Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 171: Sword Emperor's Seal

The night was quiet.

Zhao Changhe lay on his bed in a daze as he watched the battle with the sword guardian, which was being displayed on the golden foil.

However, it did not seem like the scenes of the battle were truly reaching him.

His mind right now was occupied by the scenes from when he returned Sisi to Tang Wanzhuang and explained his thoughts to her. At that time, Tang Wanzhuang, who almost always wore a serene expression, revealed some surprise for the first time. Those moments continued to linger in his mind until now.

From the perspective of diplomatic and strategic thinking, his actions did not resemble the mindset typical of ordinary martial artists at all. It was something a prince would do, and one with great aspirations for his nation at that.

However, Zhao Changhe knew that he merely wanted to ease Tang Wanzhuang’s burden, which had become too heavy for her frail shoulders.

People were very strange creatures. The more someone demanded something from him, the more he wanted to act like a contrarian and do the exact opposite. Yet, when the other party was accommodating toward him, such as when Tang Wanzhuang said nothing and left things up to him, he felt a sense of obligation, feeling that he should do something.

He sighed.

And then there was the other matter... Although he despised Sisi’s actions and had no intention of involving himself with her any further, his anger was truly much lighter than Sisi was thinking. He had not felt any of the furious rage that he would have felt in the past during those moments.

However, that did not have much to do with Sisi. Rather, it was mostly because of Tang Wanzhuang.

He had to admit that practicing the Vicious Blood Art had somewhat influenced his temperament. Reflecting on his past behavior, Zhao Changhe realized that he had indeed been somewhat irritable and quick to anger.

The tranquility brought to him by the music she played back then was still taking effect to this point. He felt that his heart was as calm as a lake, with no ripples disturbing his emotions, whether it be anger or desire.

Throughout the process of exploring the tomb, and even now, Zhao Changhe felt a sense of detachment. He felt as if he were merely observing himself doing something. In this state, he observed everything more attentively, scrutinizing every detail. He felt less involved in all of the drama, causing him to be less affected emotionally by anything that happened.

This was peace of mind.

His anger was light, and his desires had vanished. He neither felt regret nor the sense of camaraderie brought by fighting side by side. Zhao Changhe felt as if he were merely looking at a stranger when he was looking at Sisi tonight. He could approach the situation with the calmest mind, making decisions from the perspective of the empire’s interests.

Although it might be a bit exaggerated to say this, it was not entirely far-fetched. There was undoubtedly a hint of truth to it.

I wonder if Sisi would have preferred me to be angry and scold her or if she prefers the way I am right now.

Maybe this is how Tang Wanzhuang achieved her calm demeanor. Has she always viewed everything around her with such detachment? Is that why there’s such a strong sense of professionalism in our interactions?

It would probably be quite difficult for a woman like her to feel any impulses of love and romance. That probably explains why she doesn’t care in the slightest about men or marriage, even though she’s already twenty-eight. So far, the only person who draws any kind of emotion from her seems to be that dumbass Tang Buqi...

Well, anyway, it seems studying music, calligraphy, and painting is indeed as meaningful as she said. I should continue with that. But for now, this is enough thinking. I can just talk to her tomorrow.

There was not much value in studying the battle with the sword guardian that was being displayed on the golden foil, as it was essentially a mindless corpse. Analyzing such battles where the characters had little rationality also had little benefit to his improvement. While studying it for the sake of learning sword arts might be worthwhile, he now had the sword seal.

Zhao Changhe took out the sword seal. It was a small sword that looked like it was carved from jade, but at a closer look, it was clear that it was not actually jade but some other unknown material. It exuded an extremely strong sword intent. By merely extending his mind toward it, he could sense the extremely rich sword intent contained with it. It was vast and deep like the ocean.

This was a typical inheritance seal.

It could be discerned that based on different levels of cultivation, different understandings of swordsmanship, and different temperaments, each person who came upon this sword seal would likely gain different insights, grasping different sword arts and sword intents.

Sisi said that it could be considered the essence of all sword arts in the world. While that was probably a bit exaggerated, it was indeed a description that fit it quite well. If she were to bring it back to her tribe and let every person in the tribe comprehend their own sword arts, their tribe’s strength would definitely soar. Similarly, giving it to the Demon Suppression Bureau would allow Tang Wanzhuang to cultivate more talented swordsmen, which would be great assets for the nation. However, Zhao Changhe really did not have much interest in it. He did not need to comprehend any compatible sword arts. In fact, he did not even really want to learn sword arts at all.

He took out the golden foil and placed it together with the sword seal.

Gradually, the golden foil emitted a soft light, encompassing both the sword seal and Zhao Changhe.

Zhao Changhe suddenly felt like he was entering a dream again.

The scene before him completely changed. Suddenly, it was as if he were standing on the peak of a steep cliff, facing a seated old man in white robes.

With a sudden gesture, the old man pointed at the distance, and the phantom of an ancient sword pierced through the sky, heading straight for a mountain peak thousands of li away.

Boom!

The distant mountain peak was flattened, mountains and rivers collapsed, and ocean waves surged into the sky.

Another sword phantom was shot out and it separated the raging sea, leaving behind a deep ravine. The wild waves that were on both sides could not break through the barrier of sword qi, leaving the ocean split into two.

One sword to cleave a mountain, one sword to divide the sea.

This was all the result of a mere gesture from a finger. He had not even moved his body!

This was the Sword Emperor!

In a world and a time where gods and demons were rampant, there existed only a single being who could be crowned with the title of Sword Emperor!

This was the legacy imprint he left within the sword seal, and it was materialized by the Heavenly Tome. There was no need for comprehension nor analysis. The Sword Emperor himself demonstrated before his very eyes!

The sword phantom flew back, and the old man stood up. He held a longsword in his hand and slowly began to demonstrate the simple sword art that the vicious sword had displayed back then.

Zhao Changhe had only skimmed through this sword art before going to bed, and he had even tried using it to deceive the sword guardian in the tomb. However, he had only grasped its form, mainly because the straightforwardness of the vicious sword made it simple to imitate, making it seem as if there was no value in practicing it earnestly.

But now, when it was demonstrated by the Sword Emperor himself, Zhao Changhe felt his heart pounding.

What simple sword art? What straightforwardness...

That horizontal stroke was like the line where the ocean met the sky, cutting through the boundary between heaven and man.

That vertical stroke was like the gap between continents.

Infinite mysteries were contained within, all transformations ultimately merging into the most fundamental horizontal and vertical slashes of the sword.

Was this merely for the sword?

No, it applied to the saber as well!

The path to simplicity, returning to nature, this was how it was supposed to be.

Zhao Changhe suddenly recalled his early days of learning back in the mountain stronghold. The countless times he turned and slashed, the countless times he struck the wooden stakes, again and again. Different every time, yet unchanged.

Unfortunately, this was no basic saber art, but a highly concentrated form of the endless sword dao. Zhao Changhe knew that he could not learn it, understand it thoroughly, or use it.

He lacked too much experience. This was something that first required the honing of thousands of sword skills and defeating countless adversaries.

The figure of the Sword Emperor shifted. Beginning with simple sword moves, he gradually began to demonstrate countless different sword arts, from beginner to intermediate to advanced. He displayed a myriad of styles, numbering in the thousands.

Zhao Changhe silently memorized them. He felt that the process of sorting out these sword arts was in itself a significant learning process for learning the principles of martial arts. He also felt that it would allow him to make progress in his own saber art.

*

Early the next morning.

When Tang Wanzhuang arrived at the guesthouse, Zhao Changhe had already gotten up early as usual to practice the saber.

Tang Wanzhuang watched him quietly for a while before suddenly asking, “Have you ever thought about practicing the sword at the same time?”

Zhao Changhe did not stop his practice, answering as he continued, “Is it because swords are more prestigious in the jianghu? Those who can instruct me, such as Yue Hongling and you, are all experts of the sword. On the other hand, my saber arts have always been self-taught. Even this time...although the inheritance in the sword seal is truly remarkable, unfortunately, I can’t make much use of it.”

“From what you’re saying, it seems like you don’t seem too interested in learning the sword.”

“Yeah, I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew. I’ve already started late. I’ve already fallen behind others by far too much. I can’t afford to waste any more time learning other weapons.”

Tang Wanzhuang nodded, continuing to watch him for a while before saying, “Sisi is currently in the tomb, providing assistance to the Demon Suppression Bureau for the exploration of various areas. She has provided very valuable insights on how to reseal the tomb. She honestly seems a bit too familiar with things from the previous era.”

“Has she caused any trouble?”

“No, she’s been very obedient.”

“Don’t be too trusting of her, she’s quite the actress.”

Tang Wanzhuang tilted her head and looked at Zhao Changhe’s expression, but he remained focused on his practice and showed no emotion.

Tang Wanzhuang chuckled and said, “Are you really going to end your relationship with her?”

“Of course, I’m not someone who itches for betrayal. Since she’s deceived me, then why bother still considering her a friend? Our relationship will be all business now. Her knowledge and the special products of the Ancient Spirit Tribe should be useful to you.”

“Just to me?” Tang Wanzhuang’s expression practically said “This is your empire.”

Zhao Changhe did not answer that. Instead, he asked, “What restrictions did you impose on her?”

Tang Wanzhuang smiled and said, “My spring water restriction. Do you want to learn it? You can use it on other girls in the future.”

Zhao Changhe felt that Tang Wanzhuang’s attitude today was a bit strange. He finally put his saber away and approached her before scrutinizing her carefully.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m checking if you’re Sisi in disguise.”

“I’m just in a good mood.” Tang Wanzhuang smiled faintly. “I really want to reward you with something, but I don’t know what you want.”

Zhao Changhe squinted at her for a moment, then suddenly said, “Do you know what annoys me the most about you?”

“Hm?”

“It’s this attitude and mindset of yours toward me that makes it seem like you’re a senior looking down on a junior, or a superior looking at a subordinate. It makes me want to break this image and see how you look when you’re embarrassed.”

Tang Wanzhuang felt somewhat helpless. “That’s not chivalrous at all. In fact, it’s even quite malicious.”

“Who told you that I’m a chivalrous hero? I’m a bandit,” Zhao Changhe said. “If you want to give me a reward, then I’ll suggest a reward.”

Tang Wanzhuang had a bad feeling and involuntarily took a step back. “What?”

“Continue teaching me how to play the guqin, but use your hands to guide mine,” Zhao Changhe said. He even added, “Well, I’m not sure if I can touch them.”

Tang Wanzhuang stood there with a strange look on her face.

Are you... teasing me?