Chapter 221: I See
The surname Jie was the old name of the Taizong Emperor when he was in Tianliang Commandery back in the day.
Since the Heavenly Book Stele descended into the world, no one’s historical status could surpass that man’s.
Thus, on this continent, whether in life or in death, he always enjoyed the highest glory and the most respect.
Neither humans nor demons, not even the demon nobles in Xuelao City who hated him to the bone, would dare speak his name directly.
But today, the black-robed man said it just like that, and even added the words “little brat” after it.
Anyone could hear the bone-deep hatred he held for the Taizong Emperor.
“If time could make us forget all the past, then what meaning would our existence have?”
The black-robed man looked at Wang Zhice and said mockingly, “You once said you’d leave worldly affairs behind, yet you still can’t let go.”
Wang Zhice replied, “Since you’ve colluded with the alien races, this is no longer a worldly matter—it’s a matter beyond this world.”
The black-robed man said, “So what?”
Wang Zhice said, “If you’re willing to give up this insane idea, I’m willing to do anything for you.”
“Anything?”
The black-robed man sneered slightly. “I’ve seen your shameless cruelty before. Do you think I’d let you fool me again?”
With that, he turned and walked toward the great city deep in the wind and snow.
The Demon Marshal and those demon generals followed him, and the several massive figures shrouded in black mist gradually faded away.
Wang Zhice watched the black-robed man’s back, his emotions a tangled mess.
…
…
The Demon Lord left White Emperor City without a sound. The entire process was calm and drew no one’s attention.
In this city, there were many human experts who wanted to kill the Demon Lord, but none could touch him, because White Emperor had clearly issued a decree.
That decree was exactly the same as Lady Mu’s edict—every single word identical.
A visitor from afar is a guest.
Everyone understood why.
All things in the world need a state of relative balance.
To prevent humanity from dominating alone, the demon race could not be allowed to weaken too much.
The Council of Elders remained silent, the demon court officials remained silent, and even powerful demon experts like Xiao De remained silent, because this was His Majesty’s will. Only Jin Yulu, just like hundreds of years ago, had a fierce argument with White Emperor, only to be banished from the imperial city once again, forced to return to his life of farming.
Chen Changsheng and Tang Thirty-Six stood on the observation platform, looking into the hall.
The sky was extremely bright, but the hall was extremely dark. They couldn’t see the details clearly, only the ministers, demon generals, and elders kneeling like a dark tide.
Tang Thirty-Six thought of the bloody battle around the courtyard and felt a sour mood. He sneered, “So this is ‘you’re weak, so you’re right’?”
Chen Changsheng said nothing, only sighed.
Not long after, the court session ended.
The ministers, demon generals, and elders filed out, bowing respectfully to Chen Changsheng from a distance before dispersing. No one dared to approach and speak with him—not even the Bear Clan chieftain or the Scholar Clan chieftain. The situation was completely different from that night in the Dao Hall a few days ago.
After several years, White Emperor had finally returned to his city. Without any need for schemes or tactics, the entire demon race would unite under his will.
Moreover, the only one who could have threatened White Emperor’s position—the Prime Clan chieftain—had died a violent death, and the Prime Clan tribe was now in turmoil.
Chen Changsheng and Tang Thirty-Six entered the hall.
No seat had been arranged for Chen Changsheng in the hall, and Tang Thirty-Six couldn’t complain about disrespect, because White Emperor wasn’t sitting either.
“How is your grandfather’s health?”
White Emperor asked Tang Thirty-Six.
No matter how much he grumbled inwardly, Tang Thirty-Six’s response was calm and proper, flawless in both etiquette and demeanor.
But in the end, he couldn’t help saying one thing.
“I just can’t figure it out. He’s so old, why does he still love stirring up trouble?”
Though the words were ostensibly about Old Master Tang, the target of the mockery was White Emperor.
White Emperor ignored him and turned to Chen Changsheng, saying a few words.
The meaning of those words was simple and predictable.
He merely reviewed the close and harmonious relationship they once shared, then expressed a hope to maintain it going forward.
Finally, White Emperor said, “On Saintess Peak, you and Zheshou killed that fellow. Well done.”
With that, the conversation ended.
A eunuch led Chen Changsheng and Tang Thirty-Six to Luoluo’s bedchamber.
Chen Changsheng thought about those last words and didn’t understand.
Tang Thirty-Six explained, “He’s talking about the White Tiger Divine General. That guy had guts and ambition, daring to use ‘White Tiger’ as his title. If the two races weren’t allies, White Emperor would have killed him long ago. Since White Emperor couldn’t do it himself, you killing that man for him—he’s probably genuinely happy.”
When they reached the stone hall at the highest point, they saw a figure by the railing. Chen Changsheng was a bit surprised, but he still went into the stone hall first.
Tang Thirty-Six naturally didn’t follow; he walked toward that graceful silhouette by the railing.
The stone hall wasn’t crude. Round windows and ebony partitions cut the space into aesthetically pleasing scenes.
Luoluo stood within this painting, like a delicate little white flower in a pot.
Her face was pale, her expression sorrowful, looking very pitiful.
Not just because of her biological mother’s ruthlessness and death, or the impending farewell, but also because of many other things.
Chen Changsheng stood before her, silent for a long time, then suddenly said, “Do you want to come with me?”
Luoluo lowered her head and said nothing.
Drip, drop—that was the sound of tears hitting the floor.
After a moment, she lifted her head, wiped the tears from her face with her sleeve, and revealed a genuine smile. “Master, no need.”
If Chen Changsheng had said “come with me” instead of “do you want to come with me,” then she might have gone with him.
The former was a question, asking for her opinion; the latter was a command.
How could a student defy her master’s wishes?
What a pity.
She naturally leaned into Chen Changsheng’s embrace.
Just like before.
Chen Changsheng’s hand didn’t know where to rest.
Looking at the tear stains on that small face, the brilliant smile, and the clearest, calmest eyes, he recalled many images.
The mottled rain stains on the walls of the National Academy, the brilliant dusk visible from the big banyan tree, and that tranquil lake.
His hand came down.
But it was different from before.
This time, his hand rested on her back.
…
…
A long time passed, and Chen Changsheng still hadn’t come out.
Tang Thirty-Six couldn’t help but glance again at the person beside him.
Xu Yourong ignored him and didn’t look back toward the hall.
This was the highest point of the imperial city, even higher than the observation platform.
Standing by the railing, she could see the observation platform clearly.
She knew there had once been a pear tree there.
She also knew how moving the image of pear blossoms wet with rain could be.
She had seen it with her own eyes not long ago.
That young face, covered in teardrops—who wouldn’t feel pity?
Tang Thirty-Six couldn’t hold back anymore and said, “You…”
Xu Yourong said expressionlessly, “Shut up.”
Tang Thirty-Six was a bit annoyed and said, “I…”
Xu Yourong raised an eyebrow slightly and said, “I see and pity her—how much more so for him?” (To be continued.)