Chaotic World Book
Chapter 398 - 389: Hongnong Yang

Chapter 398: Chapter 389: Hongnong Yang

According to Xuanwu’s records and the blind man’s explanation, this was the Night Emperor’s personal token, similar to a personal seal.

It did not contain any special energy or inheritances, nor could it issue orders for factions; it was merely used by the Ancient Xuanwu in charge of casting swords. Possessing this token allowed the other Four Symbols to cooperate with Xuanwu in their actions, and after the token was melted down, it could also serve as a material for sword casting.

Perhaps in the eyes of the Ancient Azure Dragon, White Tiger, and others, this token did not hold much significance. Aside from matters related to sword casting, it could not command them to act, nor could it speak on behalf of the Night Emperor.

But for believers of this epoch who were unaware of the inside story, perhaps its meaning was even more significant than an "official seal."

A personal token, huh? Doesn’t that count as the meaning of "seeing this as if seeing his Majesty in person"?

Fortunately, Vermilion Bird couldn’t recognize whether it was a personal or official seal, let alone what it represented.

But the strong aura of the Night Emperor and the inherited decorations and carvings of the Four Symbols Sect’s emblem, complete with a Star Map featuring all four symbols, Vermilion Bird knew at a glance that it must be something of the Night Emperor’s, impossible to forge. Something like this, in the shape of a token, what else could it be? Any way you thought about it, it was a serious proof of identity:

The Night Emperor’s inheritance! The Saint Heir has descended!

If this had been an ordinary occurrence, Vermilion Bird might have knelt already, but happening to Zhao Changhe instead made her somewhat resistant. After all, she had suspected it before, and later San Niang said it wasn’t. While Guigui was not the most reliable in deed, Vermilion Bird trusted her judgment more.

She carefully stepped back two paces and asked again, "Is this the Night Emperor’s order?"

Zhao Changhe said, "It is, but I don’t have his inheritance, and I am not the Saint Heir, I’m not misleading you."

Vermilion Bird’s eyes whirled, and she deliberately said in a severe tone, "Then you still dare to produce it, not afraid that I will kill you to seize the token?"

Zhao Changhe calmly said, "For a sect with faith, what you should do instead is to understand the situation behind this. Killing would not help, and it might even cut off your sect’s path to seeking truth and approaching divinity."

The way this young man spoke became more reasonable and showed more courage... It’s just a pity that this courage was being shown to the antagonist, and that antagonist is me, ying ying ying.

Vermilion Bird didn’t know whether to be happy or angry and said emotionlessly, "Can’t I just capture you and slowly figure it out?"

Finally, Tang Wanzhuang’s voice came coldly, "Vermilion Bird, do you really think making a breakthrough allows you to show off in front of me?"

Vermilion Bird clenched her fists, facing off coldly.

Tang Wanzhuang dismounted and stepped in front of Zhao Changhe.

They both suddenly remembered the past... In the blaze at Luo Family Manor, it seemed like it was Tang Wanzhuang who was looking at Zhao Changhe coldly while Vermilion Bird stood in front of Zhao Changhe.

Both of their expressions became a bit strange.

Wait a second... My issue is with you, not Zhao Changhe. Why are you protecting him?

Zhao Changhe sighed and said, "Alright, Venerable, considering Guigui, Huangfu, and San Niang’s faces, I don’t need you to capture me. When I get a chance, I will clarify this matter and the relationship with the Four Symbols Sect clearly. So, please don’t stand in the way making trouble anymore, alright..."

Under the Vermilion Bird mask, her eyebrows were nearly vertical, "What does this have to do with San Niang?"

Zhao Changhe: "?"

Are you really Vermilion Bird, focusing on that point?

A more chilling voice came from behind, "What is your affair with Huangfu Qing? How can you be with her!"

Zhao Changhe: "..."

Vermilion Bird’s gaze fiercely fixed on Tang Wanzhuang’s face, suddenly laughing, "Hmm, I’m not aware of any affair with Huangfu Qing, but why can’t I be with her?... Alright then, Young Master Zhao makes a point, coercion is meaningless here. I will go back and have Huangfu Qing come over to take charge of the situation here and inquire about the Night Emperor Token. As to whether I can be with her, I will leave that to Chief Tang’s instruction. Farewell."

With a "whoosh," the imposing Vermilion Bird disappeared.

Providing a reason for Huangfu Qing to appear in Hongnong, how convenient.

Vermilion Bird’s identity was that of an enemy, and her wary, guarded expression hurt this old lady to the core. Change the identity over, and let’s see how I upset you, you pretentious killjoy!

Vermilion Bird’s mood suddenly became very good.

With the change of identity, the world became her oyster; even having the Night Emperor’s token turned into a good thing—the outsider man has the Night Emperor’s Token/my man has the Night Emperor’s Token; is that the same mood?

Vermilion Bird almost didn’t want to be Vermilion Bird anymore, aside from bragging rights, it was utterly useless. Even boasting was thwarted by the man pulling out a token. Huangfu Qing was much nicer. He would answer any question, and she could kiss him and infuriate Tang Wanzhuang even more.

Vermilion Bird made her way back, already scheming how she would annoy Tang Wanzhuang when the time came... You think you’re above it all, don’t want to marry into the Royal Family, huh, hehe.

Tang Wanzhuang glared fiercely at Zhao Changhe and asked repeatedly, "What is your relationship with Huangfu Qing?"

Zhao Changhe hung his head, unable to respond to her question. I dismissed Vermilion Bird with a command, and you showed no reaction, yet you’re so upset about Huangfu Qing?

Tang Wanzhuang fiercely grabbed his collar, "Huangfu Qing is the Imperial Concubine!"

Zhao Changhe replied helplessly, "If she weren’t the Imperial Concubine, would you agree?"

"If she weren’t the Imperial Concubine, I wouldn’t care who you’re with... No, that’s not right!" Tang Wanzhuang raged, "But to choose Huangfu Qing of all people!"

"Ying..." Bao Qin in her arms slowly woke up, and upon realizing she was in Tang Wanzhuang’s embrace, she heaved a sigh of relief, then burst into tears, "Miss, Vermilion Bird was so mean; she even stole my horse, please help me get revenge, boohoo..."

"There, there, Bao Qin," Tang Wanzhuang hurriedly comforted her, "The Cult is destined to face a grim end. Once the Imperial troops annihilate the Four Symbols Sect, I’ll capture Vermilion Bird and bring her before you. You can punish her however you like, alright?"

Zhao Changhe didn’t want to comment on the likelihood of such dreams coming true. In his heart, he only gave Bao Qin a nod of approval.

Thank goodness you changed the subject, otherwise, I’d be dead by now...

......

Throughout the journey, Tang Wanzhuang carried Bao Qin on a horse, and she didn’t exchange a single word with Zhao Changhe until they reached Hongnong, her face stern even when stopping at inns for meals and lodgings.

Zhao Changhe didn’t dare to touch her bad side or say any tacky love lines again.

How bitterly must you and Huangfu Qing have fought in the past? You seem to have some respect for Vermilion Bird, the enemy of the Imperial and head of the Demon Sect, yet your outrage towards Huangfu Qing is so ridiculous, caring more than ten times as much as you do for Vermilion Bird.

In fact, thinking this way was perhaps slightly off...

To Tang Wanzhuang, after all, Vermilion Bird had nothing to do with her, being on her side to face a common enemy. What’s there to care about?

What is your relationship with Huangfu Qing? How dare you have a relationship with her!

Amidst these varying thoughts, they eventually arrived in Hongnong.

After all, it was only a little over eight hundred miles from Xiangyang to Hongnong, and with flat terrain along the way, it didn’t take too long.

In fact, they had already reached the outer limits of Yang Family’s influence the same day Vermilion Bird intercepted them, such was the outrageous reach of an Aristocratic Family’s power across states and regions. When the two arrived in Hongnong to be received with the highest honors, Yang Jingxiu himself stood ten miles outside the city to welcome them, bowing with hands clasped: "For the Family Head and Young Master Zhao to travel thousands of miles, Yang truly feels honored."

Although he put "Family Head" before "Young Master Zhao," Yang Jingxiu’s gaze lingered more on Zhao Changhe, the implication clear and obvious.

He was a Prince, and it was his presence that prompted Yang Jingxiu to come out ten miles for the welcome.

Otherwise, Tang Wanzhuang might not have received such treatment, even though her official rank was very high...

However, Tang Wanzhuang didn’t feel any jealousy. Instead, she thought it was only right, and she was actually quite pleased to see Yang Jingxiu acknowledge this Prince. While Yang Jingxiu was bowing, she even tilted her body slightly, indicating she didn’t accept the salute. The honor was due to the Royal Family.

A true loyalist who had dedicated his heart and soul to this country, the finest Crown Princess Consort, a virtuous helpmate... This appraisal flashed through Yang Jingxiu’s mind. Just as he was about to say something, a house servant hurriedly came to report, "Family Head! Family Head!"

Yang Jingxiu frowned, "What’s with this panic and disorder?"

"It’s not that, the Imperial Concubine has arrived, claiming to have come to congratulate the Family Head on his birthday on behalf of Your Majesty... She’s almost reached the northern city..."

Yang Jingxiu’s pupils shrank slightly, and the procession set to receive Tang Wanzhuang and Zhao Changhe began to waver.

Regardless of whether this Prince was real or fake, his status hadn’t been officially announced.

On the other hand, the Imperial Concubine was the genuine article, and it was unheard of for an Imperial Concubine to travel such distances to celebrate the birthday of a subject. What did this mean!

With an apologetic gesture, Yang Jingxiu bowed to Zhao Changhe: "My apologies, Young Master Zhao. With the Imperial Concubine’s arrival, I must go and welcome her..."

Zhao Changhe’s mouth twitched, "Go on, it’s only proper."

Watching the Yang Family hurry towards the northern part of the city, Tang Wanzhuang clenched her little fists. Although her face was silent, her chest heaved with a fiery rage akin to Mount Kunlun, on the verge of erupting.

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PS: Today, Su Mu, Snow Eagle, and the others formed a group to pay a visit, but they were all tackled by me. I braced myself against the soreness to write this Chapter, and the delay really wasn’t my fault...