Sisi was very angry. Her storytelling had been rudely interrupted just when the narrative reached the part about the servant girl who could change her appearance, and her beloved "immortal brother" had been snatched away.
The infuriating part was that she really couldn’t follow them, not even as Zhao Changhe’s supposed servant.
Her disguise as a Tang family servant had been exposed long ago—the real servants had been rescued from the firewood shed after starving for two days. If it hadn’t been for Zhao Changhe’s warning, they might have really starved to death. The Tang family didn’t trouble her, likely because they thought she had been of some help. How could they possibly let someone of unknown origin stick around to listen to the "serious business discussions" between Tang Wanju and Zhao Changhe?
Fortunately, Zhao Changhe knew how to behave properly. He didn’t follow Tang Wanju immediately; instead, he taught her the Spiritual Fox Saber Intent first, giving her something to practice and occupy herself with.
This saber intent was really just a bit of superficial knowledge. As Sisi practiced, she couldn’t figure out how Zhao Changhe had managed to comprehend it. But she had to admit, it suited her well, resembling her own style, and it was an excellent supplement and enhancement to her martial arts.
Suddenly, Sisi wondered if Zhao Changhe’s story was meant to advise her. Whether it was the Murong Family or Jiumozhi, it seemed they were both heading towards being villains. Their collection of martial arts skills from various families might not have much significance after all. Only what suited her was the best—later on, she should stop lurking around and stealing others’ techniques... that was probably the gist.
Sisi sighed. It wasn’t the same.
However smart and adept at analytical deduction Zhao Changhe was, he still misunderstood some things.
But could she clarify this with him?
As Sisi practiced, she glanced through the door to the bedside, where the Blood Vicious Bead had been carelessly placed but was now taken away. She remembered Zhao Changhe’s casual attitude from the night before—an attitude of sharing treasures among everyone. If you want it, take it; if not, I’ll keep it. This was a basic rule at the Zhao Mansion.
But that’s because the bead wasn’t suitable for everyone, which is why it could be treated so nonchalantly.
The treasures of the Sword Emperor’s Tomb might not be the same; there are some things... that everyone desires.
Even if he was willing to share, the Demon Suppression Department would not agree, as this was no longer a matter between two individuals.
In Tang Wanjuang’s waterside pavilion, no one else was present.
Only Bao Qin held her qin, standing alertly, her eyes rolling as she scrutinized Zhao Changhe, particularly noting his scar and sneering.
From any angle, Bao Qin couldn’t see the slightest connection between her mistress and this man.
Although Zhao Changhe now carried himself with a little more composure than when they first met in Sword Lake City—having lost some of his rough demeanor, perhaps owing to the case-solving he underwent in Yangzhou and Gusu—his presence was still heavy with vicious energy, reeking of blood. His approach always gave the impression of a tiger pouncing.
His mistress, however, was calm and gentle, her steps as light as floating clouds. Walking side by side, the two formed a striking contrast between motion and stillness—a roaring tiger against a gentle mountain breeze—creating a strong sense of discord.
"Please, have a seat," Tang Wanju gestured with her hand, and they sat opposite each other.
The dishes on the table were simple, even more so than the meal Tang Buqi had hosted. Zhao Changhe, however, felt quite at ease and began to eat without hesitation, asking, "What’s the important matter you wanted to discuss? The Sword Emperor’s Tomb?"
"That can wait until you’ve recovered from your injuries. It’s not urgent," Tang Wanju replied with a smile. "You’re always in a rush, moving from one thing to the next. Don’t you ever think about slowing down to rest?"
"Of course, wasn’t I storytelling and drinking tea with the little servant girl? Then you invited me to discuss ’serious matters,’ which were your own words..."
"Going out and doing something isn’t necessarily what constitutes a ’serious matter’..." said Tang Wanju. "Like that bead from yesterday, have you thought about it?"
"Hmm, it’s filled with impurity and chaos, a mixture of various negative energies, unsuitable for my use, and probably more suited to those practicing the Demon Path with such negative emotions, right? But do you have a method to isolate these mixed energies and extract just the Sha Qi Blood Viciousness?"
"Exactly, that is the ’serious matter’," Tang Wanju replied. "I couldn’t come up with any idea yesterday, but after thinking about it all night, I do have some methods."
Zhao Changhe mused that if the blind Ji said you were not weak, then you must have a way to manage it. Indeed, to be regarded as strong by the blind Ji was quite impressive, at least suggesting a comprehension of martial arts beyond that of Maitreya. If she had fought evenly, it was probably due to her illness. He wondered if her skills would reach the level of the Heavenly List once she recovered.
With a humble tone, he sought advice, "I came to Gusu mainly for that bead to nourish evil Qi. My Blood Evil Skill would benefit greatly from it for rapid improvement. Since Maitreya has so generously offered it, it’s disappointing not to make use of it. What’s your idea, Head?"
Tang Wanju asked, "Do you remember when I told you it would be beneficial to learn things like playing the qin or painting?"
Zhao Changhe: "Uh..."
"You fight with wild viciousness, like a ferocious tiger. It’s advantageous in battle, but not for cultivation. Right now, your cultivation seems to be advancing unstoppably, unbeaten throughout the Heavenly List, yet there is a foundational flaw that’s far from solid. And you are still eager to continue nurturing your Evil Qi, advancing further... Forgive Wanzhuang’s candor, but if you continue , you’ll eventually hit a painful bottleneck at the threshold of the Ninth Layer, mainly because you sorely lack the necessary settling and accumulation—this includes not just your Cultivation Technique but also your skill."
Zhao Changhe fell silent for a moment, then sighed, "In my heart, I’ve also vaguely known I’ve been too hasty, lacking the necessary settling. But before, there were many things pushing me forward, one after another; I didn’t have time to settle in peace."
Tang Wanju leisurely picked up a cup of lotus seed soup and sipped, "That time in Sword Lake City, you actually could have stayed longer to cultivate. Han Wubing is your good friend; you should be sharpening each other, pushing forward together. Why leave in such a hurry?"
Zhao Changhe was stunned for a moment, scratching his head.
He had forgotten why he left in such a hurry, as if when Chichi left, he had to leave as well...
Or perhaps he was simply avoiding her, Tang Wanju, not wanting to meet anymore?
Oh, right, he had just acquired some gold leaves and didn’t want to linger in that complicated place?
He’d already forgotten what he was thinking at the time; in any case, he left hurriedly, as if something was biting his behind.
Maybe it could be said that it was just his restless nature, unable to stay in one place for long.
Tang Wanju said at leisure, "If Wanzhuang hadn’t mentioned it this time, would you have left in a hurry again after exploring the Sword Emperor’s Tomb?"
Zhao Changhe could only say, "I’ve forgotten what I was thinking then, but weren’t you the one who gave me the tasks?"
Passing the buck... Tang Wanju couldn’t help but smile at the absurdity, "So obedient to my instructions? Then I’ll give you a task this time. Regardless of the outcome at the Sword Emperor’s Tomb, stay here for ten more days, how about that?" ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ Nov3lFɪre.ɴet
Zhao Changhe asked in surprise, "Stay here for what? To get to know you better? What are you thinking, shouldn’t we remain in a detached relationship?"
Tang Wanju sighed somewhat helplessly, "Personal reputation, how can it be more important than official affairs... No matter how the Prince sees it, in Wanzhuang’s eyes, you are official business."
Zhao Changhe fell silent for a moment, then sighed, "So why keep me here?"
"Learn the zither, calligraphy, painting, poetry with me," Tang Wanju said with a slight smile. "Perhaps, you don’t even need to learn poetry; your improvisation is so captivating, Wanzhuang wants to hear more... It’s a pity to present oneself as uncultivated when one is so full of knowledge."
Zhao Changhe was quite reluctant, "You want me to learn these things? Even if I were a Prince, there’s no necessary reason to learn all this. Even after learning, it’s of no use. Didn’t history teach you about Zhao Ji and Li Yu?"
Tang Wanju spoke earnestly, "Your spirit needs to slow down, and these things can help you do that. To focus the mind, refine the sentiments, erase impatience—that’s all there is to it."
Zhao Changhe really wasn’t keen on learning; he simply said, "You said you had an idea about the bead, and this is it?"
"This is one of the methods. Why can hatred, resentment, Vicious Energy, and other negative influences affect your temperament or thoughts? Because your heart is not still. I want to teach you the Tang family’s intent; no matter how the winds blow from all directions or how gently the spring waters flow, they are but ripples. Then, your heart will guard itself, the Spirit Platform as clear as water reflecting the moon, and no Heart Demon could touch you."
Zhao Changhe’s eyes widened, "I sneakily learned a wisp of your Sword Intent, and your nephew has already made trouble with me several times; are you really going to teach me the core intent of the Tang family? When the time comes, your nephew, raging and punching people, might turn on you..."
Tang Wanju interrupted directly, "What about yourself, then? Are you willing to learn?"
Zhao Changhe scratched his head, "Do I need to formally become your disciple?"
Tang Wanju, head bowed, delicate hand stirring gently with a tiny spoon in the lotus seed soup, took a long while before speaking, "If you’re willing, that would be best."
The summer afternoon was sweltering and windless; even the surrounding pavilions seemed hot, offering no hint of coolness.
But as she bowed her head and stirred gently, like the coolness from the lotus seeds seeping out, the sweltering summer afternoon became refreshing, like the blooming of water lilies.
The mind became still.