Chapter 195: White Robe Gazes Into the Abyss, Black Skirt Carries a Sword

Ning Changjiu finished reading all the scrolls. The oil lamp still burned, its small flame casting shifting light and shadow upon him.

He closed the last book, then integrated the content of the Northern Darkness Divine Sword into it.

All the cultivation methods linked together in his spiritual consciousness, forming a complete volume.

That was the Asura Divine Record mentioned by Night Apart, and also the Heaven's Heart Sutra from his previous life in the Unobservable Monastery.

The Heaven's Heart Sutra was a mandatory cultivation method for all disciples upon entering the monastery; Ning Changjiu had cultivated this sutra before the age of sixteen.

However, though he had reincarnated, the veil covering his memories from Unobservable Monastery remained. Most of his memories were still like an iceberg hidden underwater, only truly recalled upon seeing them.

Now, the seal on his memories was slowly thawing, and the complete form of the Heaven's Heart Sutra re-emerged from the mist, revealing itself to him.

He was intimately familiar with this cultivation method, and he believed that returning to it now, he wouldn't need much time.

But why was the most powerful Daoist technique of Severed Realm City identical to the introductory heart mantra taught by his former sect?

Could it be...

In the dim room, Ning Changjiu slowly looked up, his gaze meeting the tiny flame. The flame seemed to burn deep within his eyes, the center of his pupils resembling a dust-filled glow.

He involuntarily recalled the story of Severed Realm City.

The King's head was severed, his body turned to bone, followed by the fall of the divine kingdom, and the plummeting of its divine rank. Divine officials and heavenly lords were all banished to this world, accompanied by the citizens of Severed Realm City. Thus began a journey that lasted over seven hundred years.

Everyone wanted to leave. Ordinary people toiled tirelessly to expand their territory, while fallen deities sought to devour each other, complete their authority, and ascend back.

So who was the mastermind behind all this?

Seven hundred years ago, a goddess descended upon Severed Realm City, leading her people to this empty city, bestowing royal blood and eighty-one secret manuals...

Could this goddess be...?

Ning Changjiu's hands involuntarily clenched into fists.

In his previous life, he hadn't realized his true power.

Now, recalling it, he knew that in his last life, at only twenty-four years old, he had nearly reached the realm of Heavenly Lords and Divine Officials. His senior brothers and sisters were even stronger than him.

But even so, under his master's sword, he was like a lamb to the slaughter, utterly defenceless. The sword that pierced his chest seemed to transcend the barrier of time; every time he recalled it, he felt like a trembling monster beneath that perfectly full moon.

To what level of power had his master attained?

Or rather, was she actually one of the twelve kings, and Unobservable Monastery, in truth, a genuine divine kingdom?

This terrifying thought surfaced in his mind and refused to dissipate.

He thought of each of his senior brothers and sisters, and the "simple" townsfolk of River Town.

Unobservable Monastery was hidden on the mountainside, shrouded in swirling mist both above and below, its height unseen, its distance unknown, like a towering divine pillar supporting the chaos of the upper and lower realms.

Master... who exactly are you?

And my senior brothers and sisters, do they know? Or was it just me, the youngest disciple, who was kept in the dark the whole time?

He thought for a long time before slowly closing his eyes.

The oil lamp was extinguished, and all light was drawn away.

He looked at the pitch-black room as if gazing upon the fate foretold by Night Apart.

He stood up and walked out of the room.

To his surprise, he still heard the sound of sword qi cutting through the air outside.

He stood at the doorway and saw Shao Xiaoli, now dressed in a plain, simple cloth skirt, still practicing swordplay in the courtyard. Her beloved red dress had long since been neatly folded and put away, only to be worn when she went out.

Now, she was plainly dressed, her face refined, and her hair tied high in a ponytail, swishing with her sword movements. Her sword strikes were increasingly bold and sharp; drawing the sword was as clean and swift as striking. Smooth as the wind, quick as lightning, it gave the impression that when her sword pierced an enemy's heart and returned, not a single drop of blood would remain on its cold steel blade.

Ning Changjiu suddenly felt as though he was back at Heavenly Cave Peak, watching Ning Xiaoling practice swordplay on the Snow Cliff Sword Plaza.

After the final sword strike.

Shao Xiaoli returned her sword to its sheath. Feeling warm, she tugged at her collar, shook her clothes, and then wiped the sweat from her forehead. As she turned, her gaze suddenly sharpened, and she finally saw Ning Changjiu standing beneath the eaves.

"Boss." Shao Xiaoli, who had been somewhat relaxed, immediately stood perfectly straight.

Ning Changjiu asked, "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Shao Xiaoli replied, "Aren't you awake either, Boss?"

Ning Changjiu looked at her and said earnestly, "Your swordplay is already very good."

Shao Xiaoli gently shook her head. "I always feel like it's still missing something."

Ning Changjiu explained, "Your sword hasn't truly tasted blood yet; it lacks the resolve to kill. But this isn't something that can be mastered overnight, so you don't need to worry too much."

Shao Xiaoli nodded gently.

Ning Changjiu walked over to her side and said, "Go to sleep now."

Shao Xiaoli shook her head. "I can't sleep."

Ning Changjiu asked, "Are you worried about Siming?"

Shao Xiaoli hummed, "It's already been a month. I just feel like she's coming."

Ning Changjiu comforted her, "Don't worry, I'm here."

Shao Xiaoli worriedly said, "Boss, what if we can't defeat them? I'm still a maiden, I haven't even married yet... And these 'God King' and 'God Queen' titles they keep muttering, they sound a bit embarrassing."

As she spoke, she bent her forearms, clasped her hands together in front of her chest, palms pressed lightly, and her body swayed restlessly like a young seedling in a breeze.

Ning Changjiu's expression remained unchanged; he didn't respond.

Shao Xiaoli waited for an answer, sighed, tightened the scabbard at her waist, and silently walked behind him, murmuring, "Boss is truly exhausted, pretending to be deaf and blind."

Ning Changjiu paused slightly, smiled faintly, and slapped Shao Xiaoli's head.

Unlike four months ago, Shao Xiaoli reacted this time. She didn't have time to retreat, so she merely leaned back slightly, trying to let her cheek graze past the palm. At the same time, she brought her hand up, sweeping diagonally under Ning Changjiu's arm, hoping to force him to defend and buy herself some time.

Ning Changjiu let out a soft "Oh," and indeed, his attacking hand slowed a little.

In that brief moment, Shao Xiaoli's feet gripped the ground tightly, her waist bent backward, long hair trailing. In her pupils, Ning Changjiu's palm infinitely magnified, filling her entire vision. She forced down the panic in her heart and struck his palm with a punch. With a dull thud, Shao Xiaoli's body was repelled by the palm's force, her steps faltered, and her waist reached its limit, causing her to fall backward onto the ground.

Although her fall put her at a disadvantage, she had indeed managed to evade the full sweep of Ning Changjiu's palm. Ning Changjiu's palm missed its mark, and he himself was momentarily stunned. He then released the force from his hand, half-crouched, and reached out to the girl lying on the ground, saying with a smile, "Get up."

Shao Xiaoli's eyes widened. She finally let out the breath she'd been holding, her chest heaving violently, and realized she had indeed dodged Ning Changjiu's palm.

Four months ago, what did Boss say when he asked her to learn swordplay from him...?

Feeling a bit dizzy, she quickly extended her hand and grasped Ning Changjiu's.

Ning Changjiu's hand wasn't as soft as hers, yet it gave her an inexplicable sense of security.

Shao Xiaoli got up from the grass, brushed the dust from her skirt, and calmed her joyful thoughts.

Ning Changjiu glanced at the small white calluses on the edge of her palms from long-term sword practice, affectionately patted her head, and seeing the hidden smile on her face, asked, "What's making you so happy?"

Shao Xiaoli looked up and said, "Boss, have you forgotten your promise from when we first started practicing swordplay?"

Ning Changjiu certainly remembered. He had said that once Shao Xiaoli could withstand that palm strike, she would have graduated.

Time had flown by so quickly. The girl who had been so startled by that feinting palm strike that she couldn't stand steadily was now capable of such agile reactions. Although the outcome was a bit clumsy, she had more or less managed to dodge it.

"Yes, congratulations, Xiaoli, you've graduated," Ning Changjiu said.

Shao Xiaoli, having received her boss's approval, smiled like a flower, filled with indescribable joy.

Ning Changjiu asked curiously, "Why are you so happy?"

Shao Xiaoli said, "Because this way, we won't have a master-disciple relationship anymore!"

Ning Changjiu asked, "Is there something wrong with a master-disciple relationship?"

Shao Xiaoli stated emphatically, "Of course there is! The books say 'a teacher for a day, a father for life,' and there are strict ethical codes between master and disciple. It makes many things inconvenient. Only those without virtue, those shameless people, would have improper thoughts about their master or disciple. There are many such people in Severed Realm City who pretend to be master and disciple but have no real interest in learning skills; they just want to get close and then seize an opportunity. That's wrong. Xiaoli is different from them. I diligently cultivate every day just to graduate early and gain my freedom. Boss... if you had any concerns about this before, you don't need to feel burdened now."

Shao Xiaoli spoke fluently with her head down, her voice getting softer and softer towards the end, her cheeks flushed.

But she didn't understand why, after saying so much as a girl, Boss hadn't responded at all.

Finally, she bravely lifted her head slightly, only to find Ning Changjiu's face cold, his features stiff, and his expression seemingly unfriendly...

"Boss, what's wrong?" Shao Xiaoli didn't know what she had said wrong.

Ning Changjiu looked at her calmly, forced a smile, and said, "Nothing. You are absolutely right."

After finally coaxing Shao Xiaoli back to bed, Ning Changjiu went outside alone. Thinking about the girl's words, he couldn't help but recall Lu Jiajia and smiled wryly.

Was he truly so beastly?

There was no moon in the night sky of Severed Realm City, but the ethereal white figure of Lu Jiajia flickered before his eyes, and then a moon appeared in his own eyes.

I wonder how you all are doing...

He thought quietly, and all the content of the Asura Divine Record surged into his bloodstream, like a galloping horse, beginning endless cycles of cultivation.

He wondered if this horse could ride the wind directly to the clouds, carrying him to meet that moonlight.

Lu Jiajia also didn't know how many days she had been sitting outside the abyss.

This abyss was like a sunken plane, continuously falling, and no matter how many times she jumped in, she would be sent back to the starting point by an irresistible force.

The thatched hut outside the abyss was somewhat damaged after enduring wind and rain. Time was carved into the wooden figure at the hut's entrance, one mark for each day; now there were over 150 marks.

In the blink of an eye, more than five months had passed.

The lotus flowers in Litian Town had long since withered, and there was no longer any movement from the abyss, only a desperate silence.

She was still dressed in white like snow, her ink-black hair like a waterfall, ethereal and otherworldly. Only her beautiful face appeared somewhat thin. Due to her innate Sword Physique, her skin remained unaffected by wind, rain, and time, still lustrous as jade, like the cold snow of the Sword Discourse Heavenly Sect.

Day and night cast alternating shadows on her sword robes.

After Lu Jiajia's Sword Physique initially formed and she broke into the Purple Court realm, her cultivation progression surpassed that of any genius in the history of the Sword Discourse Heavenly Sect. However, she never smiled again, occasionally only humming the tune from the Heart Demon Tribulation facing the abyss.

Time flows like water, how can life be complete?

She wondered if the person beneath the abyss could hear her and be awakened by her.

And the elders and juniors of Sword Discourse Heavenly Sect would occasionally send clean clothes for her to change into. Ning Xiaoling, when not cultivating, would also accompany her master to watch the abyss, but her cultivation was too low to stay in the Southern Wilderness for long, so she had to leave after accompanying Lu Jiajia for half an hour each time.

Ning Xiaoling still lived in the Inner Peak, practicing swordplay daily with other disciples. After returning to her room, she would discuss the origins and spells of ghosts with Han Xiaosu.

Sometimes she would go to the library to read. The old man who guarded the library had long since passed away; now it was supervised by Martial Uncle Yazhu. When Ning Xiaoling read, Lerou would sometimes sit beside her with a book, chatting quietly. Ning Xiaoling would occasionally smile, but more often, she would be lost in thought, distracted.

Currently, Lerou was her closest friend in the peak. Lerou hoped she could help Ning Xiaoling emerge from her shadow sooner. However, while Ning Xiaoling appeared calm, occasional small gestures still revealed her thoughts. For instance, when they walked together, Ning Xiaoling would suddenly tug at Lerou's sleeve.

This was a gesture she often used with her senior brother in the past.

One day, these regular days were disrupted.

It was a late autumn afternoon when Jing Yangxia arrived at the edge of the abyss on his sword, delivering a letter to Lu Jiajia.

"What is this?" Lu Jiajia rarely spoke, and her voice was a bit hoarse.

Jing Yangxia explained, "More than 300 years ago, the Ancestral Master befriended a prominent figure from a major sect in Central Plains and almost became sworn brothers. For these past few centuries, the two sects have been separated by mountains and seas, with very little communication. However, the recent appearance of the Nine Infants startled many. The sect leader of that major sect heard about what happened at Sword Discourse Heavenly Sect, and remembering the Ancestral Master's friendship, sent many elixirs and weapons to our sect. They also promised three disciple slots, allowing our disciples to go there for cultivation and return to bring glory to our sect once their Daoist techniques are perfected."

Jing Yangxia sighed, "As you know, even after several months of repairs, our sect's fortune is still depleted, and spiritual energy is thin. This is no longer a good place for cultivation. We have many disciples in our sect who, no matter where they are placed in the world, are rare talents, and it wouldn't be right to hold them back too much."

Lu Jiajia listened quietly, and after Jing Yangxia finished speaking, she gently asked, "Is it the Ancient Spirit Sect?"

The Ancient Spirit Sect was a famous sect in Central Plains. They possessed a unique secret art that could cultivate innate spiritual energy to its utmost. It was said that the sect's location was where the Underworld Monarch had fallen, and there were even legends that several powerful spirit devourers were kept within its mountain gates.

Jing Yangxia nodded.

Lu Jiajia calmly said, "Then Peak Master Jing should decide everything."

Jing Yangxia hesitated for a moment, then said, "We discussed the three slots. One of them, we initially didn't want to choose, but after much deliberation, we finally decided to ask for your opinion."

"Who is it?" Lu Jiajia asked.

Jing Yangxia said, "Ning Xiaoling."

Lu Jiajia lowered her gaze slightly, remaining silent.

The autumn wind rustled, and her white robes fluttered. She moistened her dry lips and, after a moment, looked up and said, "I will tell her."

Jing Yangxia nodded and departed.

Lu Jiajia turned, facing the light, and gently closed her eyes. Her silhouette was outlined in the bright light, so beautiful yet somehow more forlorn.

She looked at the abyss and softly asked, "Your junior sister is leaving too. Why aren't you back yet?"

Zhao Kingdom Royal City.

Zhao Xiang'er stood on the golden steps of the royal hall. She wore a black dragon robe embroidered with gold, her slender neck held straight, her back graceful. A jade belt cinched her waist, easily spanned by a hand, and her flowing dark hair cascaded down to her slightly upturned buttocks, swaying gently with her breath. On her head rested intricate golden phoenix ornaments, luxurious and noble. Her exquisite face, however, showed no emotion, as if a divine child had descended to the mortal realm.

The hall ceiling was very high, with ornate caissons and robust dougongs. Pearl curtains hung down, screen fans crisscrossed behind her, and rows of palace lanterns stood on either side, like floating boats on water.

Civil and military officials knelt before the hall, one by one, reporting on all matters, big and small, occurring in Zhao Kingdom. These included public welfare, natural disasters, and more frequently, the ongoing war with Jin Kingdom on the border.

"Today, there's a drought in the northwest. We barely survived the peak of summer, yet the rain still hasn't arrived. Most of the crops in the fields have withered, and this year will likely see no harvest..."

"The south, however, is experiencing floods. The Shashui River in the southeast has already burst its banks, inundating many villages. Officials there have already requested the Imperial City's assistance."

"Here are this month's military expenditures and battle reports..."

Zhao Xiang'er listened calmly, speaking occasionally in a soft and clear voice, not at all like a sixteen-year-old girl. Even when there was dissent, she argued gently, never using her authority to suppress others, truly resembling a wise ruler rarely seen in a hundred years.

The people of Zhao Kingdom often discussed Zhao Xiang'er's transformation.

What happened at Sword Discourse Heavenly Sect was no longer a secret after nearly half a year.

They all knew that the young man who had a marriage dispute with the Princess that day in the Imperial City, who had fought alongside her, and who had sat in a high position at her wedding banquet, was probably dead.

They also had a deep impression of that young man. Although the Princess had strictly warned against discussing the events in Linhe City, there were whispers privately. Many said that during their month in Linhe City, hidden from the light, they must have genuinely developed feelings for each other, and perhaps even... embraced.

And after that young man's death, the Princess did not attend court for an entire month, clearly showing her feelings.

However, they hadn't expected the Princess to value him so deeply in her heart.

Time flowed like water. Now, no trace of sorrow could be seen on Zhao Xiang'er's beautiful face. Yet, her subsequent coldness or gentle demeanor both carried an air of aloofness, as if she was unapproachable and untouched by worldly affairs.

And that long-awaited three-year promise seemed absolutely impossible to fulfill.

On many nights, Zhao Xiang'er would recall her days in the Imperial City and Linhe City. Their time together wasn't long, but it always gave her a sense of instant familiarity, as if their destiny had been set long ago.

Last late autumn, Zhao Kingdom was in chaos, the Qianyu Palace was destroyed, and her mother died in the fire.

At that time, Zhao Xiang'er's anger far outweighed her sorrow, because she knew that a person like her mother could never truly die; all of it was probably a test arranged for herself.

When Ning Changjiu died, she also refused to believe it, thinking that no matter how dangerous the abyss in the Southern Wilderness was, there would always be a glimmer of hope for survival.

How could someone like him die?

But as days and months passed, that white-robed figure seemed to have sunk into the sea with stones tied to him, and there was no news whatsoever.

This also made her angry, angry at Ning Changjiu's "broken promise."

And she couldn't remain lost in her emotions forever; all the citizens of Zhao Kingdom were still waiting for her decisions.

Jin Kingdom and Rong Kingdom were both powerful nations, and even though Zhao Kingdom was no longer what it used to be, dealing with the war was still very troublesome.

"It is rumored that the King of Jin Kingdom has received divine revelation again."

In the royal hall, a minister stepped forward, speaking of a recent major event in Jin Kingdom.

Zhao Xiang'er waited quietly for more.

The minister unfolded the memorial in his hand and said, "Legend has it that the sacred tree in the capital of Jin Kingdom has bloomed. It is said that this sacred tree blooms once every two hundred years, and each time its flowers are brilliant, it signifies the ascension of a wise ruler and is a sign of national prosperity. This matter has been widely discussed in Jin Kingdom, and whether the news is true, your humble servants dare not yet confirm, but the common people all say that Jin Kingdom is about to have a formidable ruler..."

Zhao Xiang'er listened, then asked faintly, "What kind of sacred tree?"

The minister thought for a moment and replied, "There are many legends, but the most widespread is that of a Sakura Iron Tree, a cherry tree taller than the imperial palace. This tree usually appears dead, its branches as hard as iron, but when it blooms, the tree is covered entirely in cherry blossoms, not even a single branch visible."

Zhao Xiang'er's delicate brows furrowed slightly. "Could it be the Everlasting Cherry?"

In her inherited memories from Nine Feathers, to truly form the unique Purple Mansion in the world, one needed White Spirit Bone, Illusory Snow Lotus, and Everlasting Cherry leaves. She had already obtained the first two. However, there was no record of the Everlasting Cherry tree in any books, and she didn't know where to find it. Now, this iron tree, possibly an Everlasting Cherry, had bloomed in the human world, and specifically in Jin Kingdom...

The minister, hearing the Princess's question, honestly shook his head, saying he didn't know.

Zhao Xiang'er asked no further. She had already made up her mind.

In the past few months, a fire had subtly burned in her heart, suppressed and unable to escape. She was also somewhat weary of the prolonged war. She often wondered if there was a way to end it all...

Zhao Xiang'er suddenly asked, "Is it permissible to kill one person to benefit the entire world?"

Most of the officials were perplexed; this question had been debated historically, but now that the Princess asked, it surely had deeper meaning. They pondered, wanting to express their views, but then heard Zhao Xiang'er softly say, "I think it is."

They exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.

They also didn't know that two months later, on a certain early autumn morning, this peerlessly beautiful young woman would don battle attire, carry a parasol-sword, and ride a sparrow alone.

Empress Zhao Xiang'er, in black clothes, single-handedly assassinated the King of Jin.