Late at night.

Zhao Changhe lay on the bed, staring at the mesmerizing battle process displayed on the golden foil.

He didn't really process the actual images.

In his mind, all he could think about was the surprised expression on Tang Wanzhuang's face after he had just sent Sisi back to her and explained his thoughts. It was so obvious, especially on her usually calm demeanor.

From the perspective of diplomatic strategy, this was not something an ordinary person in the martial world would think of. It was something a prince would do, and a prince who considered the country's interests.

But Zhao Changhe knew that he only wanted to help Tang Wanzhuang a little. The burden on her weak shoulders was too heavy.

People are strange. The more she insisted, the more Zhao Changhe would have left without a trace. But when she was so understanding and let him decide everything, Zhao Changhe felt obligated to do something.

He sighed.

On another note... Although he was disgusted by Sisi's behavior and didn't plan to have any further interaction with her, the anger he felt was actually lighter than Sisi had imagined. There was no intense anger or outbursts like before.

It had nothing to do with Sisi. It was still because of Tang Wanzhuang.

He had to admit that the cultivation of the Blood Slaughter Technique had somewhat affected his temperament. Zhao Changhe reflected on his previous behavior and realized that he had been quite irritable.

The tranquility from that song still had an effect even after a whole day. He felt as calm as a still lake, without any ripples, whether it was anger or desire, everything was light.

Throughout the process of exploring the tomb, and even now, Zhao Changhe had a sense of detachment. It felt like he was observing himself from the sidelines, so he observed more carefully. Every detail was like a reflection on the water, but he couldn't immerse himself in it, without much emotion.

This was the state of tranquility.

With light anger and no desire, it was fine. Even the feeling of regret and the closeness brought by fighting side by side with Qiao Xiaoxian were gone. Zhao Changhe felt like he was watching a stranger when he looked at Sisi tonight. He could make a decision from the perspective of the empire with the calmest mindset.

Although it might be an exaggeration to say that, it was not too far-fetched. But it was somewhat like that.

He wondered if Sisi would prefer him to be angry and scold her or if she preferred the current situation.

Perhaps Tang Wanzhuang's calm temperament was the reason? Had she always been observing everything around her with a detached mindset? That was why she always felt that their interactions were too business-like.

It would be quite difficult for a woman like her to have any romantic feelings. No wonder she hadn't thought about marriage at the age of twenty-eight.

The person who had broken through her defenses the most was the mysterious Tang Buqi...

Regardless, her study of music, painting, and calligraphy was indeed meaningful and should continue.

Forget about that for now. He would talk to her about it when they meet tomorrow.

There wasn't much research value in the battle between Qiao Xiaoxian and the Sword Guard on the golden foil. After all, he was a "corpse transformation" person with little rationality. Reviewing such a battle with low rationality had little significance for self-correction. It would be worth watching if it was for learning swordsmanship, but now he had the Sword Seal.

Zhao Changhe took out the Sword Seal. It was a small sword that seemed to be carved from jade, but he didn't know what material it actually was. It emitted a strong sword intent, and he could sense various kinds of sword intent floating in his mind with a slight perception. It was as vast and extensive as the ocean. This was a typical inheritance seal.

It could be perceived that different people would gain different insights and understandings of swordsmanship and sword intent from this Sword Seal based on their cultivation level, understanding of swordsmanship, temperament, and style. Each person would comprehend different sword techniques and sword intents, taking only a corner of it.

Sisi said that this could be considered the general outline of swordsmanship in the world, which was a bit exaggerated but fitting. If she took it back to her clan and let everyone comprehend their own sword techniques, the strength of the clan would definitely improve. Now, giving it to the Demon Suppression Division was also significant. Tang Wanzhuang could cultivate more swordsmen, which was of great importance.

But Zhao Changhe had a concern. He didn't need to comprehend any sword technique that suited him... He didn't even think about learning swordsmanship.

He took out the golden foil and placed it together with the Sword Seal.

Gradually, the golden foil emitted a soft light, enveloping the Sword Seal and Zhao Changhe.

Suddenly, Zhao Changhe felt like he was "entering a dream" again.

The scene in front of him changed completely, as if he was standing on a steep peak, and an old man in a white robe was sitting cross-legged.

Suddenly, the old man pointed his finger, and a simple and ancient sword shadow pierced through the sky, heading straight for a place thousands of miles away.

With a loud "boom," a mountain in the distance was flattened, the rivers and mountains collapsed, and the waves surged.

The sword shadow rose again, separating the raging sea, revealing deep ravines. The waves on both sides swept over, but they couldn't break through the barrier of the sword energy. The sea was split in half.

One sword split the mountain, one sword divided the sea.

This was just a finger, and no one else had even moved yet!

The Sword Emperor!

In the world where gods and demons roamed in the previous era, there existed someone who could be called the Sword Emperor!

This was the inheritance imprint he left in the Sword Seal, manifested by the Heavenly Book. There was no need for comprehension or analysis. The Sword Emperor himself would demonstrate it to you!

The sword shadow flew back, and the old man stood up, holding a long sword, slowly demonstrating the simple sword technique of the Heavenly Slaughter Sword.

Zhao Changhe had only briefly looked at this sword technique before going to sleep. He had even tried to use it to fool the Sword Guard in the tomb, but he only grasped its form. The main point was that the sword technique displayed by the Heavenly Slaughter Sword felt too straightforward and simple, lacking any learning value.

But at this moment, when it was personally demonstrated by the Sword Emperor, Zhao Changhe felt his heart skip a beat.

What straightforward and simple...

That horizontal strike was like a line connecting the sky and water, cutting through the boundary between heaven and man.

That vertical strike was the gap between mountains and seas, dividing the continents.

The endless mysteries all converged into the most basic horizontal and vertical lines.

Is this only about the sword?

The same applies to the knife!

The ultimate truth is simplicity, returning to the original state. Could it be this?

Zhao Changhe suddenly remembered his early learning days in the mountain village, countless times of turning back and slashing, countless times of chopping wood. Over and over again, it remained the same.

Unfortunately, this was no longer basic knife technique, but a highly condensed form containing infinite swordsmanship. Zhao Changhe knew he couldn't learn it, couldn't comprehend it, couldn't use it.

He lacked too much accumulation. At least he needed to thoroughly learn thousands of sword techniques, fight against all kinds of opponents, before he could refine and summarize.

The figure of the Sword Emperor changed, starting from simple sword moves, gradually demonstrating countless different sword routines, from beginner to advanced, to high-end sword techniques, hundreds and thousands of them.

Zhao Changhe silently memorized them. He felt that the process of sorting out these sword techniques was itself a great learning process of martial arts principles, and also a process of his knife technique making great progress. He benefited a lot.

............

The next morning.

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Tang Wanzhuang arrived at the guest house, and Zhao Changhe was already up practicing his knife as usual.

Tang Wanzhuang watched quietly for a while, then suddenly asked, "Have you ever thought about practicing swordsmanship as well?"

Zhao Changhe didn't stop his knife practice, and answered while practicing, "Maybe it's because the sword is more prestigious in the martial arts world? Those who can guide me, like Yue Hongling and you, all use sword techniques. My knife technique exploration has always been without guidance, including this time. The sword imprint inheritance is really good, but unfortunately, I can't use much of it."

"So, you still don't intend to learn the sword?"

"Yes, biting off more than one can chew. I started late and have already lost too much time compared to others. I can't waste more time learning other weapons."

Tang Wanzhuang nodded, continued to watch for a while, then said, "Sisi is currently under the mausoleum, guiding the Demon Suppression Bureau's exploration and offering very useful insights on how to reseal it - she is too familiar with the things from the last era."

"She didn't cause any trouble, did she?"

"No, she's been very honest."

"Don't trust her too easily, she's a good actress."

Tang Wanzhuang turned her head to look at Zhao Changhe's expression. Zhao Changhe was concentrating on practicing his knife and had no expression.

Tang Wanzhuang chuckled, "Have you really cut off all ties with her?"

"Of course, I'm not a masochist. Why would I still be friends with someone who has betrayed me? Just keep it professional. Her knowledge and the special items of the ancient spirit race are useful to you."

"Just to me?" Tang Wanzhuang's expression almost read: This is your kingdom.

Zhao Changhe didn't answer this question, but instead asked, "What kind of restriction did you put on her?"

Tang Wanzhuang smiled, "My Spring Water Restriction. Do you want to learn it? It can be used on other girls in the future."

Zhao Changhe felt that Tang Wanzhuang's attitude was a bit strange today. He finally put away his knife, approached Tang Wanzhuang, and looked at her from left to right.

"What are you doing?"

"Checking if you're actually Sisi in disguise."

"I'm just in a good mood." Tang Wanzhuang smiled slightly, "I always want to reward you with something, but I don't know what you want."

Zhao Changhe glanced at her for a while, then suddenly said, "Do you know what annoys me the most about you?"

"Hmm?"

"It's this kind of condescending tone and attitude, like a senior looking at a junior, a superior looking at a subordinate. It makes me want to break it and see what you look like when you're embarrassed."

Tang Wanzhuang looked a bit helpless, "This is not a chivalrous thought, it's quite malicious."

"Who said I'm chivalrous? I'm a rogue." Zhao Changhe shrugged, "If you want to reward me, then I have a request."

Tang Wanzhuang had a bad feeling and unconsciously took a step back, "What is it?"

"Continue teaching me the zither today, hands-on. And," Zhao Changhe added, "I'm not sure if I'll intentionally touch."

Tang Wanzhuang stood there with a strange look on her face.

Are you... flirting with me?

(End of the chapter)