Chapter 825: Pouring Out Their Hearts

In the divine empire of Dahan, Han Gucheng's appearance swiftly suppressed the chaos within the empire.

Han Gucheng had a terrifying reputation forged when he first established the divine empire of Dahan. Those who defied him faced annihilation; he had carved his empire out of mountains of corpses and rivers of blood.

After Han Gucheng's 'death', however, the empire's reputation gradually waned. His successor, Han Bing, indulged in personal pleasure and handled state affairs poorly. Even so, for decades, the divine empire of Dahan remained safe and stable—not because of Han Bing, but rather the overwhelming fear that was Han Gucheng's legacy. His influence lingered; despite his supposed demise, his name and reputation continued to deter any insubordination for decades.

Now, however, it seemed that Han Gucheng was in fact alive.

The news shook the entire nation.

Officials and city lords who had declared independence or plotted rebellion despaired. Many packed up their families and attempted to flee under the cover of night, with no thought of resistance at all.

Those who had hesitated and refrained from acting on their ideas now thanked the heavens for their precaution.

Not long thereafter, they were even more relieved. The escapees were found dead, their corpses hung from the gates of their own mansions as a warning. Not a single one escaped; their clans were entirely eliminated.

Everyone was terrified by what Han Gucheng had done. He quelled the chaos that threatened to overwhelm Dahan within a matter of days.

The leaders of the neighboring forces were stunned by the news.

"That demon's still alive? This can't be!"

"What should we do now? Withdraw our troops, quickly!"

"Double the land as compensation? Fine! Just make sure that that demon doesn't turn his gaze to us!"

"How could I be so unlucky? Xiao Nanfeng really cost me dearly!"

Their leaders groaned in regret as Dahan stabilized itself in no time at all. Outsiders were shocked to hear of the news, but the situation was undeniable.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Rites led a group of diplomats to Dazheng.

In Dahan's imperial study, an official respectfully reported, "There's something strange going on in the Shangqing holy land. They've issued an emergency summons to recall all their disciples, and they're currently setting up a special array."

"Oh?" Han Gucheng frowned.

"It's all very strange. Lan Yaoguang, once a holy maiden of the sect, has become its new hierarch. We've just received word that Yan Ziqun's avatar attempted to assassinate her, only to be defeated by Lan Yaoguang in the process. Xiao Nanfeng also appeared during the incident."

The official relayed everything he had discovered.

"Xiao Nanfeng, again? I really did underestimate him." Han Gucheng's face darkened.

"Who could have known that Xiao Nanfeng would be so strong? He may even have orchestrated Lan Yaoguang's ascension into the Shangqing hierarch."

"His renown is well-earned. He's a formidable opponent," Han Gucheng spat out.

The official, who was one of Han Gucheng's confidants, raised a new concern. "I suspect His Highness was manipulated. How could he have come in contact with Lan Yaoguang? As far as I recall, the head of Snowborne was among those responsible for deceiving him."

"Snowborne? And an avatar of Saint Lun Hui, if I'm not mistaken. While I was setting up a trap for them in the green knoll hidden realm, they were here laying traps for my son. Very well. I'll set another trap for them, then," Han Gucheng replied icily.

"What about the Shangqing holy land, Your Majesty?"

"Send your subordinates to monitor it. If I'm not mistaken, the upheaval likely concerns the Shangqing Grandmaster. He was shockingly strong, and I have no interest in provoking him at the moment."

"Understood, Your Majesty!" Then, the official continued, "Xiao Nanfeng's currently in the Shangqing holy land. Should our diplomats still head to Dazheng regardless?"

"Proceed as planned. Xiao Nanfeng has at least two bodies. One is in the Shangqing holy land, but the other may be in Yongding—or perhaps the green knoll hidden realm. Let our envoys head to Yongding and probe the defenses there. Find out where his other body is," Han Gucheng ordered.

"Understood!"

In Lan Yaoguang's private chambers within the Shangqing holy land, beads of sweat dampened her temples. Strands of her hair clung to her flushed cheeks. Her already stunning beauty was tinged with the allure of maturity.

She lay quietly in Xiao Nanfeng's embrace, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Her gaze was dreamy and intoxicated.

"Nanfeng, you really are a scoundrel," Lan Yaoguang murmured shyly.

Her voice was such that a spark reignited within Xiao Nanfeng. Her eyes widened in alarm. "Don't! I'm done, so you'd better not try anything fishy."

Xiao Nanfeng suppressed his impulses and gently stroked Lan Yaoguang's hair. "Don't worry. I won't."

"Good," Lan Yaoguang replied, her face flushed red.

"Did you break through?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

"I advanced several stages. I'm almost at the middle of the Golden Immortal realm," Lan Yaoguang replied in disbelief.

"Good. I didn't teach you that technique in vain, then," Xiao Nanfeng teased, smiling.

"Don't ever mention such embarrassing things again!" Lan Yaoguang pinched him playfully.

Xiao Nanfeng laughed. "Alright, I won't."

"Did you break through too?"

"To the second stage of the Golden Immortal realm. It's all thanks to you," he replied.

She blushed further and pinched him again.

"Alright, alright! Let's change the topic."

"Hmph!" Lan Yaoguang smiled at him.

The two cultivators conversed quietly in bed for some time before they rose, washed up, and dressed in fresh clothes. Xiao Nanfeng proudly donned the new robes that Lan Yaoguang had personally stitched for him.

When they emerged from her room, both of them felt a renewed sense of intimacy.

Lan Yaoguang took Xiao Nanfeng by the arm and led him on a tour of the Shangqing holy land, showing him its many beautiful landscapes.

Xiao Nanfeng's recent exploits had caught the attention of many female cultivators at the holy land. Even with Lan Yaoguang by his side, there were plenty of admirers who approached him.

Lan Yaoguang no longer felt troubled or jealous. She clung to his arm and smiled confidently. She was proud that so many admired him; to her, it was only natural that her man would have qualities that were highly sought after.

Xiao Nanfeng courteously declined all the invitations extended to him, leaving Lan Yaoguang feeling even more pleased and content.

As the many disappointed female cultivators withdrew, Qiu Jianfeng arrived. He paused upon seeing the couple. "Yaoguang, you look somehow different..."

Lan Yaoguang flushed. What was her uncle implying?

Xiao Nanfeng quickly changed the subject. "Elder Qu, how's the investigation going regarding the recent assassination attempt on Yaoguang?"

Qu Jianfeng glanced at him awkwardly. He had once looked down on Xiao Nanfeng; now, Xiao Nanfeng was far above his station.

"Some division leaders bade me bring you the news."

"Oh?"

"The traitorous supreme elder was a close confidant of Yan Ziqun, who held incriminating evidence against him and forced him into compliance. Though he was naturally given a death sentence, his disciples were unaware of his betrayal and have been spared. The division leaders wish for me to convey their deepest apologies to Yaoguang."

Xiao Nanfeng frowned slightly. The traitor's disciples had likely formed ties with others within the holy land, complicating matters.

"The traitor's disciples and followers can be exempt from punishment on one condition: they need to find an elder from another division to serve as guarantor. If they hurt Yaoguang in the future, their guarantor will be penalized as well."

"A guarantor?" Qu Jianfeng exclaimed in surprise.

"Of course. Otherwise, what would you do if someone were to assassinate Yaoguang again?" Xiao Nanfeng's tone left no room for negotiation.

"And what if no one's willing to do so?"

"If they can't secure a guarantor, it suggests that they have poor character and aren't trustworthy. Such disciples don't deserve to remain in the holy land. Better to expel them than risk future plots against the current hierarch."

"Understood. I'll relay this to the division leaders. If they can't find guarantors, we'll expel them from the holy land."

"Does Yan Ziqun have any other avatars?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

"He doesn't. We've confirmed that he only has two bodies, both of which have now been destroyed," Qu Jianfeng replied.

"Very good." Xiao Nanfeng nodded.

Qu Jianfeng watched Lan Yaoguang, who had been silent throughout the conversation and was now clinging to Xiao Nanfeng. He couldn't help but feel unsettled. Did Xiao Nanfeng intend to be the Shangqing hierarch by proxy?

"Uncle, is there anything else?" Lan Yaoguang asked.

"No, that's all."

"Very well. We'll be on our way, then."

She linked arms with Xiao Nanfeng as they departed, leaving a perplexed Qiu Jianfeng behind. Was his niece going to leave everything in his hands?

Lan Yaoguang continued bringing Xiao Nanfeng on a tour of the holy land.

Xiao Nanfeng gave her his undivided attention, knowing that they would soon part ways while she prepared to enter the blue moon illusory realm. Until then, however, he wanted to spend as much time as he could with her.

During the day, they explored the holy land's beautiful scenic sites, and Xiao Nanfeng personally cooked for her.

That night, they returned to her residence and spent the evening in each other's arms, pouring out their hearts.