Chaotic World Book
Chapter 396 - 387: Physical Examination

Chapter 396: Chapter 387: Physical Examination

Tang Chief lost himself to male beauty and hid in the back courtyard, neglecting his duties, and leaving everything in Xiangyang to be handled by the foreman. The Demon Suppression Department was replaced with a bunch of Blood God Sect people, and the army commander was simply the Blood God Sect Hierarch. For a while, demonic flames soared to the sky in Xiangyang, making it look just like a Demon Sect stronghold.

Great Zhou and others watched with trepidation for several days, only to be surprised to find that truly nothing was amiss; rather, everything was visibly improving.

The army’s side was easier to explain; with funds and provisions in place, all was well. Xue Canghai himself had a strong base, and with his iron fist in control, there really wouldn’t be any trouble. In no time, the atmosphere turned strict, and training was conducted with fiery enthusiasm, as if they were ready to regroup and march east at any moment.

Even more noticeable was the improved security within the city. For instance, incidents where Tang Wanju was harassed by riffraff while out for a stroll, which happened just days before, would surely not occur today.

Originally, the Demon Suppression Department did not handle general security; that was the job of government officials, but during times of war, the Demon Suppression Department typically took charge, given the increased infiltrations of rogue experts that regular officials couldn’t handle.

As a result, whenever there was a robbery, theft, or troublemaking, a group of hungry Blood God Sect disciples would rush in and beat them up, their eager eyes looking up at their leader to see if they could kill the culprit or not. It was hard to determine who the real bandits were.

With these fierce and demonic beings stationed in the city, peace was maintained for a while, and not a single troublemaker dared to emerge...

Initially, Great Zhou and his people were worried that these beings, now clad in official skins, would start openly robbing others, but to their amazement, they found the discipline to be very good, and they couldn’t figure out how such an attitude of not offending the commoners had been cultivated.

When they discreetly consulted Zhao Changhe, his answer was "How should I know?"

Great Zhou: "..."

Great Zhou thought it might have something to do with doctrine, for to the disciples, doctrine and faith were more important than Imperial laws. But upon closer inspection, he found the doctrine had only so far prohibited indiscriminate killing and hadn’t yet addressed anything about not bullying others...

Curious beyond measure, Great Zhou quietly asked Sun Coach.

Sun Coach said, "It might work in the short term, but I can’t say for the long term."

"Why would it work in the short term?"

"Because everyone has spent a lifetime hiding and being discriminated against, it’s rare for them to stand out and do something praiseworthy, to enjoy the respect and fear in other people’s gaze—they’re getting addicted to it and don’t want to ruin it themselves. But over time, without restrictions, whether they would revert to old ways, no one knows."

Great Zhou felt enlightened and went quietly to report to Zhao Changhe.

Zhao Changhe pondered for a long time before taking up a pen and writing down new doctrine: "Do not bully the weak, bring shame upon the Blood God."

Then he handed it to Great Zhou, "Take this to Sect Hierarch Xue to study how to integrate it into the original doctrine."

Great Zhou took the manuscript somewhat begrudgingly, thinking to himself that their doctrine amendment was a little too frivolous—would a sect leader really accept this?

From the beginning to the end, he forgot to greet the girl grinding ink beside Zhao Changhe, subconsciously treating her as Zhao Changhe’s inner chamber person, and felt it would be inappropriate to engage. It wasn’t until he was far away that Great Zhou suddenly stopped in realization, thinking how could I have not even paid my respects to the Chief...

Tang Chief standing beside him, grinding ink and adding fragrance...

Tch, wouldn’t even dare to dream of it.

Forget it, given the circumstances, it made no difference to whom he paid respects. Maybe the Chief would be even more pleased seeing his respect toward the "Crown Prince."

As expected, inside the room, Tang Wanju didn’t care in the slightest whether Great Zhou had paid respects or not, grinding ink while saying, "I’m surprised at how useful the Blood God Sect disciples are. I really hadn’t anticipated this."

Zhao Changhe said, "Neither did I... When I was in the stronghold, I thought they wouldn’t amount to anything. I actually abandoned them when I left the mountain."

"You didn’t try to lead them, the outcome might have been different."

"Hmm... I really didn’t attempt that direction at the time, I just wanted to run away."

Tang Wanju seemed a bit distracted, not sure what he was thinking.

Zhao Changhe was curious, "What are you thinking?"

"I’m thinking, the Blood God Sect actually seems even more demonic than the Four Symbols Sect. If they can have a chance to be led in a good direction, then maybe the Four Symbols Sect could also..."

"The Four Symbols Sect are actually more difficult," Zhao Changhe said. "The key for the Blood God Sect is that they believe I’m the spokesperson for the Blood God, the Saint Heir, so they listen to me. Indeed, from every aspect, I do resemble that role. Even I feel I could truly interpret the will of the Blood God, at least more than they understand. As for the Four Symbols Sect..."

He hesitated here, not continuing.

The problem with the Four Symbols Sect wasn’t about Emperor Ye not being Emperor Ye, now it seems like relying on male beauty is almost making them blend in with the Four Symbols Sect.

The force Tang Wanju applied while grinding ink suddenly increased by a third, and the ink stick shortened significantly, giving Zhao Changhe a start as he envisioned a tragic future somewhere.

He hurriedly offered the manuscript in his hand: "No need to grind anymore, it’s done."

Tang Wanju took it without expression and glanced over it, her eyes revealing a hint of amazement.

This was the topic she had just given Zhao Changhe, the interpretation and elaboration of a certain theory from the medical classics, as well as medical plans and medication considerations based on this theory. Zhao Changhe had found it difficult to explain clearly by mouth, so he took a pen to draft it, which intrigued her, so she ground ink at his side while watching what he wrote.

Leaving the content aside for now, just his handwriting alone had genuinely improved and become more beautiful with each iteration. Watching his writing evolve was like watching a child grow rapidly; after a few years, the child had now grown to oust his mother. Observing his writing carried a similar sentiment, seeing it change substantially every once in a while—by now, it even seemed to carry a trace of a master’s style.

It was originally undisciplined, baring fangs and brandishing claws. After a while, it became a measure more composed, exuding a semblance of depth and solidity. The change this time was the emergence of a flowing grace, yet the previous unrestraint and stability were not wholly discarded; the combination of qualities was extremely tasteful.

This unique style of writing, rooted in an individual’s unique understanding of martial arts, was difficult to imitate... Similarly reflecting his personality changes, from a greenhorn to his current growth, from initially needing a bit of support and the attitude of looking down from a vantage point, to now being held and kissed by him every day, becoming used to it.

Tang Wanju pursed her lips.

Zhao Changhe was asking, "How about this answer? Master, please instruct."

Only then did Tang Wanju pay attention to the content. As she read on, she sighed softly, "Your understanding is sufficient... Although the prescription still adheres to ancient formulas without your own interpretation, it proves that you’ve memorized them thoroughly. With your current level, should you ever lose your martial arts, you could go incognito and open a medical clinic without fear of starvation."

Zhao Changhe chuckled, "If I were to be ruined, I would be dead; what’s the point in talking about that?"

Tang Wanju felt it was ominous and didn’t continue on that topic. In a low voice, she asked, "How many days have you been learning medicine with me?"

Zhao Changhe calculated, "Ten days."

Indeed, they had hidden inside the Governor Mansion without setting foot outside for ten days.

"Just ten days," Tang Wanju sighed softly. "Truly a prodigy."

Zhao Changhe looked at her without speaking.

A prodigy, was he?

Although he had grasped martial arts, understanding medicine wasn’t difficult, and things like memory weren’t a big problem, considering his divine soul was vibrant. But it shouldn’t be possible to reach this level in just ten days; studying day and night, was it really because he was a prodigy...

Tang Wanju saw the meaning in his eyes and slightly turned away, not wanting to make a sound.

In the context of his clear declaration "I like you," saying more was pointless.

Zhao Changhe said, "Everything in Xiangyang is settled, and these days, your meridians have improved a lot; they even seem better than before the injury. I can leave with peace of mind now."

Tang Wanju gave an "Mmm."

Zhao Changhe continued, "I will go to Hongnong early tomorrow morning. Will I go alone, or will you join me?"

Tang Wanju’s heart stirred.

She had been feeling the pangs of separation, but his words swept them away, and she even felt a bit of joy.

She had forgotten the option to go together. Now she realized it was indeed possible. With Xiangyang’s matters settled and the Imperial’s new Governor arriving tomorrow, after handing over affairs, what reason was there to stay?

Truly, she could go... no need for farewells.

She was quite pleased inwardly, but with utter seriousness, she made up an excuse for herself, "Not bad, it is proper for me to accompany you there. The Yangs of Hongnong don’t share the connection you have with Qinghe Cui. Merely the goodwill of Yang Qianyuan isn’t enough to decide the family’s course. Moreover, the Wang Family will likely send someone; you would find it difficult to deal with Wang Daozhong alone. With me there to help you, things will be much easier."

Seeing her stubborn little stance, Zhao Changhe was tickled but couldn’t help himself, "Master, you’ve just examined my medical skills, and now that I’ve passed, shouldn’t it be time for treatment? I need to be healed to fight Wang Daozhong..."

"Eh?" Tang Wanju glanced left and right in slight panic; Bao Qin wasn’t around. She let out a breath and hurried to close the door, "Treatment then... but why say it so loudly... I could bully Wang Daozhong even with injuries..."

Watching her stand before him, lips slightly pouting, Zhao Changhe couldn’t help but feel a mixture of amusement and affection.

The treatments over these days had been highly effective, so much so that the lady seemed to take such treatments for granted now.

In reality, the need for actual mouth-to-mouth qi transfer had long ceased; it was merely a temporary means in the early stages when the Rejuvenation Technique wasn’t fully grasped, and Dual Cultivation Skill was used as an aid.

Now that his medical skills had advanced rapidly and his mastery over the Rejuvenation Technique had become increasingly proficient, this was no longer necessary... With just his hands, he could fully harness the therapeutic value of the technique on her meridians, soothing her lung meridian riddled with injuries.

Dual Cultivation Skill was always an aid, not the main means; it was the power of the Recovery Law inherent in the Rejuvenation Technique that was fundamental. Also, Tang Wanju’s short respite from worldly entanglements these days, allowing a moment of tranquility, was a prerequisite for healing.

Yet it seemed both he and Tang Wanju had grown accustomed to the kissing method of treatment, feeling as if the plan was flawed without it.

You really want a correct plan, shall we try some actual Dual Cultivation?

Zhao Changhe was itching to say it, but dared not, instead kissing her softly, mumbling unclearly, "Master, have you forgotten what the purpose of the exam was... once I passed, I could examine your body..."

Tang Wanju’s body tensed, she bit down hard, "No, absolutely not, don’t even think about it, no matter how divine your medical skills become!"

The next moment, his palm wrapped around her from behind, pressing on her lung shu point on her back, with an intensity akin to the sensation of Golden Needle acupuncture. His technique had seemingly evolved to simulate the method of Golden Needle stimulation to a more potent effect.

Tang Wanju’s battered meridians received an intense revitalization, causing her to moan involuntarily. Her resolute refusal was swallowed back, leaving only the sound of soft mumbles, which even made her blush to hear.

Meanwhile, she inwardly lamented.

Yesterday her lips, today her jade back.

What new terrain will Zhao Bing conquer by dawn’s light?