Chapter 725: Hard to Control Star River, Control Oneself First

Chapter 725: To Master the Galaxy, First Master the Self

Zhao Changhe had thought Sisi’s claim that “the effect of dual cultivation with the Heartlink Gu is no less impressive” was merely a pretty turn of phrase—he never imagined it was literal.

The Heartlink Gu truly could double the effects of dual cultivation, vastly increasing both healing efficiency and cultivation gains compared to before. The sensation of true qi flowing back and forth between their bodies was almost intoxicating, like oxygen drunkenness.

Even the pleasure of the act itself was doubled.

Yes, healing didn’t matter; the doubled pleasure was far more important. Zhao Changhe was terrified that his threshold might be raised, making everything else dull in comparison…

“Th-this kind of gu… of course it wasn’t planted just to make someone change their heart and die…” Sisi straddled him, her cheeks flushed crimson, so overwhelmed with pleasure she could barely keep moving, collapsing forward onto his chest. Even though she couldn’t sit upright, she still extended her little tongue, kitten-like, to gently lick his chest, offering her beloved the most exquisite devotion.

Sensing the confusion transmitted through Zhao Changhe’s soul, she murmured her reply: “We Spirit Clan are v-very practical… What meaning does a gu like that have besides causing trouble?”

Zhao Changhe gently stroked her hair, his body and mind utterly blissful: “Besides enhancing dual cultivation, what other benefits does this gu have?”

“Heartlink, heartlink—in theory, it allows both parties to know each other’s thoughts, but in practice it’s not fully realized. It only grants mutual perception when thoughts are extremely intense…” Sisi said softly. “It can be trained. In the future, perhaps even from ten thousand miles away, my lord can send me commands.”

“I don’t want to give you commands,” Zhao Changhe said. “If I want anything, it’s for you to move now.”

Sisi, who had been slacking off while answering, bit her lower lip with a plaintive look: “I have no strength left…”

“Then I’ll take over.” Zhao Changhe, who had been so injured he couldn’t move and could only let her pinch him like dough without resistance, now had strength after only a short while of dual cultivation. He flipped Sisi over and pinned her beneath him, unleashing a flurry of strikes: “Let’s see you pinch me…”

Sisi nearly passed out and immediately begged for mercy: “Stop… stop… this is d-doubled…”

Zhao Changhe slowed his movements and leaned down to kiss her.

Feeling his tenderness, Sisi’s heart filled with joy. She reached up to wrap her arms around his neck and gasped, “The Heartlink Gu has other uses. Don’t bully me yet—let me show you…”

As she spoke, Zhao Changhe suddenly felt a surge of energy within him, instantly reaching the edge of the Imperial Realm. It was blocked by the threshold of his level, unable to go further, though it felt like there was still room. His mind trembled: “This is complete energy conduction!”

“Yes, not through dual cultivation,” Sisi said, now as weak as an ordinary person, yet still grinning cheerfully. “As long as we touch, we can conduct energy—stronger than any formation. Imagine if we fought side by side—how many could we trick with this?”

The pair’s eyes sparkled with anticipation for the future mischief they could cause.

The Spirit Clan’s gu was indeed not planted haphazardly. Such a high-level gu had its various uses—united in heart and mind, it could achieve many things normally impossible.

But there was a problem now… Zhao Changhe wasn’t far from the threshold of the Imperial Realm, but this boost was stuck at the barrier, offering little progress. If only he could break through the barrier first…

Right, since he was right at the threshold now, could he glimpse the key to breaking through?

“Sisi, bear with me… I’ll try to break through.”

Sisi: “…You mean you haven’t entered yet? It’s fine, you’re already impressive.”

Zhao Changhe didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He leaned down and kissed her lips: “Be good, wait half an hour for me.”

Sisi: “I’ll die…”

Zhao Changhe could no longer hear her. He was introspecting, organizing his current state, attempting to break through. Though his injuries weren’t fully healed and his power was borrowed from Sisi, making it theoretically impossible, he could still experience the process of breaking through, glimpse the scenery beyond the door, and gain experience in the Imperial Realm. Once his actual cultivation reached the threshold, the rest would be much easier.

First, his core technique: the Bloodfiend Art.

His earlier wariness of the Bloodfiend Art had been correct. Lie indeed intended to return. If he had recklessly charged ahead before, he wouldn’t have had the tug-of-war with Lie or earned his respect—he would have been gone long ago.

Unexpectedly, Lie was quite interesting. Whether demon or god, his heroic spirit and boldness made him a titan of antiquity, the most stylish of the ancient gods and demons Zhao Changhe had encountered so far. Zhao Changhe felt a measure of respect. His resistance to the Bloodfiend Art had greatly diminished. If the Bloodfiend Art dared to continue breaking through, he would be even more confident in his own path.

According to Lie, blood and fiend should be separated: “Nourish the self with blood, sharpen the blade with fiend.” As it turned out, in the struggle with Lie, he truly couldn’t compete for fiendish energy, but when it came to blood energy alone, he could win. At least he had regained control of his body, and one punch had left Yinkui thoroughly screwed.

If he could use his own blood energy as a foundation, he would return to the starting point of his training, feeling grounded and experienced. The next step was to find a way to break through his body’s limits—to elevate the Blood Asura Body by one level, mastering his own blood energy. That would lay the foundation for breaking into the Imperial Realm.

As for the so-called mastery of the galaxy, without the foundation of this body’s blood energy, it was hollow, like shouting slogans—what could you use to master the galaxy?

In truth, the Four Symbols Sect’s method of resonating with the stars of the heavens had already established the connection. Every acupoint in his body could echo the stars; man and heaven were aligned.

His own flesh and blood were the firmament, his blood energy the clouds drifting over the galaxy, his acupoints the stars, and the meridians connecting them the star charts. His dantian was the sun, his spiritual platform the moon.

To master the galaxy, he first had to master his own body. Martial arts often said that the self is the universe, but he seemed to have forgotten that for a long time…

And then… the Four Symbols and Five Elements, wind, rain, thunder, lightning—all these mountains and rivers—could be used. His martial path finally had the clearest direction.

Zhao Changhe could already clearly feel that when his physical strength was at its peak, the celestial images of the stars lit up in his sea of consciousness. Heaven and earth resonated, sun and moon shone together.

With a slight mobilization, the Milky Way poured down, cascading like a waterfall. The overwhelming pressure of its momentum was enough to destroy everything.

Zhao Changhe opened his eyes. Sisi had been knocked unconscious by the cascade of the Milky Way.

Zhao Changhe: “…”

He quietly pulled the blanket over Sisi, threw on a robe, and went outside.

A few young maids were waiting outside, having listened to the blush-inducing sounds from within while gazing up at the sky in astonishment: “So beautiful…”

Suddenly hearing the door open, the maids jumped in fright and bowed: “Holy Envoy.”

Zhao Changhe looked up. The stars shone brilliantly. He waved his hand: “No need to be so formal. What did you see that was so beautiful?”

“Just now, there were so many shooting stars!” The young girls spread their arms, trying to describe the scale: “So many, so beautiful—all heading east!”

Zhao Changhe looked into the distance but could no longer see the tails of the shooting stars. He knew what had happened, confirming his earlier thoughts. He nodded with a smile: “Thank you. By the way, you don’t need to keep watch. It’s late—go rest.”

The maids looked at him timidly, as if wanting to say something but holding back.

“It’s fine. Sisi won’t punish you. Now that I’m awake, what use is your meager guard? Go on, go on.”

The maids exchanged glances, thinking the Holy Envoy didn’t want them disturbing his fun, so they bowed and withdrew: “Tomorrow morning, we’ll come to attend the Saintess.”

So they all knew they’d be attending the Saintess then…

Zhao Changhe returned to the room in high spirits. Sisi was still limp and unconscious.

He climbed back into bed, held her, and gently kissed her forehead. This time, he thought of nothing, simply holding her as he slept soundly.

…

Perhaps due to the Heartlink Gu, at the break of dawn the next day, both opened their eyes at exactly the same moment.

It was as if opening their eyes brought the other’s gaze with them—they could see each other opening their eyes simultaneously. Both blinked in surprise, then laughed at the same time.

Sisi leaned softly against him and whispered, “Do you think it’s an illusion from the Heartlink Gu? I’ve never felt so close to you before.”

Even during their last seclusion on the grave mound, after Yue Hongling had left, when they had shamelessly spent half a month together, Sisi had never felt their hearts so close. But this time, the feeling was suddenly different.

Zhao Changhe tapped her nose: “The heartlink came first, then the gu. Don’t put the cart before the horse.”

Sisi pouted, then whispered in his ear: “Want to do that thing you always asked for before—the morning greeting or whatever?”

“No need.” Zhao Changhe lifted her up and helped her dress: “This robe of yours… how does it go on?”

Sisi couldn’t help laughing: “You only know how to take it off, not put it on, huh?”

Zhao Changhe: “…”

Sisi dressed herself leisurely and asked, “Want something to eat?”

“What’s the rush?” Zhao Changhe scooped her up, set her down by the mirror, and took a comb to brush her hair: “I can’t do your little braids… but I can at least smooth it out.”

Sisi stared blankly at him in the mirror, unsure of her own feelings.

This was something only a husband would do for his wife.

Before, they had always talked about maids and masters. Sisi had resigned herself to it, calling him “my lord” over and over. But now his actions seemed to say clearly: there was no maid or master—that was just play. They were husband and wife.

In truth, this time had been the Spirit Clan’s most critical moment, and Zhao Changhe had turned the tide, saving Sisi and her clan. He could have deepened his conquest further, and many of the Spirit Clan would have willingly submitted. Yet instead, he had grown gentle, as if he owed her something.

It was because of the gu, and because he had overheard her words to the maids—his heart had softened like silk.

“You…” Sisi stared at his reflection as he combed her hair, then suddenly asked, “Aren’t you afraid I’ve been acting all along?”

“Ah?” Zhao Changhe laughed. “What have I lost? The feeling of being treated as a benefactor? I couldn’t care less.”

Sisi pouted. “Then what do you care about?”

“You.” Zhao Changhe slowly combed through her hair, murmuring, “I said something similar before. I wonder if you remember.”

Sisi asked curiously, “Which line?”

“I don’t care for anything of the entire Spirit Clan—all I want is you.”

Sisi lowered her head and hummed in acknowledgment.

“Hey… I’ve noticed your hair looks lovely flowing loose like this; you don’t have to braid it in those little plaits of yours.” Zhao Changhe studied her from left to right for a moment, then chuckled. “It’s just that it doesn’t suit those beaded crowns of yours—makes you look like a Central Plains swordswoman.”

Sisi said, “Central Plains swordswomen aren’t like this. They usually tie their hair up, or it’d hinder combat. The hair ties are all rustic, sometimes just a strip torn from the hem of their clothes. I’ve dressed like that before—I know it well. It’s more uncomfortable than any other style, and hideously ugly.”

In the mirror appeared Yue Hongling’s expressionless face. “Go on, I’m listening.”

Sisi immediately turned her head and smiled. “Sister Yue, are your injuries better?”

Yue Hongling’s gaze swept over the two of them, quite startled by how quickly Zhao Changhe had healed. Her own wounds were merely external—flesh and bone, no spiritual or meridian damage—severe-looking but far easier to treat than his condition. Yet here he was, looking perfectly fine, while she still ached all over.

She couldn’t help asking, “When did your dual cultivation become so miraculously effective?”

Zhao Changhe asked Sisi, “Can Hongling use that gu?”

Sisi shook her head. “No. It requires someone who understands gu to raise and administer it themselves, and this kind of gu is extremely rare—usually cultivated from childhood. Even I only have this one, raised since I was young. For Sister Yue or you, even if you started learning and raising one now, it would take at least a few years.”

Zhao Changhe felt rather regretful. Given the effects of this Heartlink Gu, if everyone could have one, they’d all gain a massive cheat. But cheats this big were usually limited—of course they wouldn’t be handed out freely.

“Blindie, is it too late to get a membership now? Or does it take a few 648s? Your call.”

Blindie couldn’t be bothered with him. Are you insane? Things like Heartlink Gu and Lifebound Gu are usually regarded as venomous snakes and scorpions, and you treat them as cheats!

Yue Hongling, having overheard, now understood that Zhao Changhe’s recovery was thanks to some strange gu. She didn’t bother asking further, folding her arms and saying, “You two think you’ve got nothing to do, combing hair here? Are you going to pencil your eyebrows next?”

Yue Hongling was usually the type to say, “Do whatever you want, I’m off to the ends of the earth again.” This sour tone was rare. Sisi found it fascinating and asked in surprise, “Sister, are you actually here to remind us we have business?”

Yue Hongling snapped, “What else? Are you the queen or am I? I’ve never seen such laziness—you’re not hurt, you’re clinging to your man and won’t let go, and you expect me, an injured person, to do your work?”

Sisi studied her for a long moment, finally understanding: this sister really wanted to compete now. She gave a soft smile, rose, walked to the table, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to her with downcast eyes and a demure expression. “Sister, have some tea.”

Yue Hongling felt a bit awkward. She shot a quick glance at Zhao Changhe, who said nothing.

Sisi leaned in and lowered her voice. “Sister, we’re on the same side… Otherwise, with the whole den of vixens in the Four Symbols Sect, if we don’t unite, we won’t stand a chance—it’ll be miserable…”

Who was it that had just called someone hideously ugly behind their back, and now wanted an alliance? Yue Hongling didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Faced with this little harem alliance, the chivalrous young lady wasn’t prepared and felt quite out of place.

But on second thought, it made sense… In the past, she’d roamed alone freely, but since she’d decided to stay by his side and settle down, she’d have to face it head-on. She couldn’t very well call Xia Chichi “elder sister,” could she? Who did she think she was? Back at Mount Mang, Yue Hongling had let her off the hook. Now, all dressed up as an emperor, was she supposed to be impressive?

In truth, Yue Hongling and the Four Symbols Sect were absolute mortal enemies from every angle, yet they’d never crossed paths. Why? Because of Zhao Changhe’s ambiguous relationship with Xia Chichi, Yue Hongling had deliberately avoided them, even steering clear of the sect’s territory in her wanderings. Meanwhile, the Four Symbols Sect, mindful of Yue Hongling’s connection to Zhao Changhe, had refrained from settling old scores like when she’d beaten up Xue Canghai. So the two sides had long been aware of each other without ever interacting.

Her only encounter with Xia Chichi was back when she was Luo Qi; her memory of Xuanwu was still the innkeeper of Huangsha Ji; and she’d never even seen Zhuque. Given their respective natures, this was actually quite abnormal.

Yue Hongling had a vague premonition that her intersection with the Four Symbols Sect wouldn’t end there—that perhaps more was hidden beneath the surface.

With that thought, she quietly took a sip of tea, then quickly set it down, putting on a serious face. “While you two were sleeping, they all came running to report to me, disturbing my recovery. Now that you’re fine, stop combing your hair and painting your brows—get to work.”

Seeing that Yue Hongling had drunk the tea, Sisi’s eyes curved like crescent moons. “Aside from that corpse-controlling demon, which I know nothing about, everything else—the rebellion, the spies—was already part of my plan. My personal guards will handle it. Sister, just rest.”

Zhao Changhe asked in surprise, “Those little girls?”

Sisi said, “Our tribal system is very different from the Central Plains… They’re called the Saintess’s personal guards or maids, but in truth, they are important figures selected from various tribes, trained as protectors in the holy temple. Each has her own power base and status—they’re my greatest support in holding power. In fact, without the unexpected corpse puppets, this was supposed to be my plan to dismantle the old system and install them in key positions throughout the Spirit Clan’s dynasty.”

Zhao Changhe nodded. The rebellion on the holy mountain showed that Sisi’s control was actually quite strong; most tribes had obeyed. The temporary chaos was due to the girls’ inexperience, but the plan itself was sound. Even the infiltration he’d observed upon arrival—Sisi had likely known about it all along, fishing for information. If not for the appearance of forces like Yin Kui, which defied conventional understanding, Sisi would have fought an exceptionally brilliant war of centralization.

“So…” Sisi finally voiced the question that had been bothering her. “What was that corpse controller? And what did you strike with the divine axe at the end?”

Zhao Changhe thought for a moment, then stood up. “I think the Thief Saint came here with the axe for a reason… This might just be one link in the whole Kunlun affair. Let’s go visit the Thief Saint and see how he’s doing—hear what he has to say.”