Chapter 431: Method for Blade and Sword to Recognize the Master

Chapter 431: The Method of Sword and Blade Acknowledging Their Master

Fortunately, a sword spirit is, after all, just a sword spirit—its thinking differs from true human thought. At its core, it merely follows a "persona" to produce the expected reactions, not genuine deliberation.

At first glance, it seems absurdly powerful, but it is ultimately unlike a human... No matter how mighty a weapon, it requires a powerful master to wield it and unlock its fullest potential.

Tang Wanzhuang observed for a moment, then suddenly struck with her sword.

A continuous web of sword light wove around the space where blade and sword clashed, as if conjuring a deep, watery domain.

The sword and blade were in the midst of their fervent clash when they suddenly found their movements growing sluggish, as if sinking into an abyss, surrounded by crushing water pressure, their power increasingly stifled.

Without needing Tang Wanzhuang’s instruction, Zhao Changhe—with his own keen battle instincts—seized the hilt of Longque in an instant.

It felt like grabbing some pony-tailed girl; Longque trembled in fury, yet was pinned and unable to move, allowing the ancient sword to land several blows on it.

Zhao Changhe could even picture a hapless soul being pulled apart in a biased intervention, with the opponent taking the chance to kick it, while it tried to retaliate but couldn’t reach—the image was far too vivid.

Tang Wanzhuang seized the moment and reached out, grasping the ancient sword opposite.

Longque, relying on its length, stretched over and struck a slash, then, satisfied, stopped attacking, though it still quivered incessantly.

Ancient Sword: “...”

Longque: “...”

Tang Wanzhuang frowned at the sword in her hand, which was also trembling, and murmured, “It defies me, intent on breaking free. I must suppress it with all my strength; I cannot use it against an enemy, or it might turn and wound me. Strange—how did Xuanwu manage to wield it?”

Zhao Changhe said, “Longque is the same. Back then, Old Cui had me test the blade to see if it would let me use it. As for Xuanwu, there must be some connection with this sword, so it barely works... but neither comes close to true acknowledgment.”

“Did Cui Wenjing also urge you to make Longque acknowledge you sooner?”

“He advised me back in Yanmen. But I’ve never found the way—I try to communicate with Longque, and it ignores me. How can I make it acknowledge me?” Zhao Changhe massaged his temples in frustration. “This time, when I threw it at Maitreya, I had to beg and plead. Luckily, it was willing to act on its own, or I’d have had a real headache.”

Tang Wanzhuang pondered for a moment, then decisively said, “During your recovery these days, focus on this matter.”

Zhao Changhe grinned cheekily. “No more teaching?”

Tang Wanzhuang huffed, “Forget it. You’re just not cut out for it—a monkey through and through.”

Zhao Changhe didn’t press further and asked directly, “You’re a high minister of the court; you know more about these matters. If I want to master Longque, what do you suggest?”

Tang Wanzhuang felt a strange sensation, like a prince consulting a senior official. Her heart was complex, and after a long silence, she said softly, “This pair of blade and sword are both imperial weapons. Initially, Longque was willing to acknowledge you because it sensed your Six Harmonies Divine Art... The significance of the Six Harmonies Divine Art to Longque isn’t about a specific person’s legacy—it doesn’t care for that. What it truly recognizes is the meaning within the art: the unity of the six harmonies, the convergence of a hundred rivers into the sea.”

Zhao Changhe suddenly understood. “So that’s it... I wondered why it wouldn’t acknowledge Old Xia, yet would accept his legacy. Turns out it has nothing to do with the legacy—it’s about the meaning.”

“Yes...” Tang Wanzhuang hesitated. “You mentioned earlier that the Emperor spoke with you... I don’t know when you met him, but do you feel that after that, Longque’s recognition of you increased?”

Zhao Changhe thought for a moment and shook his head slightly. “I don’t know. After that, Longque did grow closer to me, but I didn’t notice any particularly defining turning point—it was like people growing closer over time.”

“It must be related... You fought the barbarians in the north and pacified the demon cult in the south, always walking the path of clearing the world. Longque would naturally grow more approving of you. But one key element is missing... You have no desire to be emperor.”

Tang Wanzhuang wasn’t sure if saying this counted as guiding him toward the throne, but it was likely the truth.

Swords and blades are, after all, mere weapons. Their acknowledgment of a master doesn’t necessarily require the master to be stronger—just as a horse’s acceptance doesn’t demand the rider be faster.

In the past, one might say Longque looked down on a mere Xuan Pass martial artist. But now that Zhao Changhe had broken through to the Secret Realm, he had touched the Bridge of Heaven and Earth, a qualitative leap from ordinary men. Though still not matching Longque’s power, he should have met the standard for acknowledgment.

In other aspects, he was magnanimous enough—caring for the common people on one hand, and in martial arts, embodying the meaning of a hundred rivers converging into the sea for his own use. His arrogance and dominance were buried in his bones, and organizing the hunt for Maitreya was a quintessential example of a central coordinator. In every way, he suited Longque’s aesthetic.

The only thing preventing him from being master was his lack of an emperor’s heart.

So, in truth, Longque was willing to follow most of his commands. This time, when it voluntarily turned during the fight with Maitreya, it seemed like a reluctant favor, but it was actually obeying.

It just fell short of full acknowledgment...

Hmm, that description sounded a bit like Tang Wanzhuang herself...

Zhao Changhe thought the same, wondering why everyone he met was such a stubborn tsundere.

If this understanding held, he would truly never make Longque acknowledge him, because he genuinely had no desire to be emperor.

“Forget it—what’s the point of acknowledgment? If Longque is willing to help, even if it’s just being tsundere, that’s fine...” Zhao Changhe’s words trailed off as he suddenly froze, his eyes widening in shock.

Before him, Tang Wanzhuang knelt gracefully and said softly, “Greetings, Crown Prince.”

Zhao Changhe hurried forward to help her up, but in that instant, he felt Longque in his hand stop trembling.

Kneeling on the ground, Tang Wanzhuang’s lips curled into a faint smile—she also sensed the ancient sword in her hand had stopped quivering.

Sword and blade spirits were, after all, not human... They could be deceived.

Zhao Changhe was stunned for a moment, then helped Tang Wanzhuang to her feet. He stammered for a bit before, surprisingly, playing along: “Rise, my beloved minister.”

He felt his scalp crawl with embarrassment, yet the blade and sword grew even quieter.

Tang Wanzhuang stood up, pouted, and a faint blush crept across her face.

This was an act, meant to fool the weapons—she could still convince herself of that. But... it seemed that if she pushed him to the throne, one day she would truly have to do this.

The thought made her cringe so hard she could dig her toes into the ground—how could she ever kneel like that?

Zhao Changhe was also staring at her with a strange expression. Neither spoke for a long while.

After a considerable pause, Tang Wanzhuang finally pouted and said, “Are you pleased? Does it feel satisfying?”

“I just feel my scalp tingling...”

“Shh...” Tang Wanzhuang raised a finger. “They have awareness—don’t let it slip.”

“Who cares?” Zhao Changhe laughed freely. “If they won’t acknowledge me, so be it. As long as they’re still companions and can serve as normal weapons, that’s enough. Even if they won’t do that—stay if we’re compatible, leave if not. Would I really change my principles for a blade or sword?”

Tang Wanzhuang watched him silently, saying nothing.

Zhao Changhe casually tossed both blade and sword into his ring. “You two, cool off as well.”

Though they had clearly been “exposed,” the weapons didn’t flare up again. Miraculously, they truly settled down in the ring.

Tang Wanzhuang tilted her head. “Why go to such lengths?”

“Because I can’t bear to lose you.” Zhao Changhe reached out and gently stroked her slightly flushed cheek. “The Tang Wanzhuang in my heart is as pure as jade—you must never kneel to anyone. Not even Old Xia.”

A hint of a smile flickered in Tang Wanzhuang’s eyes. In truth, she had been granted exemption from kneeling; she even had a seat in court, though that was due to her health. She had never actually knelt. After pacifying Jiangnan, her status would likely earn her the privilege of “entering court without hurrying, and being praised without naming.”

But hearing Zhao Changhe say this, she deliberately retorted, “If you want me not to kneel to others, then take that seat yourself.”

“Not even to me.” Zhao Changhe leaned close to her ear. “Unless... in a special place, that might be allowed...”

Tang Wanzhuang grabbed him fiercely. “Zhao Changhe!”

“See? You won’t even do that, and you talk about kneeling...” Zhao Changhe chuckled softly. “Have you made up your mind? Do you still want this crown prince?”

Tang Wanzhuang choked for a moment, then stubbornly said, “Of course I do.”

“Then... behave yourself. It’s the unspoken rule.” Zhao Changhe lowered his head and kissed her, murmuring to himself, “I have to admit, that feeling really is intoxicating...”

“Pah, do you think a mere crown prince has the right to touch me? Don’t get carried away!... Mmm...”

Amid the rubble, the man and woman kissed with complex emotions, each seemingly wavering over what they truly desired.

Footsteps sounded in the distance.

The house had been demolished; such a commotion naturally drew the mansion’s guards to investigate. Tang Buqi led them personally, but from afar, he suddenly halted, blocking the soldiers behind him. “It’s nothing—let’s go back...”

His aunt still insisted it wasn’t so... Damn it, an aunt only three or four years older was bad enough, but now there was an uncle three years younger than him. How was he supposed to live from now on?

The couple was startled awake as well.

Tang Wanzhuang gently pushed Zhao Changhe away, breathing heavily as she whispered, “Go back and seriously consider the matter of the blade and sword acknowledging their master... Once they do, your combat power will soar, greatly aiding your journey. This is not the time for you to play the hero.”

He paused, then said, "I'll take Baoqin with me today."

Zhao Changhe was stunned. "Why are you leaving?"

"Regarding Maitreya, I need to return and report—that's one reason. But more crucially..." Tang Wanzhuang said with some helplessness, "I feel that my presence here is a hindrance to you this time... Your thoughts of me outweigh your recovery and martial training. You have more important things to do; you shouldn't be indulging in these... Otherwise, I'd become a femme fatale who ruins the state, which is not my wish."

Zhao Changhe scratched his head.

The thought of Tang Wanzhuang as a femme fatale... somehow felt thrilling.

"Actually, I've always felt that romantic entanglements don't suit you. Baoqin was right back then—it's like a bear trying to embroider." Tang Wanzhuang smiled bitterly. "Perhaps when we're no longer here, and you ride alone, sword testing the world, that's when you'll be the Blood Shura Zhao Changhe who truly moves us... What a bitter irony."

Tang Buqi watched from afar and suddenly felt that was right.

No wonder it had always seemed off when he saw his uncle clinging to his aunt—so that was it!