was eerily similar to hers. It was like a brilliant sunset spilling across the horizon, shining and radiant before fading into solemn stillness. The final light of day, hanging upon the line between sea and sky. Darkness above. Darkness below.

It was the Sunset Divine Sword, and yet, it was more than that. Because this sword did not end at sunset. It carried into the night. It was contrasting, yet the transition between complete opposites was seamless.

The endless cycle of day and night; the eternal flow of time itself.

“Profound Control!” Among those who could understand the move, Li Boping, Wei Changming, and others could not help but blurt out in astonishment, “He’s fusing his sword intent mid-battle! He’s breaking through the Profound Control right now!”

Clang!

Kong Shi, bare-handed, met the flat of the blade with a palm strike.

He did not dare face the edge of the sword directly. Even with his flawless Buddhist Golden Bell Barrier, he did not trust himself to take the strike unguarded. A moment ago, he had dismissed this man as a reckless fool. But now he realized that the other party was a lunatic wielding a divine sword, breaking through to the Profound Control Realm mid-battle!

Where the hell do all these monsters keep coming from?!

As palm met sword, a sharp, resonant crack split the air. A dazzling explosion of golden light erupted from the point of impact, so brilliant that many in the crowd involuntarily squeezed their eyes shut against the overwhelming radiance.

To the onlookers, Kong Shi’s form was illuminated by the manifestation of a colossal Buddha, towering behind him. The Buddha’s eyes burned with wrathful authority, its divine palm pressing down upon the insignificant ant before it.

How could this possibly be demonic? This is the true presence of the Buddha himself...

Many watching could not help but feel this way.

On the other side, Qin Jiu, struggling under the immense pressure, seemed to be steadily retreating. Yet, something strange was happening.

With each step backward, an ethereal lotus bloomed beneath his feet. Step after step, the ground beneath him slowly transformed into a vast lotus pond, the spectral petals unfolding in his wake.

Lotus Blossoming Steps!

This, too, was the mark of a true disciple of the Buddha!

Only Vermillion Bird and Yue Hongling had the urge to roll their eyes.

Oh, so now you’re all about pure bliss and paradise, huh?

Yue Hongling scoffed internally.

Not bad. Just don’t think you’re ever getting us to sit on one of those lotus thrones with you.

Crack!

Zhao Changhe halted his retreat, his final step landing upon the largest lotus, blooming into a celestial radiance. As it unfurled, the sky itself seemed to respond, reflecting the earthly lotuses.

People lifted their heads in awe. The winter sky had been thick with mist, the sun long obscured. Yet, at this very moment, the clouds suddenly split apart. Golden light poured through. For a brief moment, none could tell if this was merely the illusion of divine imagery or if the sun had truly chosen to appear at this very moment.

A sword that splits the firmament, a blazing sun radiant in the sky!

I am Vairocana, I am Buddha!

Whoosh!

Bathed in the radiance of the blazing sun, Zhao Changhe launched forward once more, his sword thrusting straight for Kong Shi’s forehead.

And with the sword’s motion, the heavens shifted once again.

The stroke that split open the sky revealed countless stars, each igniting within the bright midday light, stretching across the firmament in an infinite celestial river. As the sword light tore across the sky, it wove itself into a boundless galaxy, cascading like the Milky Way itself. A galaxy descended, the sun and moon shining as one.

If I am now the sun and moon, why not command this galaxy?

In that instant, as he witnessed the perfect harmony between Yue Hongling and Vermillion Bird, the barrier that had long held Zhao Changhe back shattered.

He had stepped beyond the threshold.

He had broken into the Profound Control Realm!

The Milky Way surged, crashing down upon the colossal Buddha that loomed over the battlefield. The divine figure pushed forward, palms outstretched, attempting to stem the flood. And on the ground, Kong Shi’s hands clamped together, catching River of Stars between his palms.

A blinding golden explosion erupted. The very air trembled as brilliant light engulfed all of Chang’an, the city awash in shimmering gold.

To the bystanders, Qin Jiu was undoubtedly incredible. His power, his swordsmanship, his very presence bordered on the divine.

But... Wasn’t the point of this fight to expose Kong Shi as someone of the demonic path?

Yet everything in front of them only cemented Kong Shi’s image as a true Buddha, his divine form even more vivid and undeniable than Qin Jiu’s own solar manifestation.

And yet, at the very heart of their clash, where no one else could see, for just a fleeting moment, a twist of something vile flickered across Kong Shi’s face. A hideous ripple of demonic energy surged in his gaze, twisting, distorting, like ripples spreading across a still lake.

The Heavenly Demon’s Illusion was currently seeping in.