Chapter 768: You and I Today

Chapter 768: Today, You and I

In the night sky, clouds once again veiled the moonlight, while below, sporadic fireworks still lingered, undispersed. A young man and woman sat side by side on a cloud, their feet dangling and swaying.

"If I said... that tonight, my mood doesn't want to do shameless things with you, would you regret it?" Tang Wanzhuang leaned against Zhao Changhe's shoulder, gazing at the fireworks below, and asked softly.

"Why would I regret it?" Zhao Changhe chuckled. "I brought you out tonight for a stroll—first, to lift your spirits, and second, to help you break through to the Imperial realm. Now both goals are perfectly achieved. Isn't that good? Did you think I was just looking for an excuse to do that sort of thing?"

"Isn't it?" Tang Wanzhuang pouted. "When you wanted to take me boating back then, weren't you thinking of doing what the people on that boat were doing? Only to find someone else had already done it..."

Zhao Changhe laughed. "Not at all. I thought a moonlit boat ride would be something you'd enjoy... Remember Taihu Lake back then? You played the zither, I sang. Two years have passed in a blink. I wanted to revisit that dream. But now, standing here in the clouds, looking back at the fireworks—the mood is no less beautiful. It's fine."

Tang Wanzhuang could feel the calm in his heart. She quietly glanced up at him; he was still smiling, without any hint of impure thoughts, and wasn't annoyed by her misunderstanding.

She truly felt as though this man had been molded exactly according to the temperament she desired... Remembering how she'd once been teased for raising a husband to her liking, Tang Wanzhuang's face grew warm. It really was true.

No, what raising? Now he had become her teacher instead.

Tang Wanzhuang even feared that during intimate moments, he might make her call him "teacher" in return... But instead, there was none of that embarrassing perversity—only such a peaceful mood. It was truly unexpected.

"Earlier, I was hot-blooded and full of desire, especially when I first started out, holding back and not daring to indulge. Later, I might have gone a bit overboard... But Wanzhuang, now that I've broken through to the Imperial realm, my physical body is completely under my control. If I were still trapped by carnal desires, how could that be called the Imperial realm?" Zhao Changhe smiled. "If I told you that now, when I do these things, it's only to fulfill my duties, would you think I might become a monk one day?"

Tang Wanzhuang's beautiful eyes flickered, and she spat softly, "Someone like you becoming a monk? I don't believe it. Before you reach the goal you desire, there will always be new desires in your heart... Like Baoqin. Even though she offered herself willingly, don't tell me you don't want her at all? It clearly takes two to tango."

"I do covet Baoqin's charm and loveliness... but it's really just to give her peace of mind. I'm not in a rush to take her—that's the difference from before... What she needs is reassurance, after all."

"Of course." Tang Wanzhuang said with a playful tone, "She's an innocent maiden, not shameless."

Zhao Changhe's mind flashed to that glimpse of spring in the Mara illusion—that gentle smile that could hardly exist—and he murmured, almost to himself, "But I do have other desires, after all..."

Tang Wanzhuang wasn't jealous. Instead, she asked, "Who do you want? The young lady of the Li family? I heard she's very beautiful, just a bit cold."

Zhao Changhe hesitated, then shook his head. "Let's say it's her."

The foot Blind Girl was about to kick out was withdrawn.

Tang Wanzhuang said leisurely, "If you want her, conventional methods won't work... Better hope for a conquest, and let Li Boping offer his daughter to you willingly."

Zhao Changhe was somewhat startled. "Is that something you'd say?"

"Why not?" Tang Wanzhuang smiled faintly. "If it's what you want... I'll personally tie her up and bring her to you."

"Uh..." This actually stirred Zhao Changhe's earlier sage-like mindset, making him a bit restless. But he really didn't want to discuss Blind Girl and the Nine Abyss with them—Blind Girl was listening, and who knew which word might provoke her?

So he changed the subject: "Even though you've broken through to the Imperial realm, the problem I mentioned to Chichi still exists. Chichi can cultivate by converting dragon energy and faith, growing naturally even without deliberate practice—though slowly... But what about you? Relying solely on pills? In my view, I don't fully approve of cultivating purely by taking pills."

Tang Wanzhuang looked at him in surprise. "Now that I've broken through to the Imperial realm, I possess the power of gods and demons. The so-called demon gods we once feared—how many are at the second or third level? Most are no more than the likes of Huangyang. Now my abilities are enough to deal with them. Moreover, I have eternal youth and an immortal soul. Isn't that enough? What His Majesty and I seek now should no longer be personal martial prowess."

Zhao Changhe was taken aback, his expression somewhat strange.

Come to think of it, that was true. The Imperial realm was a watershed different from previous levels. Once you reached this level, you could essentially achieve immortality. There were few who could surpass them. As the emperor and prime minister of an empire, why should they pursue being the best in martial arts? That wasn't their concern. Their concerns were his own, and those of Zhuque and Hongling—their roles had long since diverged.

But could she really let go of comparing with Zhuque? After so many years...

Even if she let go, Zhuque might not let her off. If Zhuque pinned her down and spanked her, could she bear it?

Tang Wanzhuang knew what he was thinking but didn't continue. She only said softly, "It's late. Let's go back to sleep."

As she spoke, a blush crept onto her face, and she whispered, almost inaudibly, "What I said earlier about not doing those things with you and asking if you'd regret it—I was just joking. I didn't expect to almost bring out your monkish heart. To us sisters, we'd rather you be full of desire, even if it's more outrageous."

So that's how women are...

If you really didn't do it, they'd be the ones to worry.

Zhao Changhe couldn't help but laugh out loud. Tang Wanzhuang pouted, "What are you laughing at!"

Zhao Changhe chuckled, "So, shall we go home?"

"...Mm."

"Get ready." Zhao Changhe scooped her up. "Use your energy to protect your body."

Tang Wanzhuang was stunned. How rough were you planning to be, that she needed to protect her body?

But she had just said "even if it's more outrageous," and was too embarrassed to take it back, so she shyly activated her technique.

"Close your eyes." Zhao Changhe's voice sounded in her ear.

Tang Wanzhuang felt helpless and shamefully closed her eyes.

The next moment, the world spun, as if space was tearing around them. The body she had protected with energy suddenly felt pressure, which was soon dissipated by the barrier of protective qi Zhao Changhe had opened.

Tang Wanzhuang opened her eyes in shock. Before her was her own Tang family mansion.

From the distant outskirts of the city, they had suddenly arrived at the Tang mansion in the city center! This wasn't speed—it was teleportation!

Spatial transfer!

"You..." Tang Wanzhuang suppressed her shock. "How did you do that? Even the late emperor, with all his power, had to rely on his underground sky to be omnipresent."

"Old Xia? For short-range teleportation, he definitely didn't need to rely on the underground sky. He just didn't show it in front of you all." As for me..." Zhao Changhe chuckled, leaning close to her ear. "It was your spring water that gave me the insight."

I am Imperial Light, what spring water... Tang Wanzhuang wanted to argue in shame, but Zhao Changhe had already carried her into the courtyard.

Outside, Baoqin was woken from her sleep by some sound. She rubbed her eyes and got up to look. Inside the curtained bed, the elegant and noble young lady in her mind was meekly yielding under the man's thrusts, the seductive look in her eyes startling.

Baoqin covered her eyes, her heart nearly leaping out of her throat. She quickly retreated to her small outer room.

As Zhao Changhe and Tang Wanzhuang had said, the little girl had jumped in willingly only to seek reassurance. If she were forcibly dragged into bed, she would be like Lord Ye professing his love for dragons. She too looked forward to a romantic wedding night, not just being an afterthought.

Fortunately, the two inside were well aware of her thoughts. After the sounds gradually subsided, there was no call of "Baoqin, come here." The deep night soon fell into silence.

Baoqin's pounding heart settled back into her chest. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she flopped onto her small bed and, with her usual carefree nature, fell asleep.

Who wants to clean up after you? Do it yourselves.

...

The next morning, Zhao Changhe woke from a rare, deep sleep. Beside him, the fragrant presence was gone. Tang Wanzhuang had already left early for the morning court, unable to play the role of the delicate beauty being helped up by her maid.

They had only one day off from court. Today's morning session was packed with matters. For instance, Tang Wanzhuang was going to be appointed as prime minister.

He could only imagine the atmosphere when she met Chichi and Zhuque at court after monopolizing the man for a night. Xia Chichi would have to grit her teeth and promote her to prime minister. The mood was beyond description, and Zhao Changhe dared not think about it.

He turned over and got out of bed. Outside, Baoqin was sitting, chin in hand, waiting. Seeing him come out, she jumped up and brought water for him to wash.

In the past, the little girl always spoke to him with a sharp tongue, like a little spitting mushroom. Now she didn't even dare to look at him, keeping her eyes downcast as she said, "What do you want for breakfast? I'll get it."

Zhao Changhe pinched her cheek.

Baoqin puffed out her cheek, trying to flick his hand away. "Don't say you want to eat me."

Zhao Changhe laughed. "You're pretty sharp. Read too many books?"

"Hmph." Baoqin took the towel he had used, picked up the basin, and ran off. "I'll get you two steamed buns. You seemed to enjoy your meal last night."

Zhao Changhe: "...At least make them stuffed buns."

Baoqin indeed brought stuffed buns. Remembering some scenes from last night, her cheeks still burned. Watching Zhao Changhe grab a bun was like watching him grab her young lady. She couldn't bear it and turned her head away. "I still have work at the Demon Suppression Bureau. The young lady said today we need to hand over duties, and I have a mountain of documents to organize. I don't have time to eat with you. If you need something, tell me. If not, I'm off..."

Zhao Changhe said nothing, just pointed at his cheek.

Baoqin looked around furtively, then quickly leaned in and gave him a peck. A joyful smile bloomed at the corners of her eyes and brows. She turned and ran, still muttering stubbornly, "Your face is like cowhide—tough and smelly—and you still have the nerve to ask for a kiss."

Zhao Changhe chuckled, munching on a bun as he stepped out, a string of buns and a cup of soy milk in hand. On the street, he looked like an ordinary young man.

Everywhere on the streets were remnants of firecracker wrappers, with people sweeping them up. The faint smell of gunpowder still lingered in the air. Many shops had already opened for business.

Zhao Changhe munched on his bun, observing the vibrant capital. When he finished the bun, he suddenly vanished.

When it reappeared, it was already the underground firmament.

Yue Hongling had been here in seclusion, comprehending for an entire night. Sensing his arrival, she slowly opened her eyes, and a flash of sword-light seemed to flicker and vanish within them—clearly, her sword path had broken through once more.

Seeing Zhao Changhe appear beside her, Yue Hongling smiled faintly: "Rushing around like a stagehand to take care of everyone—aren't you tired?"

Zhao Changhe placed the steamed buns and soy milk beside her, offering an apologetic smile: "Have something to eat?"

Yue Hongling took them without ceremony and began to eat: "No need to worry about my mood. I can't be bothered to get involved in all these affairs around you. That said, my seclusion here for insight has been extremely meaningful. If possible, seal the entrance and let me meditate for three to five days—the effect might be even better."

Zhao Changhe asked: "What have you realized? Taking a head from a thousand miles away?"

Yue Hongling mused: "If intent is boundless and can transcend the limits of time and space, then sword-intent is clearly one such thing—wherever the eye can see, my sword-light can reach. But first, how to glimpse ten thousand miles? I can't rely on this firmament forever... I'm thinking, Xue Xiao and Shi Wuding used sword-qi to control sword slaves—perhaps there's another layer: through these preserved sword-qi, they could see ten thousand miles?"

Zhao Changhe said: "Maybe you're overthinking it. They were far from that realm back then."

"Having obtained ancient methods, one can follow the text mechanically—it doesn't have to be their own enlightenment." Yue Hongling said: "If I understand it this way, I can actually use this firmament now to pre-bury my sword-qi in some important places, and then the whole world could be my eyes. But my soul power is insufficient to control too many... I have to make choices, only set up a few key points. You think it over too—where would be suitable to place them? Chang'an?"

"What about places like Kunlun, the Temple of the Eternal Sky, or Temujin's command tent? Would they be discovered?"

"Possibly, so it can't be too close. It's best to have good hiding spots nearby. Kunlun is fine—all kinds of energy reactions are chaotic there; one more strand of my sword-qi won't matter. Other places... I'll study them carefully over these days."

Zhao Changhe nodded: "Then add one more place."

"Where?"

"Gusu, to monitor the Sword Emperor's upheaval. I always feel he's about to emerge—the closer your cultivation gets to his, the more likely he is to come out. This must be your karma; I can almost see the threads connecting you."

Yue Hongling hummed in acknowledgment: "I'll keep an eye on it... Actually, I've long wanted to speak with him. In the past, the gap in cultivation was too great, and I was quite wary. Now it's probably about time..."

Seeing that Yue Hongling had her own understanding, Zhao Changhe said no more. With everything settled for now, the overall planning of subsequent actions was Chi Chi and Wan Zhuang's affair. His main goal, of course, remained cultivation, so he closed his eyes and continued his deep practice.

This spatial transfer had stirred him greatly—especially after carrying Wan Zhuang through it. It was like a low-grade, ultra-inferior version of Blind Man's transfer to this world.

He had once considered refining this underground firmament into something small to carry with him, so he could go anywhere at any time. But now it seemed unnecessary. The firmament was merely a key—a tool to touch the most profound law of time and space. The ultimate goal was not to refine it, but to no longer need it, to be omnipresent on one's own—that would be the true level of Blind Man.

In a hazy state of meditation, he saw Blind Man again.

She seemed to stroll out of the void, quietly approaching him.

Zhao Changhe sat cross-legged with eyes closed, speaking slowly: "Why come to me of your own accord? Since the matter of Papiyas and the Nine Abysses, you've seemed quite wary of me."

Blind Man said indifferently: "You've already touched the changes of time and space, so of course I must come to check on you, especially to hint at the location of the next page of the Celestial Book."

Zhao Changhe was silent for a moment: "Is it because touching time and space allows me to catch up to you, or because it allows me to go home?"

Blind Man said flatly: "Both. Whether you want to surpass me or go home, this is your inevitable path. So you must be determined to obtain this page of the Celestial Book."

Zhao Changhe said with some mockery: "Yes, I want to surpass you."

Blind Man said coldly: "I know."

Zhao Changhe: "..."

Blind Man sneered: "Even if it's the kind of 'surpass' you mean... without this page of the Celestial Book, you'll never achieve it."

Zhao Changhe stopped his crude jokes and said plainly: "Let's be clear. We're still missing two pages of the Celestial Book. The page of time and space must be in the hands of the Nine Abysses. What attribute is the other page in the Temple of the Eternal Sky?"

Blind Man said: "Existence and non-existence. To put it more simply, reality and illusion, truth and falsehood—all such things are encompassed within it."

Zhao Changhe's heart stirred.

Blind Man said: "Papiyas had the Mirror of Truth and Illusion—a treasure with remarkable effects for restoring the Nine Abysses. I suspect it has already fallen into her hands. That means she may not have lost out in the Battle of Chang'an; at least, your attack on Papiyas was to her advantage."

Zhao Changhe said: "So the Nine Abysses will also want this page from the Eternal Sky—it would enhance many of her laws."

"Correct. Returning all to void might even be her ultimate goal."

"Then the Northern Expedition's outcome is hard to predict... I originally thought she would cooperate with the barbarians, but now it seems that even if she does, she's plotting to stab them in the back."

"Don't try to cooperate with her because of this. My conflict with her is irreconcilable, and that's aside from the fact that you yourself cannot reconcile with her either. In the end, it would be like seeking skin from a tiger."

"Why are you suddenly willing to tell me all this?"

"Because your performance today shows you can truly control your desires." Blind Man sighed: "Do you know what I felt I was watching these past few months? A pig in heat."

"..."

"As long as you can control it... as for having desires, that's nothing strange..." Blind Man suddenly laughed, her smile carrying an indescribable charm: "It's just that those without ability can only think about it in their hearts."

Zhao Changhe, who had been sitting cross-legged with eyes closed all along, finally opened his eyes to look at her: "Can I take that to mean you're saying only those without ability need to control their desires?"

"Oh? Not convinced? You can think that if you like." Blind Man said with a teasing smile: "Want to surpass me? Then it depends on whether you have the ability."

"I think that being able to control one's desires is itself an ability." Zhao Changhe said calmly: "Blindie, judging by deeds, not intentions—our entanglement over this is meaningless. Now that you're willing to have a serious conversation, let me ask you something seriously."

Blind Man was startled: "Go ahead."

"I've lost count of how many times I've tentatively probed you... But this time, I'm making a formal request: tell me what you seek, and let us cooperate openly and honestly. Does the me of today have that qualification?"

Blind Man was silent for a long time, then finally said in a low voice: "When you break the Eternal Sky, we'll talk again."