Through a hazy mist, Zhao Changhe felt as though his consciousness floated in the sky, with the distant moon shining down, overlooking the earth below.

He knew seeing the entire world like a blind man was impossible, yet the outcome was unexpectedly good—his previous bird's-eye view could only extend to about a mile in radius, but with his recent advancement in cultivation, he thought he might manage to see an entire city. To his surprise, his consciousness kept expanding, not only covering the whole of Chengdu but stretching far beyond into the outskirts, extending an unknown number of miles.

This was the effect of mastering Star River, combined with the boosting effect of the Eye behind him. It wasn't just about cultivation... One could only imagine how much the visible range would increase once he truly achieved a breakthrough into the Imperial Realm.

That was a concern for later, for now, he faintly discerned figures quietly leaving the city, flitting outward.

Zhao Changhe barely smiled and withdrew his spirit.

He wished to ingratiate himself with the blind ones, first to know about Vermilion Bird and the others from afar, and secondly for this reason.

—Every word he said to Li Shentong was sincere, but the other party might suspect they were being cajoled. The line between truth and falsehood would be defined by whether or not these words were spread, putting someone on the spot in the court of public opinion. He had no wish to harness public opinion to coerce anyone; he desired Li Shentong's genuine assistance. If misunderstood, that would unnecessarily complicate matters.

Given this, might there be a third party unwilling to see him cooperate with Li Shentong, like a spy from the Listening Snow Pavilion, deliberately spreading words?

"I'll help you root them out," the phrase he uttered over the banquet directly corresponded to this contingency plan.

Yet at that time, it was not about capturing people through this overarching Divine Sense but rather by using the Qi Observation Skill to detect the Sword Qi hidden deep within them. That, of course, wasn't as reliable—if the person's body lacked Sword Qi and they were merely bribed, Qi Observation would hardly reveal anything beyond their dishonest intentions, which would convince no one. To catch them red-handed now was more visual than anything.

Zhao Changhe opened his eyes.

Yue Hongling was also cultivating, leaning against the pavilion; feeling Zhao Changhe awaken, she too opened her eyes.

Zhao Changhe said, "You've been... guarding me?"

Yue Hongling laughed and replied, "Of course, you fell into a profound state of meditation for a while just now. Of course, I had to guard you well."

"Eh..." Actually, that was a state of extended Divine Sense, during which he couldn't afford to be distracted. However, the clearer everything became around him in that state, the less need there was for someone else's protection. Yet, the thoughtfulness in Hongling's gesture warmed Zhao Changhe's heart, and he spoke softly, "Why didn't you say a word throughout the banquet earlier? You're an honored guest too, don't act like my personal bodyguard."

Hongling was quite straightforward, "In these matters, I am your guard and am happy to be so."

Zhao Changhe: "..."

Hongling continued, "You suddenly immersed yourself in cultivation, did you have some insight?"

Zhao Changhe took her hand and said, "Come, someone has given us a path to break the stalemate, naturally we should graciously accept it."

He paused, then suddenly laughed, "Having you is truly wonderful. If it were just me, I couldn't cover everything."

"Sect Master, Zhao Changhe and his wife suddenly left the guest residence, heading north."

Li Shentong stood up, feeling a tinge of regret, "They're really attempting to go spread the news... Let's follow and see."

Under the moonlight, several shadows emerged from different directions out of the city, swiftly making their way into the dense forest, heading north.

The words Zhao Changhe had spoken at the banquet had frightened many. Regardless of whether Great Han and Ba Shu would unite over these matters, they could not tolerate such actions.

It was like uprooting the foundation.

Equalizing lands, opening education... these were acts of defiance!

Once truly set in motion, it wouldn't only toll the death knell for the Aristocratic Families but could also do so for many smaller sects and local clerks. Traditions and monopolies would become things of the past, everything laid bare for open competition. Even Li Shentong's slaughter of the Aristocratic Families hadn't gone that far, but Zhao Changhe's few words seemed to uproot Ba Shu completely!

Let alone outsiders, even within the Divine Brilliance Sect, there was dissent.

They, too, were among the strong monopolizers of Cultivation Techniques and prominent representatives at that.

Everyone thought Li Shentong would not agree to such notions, but considering his reactions, it seemed he was moved... Whether he would implement them or not was another question, and his willingness remained to be seen. But any wavering would serve as an alarm bell.

No matter how one looked at it, since Sect Master Li believed that if such news spread, it meant Zhao Changhe was untrustworthy, then why couldn't they be the ones to spread it? It wouldn't harm the Sect Master.

Just as they thought this, a figure sitting on a rock ahead grinned at them.

The individuals halted abruptly, skidding to a stop that left long marks on the ground, their hearts filled with utter shock: "...Zhao, Zhao Changhe!"

Seeing Zhao Changhe seated there in the forest under the moon felt to them like ordinary people unexpectedly encountering a tiger with hanging white forehead markings in the night—a domineering presence capable of instilling bone-chilling fear.

Zhao Changhe jumped down from the rock, "Gentlemen, it's a cold winter night with heavy dew. Why not rest comfortably at home instead of traipsing into this secluded forest and braving the northwestern wind..."

Without even drawing his blade, the people before him were already trembling uncontrollably, ruled by fear. They instinctively cried out and drew their swords, slashing towards Zhao Changhe.

—Now, his Blood Evil presence did not require deliberate cultivation; it was omnipresent. However, the extent of the horrifying effect of Blood Evil remained unknown—it was solely the intimidating bearing of the person causing it. The god-slaying, demon-defying Zhao Changhe was too legendary in the eyes of people; the cauldron that he had planted at the city gate still remained untouched.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.