Chapter 765: Divine Punishment

Chapter 765: Divine Punishment

Zhao Changhe had no idea that the blind man, who claimed to be busy far away, would be bored enough to watch his spiritual communion; in truth, he mainly wanted to see if he could help Chichi improve.

Sneaking a glance at Xia Chichi’s soul, which was feigning fear, Zhao Changhe furrowed his brow.

Earlier, Huangfu Qing had thought that with resources and techniques far surpassing before, Chichi should break through more easily—logically correct, but she still needed at least some cultivation time. With Chichi’s diligent governance template, when did she have time to train? Breaking through to the Imperial realm was utterly impossible; even the third secret treasury was still stuck just a hair’s breadth away.

Back then, Xia Longyuan believed that if his daughter went to Tianya Island to obtain the Eastern Extreme Dao Fruit and comprehend the Azure Dragon Law, she could directly break through the third secret treasury. Xia Longyuan’s judgment should have been the standard answer—such a level of fortune should indeed allow one to break straight through to the third level, even to the brink of the Imperial realm. But it hadn’t happened yet, truly dragged down by mundane affairs. Xia Longyuan could never have predicted that his daughter would later take over his mess and be this busy.

Thus, the conflict between martial cultivation and imperial duties was indeed severe. Xia Longyuan hiding in the Ancestral Temple later, unwilling to deal with worldly matters, was understandable—otherwise, how could he cultivate?

Forget emperors; Tang Wanzhuang was the same. Once on par with Huangfu Qing, even theoretically a hair stronger after a forced breakthrough, now Huangfu Qing was at mid-Imperial realm, while Tang Wanzhuang, bogged down by affairs, had yet to break through to Imperial. The gap with Huangfu Qing grew wider, and one wondered if she sighed inwardly.

A visual sign of failing to break through to Imperial was that the soul was not only a translucent phantom but also somewhat small, like the body shrunk a little, with features three parts younger, as if Chichi had regressed to fifteen or sixteen. Normal—Zhao Changhe himself had been the same back then, crushed like a child under the suffocating chest of the elder sister Sanniang.

Sanniang’s crushing had greatly benefited his soul growth; he hadn’t understood then, but now he knew it was some secret technique of the Black Tortoise, nourishing and guiding him to strengthen his soul.

He didn’t know the Black Tortoise’s water-moistening secret technique, but he knew the Ultimate Bliss Method. Breaking through to Imperial was impossible, but helping her over the threshold of the third secret treasury was feasible.

The big man rubbed his fists and approached. The girl-version Xia Chichi shrank back in terror, but her sea of consciousness was too small, and she soon hit a corner with nowhere to flee.

Zhao Changhe pressed his hands on either side of her head and looked down.

Xia Chichi said indignantly, “You lecher, I, the Emperor, will not yield!”

Zhao Changhe was greatly amused—she was still acting.

He was concerned about Chichi’s improvement, though, and not in the mood for roleplay. So he simply scooped up the little girl, held her in his arms, and kneaded her: “Little girl, behave and accept your uncle’s infusion.”

Xia Chichi’s face was deformed by the kneading. Half annoyed, half amused, she stopped acting: “I see you just like them small—Cui Yuanyang, Baoqin. Now both are actually quite big, and you were eyeing them just now…”

Zhao Changhe said sternly, “Do I look like that kind of person? If you don’t understand, ask your senior uncle—this is our Four Symbols Sect’s classic inheritance, the Soul-Strengthening Kneading Method.”

“What method does our Four Symbols Sect have like that? Is strengthening the soul just getting it swollen from rubbing?” Xia Chichi struggled fiercely.

But as she struggled, the translucent soul gradually took on a pink hue.

There was a pleasure that reached straight to the soul… well, this was the soul itself, rising directly, needing no physical transmission, surpassing all bodily joys, floating as if about to ascend to immortality.

Achieving “soul communion” wasn’t just souls touching or moving like bodies. First, a method was needed—the Ultimate Bliss Method provided it. Second, the souls had to rely on each other, fully open and accept, wholeheartedly devoted—this required true love. It was somewhat demanding; not only was rape absolutely impossible for soul communion, even close friends or relatives could hardly achieve it.

But between lovers, even unintentionally it could happen—like the other day with Huangfu Qing and Yue Hongling, just palms touching, Zhao Changhe hadn’t intended anything, yet it made everyone feel as if they’d done everything…

This time, with deliberate intent, the effect was even stronger. Little Chichi changed shape in Zhao Changhe’s arms, the two soul phantoms seeming to knead together, surpassing ordinary dual cultivation’s energy exchange and even the earlier consciousness sharing—they completely fused consciousness, you were me, and I was you.

Zhao Changhe’s Imperial-level rejuvenation power poured into Xia Chichi’s soul like copy-paste—it was one of the standard Azure Dragon Laws that Chichi hadn’t fully grasped. Thus, the third secret treasury, which had only a paper-thin barrier, broke through directly, more fragile than paper, the checkpoint as if nonexistent.

Even the “experience bar” for the third level passed a third.

Chichi’s translucent phantom visibly solidified a bit more, and her face and body, which had seemed a few years younger, visibly “aged a year or two.”

Kneaded to growth.

This experience was bizarre, pulling Zhao Changhe out of immersion. Once his mind wasn’t fully invested, the communion state immediately withdrew, reverting to a big brother holding a dazed girl.

Xia Chichi’s soul was still tinged pink, her eyes intoxicated, as if she’d been stunned silly.

She’d never imagined it could feel this good…

The physical reaction was that the Emperor leaned back in the chair, mouth slightly open, eyes vacant, face burning hot, body trembling faintly involuntarily.

Zhao Changhe, having roamed with his soul and infused laws, was also somewhat fatigued. His consciousness reluctantly returned; opening his eyes, he was back in the Ancestral Temple, the starry dome flickering above.

Taking someone’s chastity from a thousand li away, as it were.

Zhao Changhe touched the starry dome, deep in thought… His earlier roaming wasn’t just to experience soul projection—he could have projected right there without teleporting. This kind of projection was to experience spatial transfer, which could only be done using this underground dome.

The dome was a miniature world, each point corresponding to a real location; through it, one could observe and reach any place—a classic spatial transformation, and at a high level.

Due to physical limitations, omnipresent teleportation was hard, but intent was boundless; the soul could roam freely, so only projection was possible. But if limited to such a short distance as within the palace, could the physical body also teleport?

He couldn’t just leave Chichi alone; he knew that when she came to and found him gone, she wouldn’t be happy.

Zhao Changhe closed his eyes, stabilized his spiritual platform, tightly bound body and soul, and pressed his hand on the dome’s position again, trying to “enter.”

With a “whoosh,” the figure on the platform vanished directly, reappearing in the imperial study. Zhao Changhe staggered two steps, steadying himself on the desk, and saw his clothes torn everywhere—his heart was both thrilled and fearful.

He had actually achieved true-body teleportation… But the sensation of tearing space was extremely dangerous; spatial turbulence nearly shredded him. In that instant, he first released a qi shield, which was instantly shattered, then used body-tempering techniques to make himself like a tortoise shell, enduring that single breath. His clothes were already in tatters. This was just from the Ancestral Temple to the imperial study within the palace; for a slightly longer distance, even his tempered body might not hold, and he’d be covered in wounds; farther still, he might become mincemeat.

But no matter how short the distance, this was spatial transfer and traversal!

In essence, his travel from Earth to here was the same nature—just an absurdly large distance, but the essence was indeed the same…

If there was any difference, it was that the crossing might also involve time changes. Regardless of the remaining gap, this spatial transfer was the crucial step from zero to one! The key step closer to the blind man’s realm!

Zhao Changhe exhaled, turned to see Xia Chichi still dazed, seemingly unaware of what had happened. He squeezed back into the chair, wrapped his arm around her, and resumed the previous posture.

From the soul’s disappearance to the true body’s arrival, less than three seconds had passed. Xia Chichi indeed hadn’t reacted; the sensation of her waist being re-embraced slightly roused her. She turned and looked at Zhao Changhe in confusion: “Was I hallucinating? I felt you disappear and reappear.”

“Just a trick.”

“No…” Xia Chichi’s wits gradually returned: “You were a soul just now—solid, but the touch was different from flesh, and there was no scent. Now the touch is flesh, and your familiar scent is back…”

She paused, stroking his torn clothes in amazement: “This damage… what happened? Are you… teleporting your true body?”

Zhao Changhe didn’t explain, just kissed her cheek: “Don’t be so clever; that silly look just now was quite cute.”

Xia Chichi shot him a glance, gently touched his torn clothes, and whispered, “Too dangerous…”

Zhao Changhe said, “I couldn’t let you wake up to an empty space beside you.”

Xia Chichi was deeply moved. Biting her lower lip, her eyes seductive: “I’m empty now too…”

“Little vixen.” Zhao Changhe scooped her up, made her brace her hands on the desk, and lifted her robe.

Soul communion was pleasurable, but it still lacked a bit of tangible sensation—nothing beat the real thing.

Soon, the empty Emperor was filled, and she let out a satisfied sigh: “Don’t do such dangerous things again…”

“Can’t do that… if I’m not careful, it’ll be the focus of my future research.”

“I think you just want to steal jade and… go easy, you pig head… mm…”

“A dignified Son of Heaven, can you stop glaring at others?”

“You, you’re bringing this up now… hey, why did you stop?”

“…”

“Ugh, I won’t argue with Yue Hongling, you bully me… if you’ve got the guts, make her behave too!”

“I’m not just talking about Hongling, but others.”

“Then go do that to them too—why stop halfway, boohoo…”

In truth, Yue Hongling had no interest in jealous squabbles. Even with Xia Chichi, she only felt annoyed for a moment; after sharing a meal, by Jianghu rules, that counted as “settling over drinks.” She had no leisure to keep arguing with women.

At this moment, Yue Hongling’s entire mind was immersed in the awe-inspiring dome, feeling the vast firmament, roaming through endless void.

The dome was boundless, fit to enter the sword.

After who knows how long, a dragon’s roar arose, and the long sword left its sheath.

A flash of sword light crossed thousands of rivers and mountains, striking distant Jiangnan.

A bully was kicking and punching an old man, trying to snatch a girl from him; the girl’s cries reached heaven.

The Marquis of Wu, Tang Buqi, was alone on his way to a brothel, happened to pass nearby, and was about to intervene. Suddenly, red clouds surged, sword light descended from beyond the nine heavens, and a bloodstain appeared on the bully’s throat as he fell backward.

Tang Buji stood dumbfounded, staring in horror at the distant horizon where the setting sun slanted westward, a streak of afterglow painting the sky crimson.

"Are their abilities already this absurd? And what about my aunt?"

...

"Your Majesty." A palace maid was reporting outside the door: "Head Tang has arrived."

Tang Wanzhuang never needed an announcement to see Xia Chichi, but today was special—the maids could hear strange sounds from within... How odd, they hadn't seen anyone enter, could His Majesty be alone...

There was no response from the study. Tang Wanzhuang cast a puzzled glance at the maids and pushed the door open herself.

As the door swung open, she saw Zhao Changhe and Xia Chichi sitting solemnly at the table, seemingly discussing the spring imperial examinations, with Zhao Changhe offering insights that made Xia Chichi nod repeatedly.

Seeing Tang Wanzhuang enter, Xia Chichi put on an innocent smile: "Tang Qing has arrived? Let's discuss the spring examinations together?"

Tang Wanzhuang's eyes darted suspiciously between their faces, sensing something amiss. She sniffed the air, catching a strange lingering scent.

Tang Wanzhuang was almost amused to anger. She turned and closed the door: "It's not even dark yet, and you've already had a round, haven't you? Spring examinations, my foot—more like spring boudoir games!"

Xia Chichi dropped the act: "At least it's not spring water, unlike some who flaunt their swordplay with more coquetry."

Tang Wanzhuang: "?"

Who would have guessed that the model of "harmonious ruler and minister" in others' eyes was like this behind closed doors? Zhao Changhe found it both amusing and exasperating. His hand crept under the table and landed on Xia Chichi's backside: "Didn't we agree not to quarrel with others?"

Xia Chichi shot him a resentful look but fell silent obediently.

Tang Wanzhuang was astonished. This little demoness, the Empress, was usually so stubborn—when had she become so compliant? Could it be that she'd been too thoroughly soothed just now? Wait... Tang Wanzhuang stared at Xia Chichi in surprise, noticing that her cultivation seemed to have broken through.

What efficiency... The Triple Secret Vault, an unattainable goal for many, once the standard for the Heavenly List, had been broken through in the midst of this adulterous couple's tryst.

Even Tang Wanzhuang couldn't help a hint of envy. Her own Imperial Realm was stuck fast, with no hope of breakthrough in sight. Unless she could resign and venture out to seek her own fortune, but how could she leave? And this sort of thing couldn't be broken through by dual cultivation—it was merely an aid. Perhaps the Empress was simply at the right moment, but what about herself? Would she forever be overshadowed by Zhuque? Unbearable.

Never mind. She didn't want to trouble Zhao Changhe with her own affairs, so she said, "I came to report that the artillery secretly improved by the Craftsman Bureau has shown results. Would you like to come see?"

Zhao Changhe paused, then stood abruptly: "You've been working on this?"

Tang Wanzhuang rolled her eyes at him: "Wasn't it you who suggested this to Tang En overseas? You said improving it would yield surprises, so he brought back a few cannons for us to study. Previously, the range was poor, loading was cumbersome, the barrels were prone to damage, and they often injured our own men—less practical than ballistae. Over the past few months, some skilled craftsmen have proposed useful improvements. Now we have a new prototype that supposedly outperforms ballistae... I haven't seen the actual results myself, so I don't know how much is boasting. Shall we go take a look together?"

Zhao Changhe was overjoyed: "Let's go, we must see!"

Xia Chichi, having been overseas herself, was also intrigued. The trio walked toward the outskirts' testing ground under the evening glow, surrounded by tight security so dense that not even a fly could slip through. Tang Wanzhuang explained: "Since this is a new weapon that hasn't been taken seriously before, it naturally needs secrecy. No matter the results, it mustn't be known to the barbarians."

Zhao Changhe was pleasantly surprised—Wanzhuang was so reliable.

They hurried inside, and before them lay a vast field with three cannons set up. Several officials in court robes were startled to see the Emperor and the Prince of Zhao appear together, bowing in salute: "Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Prince of Zhao."

Zhao Changhe said, "No need for formalities. Working on such a vital instrument during the New Year is truly admirable and respectable. Regardless of the results, you all deserve great merit."

It was Zhao Changhe who spoke before the Emperor, and the Emperor smiled without a word. The officials exchanged glances but remained composed. The lead official said, "The results are quite promising, Your Majesty, please take a look."

With a wave, several clerks loaded shells into the barrels, others adjusted the aim, and lit the fuses.

"Boom, boom, boom!" Three cannons fired in unison.

A few li away, smoke billowed. Of the three pre-built earthen mounds, two were blasted to pieces; the third missed, landing nearby, but the shockwave still sent earth and stone flying, tilting the mound. Even Tang Wanzhuang and Xia Chichi could see shrapnel scattering in all directions, covering an area of several zhang.

The result surprised even Zhao Changhe. He hadn't expected his casual mention of primitive cannons to develop so quickly. Now, though still crude with fuses needed, the power, range, and accuracy were already impressive—a seed he'd casually sown had borne fruit, just in time for the impending war.

He was delighted, and for Tang Wanzhuang and Xia Chichi, it exceeded all expectations. Overjoyed, Tang Wanzhuang pressed further: "What about the reloading interval?"

"Loading is simple, though the barrel needs a brief cooldown. Overall, it's much easier than before. But aiming and operation require training—we've had quite a few injuries. Oh, and transport is still inconvenient; it's heavy. We've added wheels, but it still has to be pushed slowly. For now, it's best for defense."

"That's enough..." Tang Wanzhuang and Xia Chichi exchanged glances, both thinking of the newly crafted storage boxes.

It seemed it wasn't just for defense...

If one box could carry a cannon and its ammunition, and if they could bring a hundred or so into the field, suddenly deploying them...

They wondered if the barbarians would think it was the Eternal Heaven's divine punishment.

Seeing the joy on their faces, the official relaxed and said, "Please, Your Majesty, bestow a name."

Xia Chichi looked at Zhao Changhe, who gazed into the distant smoke and dust, a faint smile on his lips: "Then let it be called... Divine Punishment."