Chapter 764: Divine Sense Traveling

Chapter 764: Wandering the Sky by Spirit

One look at Huangfu Qing’s expression revealed her heart was pounding with excitement; it seemed her prior distraction truly had been about this very matter.

Her identity posed no issue; while the Empress Dowager marching to war was unseemly, she could simply use the name of Vermilion Bird. In any case, governance and faith were completely unified now; so long as her wretched disciple issued a formal appointment, the Venerable One could effortlessly transition into the Grand General. There was a time she felt her hidden identity had been rendered useless, but now it proved increasingly convenient.

As for having been away from the ranks for too long and growing somewhat rusty, that too was no obstacle. Zhao Changhe was the one who truly knew nothing of command, yet everyone above and below felt he should lead as commander-in-chief, since he would mostly be listening to others anyway. Huangfu Qing, on the other hand, possessed an excellent foundation; once she reacquainted herself with the arts, she would undoubtedly be far more suited than him.

Regarding familiarity and rapport with the main generals in the army, Zhao Changhe only knew Cui Yuanyong a bit better than she did, whereas Huangfu Shaozong was her own younger brother, far more familiar to her than to anyone else. Furthermore, there was another core force, the Blood God Sect, which had originally been under her command as Vermilion Bird before that wretched pig poached them away; taking them back under her wing now would be entirely seamless. The only remaining issue was that she still needed to familiarize herself and mesh with the other officers of various ranks. With nothing to do over these few days, she ought to spend her time immersed in the barracks, meeting the ranks, taking over military command, and acquainting herself with administrative affairs.

Though it meant losing a rare chance to spend the New Year with her man, Huangfu Qing felt this suited her much better.

Just as she was hesitating over whether to volunteer herself and fearing she might be rejected by her wretched disciple and Tang Wanzhuang, which would hurt her pride, Zhao Changhe brought it up himself.

He truly could consider everyone’s thoughts now, becoming more and more a qualified core figure.

The effect of him bringing it up was naturally different from Huangfu Qing doing so herself; at the very least, others would not dismiss it out of courtesy and would only consider it from the perspective of suitability. Upon reflection, their eyes grew brighter and brighter, until a sudden sense of "who else but her" washed over them.

It was not that the court lacked other veteran, renowned generals, but this war clearly involved battles at the Grand Realm, and others truly could not bear that banner. If one were to name the person with the greatest prestige on the Heavenly Ranking within the Great Han, it was not Zhao Changhe, but actually Vermilion Bird. She had awed the world for so many years, holding even greater prestige than Black Tortoise.

"Mother should be the one to go." Xia Chichi exchanged a glance with Tang Wanzhuang, and seeing that Tang Wanzhuang was also nodding, she made the final decision: "I will go draft the imperial edict shortly, to be publicly announced at tomorrow morning's court session. Mother can actually head to the military camp this afternoon, and have Shaozong show her around first."

This wretched disciple now seemed more aligned with Tang Wanzhuang, acting as if they were a perfectly matched monarch and minister. Huangfu Qing did not care to bother; though her disciple had been raised a bit spoiled, at least she had a good man. She bit her lower lip, her gaze fixed on Zhao Changhe, brimming with silken seductiveness.

Things will be very busy lately... I will reward you later.

...

Though it was called a family banquet, the discussion was entirely about state affairs, as if the grand matters of the world were completely encapsulated within casual chatter at a family dinner table. Yet, in truth, many details could not possibly be discussed over food, such as the marching routes, which required consultation and study among all the generals.

As this feast—unsure whether to be deemed a family dinner or a state banquet—concluded, Huangfu Qing impatiently dragged Xia Chichi away to draft the edict. Xia Chichi, who had wished to speak with the man she hadn't seen in so long, could only be pulled away helplessly.

Baoqin, who had been sitting beside the head of the house at the table and felt she had reached the pinnacle of her life, was still smiling foolishly when she was dragged away by her own young mistress. Tang Wanzhuang had endured it for a long time and could not afford to lose face like that. She had hoped Baoqin would contribute, but instead, the girl had done nothing but grin foolishly; the Emperor’s stomach was probably bursting with laughter, thinking that this was all her opponent at the table amounted to.

In the end, it turned into Zhao Changhe guiding Yue Hongling through the imperial palace, going together to the Ancestral Temple to look at the stars.

"A person as broad-minded as you usually holds no animosity toward anyone, so why did you glare at Chichi?" Walking after the meal like a casual stroll, Zhao Changhe asked quite offhandedly.

Yue Hongling replied just as casually: "Everyone has one or two people in their lives they just don't click with, what's so strange about that? I was thinking earlier, if not for you, she and I would likely have been lifelong rivals, though now that she has inexplicably become the Emperor, it seems we can't really be rivals anymore."

"According to the martial concepts we comprehended before, you and the Four Symbols are opposed but can be integrated; ultimately, you are one entity. Even if you and Chichi clash a little, you will likely reconcile in the end, whether I am here or not."

"Perhaps. According to the lines of karma from your spirit-gazing, how does it look?"

"I cannot see things that clearly. Right now, the lines of karma in my eyes can only convey a feeling like 'these two have a deep relationship and a strong bond ahead,' but nothing more specific. In that sense, everyone at the table looked the same." Zhao Changhe said: "However, looking at it in combination with the aura lines, Chichi’s draconic qi is exceptionally thick now. This empire is truly secure; even if this war isn't won, it probably won't lead to destruction."

"Then why don't you tell her? You've left everyone with a belly full of anxiety."

"I cannot tell them recklessly, otherwise it's easy to grow complacent... I even have to remind myself that my spirit-gazing isn't entirely reliable."

Yue Hongling smiled slightly and did not answer.

Zhao Changhe sighed: "The time spent cultivating has been too short; it feels like I have to learn everything, yet I only scratch the surface of each. Including space—clearly I need to study it desperately, yet it is always pushed aside. It’s not like you, focusing solely on the sword with a clear path."

Yue Hongling said: "In truth, it is the same. Previously, I followed you in studying the aura lines so that my sword intent could diffuse, turning one sword into ten thousand. Now, I also wish to study space so that my sword can pierce through spatial barriers and be omnipresent. The myriad paths are only studied so the sword can better manifest; you should view it the same way. Now, you have long broken free from the constraints of the Blood Asura Saber Technique, slicing the starry river instead. All your peripheral studies are for the manifestation of that single strike. Viewed this way, you won't feel too distracted; in the final analysis, it is all for that one blade."

Zhao Changhe nodded and smiled: "Indeed."

As they spoke, they had already strolled into the Ancestral Temple. Zhao Changhe took Yue Hongling’s hand and led her inside: "If you want to comprehend space, this is a place to meditate. This time, I also want to attempt more, to see how much I can progress after breaking into the Grand Realm."

Yue Hongling followed him inside, looking at the subterranean starry vault, her heart quite shaken.

It was her first time seeing such a creation, which condensed the heavens and earth within one's own domain, allowing one to observe or even reach any place in the world without stepping out the door.

Xia Longyuan had clearly been chasing the footsteps of the Blind Girl. Temporarily unable to achieve it entirely through his own power, he had forged such a mystic realm to assist him; in essence, it was already very close to her abilities. Once that step was crossed—omnipresent without relying on the mystic realm—one would firmly become a second Blind Girl.

In the past, Zhao Changhe could only comprehend the intent of the stars here and do nothing else; after all, he hadn't broken into the Grand Realm back then, and his Yin Spirit had not solidified, let alone being able to leave his body and manifest outward. But now, it seemed he could give it a try...

What Yue Hongling needed to comprehend was different from him. The two did not cling together, sitting cross-legged on the high platform separately to meditate on their own paths.

The Blind Girl crossed her arms and watched coldly. In truth, the companionship between these two was the most pure and understanding; the way of the martial arts, the way of chivalry, walking the same path, accompanying each other hand-in-hand, it was quite pleasant to look at. But if time were wound back to before Zhao Changhe had won Yue Hongling, when Bo Xun went to ask him about the desires of his heart, what was it then?

Was it also a half-undressed, tenderly smiling Yue Hongling?

Despite being soulmates, his mind was still filled with those same base thoughts; men truly were disappointing. Only when they became like an old married couple would they finally return to rustic simplicity.

How could Zhao Changhe know he was being thoroughly criticized by the Blind Girl in her mind? At this moment, his consciousness had long immersed itself into the subterranean canopy.

The first thing to test was that since he now possessed a Yin Spirit, which like those so-called demon gods could exist without relying on a physical body, he could naturally wander outside. By utilizing this vault of heaven, could he achieve a divine descent tens of thousands of miles away just as Xia Longyuan had?

He had previously mastered the corresponding positions between this canopy and the land. Zhao Changhe did not dare to venture too far; hesitating a moment, he tapped his finger on a certain location.

During the New Year, Xue Canghai was currently in the military camp with a group of Blood God Sect disciples, slaughtering pigs and sheep, drinking heavily, his voice so loud it almost drifted into the city: "I saw the Holy Son's potential long ago! Back then, the hunt—was that a hunt? That was helping him temper himself! Old Sun, wouldn't you say so?"

Instructor Sun clasped his hands inside his sleeves: "Yes, yes, yes."

You almost fucking killed me back then... It was only because your tracks were lost due to Changhe's feint that you have the nerve to call it tempering him...

"What kind of tone is that?" Xue Canghai glared at him with dissatisfaction: "Did I not make it obvious enough? Back then, it was because I knew Yue Hongling had a relationship with the Holy Son that I let her off, wasn't that clear?"

The entire congregation: "..."

Xue Canghai said: "Today is the New Year, a fifty-coin red envelope for everyone."

"...I must say, the Sect Leader's yielding back then was incredibly obvious!" The voices were sparse and scattered.

"Exactly." Xue Canghai drank with satisfaction: "And later on, I knew the Venerable Vermilion Bird would sooner or later belong to the Holy Son as well, so I directly defected to him, completely unafraid of her calling it betrayal. Don't you see it has all come true? In the past, I didn't even dare to breathe heavily upon seeing her, but now everyone can hold their heads high in her presence, right? We are direct subordinates of the Holy Son, even the Venerable Vermilion Bird must show us some face!"

"Yes, yes, yes." A figure suddenly drifted down beside him, sitting down quite naturally: "Old Xue, give me a sip of wine."

"Where did this undisciplined bastard... Holy Son?" The wine bowl in Xue Canghai's hand fell straight to the ground: "How did you appear?"

Zhao Changhe caught the falling bowl in one swift motion, feeling somewhat surprised himself.

Being able to catch the bowl meant his soul was solidified... The mystery that had baffled him before could now be solved; being able to feel the jade-like texture of the Blind Girl's delicate hand so early on meant it truly wasn't her physical body, but merely the manifestation of a solidified soul.

He tried it out, and though he could physically catch the bowl, he didn't seem able to eat or drink, so he gave up, stuffing it back into Xue Canghai's hand with a smile: "Old Xue, Happy New Year. Not just me, you will also be seeing the Venerable Vermilion Bird very soon. I hope you can still be this unyielding then."

With that, he clasped his hands to Instructor Sun to wish him a Happy New Year, and vanished once more.

Xue Canghai: "?"

Turning his head to look around, Instructor Sun and the other Blood God Sect disciples all had their mouths wide open, as if trapped in a dream.

It seemed this wasn't his own hallucination... This was... a divine descent?

Xue Canghai trembled with fright, his drunkenness instantly vanishing. I didn't even speak ill of you, just bragged a bit behind your back, was that really necessary?

Before everyone could wake from their stupor, a commotion arose outside the camp gates, the guards bowing in respect: "General Huangfu."

Huangfu Shaozong's voice echoed inside: "I have brought the commander-in-chief to see everyone."

Xue Canghai looked out blankly, only to see Vermilion Bird clad in a suit of light armor, wearing her mask, walking in leisurely beside Huangfu Shaozong.

"General Xue." Huangfu Shaozong greeted him with familiarity: "This is the State Religion's Venerable Vermilion Bird. Starting tomorrow, the Venerable One will be our Grand General and the commander of the Northern Expedition. Today, she comes to familiarize herself with the camp and wish everyone a Happy New Year. Oh right, you should be very familiar with the Venerable One, right? I recall you used to be under her command..."

Vermilion Bird's smiling eyes locked onto Xue Canghai: "Sect Leader Xue, I trust you have been well since we last met."

The wine bowl Xue Canghai had just retrieved slipped from his hand once again.

Who was it that just said they could hold their head high in her presence? In the blink of an eye, she became the direct superior again? I just bragged a little, was this really necessary...

Zhao Changhe's soul had actually not left yet, hiding to the side to observe the current Vermilion Bird, his eyes filled with striking admiration.

She actually had her own armor prepared; she truly came from a family of generals. Clad in silver light armor with a fiery red cape flowing behind her, Vermilion Bird looked incredibly magnificent... She even held a spear in her hand. This was the first time Zhao Changhe had seen her carry a weapon; it was the battlefield bloodline of a general's daughter buried for thirty years, beginning to awaken today.

Vermilion Bird's eyes also glanced toward the direction where Zhao Changhe stood, offering a faint smile.

Others could not see him, but how could Vermilion Bird fail to notice? Her little man could actually achieve a divine descent now...

The adulterous pair stared at each other across the void; Zhao Changhe blinked, made a kissing motion with his lips, Zhuque put on a stern face, and Zhao Changhe vanished in flight.

This experience was truly amusing—one could even conduct a secret tryst.

Pity there were too many people here, and he didn’t want to cause trouble for Zhuque on her first day inspecting the camp, so he let it go.

A simple test revealed that sending the Yin spirit out of the body was a rather dangerous state; he himself felt that sense of defense dropping to zero. The physical body was essentially the armor of the spirit; with the spirit platform protecting it, others could not easily invade, but running out naked was extremely perilous. Although physical attacks seemed unable to harm the Yin spirit, every opponent nowadays knew some soul technique, and once the soul was wounded, the injury was far more severe than physical damage.

That was why the Eternal Heaven God, when Old Xia had struck him into a soul-split self-destruction back then, had suffered far more than physical injury, judging by this sensation, and likely had not recovered to this day. This was probably also why Bo'e was at a disadvantage in his struggle with Tiemuer. Amid the competition between military power and religious authority, Bo'e originally had a divine backing and held a lofty position on the grasslands. When mediating conflicts among the tribes, even Tiemuer, commanding hundreds of thousands of troops, had to show respect. Now that the god was hiding to heal its wounds and could no longer stand on stage, Bo'e’s voice was not as loud as before.

This was also one of the main reasons everyone planned to take the initiative to march north. The grasslands were now less stable than before, so there had been no movement in the short term. Once a demon god like the Eternal Heaven God, clearly at the second tier of the Imperial Realm, fully recovered, the trouble would be far greater.

By the way, that was a soul split—was this the gap between the first and second tiers of the Imperial Realm? He could achieve Yin spirit leaving the body, but he absolutely could not manage a dual-use soul split. If it was a shift from a single core to multiple cores, was that the breakthrough to the second tier? And if from multiple cores to the body transforming into infinity, was that the Blind Man’s third-tier level?

The path of gods and demons could thus be known.

Zhao Changhe’s mind stirred again, and when he reappeared, he was in the main hall of the Demon Suppression Bureau.

Tang Wanzhuang was instructing subordinates, distributing the previously compiled list for them to search for individuals one by one. Baoqin was sniffling in a corner, copying a book.

Zhao Changhe leaned in to look—it was *The Story of the Western Wing*, and it seemed she was already on her second copy. It was clearly a punishment copy; he didn’t know how many times she had been penalized.

Zhao Changhe’s expression turned somewhat odd; he roughly understood what this meant.

Although Wanzhuang had deliberately given Baoqin an opportunity, from another angle, Baoqin was using this book to force the issue—“openly competing with the young lady for the master”… Wanzhuang had granted her wish, but behind the scenes, she had lightly punished the little wench. So you like reading *The Western Wing*, do you? Copy it ten times!

This soul-wandering, watching everyone do things beyond his own sight, was so much fun.

Seeing Wanzhuang busy at work with people coming and going in the hall, Zhao Changhe didn’t disturb her further. With another thought, he arrived at the Imperial Study.

Xia Chichi was also bent over her desk, working. Unlike Tang Wanzhuang, who was handling concrete tasks, she was reviewing memorials, examining reports on grain and finances, pondering court personnel matters, and focusing on the upcoming spring examinations.

To say that Xia Chichi and Tang Wanzhuang were more like a single nation now—of course they were…

Ruler and minister were of one mind, both exhausting their thoughts for this country.

Zhao Changhe materialized: “It’s New Year’s Day, you just ate… you still need to rest.”

Xia Chichi looked up in surprise, rubbing her eyes: “Am I so tired that I’m hallucinating?”

“No, just learning your father’s old divine descent method.” Zhao Changhe walked over, nudged with his hip to signal Xia Chichi to move a little. She shifted slightly, and Zhao Changhe sat down close beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist as they squeezed together on the chair.

Zhao Changhe glanced briefly at the various documents on the table and sighed: “Alright, things aren’t that urgent. What’s wrong with giving yourself a day off? Besides, some matters aren’t without people in the court. For instance, things like the spring examinations—let them arrange it and just read the final report. This is still a draft; why are you micromanaging from the draft stage?”

Xia Chichi said, “After all, this is our first time holding civil exams for commoners; we have no experience, so everyone is discussing it together… As for other matters, I haven’t been personally handling every detail.”

Even as she said this, she stopped bothering with the things on the table, pouted, and leaned into Zhao Changhe’s arms: “Besides, with a bunch of fox spirits surrounding you, what else can I do? Might as well work.”

“Isn’t that why I came to have a secret tryst with you?”

“I am the Son of Heaven—do I need to have a secret tryst?”

Zhao Changhe then kissed her earlobe: “Do you want to?”

Xia Chichi began to breathe heavily, her voice turning soft and languid: “I do…”

Zhao Changhe continued kissing, caressing her with his hands.

Xia Chichi relaxed comfortably in his arms, murmuring, “Just thinking that you slipped away from Yue Hongling to have a tryst with me makes me happy. I can let the other vixens slide, but that Yue Hongling, who calls herself a righteous chivalrous warrior, mixing in with a bunch of women as part of a harem, and not even blushing—so natural.”

“Being righteous doesn’t mean being rigid. Hongling is free-spirited; she doesn’t really dwell on these things. Her mind is mostly on her sword path. Often when she listens in silence, she’s actually contemplating her sword. You don’t need to be so hostile toward her.”

“Who’s hostile to whom? She once pointed her sword at me; I never pointed mine at her.”

“In the end, it’s all just stale, old grudges. You’re both free-spirited types; why do you keep harping on this one thing?”

“Because… that was the first time in our memory that we were fighting over a man with another woman…” Xia Chichi, breathless from his caresses, said, “You, this soul body of yours—can it do it? I want it.”

Zhao Changhe felt awkward; he couldn’t, because the soul form lacked that ability.

But there was one way: if both sides engaged in spiritual union, it was possible, just like that time he accidentally had a spiritual union with Yue Hongling and Huangfu Qing.

His form slowly faded, entering Xia Chichi’s spirit platform: “You haven’t broken through to the Imperial Realm yet; let me see if I can help you.”

In Xia Chichi’s sea of consciousness, a young girl sat hugging her knees, watching the big man who had barged in, her eyes blinking.

The Blind Man watched, and for no reason, got goosebumps all over.