Chaotic World Book

The couple stood before an invisible spatial barrier, frowning as they scrutinized it.

The scene was particularly intriguing. At first glance, it appeared as if there were still landscapes in the distance, but in reality, they were no longer as sharp and clear as they had seemed before, somewhat blurred like in a dream. It was evident that the space was no longer continuous—separated by an invisible barrier, both sides had already split into distinct dimensions.

Many monks were tapping around this barrier, even taking turns to leap up into the sky to tap, checking for any small doors that might allow passage.

But with this boundless void, how long could you tap? You couldn't even finish tapping through the space of a small district, let alone across a thousand miles... Yuan Cheng roughly used some special sensing methods and ultimately concluded: Most likely, there are no small doors; the two ends have been completely blocked off.

Now this Secret Realm had become an isolated one, its scope limited to just one mountaintop and a not-too-large flat area at the foot of the mountain serving as the entrance.

This was, after all, the original form of the Secret Realm... The vast expanse seen before was due to other spaces connecting to it, and since the monks were not familiar with the Secret Realm and didn't have the energy to explore in detail, they hadn't spotted the issue at first glance, almost leading to a major incident.

Zhao Changhe suddenly wondered if this could be considered as the Snow Eagle sending Yue Hongling off like a plague, unable to come back and cause trouble for him...

Yue Hongling was also contemplating this issue, her expression quite peculiar, "If they had the ability to separate space like this all along, could I have been locked in a small space unable to get out..."

Zhao Changhe's heart skipped a beat too, but he then shook his head, "What you mentioned is a different capability, this ability to independently sever space—they likely don't have that. However, there might be another person who could possess it."

Yue Hongling curiously asked, "Who?"

"Ying Wu," Zhao Changhe thought of Ying Wu's control over Li Gongsi back then, how Li Gongsi struggled in vain. At that moment, Ying Wu lost his usual business-like warmth and the smile on his face, the ferocity in his eyes revealing he was indeed a true horse bandit.

However, Ying Wu's main base was also on that side... This matter could become even more complicated when reaching the locale itself.

He thought for a moment and then asked Yuan Cheng who was deep in thought, "Master, how much do you understand about these spatial affairs?"

Yuan Cheng said, "Not very detailed, but I know a little."

"From my understanding, the current situation is that we cannot cross, but the other side can reconnect at any time; we simply cannot stay here. So, Master, you are here thinking instead of immediately retreating because you believe you can also create a barrier, preventing them from coming over again next time?"

"Just so," Yuan Cheng said. "Previously, I was unaware of this matter, but now that I know, there are some methods to deal with it. Because such things are very difficult to operate consecutively, the turbulence and backlash in space are also unbearable for them; they cannot connect again in the short term, as it would be against the laws of heaven and earth."

So there's a cooldown, huh? Zhao Changhe couldn't help but smile, "Do you know how long the cooldown is?"

"I do not know, but this monk knows that this opportunity can be used to spread chaos, indefinitely extending the time before they can try again." Yuan Cheng sighed, "What I truly hesitate about is to what extent I should procede, whether a complete severance should be done... Since these two spaces were originally one, whether it would be disrespectful to heaven and earth to artificially sever them completely."

Zhao Changhe was taken aback for a moment, surprised to see such thoughts from the old monk.

That said, if a complete severance were really to be done, then it would probably lead to a life-and-death struggle with Ying Wu, as it was clear that Ying Wu was working towards the opposite. For the time being, Ying Wu was still considered an ally, and without fully understanding what the other party intended to do, Zhao Changhe did not plan to turn against Ying Wu in the void just yet, so he said, "Don't make it absolute, just delay it."

Yuan Cheng nodded, "This was also the monk's original thought. Since King Zhao thinks the same, that would be for the best."

Zhao Changhe thought for a moment, "Since that's the case here, I have other important matters to attend to, so I will take my leave."

Yuan Cheng put his hands together in respect, "This monastery is once again grateful for King Zhao's support."

"No need to see us off, there's a lot going on here, take care of your own matters; I have brothers to visit." Zhao Changhe waved his hand and left the mountaintop with Yue Hongling's hand in his.

Yue Hongling asked softly with some surprise, "You're just leaving like this?"

Zhao Changhe replied nonchalantly, "Or what? There's nothing else to do, and I would rather spend some tender moments with you. It's always inconvenient at the monastery."

"Pfft." Yue Hongling gave him an odd look, yet she responded in a breezy manner, "Then where shall we go?"

"How about drinking with the mountain stronghold brothers? They are here with the City Defense Department; the place should be decent."

"Great. I've missed them too."

The two chatted casually and strode away.

On the surface, it seemed like there was nothing left to do, and so they took their leave. But Yue Hongling always felt like something was left half-done without any outcome, which was not like Zhao Changhe's style.

Based on her understanding of Zhao Changhe, there definitely had to be more to the matter, probably not suitable to be discussed here and now–thus she did not ask and let him leave.

...

"Leader! Sister-in-law!" Inside the City Defense Department's government office, Liuzi and a group of brothers were delighted to welcome their boss and his wife.

Speaking of the sister-in-law, these old bandits didn't recognize anyone else but Yue Hongling. Right from the start, she was the sister-in-law, and she still was, and what was more unexpected was that the boss had brought the sister-in-law along for a visit, making everyone in their hearts especially happy.

As for the boss sending a horse to save everyone, there was no need for thanks, as it was only right.

The so-called City Defense Department was an agency that was neither military nor a conventional government office. This was due to the fact that in the beginning, a large number of people from Lv Shiheng's faction were purged from both the government office and the Demon Suppression Department, and the Blood God Sect was maintaining order but not officially part of the government; the military was not sufficient, and the Blood God Sect aided in city defense but was not part of the military. Consequently, it became a makeshift entity with multiple functions, including military defense, patrolling for public order, and some duties of demon suppression and thief apprehension. At that time, Xue Canghai held sway over Xiangyang. Later, when Xue Canghai led his men north, the remaining Blood God Sect members were few and weak, leading to a reduction in functions, and it eventually became something akin to a public security patrol team. The new Governor provided its establishment, and they were fed from the Imperial granary.

Back in the day, these people had no ability as bandits, nor did they know how to run a legitimate business; they were just living off the land, waiting to die. Surprisingly though, they were particularly suited for patrolling for public security. Day by day, they puffed out their chests in the city, yelling commands and beating up anyone who rubbed them the wrong way, creating an oddly peaceful public order. Even more ironic was that they themselves did not dare to bully men or dominate women, because they knew their leader wouldn't protect them - these rascals; knowing that their boss had once abandoned them, something they could never tell others... Anyway, they had no grand ambitions, and the days of being fed from the Imperial granary and hugging their wives were too good to be true, enough for a lifetime.

Unexpectedly, this kind of performance earned them great respect from the people of Xiangyang, who praised that indeed all under King Zhao's banner were heroes. The higher the praises they received, the more committed they inadvertently became to doing a good job, which was truly an irony. By now, they were capable of voluntarily offering covert protection for the public's safety during the temple fair in cold weather, as if they had been transformed from devils into humans.

The group bought ducks and sliced beef to treat the boss and his wife. The couple, seeing them being well, also felt gratified. Zhao Changhe, drinking, laughed, "I never thought you guys would make me so proud. Are you interested in going to the capital? There is a lack of personnel in all departments there right now."

The people all waved their hands, "If the boss had mentioned it half a year earlier, maybe some would have gone, but now, who the hell would want to leave their home and roots..."

Zhao Changhe laughed helplessly, "This place has become your home, has it?"

"Isn't it? Brothers are here, wives and kids are here, if this isn't home, where is?"

The one speaking did so without any ulterior motive, but those listening found significance in his words.

Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling exchanged a glance, both feeling somewhat moved in their hearts, but did not say much.

Liuzi asked, "Is the boss practicing cultivation now? The whole ride to rescue us sounds incredible; can't believe it happened to us. We'll have stories to boast about to our grandchildren."

Zhao Changhe smiled and said, "Let's just say that I am."

Liuzi said, "They say when one attains the Dao, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. Why haven't we ascended?"

"Previously you did not have any foundational cultivation techniques, only learning some martial arts. The cultivation techniques I know were either not suitable or belonged to someone else and could not be recklessly passed on, so I only taught you a little of the Yellow Sand Blade Technique, which wasn't very useful. Now that we have more resources, this is no longer an issue." Zhao Changhe then pulled out a booklet, "This is part of the Four Symbols Sect's cultivation techniques that I was punished to... ah, not punished, that I personally transcribed. It covers various types, so see which fits you best and choose accordingly. From now on, you'll be considered Four Symbols Sect Members, and you must not betray it, otherwise I won't be able to explain to the others."

Liuzi was ecstatic, "Thank you, boss. How could we betray? We are the boss's chickens and dogs!"

"Pfft..." Yue Hongling spurted out her drink.

He needed dogs, but definitely not ones like you...

The meal was joyous for both guests and hosts, and the couple did not stay overnight. Taking advantage of the afternoon sun not yet set, they led Wuzhui and left Xiangyang.

Yue Hongling looked back at the city behind her and whispered softly, "I thought it was just a visit, but it turned out to be quite touching."

Zhao Changhe held her hand with a smile, "Home is where the heart is at ease."

Yue Hongling's eyes sparkled as she looked at his face, "When will you accompany me home? I mean to Luoxia Manor."

Zhao Changhe was stunned, then saw Yue Hongling turn her head away, "Aren't you going to ask for my hand in marriage? Surely you don't plan to hit it and quit it!"

Zhao Changhe was thrilled, "We will go! Definitely!"

Yue Hongling gave a slight smile, said nothing more, and walked side by side with him, leading the horse towards the western sunset.

Their shadows stretched out behind them, gradually growing longer with a bizarre twist added to them, subtly forming like demonic faces.