Chapter 803 (1): Journey to the Western Regions

Even the brightest diamond could be tarnished if too many people looked at it for too long. The public eye was merciless. Zhao Changhe thus quickly took his leave.

In truth, as long as it was not in a public setting, slipping inside for a little rendezvous was not unheard of. Tang Wanzhuang had secretly hoped that after Zhao Changhe left, he would sneak back in, but even Baoqin knew that would not happen.

The journey from the capital to the Western Regions spanned ten thousand li, and his meeting with Ying Five was set for three days later. That meant that at least half a day would be spent traveling, not to mention other unpredictable variables. Hence, this was Zhao Changhe’s last night in the capital. By dawn, he would have to depart. He still needed to exchange thoughts with Huangfu Qing and the others, finalize arrangements, and had no time to linger.

At dawn, before the sky had even brightened, Tang Wanzhuang headed to the imperial palace. Sure enough, by the time she arrived at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, Zhao Changhe was already gone.

The Four Idols remained, seemingly practicing the simplified version of the Four Idols Formation without him.

Tang Wanzhuang glanced at them and noticed that after just one night, Huangfu Qing had also stepped into the second layer of the Profound Control Realm.

“You showed no signs of a breakthrough yesterday when everyone else was gaining insights. Did you break through last night?” Tang Wanzhuang was astonished. These days, breakthroughs seemed as common as cabbage. If it was just a matter of dual cultivation with Changhe, then why had she not advanced, too?

“There were... other circumstances last night.” Huangfu Qing did not appear particularly pleased; in fact, her lips were slightly pursed, as if she had been unfairly slighted.

Tang Wanzhuang found the expression amusing. “Hey, he helped you break through. What’s with the aggrieved look?”

Lady Three chuckled. “Changhe used the ability of the firmament to carry her spirit ten thousand li away to where the Southern Li Fire was, letting her absorb its flames and push her Vermillion Bird abilities to their peak. And then, just like that, he left—like he was rushing between appointments. Someone here had imagined a grand, perilous journey, with companionship and shared hardship, only to end up with... this. Oh, what a letdown.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s smile grew even wider.

What were you expecting? It’s a breakthrough to the second layer of the Profound Control Realm, a refinement and culmination of the Vermillion Bird’s power. It’s something every martial artist in the world dreams of achieving. Why are you even still complaining that there was a lack of romance?

Besides, the Southern Li Fire was discovered long ago. The fact that it was available for forging weapons meant it was unclaimed and unguarded. All it took was for Changhe to refine his senses, pinpoint its exact location, and go directly there. It was always a guaranteed acquisition, so what kind of earth-shattering, tragic saga could you have even possibly been hoping for?

Tang Wanzhuang could understand the desire for an adventure-filled tale. But coming from Huangfu Qing? Was this still the same Venerable Vermillion Bird who was greatly feared by all? Had she been spoiled rotten?

Xia Chichi cupped her hand over her mouth as if trying to shield her words from her master, leaning toward Tang Wanzhuang and whispering, “She thinks we got to spend a joyful day with him yesterday while she didn’t get the same treatment. She’s jealous.”

“Xia Chichi, you treacherous little rat!” Huangfu Qing glared at her. “Who’s jealous over something like that? I traveled across the Grasslands with him, side by side the whole way. You think I’d envy you lot for a mere day or so? And serving him together as ruler and minister? Do you still even know shame, Tang Wanzhuang?”

Tang Wanzhuang finally burst into laughter, not even bothering to respond.

You both have him as your partner together as master and disciple! Hell, you’re practically mother and daughter. I wonder if Changhe has ever done both of you at the same time... If not yet, then it’ll surely happen sooner or later. And you have the nerve to call me shameless?

Huangfu Qing knew her reaction lacked credibility, and she certainly did not want Tang Wanzhuang channeling Baoqin’s spirit to dig up more of her embarrassing moments. She swiftly changed the subject, “The ancient Four Idols only ever reached the peak of the second layer of the Profound Control Realm; they never made it to the third layer. It’s a limitation of the Four Idols themselves. Even at their peak, that’s as far as they go. If we want to break through to the third layer, we’ll have to forge our own path. Do any of you have any ideas?”

No one answered.

What ideas could they have? Not everyone in the world pursued the extreme heights of the Dao. Below the third layer, there were clear paths as each person had their own lineage to learn and figure out. With enough talent and effort, reaching the second layer was possible. But the third layer was another matter entirely. The third layer was an absolute boundary of laws, tied to one’s very essence. Effort alone did not guarantee success.

In fact, forcing it could lead to obsession and unpredictable consequences.

If the Night Emperor sought to replace the Heavenly Dao, then that was the ultimate form of obsession. Who knew if the chaos of the previous era stemmed from such pursuits? She was the perfect example of a tribulation that could shake heaven and earth.

Huangfu Qing herself knew this well enough. There was no point in pushing the issue. But looking back, if anyone among them had once been the most fascinated by such matters, it would have undoubtedly been her. And yet, judging from her petty jealousy just now, it was clear that those days were long past.

Xia Chichi completely ignored her master and continued speaking to Tang Wanzhuang, “I’ll be attending court with you shortly to arrange affairs for the coming days. After that, my focus will mainly be on practicing the Four Idols Formation, so you’ll need to handle state matters with extra care. I’ll make one final appearance at the spring imperial examinations to oversee the palace examination. After that, we’ll be leaving.”

For the first time in private, Tang Wanzhuang performed a formal courtly bow. “Rest assured, Your Majesty.”

A quiet sigh echoed in her heart. Everyone was either going into seclusion or leaving. If only the late emperor had done the same, if he had arranged matters properly before shutting himself away or vanishing for long periods, things never would have turned out the way they had.

Xia Chichi’s response, however, was anything but solemn, “You’re acting all serious. What, are you trying to make sure he’s even more excited next time?”

Lady Three and Huangfu Qing both fixed their gazes on Tang Wanzhuang, their expressions unmistakably saying, “We get it. You really know how to play.” Tang Wanzhuang flicked her sleeve and left without a word.

Lady Three sighed and said, “You two are still pouting. If anyone should be pouting, it’s me. Not long ago, he promised that no matter how we split up next time, he’d travel with me. And now? I’m still stuck with you bunch of wretched enchantresses. Men are all liars.”

* * *

Zhao Changhe, riding atop Snow-Treading Crow, had already crossed Qinling.

To the north lay Guanlong, shrouded under Jiuyou’s influence, and to the south, Bashu, awaiting integration.

Li Shentong had insisted that either he or Tang Wanzhuang personally oversee the takeover as he did not trust anyone else in the imperial court. But neither of them had the time. Tang Wanzhuang was now completely tied up, and while Zhao Changhe was passing through, a territorial annexation was not something that could be settled with a few words.

For now, it would have to wait.

After some thought, Zhao Changhe decided to head south first and check on Li Shentong’s injuries.

“So you came alone to take over Bashu?” Situ Xiao stared in disbelief as Zhao Changhe descended from the sky. “What is this? Are you playing house?”

“No, I was just passing by. I came to check on Senior Li.”

Situ Xiao led him through the halls toward the back, still puzzled. “So... do you actually want Bashu or not?”

Zhao Changhe clapped him on the shoulder. “How about this? I’ll appoint you as the governor of Shu Commandery first. Or maybe the regional inspector of Yizhou? Just swap the banners, that’s all.”

Situ Xiao’s expression twisted as if he had just swallowed something foul. “So you

are

playing house.”

“What, you don’t want the job?”

“If I wanted to be some damn governor, why would I have given you this land in the first place?” Situ Xiao was beyond exasperated. “Do you seriously think I surrendered to you? We handed Bashu over because we believed you could govern it better. And now you’re tossing it back to me? What kind of nonsense is this?”

Zhao Changhe studied him for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

“What the hell are you laughing at?”

“I’m just thinking... Everywhere else in the world, warlords are killing each other over land, and here we are, tossing it back and forth like an unwanted burden.”

Situ Xiao rolled his eyes. “Who the hell fights for a mere plot of land?”

“Alright, alright, I get it. But stop insisting that Wanzhuang come handle it personally, she really doesn’t have time. How about this? You’re familiar with Li Sian, right? He’s one of Wanzhuang’s most trusted aides. I’ll send him instead.”

“Fine, whatever.” Situ Xiao gave him a curious look. “You guys don’t seem to have anything urgent left to do, so why are you all acting like you’re drowning in work?”

“We’re actually really busy. You wouldn’t understand state affairs. If you did, you wouldn’t have handed this territory over to me in the first place.”

Situ Xiao had no retort for that. Instead, he muttered, “You just defeated the northern barbarians and shook the world with your victory. Instead of taking a break and enjoying the prestige, you’re out here running around. Where the hell are you heading now?”

“Prestige, my ass. I can’t recall seeing you bowing to me. Besides, back in the capital, I hardly saw anyone do so, and those I did see were laughing at me.”

“Laughing at you? Who the hell in the capital would dare laugh at you?”

“Oh, those aunties definitely dared.”

Situ Xiao: “...You sure you’re not trying to become the emperor of the whole world?”

Zhao Changhe replied matter-of-factly, “Nope. That’s a job for a woman.”