Chaotic World Book

"The gap is no longer significant. With me watching over, you can rest assured."

Vermilion Bird found it irritating how she referred to herself as 'me,' and couldn't help but say, "It's not about being significant or not, I'm asking for a specific time. Why so perfunctory?"

Tang Wanju didn't argue with her and calmly stated the situation, "Resources don't materialize out of thin air; they need time to be produced. Times are different now. The workshops in Langya, Qinghe, and other places can quickly transport goods; we don't rely solely on the capital's supply, which makes things much easier. I can guarantee that much. However, I can't remotely supervise the progress in Langya and Qinghe; I only have pigeons to rely on, so asking me for a specific time is difficult."

Vermilion Bird, punching an imaginary pillow, gave Tang Wanju a curious look.

Although it was normal for this woman to speak calmly, the premise was that the one causing trouble wasn't Vermilion Bird. Whenever she was the one making trouble, this woman's tone would change. Why was she so calm today?

"Why are you looking at me?" Tang Wanju glanced directly ahead, "If you want to argue, pick another place; we're on a busy street here."

Vermilion Bird: "Where else?"

Tang Wanju: "?"

"Forget it," Vermilion Bird said, "I'm genuinely looking for you to discuss the situation, not to argue. Now that spring is in full bloom, San Niang mentioned that Tie Muer has been sending envoys, broadly connecting with the various tribes of the Northwest Gobi. The situation could ignite at any moment. I planned to bring it up in the court meeting today. The troops are ready; as soon as the supplies are complete, it's time for the northern expedition. But mentioning it in court might publicly embarrass you, so I'm saying it in private."

She paused for a moment and added, "We cannot be passive, waiting for Tie Muer to move south before launching a defensive counterattack. We must be proactive. The Heavenly God of the Longevity Heaven is likely at the peak of the Imperial Realm Second Layer; if he recovers, he's not comparable to those like Desolate Calamity."

Tang Wanju asked, "What exactly is the status of the Second Layer peak?"

"We know from the Battle of Chang'an how strong the Tao Venerable was. We had five people besieging him, and he still injured Hongling; this is not a trifling matter. Moreover, there's a critical point. During that battle, I don't know whether it was Jiuyou or Changhe... " Vermilion Bird paused and continued, "In short, the space above Louguan Terrace was isolated at that time, preventing the aftermath of our battle from spilling out. Otherwise, Chang'an would have been reduced to ruins."

Tang Wanju said, "So what you're saying is, once the Heavenly God revives and moves south, not to mention the danger of Yanmen becoming irrelevant, but just the battlefield being within our Great Han would result in uncontainable collateral damage and casualties."

"Exactly, the battlefield must be on their territory. Only then can we unleash our full strength without concern for collateral damage."

Tang Wanju furrowed her brows tightly.

Vermilion Bird was puzzled, "What?"

"Originally, we were in a position to advance or retreat as needed, but listening to you, it's become an all-or-nothing necessity for a northern expedition... If Tie Muer knows our intentions, he can leisurely lay his Heavenly Net... Fighting this way would be very disadvantageous."

Vermilion Bird cast a sidelong glance at her, "You and your man only know how to frolic around, not asking anything substantive?"

Tang Wanju quickly glanced around and, seeing the passersby were at a distance, lightly chided, "Who asks questions during such times! What are you trying to say?"

"Do you think his relentless efforts to hone his world-observing intent are for nothing? He's training to observe and comprehend surroundings on a large scale, handling multiple pieces of information simultaneously. By then, when he and I set out, he'll be acutely aware of all changes around him, making it hard to fall into any Heavenly Net. Your man is wholeheartedly focused on the northern expedition; he's got it all figured out. Some weaklings who need men to guide their Breakthrough certainly won't understand," Vermilion Bird taunted.

Tang Wanju's face finally turned red with anger, "Will he be able to stay by your side all the time? Do you have the capability?"

"Everyone is honing towards the Imperial Realm Second Layer. With his insights, I've had my own realizations. The Fire Element is omnipresent; what I see is beyond your knowledge, watch and learn."

As they spoke, they had already reached the entrance of the Tang family mansion, now the Prime Minister's Mansion.

Tang Wanju halted, grinding her teeth, "The Great General is at the door, want to come in, have a drink or two, and continue the discussion?"

Implicitly indicating, They changed places; follow me inside, and let's argue this out.

Vermilion Bird, with no fear of her, lifted her head high, walked in with her chest out.

When they arrived at Tang Wanju's courtyard, both of them paused for a moment.

Through the window inside the room, Zhao Changhe could be seen writing, while Bao Qin stood gracefully by his side, grinding ink and pouring tea. Her gaze occasionally fell on his profile, filled with soft, tender affection.

Tang Wanju pouted; this maid was hopeless, serving the husband with ink and perfumes, more joyful than serving her own mistress, that gentleness in her brow and eyes was... like seeing herself in a reflection.

Fortunately, the scene was just him writing, which, while inciting a little jealousy, wasn't too provocative. Vermilion Bird forgot about arguing with Tang Wanju, entered with her hands behind her back, and leaned in to see: "What are you writing?"

Without stopping his writing, Zhao Changhe replied, "The Divine Descent of the Heavenly Vault has a glaring flaw—it cannot enter the Secret Realm. I originally intended to communicate with Sisi about some matters, but Sisi has been in the Spirit Clan Secret Realm for some time, not in Dali. I couldn't find her after searching several times, so I had to speak a few words to the Spirit Clan people in Dali, but felt uneasy about it, and decided to write an additional letter."

"What is so important?"

"Considering Li Shentong's behavior, our previous intent to press the Miao Region's forces into Ba Shu has lost much of its significance. We should keep some vigilance but the elite forces should move eastward towards Xiangxi. Perhaps Yin Kui originally rose from there; it's uncertain if anything was left behind."