As the Patrol Angel departed, a chilling glint flashed in Xing Yuan’s eyes as he turned to Zhang Ruochen.
“Zhang Ruochen, you got lucky this time, but luck doesn’t last forever. Prepare to face the wrath of some powerful figures. We’re leaving.”
With those words, Xing Yuan decisively boarded the warship they arrived on.
Following suit, the other Paradise Realm faction powerhouses boarded the warship, their faces grim.
They had mobilized a massive force to attack Saint Ming City and Peacock Manor, only to have their forces in Saint Ming City wiped out and gain no advantage at Peacock Manor. Worst of all, Shang Ziqi was slain by Zhang Ruochen.
This outcome would likely make them a laughingstock across the realms.
Watching the Paradise Realm faction’s warship depart, Zhang Ruochen and his allies didn’t intervene.
Acting now would be tantamount to challenging the Patrol Angel’s authority, inviting severe consequences.
Zhang Ruochen’s expression grew solemn. By personally killing Shang Ziqi and several leaders of major realms, he had stirred a hornet’s nest. The troubles ahead would only multiply.
To face these challenges, he needed to become far stronger.
As Xing Yuan said, he couldn’t rely on luck every time. These troubles were his to resolve, not dependent on others’ intervention.
“Zhang Ruochen, what’re you thinking about? That beauty over there’s leaving!”
As Zhang Ruochen pondered, Xiao Hei’s voice jolted him.
Turning, Zhang Ruochen saw Tianchu Fairy leaving with Butcher and Fool.
They were already far off.
After a brief hesitation, Zhang Ruochen used spatial shift to appear in front of them, blocking their path.
“Leaving already?”
Zhang Ruochen gazed at Tianchu Fairy, asking softly.
Tianchu Fairy brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead, her tone cool. “Yes, Luoshui needs guarding.”
“Thank you for this,” Zhang Ruochen said with a smile.
Tianchu Fairy had traveled from Luoshui in the Eastern Domain, risking conflict with the Paradise Realm faction to aid him. This touched Zhang Ruochen deeply and piqued his curiosity about her true feelings toward him.
In such a dire situation, Tianchu Fairy had risked her life to help. Was it merely to repay a debt, or was there something deeper?
After a moment’s thought, Zhang Ruochen produced a brocade box and handed it to her. “This is for you. It might be useful.”
Tianchu Fairy accepted the box, a spark of curiosity in her eyes, tinged with faint anticipation.
Opening it, she revealed an exquisite necklace.
Seeing it, Tianchu Fairy’s eyes showed a trace of surprise.
Zhang Ruochen quickly explained, “It’s actually a spatial treasure. The pendant contains a vast space for storing items. I’ve also placed some Life Spring inside for emergencies.”
Tianchu Fairy gave a faint smile, her voice softening. “Thank you. I have something for you too—it should help.”
She produced a lustrous jade stone and handed it to Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen was momentarily stunned but reached for the jade.
As he took it, his hand brushed Tianchu Fairy’s delicate fingers, stirring an unusual sensation in his heart.
Only when she withdrew her hand did Zhang Ruochen snap out of it, a touch of embarrassment crossing his face.
Yet, in his heart, he savored the fleeting, wondrous sensation of that touch.
“I should go,” Tianchu Fairy said softly.
Zhang Ruochen looked up, meeting her gaze. Just as he was about to speak, she stepped onto a divine rainbow and departed.
“Brother Zhang, until we meet again.”
Butcher and Fool saluted, then followed Tianchu Fairy.
Zhang Ruochen turned, watching her receding figure, clutching the jade she gave him, a slight smile curving his lips.
Only when she vanished from sight did he return to Kong Lanyou and the others.
“Zhang Ruochen, we should go too,” said Nine-Heavens Mysterious Lady, her voice that of Saint Book Talent.
Zhang Ruochen turned to Nine-Heavens Mysterious Lady, Qing Xiao, and Bu Qianfan. “Why the rush to leave?”
“The court’s war is pressing. How can we linger in leisure?” Nine-Heavens Mysterious Lady said with a hint of helplessness.
Facing Hell Realm’s relentless assaults, the court’s forces were stretched thin. No one in the court had an easy time.
Had it not been for Blood-Dripping Sword’s spirit granting permission, Nine-Heavens Mysterious Lady, Qing Xiao, and Bu Qianfan wouldn’t have been able to come to Zhang Ruochen’s aid.
Qing Xiao nodded. “Indeed, the court has too many matters to handle. We can’t stay long. But knowing you’re safe, Sixth Junior Brother, puts my mind at ease.”
“Han Xue, come meet your Grand Martial Uncle,” Zhang Ruochen called to Han Xue.
Han Xue swiftly approached, bowing to Qing Xiao. “Han Xue greets Grand Martial Uncle.”
“No need for formalities. Sixth Junior Brother, you’re impressive—not only powerful yourself but with such a talented disciple. Master truly chose well,” Qing Xiao said with a laugh.
Zhang Ruochen replied, “Though I took Han Xue as my disciple, I’ve taught her little. These years, she’s been with Master.”
“How is Master?” Qing Xiao asked eagerly.
Since Sword Saint Xuanji’s battle with Nine-Phantom Sword Saint, Qing Xiao hadn’t seen him. Though he knew Zhang Ruochen had revived Xuanji, he was unaware of his current state.
Han Xue said, “Grand Martial Uncle, rest assured. Grandmaster is well but has important matters to attend to, so he can’t return yet.”
Qing Xiao nodded, relieved to know Xuanji was safe.
Suddenly, Zhang Ruochen turned to Nine-Heavens Mysterious Lady. “I have a favor to ask.”
“Speak,” she said.
With a wave, Zhang Ruochen conjured a chessboard with holy qi.
On it was a unique game, black and white pieces interwoven.
This was the game Zhang Ruochen had memorized from Yaochi, played by Emperor Ming and Emperor Qing.
To Zhang Ruochen, their moves were peculiar, yet he couldn’t pinpoint why.
Knowing Saint Book Talent’s mastery in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, he hoped she could uncover its secrets.
“Help me see what’s strange about this game,” Zhang Ruochen said gravely.
This game might hold clues to Emperor Ming’s disappearance, demanding his utmost seriousness.
Even before he spoke, Nine-Heavens Mysterious Lady had been studying the board.
After a moment, she said oddly, “The moves are indeed strange. Neither player aimed to win—they both wanted to lose. That’s why their moves are unconventional. To play a game like this, both players are extraordinary.”
Zhang Ruochen’s heart jolted, murmuring, “How can this be?”
He had witnessed Emperor Ming and Emperor Qing play three times, each game fiercely contested. He’d assumed both were striving to win, giving their all.
But now, it seemed otherwise. Their intense struggle stemmed from both wanting to lose, forcing the other to win.
In a sense, Emperor Ming likely won, as he sought to lose.
Yet Zhang Ruochen couldn’t fathom why. What was the purpose of their game? Was Emperor Ming’s disappearance tied to his success in losing?
New questions flooded Zhang Ruochen’s mind, with no one to provide answers.
Even Saint Book Talent, however skilled, could only analyze the moves, not the players’ intentions.
“What’s wrong?” Nine-Heavens Mysterious Lady asked softly.
Zhang Ruochen snapped back, saying, “Nothing. Just thought of something. Thank you for solving a puzzle that’s troubled me for a while.”
With a wave, he dissipated the chessboard.
“It’s a small matter. We must return to Central Imperial City. Be careful—the Paradise Realm faction suffered a major loss and won’t let this go.”
Nine-Heavens Mysterious Lady warned earnestly.
Zhang Ruochen nodded. “I understand and won’t be careless. Take care yourselves. If anything comes up, send word.”
Nine-Heavens Mysterious Lady gave a slight nod, her figure moving like a divine maiden, ascending into the sky.
“Sixth Junior Brother, take care.”
“Take care.”
Qing Xiao and Bu Qianfan saluted, following her.
