Chapter 842: Madam Rouge's Dream

In the imperial study in Yongding, Xiao Nanfeng was reviewing a stack of documents as Wen Zhong read aloud, filling in gaps in the reports and offering insights of his own.

"In other words, Han Gucheng's attention is focused on the green knoll hidden realm for the time being?" Xiao Nanfeng asked thoughtfully.

"Indeed. Ever since your altercation with the Immortal Emperor of Dahan, Your Majesty, we've been keeping track of everything that's happening within his realm. He immediately quelled the troublemakers across the region on his return, but then vanished anew," Wen Zhong said.

"In other words, he's using his lingering influence to maintain control over his empire while not operating within it."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Wen Zhong confirmed. "His plans within the green knoll hidden realm must be more important than Dahan."

Xiao Nanfeng nodded. "You're right. He abandoned the divine empire of Daxue without a second thought. He likely doesn't care much for Dahan, either."

"Our enmity with Han Gucheng has escalated to the point that a showdown will be inevitable. In that case, we should seize any opportunity to weaken him," Wen Zhong emphasized.

Xiao Nanfeng considered the suggestion for a moment, a glint of resolve in his eyes. "In that case, let's take a bold move."

"Your Majesty, do you intend to take over Dahan?" Wen Zhong's eyes lit up.

"Han Gucheng has been so busy that he hasn't transferred full control of Dahan away from Han Bing, which gives us an opening. We have Han Bing's physical body, after all. I'll leave the task of dealing with Dahan's key officials to you," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"Under Dazheng's name?" Wen Zhong asked.

Xiao Nanfeng considered the options, then shook his head. "No. Make commands in Han Bing's name."

"Your Majesty, do you intend to create the illusion that Han Gucheng and Han Bing are at odds and competing for control of Dahan?" Wen Zhong asked. His eyes gleamed with understanding.

"That's right. It'll be challenging to pull off, but I believe you're up to the task. Even if the ploy doesn't work, it doesn't matter. Just do your best," Xiao Nanfeng said.

"Understood!" Wen Zhong replied, nodding.

"In addition, I recently acquired three tamed Enlightenment Grounds. I'll help you raise your cultivation to the Golden Immortal realm so that you can protect yourself, at least," Xiao Nanfeng continued.

"Understood. Thank you, Your Majesty!" Wen Zhong said, deeply moved.

A few years ago, he would never have imagined being able to become a Golden Immortal in such a short period of time.

In the garden of the imperial palace, Ye Sanshui, two pools of black blood, and two black coffins all stood together as Madam Rouge performed a ritual. Dozens of mirrors surrounded them, casting colorful light that made the objects emit wisps of black smoke.

"Argh!" Ye Sanshui cried out in pain.

"Bear with it," Madam Rouge replied.

Ye Sanshui clenched his teeth, trembling as he endured the pain.

Black smoke gradually rose from the pools of blood and Ye Sanshui's body, then streamed into the black coffins. Only after an entire day had passed did the process finally stop.

With a wave of her hand, Madam Rouge made the mirrors around them disappear to reveal Ye Sanshui seated cross-legged in meditation.

The black blood remained unchanged, but the black coffins continued to emit traces of black smoke.

"Well?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

"As I suspected, the message left by the owner of the black coffins was meant to deceive you," Madam Rouge said.

"Oh?" Xiao Nanfeng replied curiously.

"He did manage to live through two eras—with the black coffins and black blood serving as his cursed spiritual avatars. In each black coffin and pool of blood, he left his cursed will behind. Regardless of whether the three pools of blood or the three coffins merge, he will be instantly revived. You were cautious not to do as he claimed," Madam Rouge said.

"As I thought," Xiao Nanfeng replied, frowning.

"I've transferred the three portions of cursed will from Ye Sanshui's body and the two pools of black blood to their respective coffins. Ye Sanshui can now merge with the black blood without immediately reviving its previous owner—at least for a time."

"For a time?"

"As you know, cursed effigies can't be killed or erased. My measures only serve to delay the revival of the coffins' owner, not to cancel it completely. The less black blood Ye Sanshui absorbs, the longer he'll be able to survive, and vice versa."

Xiao Nanfeng nodded. "Thank you."

"Thank me? How will you thank me? With a song?" Madam Rouge teased.

Xiao Nanfeng: ...

"Haha, no rush. Just make sure you make up for those nine songs sooner or later."

Xiao Nanfeng scowled.

Just then, Ye Sanshui stood up and bowed. "Your Majesty, I feel much more comfortable now."

Xiao Nanfeng repeated Madam Rouge's explanation and said, "Don't worry. If any issues arise with this ancestral zombie's body, I'll procure another cursed effigy you can merge with."

"Understood!" Ye Sanshui nodded.

"These two pools of black blood, I'll leave with you. Don't absorb them unless truly necessary. If you encounter an insurmountable challenge, absorb one," Xiao Nanfeng warned.

"Understood!" Ye Sanshui nodded firmly as he claimed the two pools of blood.

"You may go," Xiao Nanfeng said.

Ye Sanshui bowed and retreated.

Meanwhile, Xiao Nanfeng stored the two black coffins, then turned to Madam Rouge. "Didn't you say you had something you needed my help with, too?"

"Yu Fuli's copy of the Yuqing Grandmaster's cultivation of the heart was of great use to me. The Yuqing Grandmaster was a peerless talent. His approach to the heart's path is different from mine, but it's given me tremendous inspiration."

"Oh?"

"After analyzing my defeat against the heavens, I realized that a critical factor was a flaw in my heart. In the Yuqing Grandmaster's insights, I found a method with which to repair this flaw. I don't know if it'll necessarily work, but I'd like to give it a try."

"Isn't that great?"

"The Yuqing Grandmaster's insight, however, may be somewhat risky to carry out. I need someone I trust to guard me in the process," Madam Rouge continued.

"Me?" Xiao Nanfeng exclaimed.

Madam Rouge glanced at Xiao Nanfeng. "Precisely."

"Do you really trust me that much? Don't you have many subordinates? You..." Xiao Nanfeng trailed off.

As he spoke, he saw the serious, hopeful look on her face and paused. Perhaps Madam Rouge's subordinates might not be entirely trustworthy. That peach bodhisattva from before, for instance—despite being Madam Rouge's follower, he had wanted her affection for himself.

Madam Rouge had to be lonely if she had established such a vast empire without any loyal confidants.

"I'll help," Xiao Nanfeng said solemnly.

Madam Rouge beamed.

They naturally decided to carry out the secluded cultivation in Yongding.

The two of them set up a large number of defensive formations to ensure their privacy.

They sat cross-legged within the hall, facing each other. Madam Rouge waved a hand, causing pink fog to fill the hall. The fog glowed softly and created a dreamlike atmosphere.

"With Yuqing's path, I rectify chaos. Circulate," Madam Rouge commanded, waving her hand.

The pink fog quickly began to revolve around the two cultivators as it turned purple.

Meanwhile, Madam Rouge retrieved two empty cups. Forming seals with her hand, she allowed tendrils of purple mist to flow into the cups and condense into purple drops of liquid. In no time at all, both cups were filled with what seemed like purple wine.

"What's this?" Xiao Nanfeng asked, curious.

"According to the Yuqing Grandmaster's insight into the heart, the liquid formed here is known as the Yuqing dreamliquor. Drinking it allows one access into the deepest recesses of the heart, the core of the self. Only by transforming that core can a person's heart be truly altered and any flaws repaired. I'd like to attend to my core."

"Very well. I'll keep you safe from external threats," Xiao Nanfeng promised.

Madam Rouge shook her head. "No, you misunderstand. The danger I face isn't external, but rather internal."

"What do you mean?"

"When I drink the Yuqing dreamliquor, I'll enter a dream in which I may forget who I am. I'll relive past events and repeat them in a loop. I'm worried I'll be trapped and unable to break free."

"Unable to break free?"

"If I fail to repair my heart, I may be trapped in its recesses forever. I will forget my identity and purpose. I'll need someone to pull me out. A companion within my dream will create a variable by which I may be able to escape."

"In other words, as long as I drink the other cup of Yuqing dreamliquor, I'll be able to enter your dream and pull you out?"

Madam Rouge nodded seriously.

"Can't I wake you up directly?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.

"That would damage my heart. You'll have to enter the dream and wake me there," Madam Rouge replied.

Xiao Nanfeng grew serious as he recognized the risks of this process. No wonder Madam Rouge needed someone she could trust entirely. If her protector meant her ill, Madam Rouge would be severely injured.

"Very well. I'll do my best," Xiao Nanfeng said sincerely.

Madam Rouge had helped him out tremendously, and he was more than happy to return the favor.

"In that case, I'll begin. You'll be able to see the projection of my dream. If it starts repeating without end, come in and wake me."

Then, she lifted her cup of Yuqing dreamliquor and drank from it. Instantly, her body was enveloped in a purple glow as she fell into a meditative, dream-like state.

The swirling purple mist around him suddenly calmed and became perfectly still. Madam Rouge's dreams came into view within the mist—as did voices.

Xiao Nanfeng's eyes lit up. Would he be able to see into her dreams directly?

Through the hazy image, a female voice called out, "Yanzhi, did you draw little turtles on Father's papers again? You'll be in big trouble once he gets back!"

"Serves him right for not buying me peach blossom cakes! Sister, don't tell him I did it, alright?" a mischievous little girl replied.