Tome of Troubled Times-Chapter 710: Home Is Where the Heart Finds Peace

The couple stood in front of an invisible spatial barrier, frowning as they studied it.

The scene was particularly intriguing. At first glance, the distant view seemed to hold some scenery, but upon closer inspection, it lacked the clarity it once had, taking on a hazy, dreamlike quality. It was evident that the space was no longer a unified whole. An invisible barrier divided it, separating the two sides into distinct dimensions.

A group of monks busied themselves at the barrier, tapping and knocking on it here and there. They even took turns leaping into the sky to test for openings that might allow passage.

But given the vast size of this space, how long would it take to knock on every single spot? Even if it were just a small village-sized space, it would be an insurmountable task, let alone a barrier stretching a thousand li... Yuan Cheng was using some special means of detection to conclude that, most likely, there were no hidden openings. The two realms had already become completely disconnected.

The secret realm was now just a small independent one, consisting only of a mountain peak and a modest patch of flatland at its base. This, Yuan Cheng noted, was its original form. The vast expanse experienced earlier had been the result of connected external spaces. The monks, unfamiliar with the secret realm and lacking the time to investigate thoroughly, had failed to notice the anomaly at first glance, nearly leading to disaster.

Zhao Changhe suddenly wondered if this separation of spaces was akin to Snow Owl casting Yue Hongling off like a plague god, ensuring she could not return to cause him any more trouble.

Yue Hongling seemed to share the thought, her expression rather peculiar. “If they had the ability to divide space all along, couldn’t I have ended up trapped in a small, sealed space with no way out?”

Zhao Changhe felt a chill at the idea but quickly shook his head. “The two abilities are different. I doubt they possess the power to isolate and seal a specific section of space as you’re describing. However, there is someone who might be capable of that.”

Yue Hongling asked curiously, “Who?”

“Ying Five.” Zhao Changhe recalled the scene when Ying Five subdued Li Gongsi, rendering him unable to escape no matter how he struggled. Back then, Ying Five had shed his usual genial, businesslike demeanor, revealing a fierce, menacing aura that marked him as a true bandit.

However, Ying Five’s base was on the other side of the divide. If it came to that, things might get even more complicated.

After some thought, Zhao Changhe turned to Yuan Cheng, who was frowning in contemplation. “Master Yuan Cheng, how much do you know about these spatial phenomena?”

Yuan Cheng replied, “Not much, but I do have some understanding.”

“From my perspective, while we currently can’t cross to the other side, it still remains a possibility that they could reconnect this space to the other space or spaces at any time. This place isn’t safe to stay at. So, am I right in assuming that the reason why you’re still here thinking rather than retreating immediately is that you believe you can create a barrier to prevent them from reconnecting the spaces?”

Yuan Cheng nodded. “Precisely. Previously, we were unaware of these matters. But now that we know, there are ways to address it. This type of spatial manipulation is difficult to perform repeatedly. The turbulence and backlash from manipulating space are something even they cannot withstand. It’s against the natural laws for them to be able to reconnect them this soon.”

“So there’s a cooldown period, huh?” Zhao Changhe chuckled. “Do you have any idea how long it’ll take before they’re able to reconnect them?”

“I don’t know, but I do know that we can take advantage of this opportunity to worsen the disruption, thus indefinitely delaying their attempts to reconnect the spaces. The real dilemma I’m struggling with is how far I should go. Should I go so far as to sever the connection completely? After all, these two spaces were originally one. To forcibly and permanently divide them might be seen as disrespectful to the natural order as well.”

Zhao Changhe was taken aback, looking at Yuan Cheng in surprise. He had not expected such a line of thought from the old monk.

That said, if they truly severed the connection completely, it would almost certainly mean an irreconcilable feud with Ying Five, who was clearly trying to do the opposite. For now, Ying Five still counted as an ally. Until Zhao Changhe fully understood Ying Five’s motives, he had no intention of turning hostile. He said, “There’s no need to go to such extremes. Just extend the cooldown period.”

Yuan Cheng nodded. “That was my intention as well. Since you think likewise, then it’s settled.”

Zhao Changhe thought for a moment. “Since things are settled here, I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be taking my leave.”

Yuan Cheng clasped his hands together in a gesture of respect. “On behalf of my temple, I once again thank you for your assistance, King Zhao.”

“There’s really no need for that,” Zhao Changhe replied, waving dismissively. “You’ve got plenty to handle here. Focus on your affairs—I’ve got my own brothers to check on.” He then grasped Yue Hongling’s hand and led her away from the mountain.

As they descended, Yue Hongling gave him a curious look and whispered, “You’re leaving just like that?”

Zhao Changhe kept his expression neutral. “What else is there to do? I’ve got no business lingering around here. Besides, I’d rather spend some time with you. Being at the temple makes it inconvenient.”

“Bah.” Yue Hongling shot him a half-annoyed, half-amused glance but followed his lead. “So, where to?”

“How about taking our brothers from the mountain stronghold out for a drink? They’ve been stationed here doing city defense work, so there should be a decent place to drink here somewhere.”

“How about joining our brothers at the mountain camp for some drinks? They’re stationed at this city’s City Defense Bureau. The place should be decent enough.”

“Sure. I’ve missed them too.”

The two chatted casually as they walked away.

On the surface, it seemed like the matter had been wrapped up neatly, and they were leaving without a second thought. But Yue Hongling could not shake the feeling that this whole situation felt unfinished, as though they had left it hanging. It was unlike Zhao Changhe to leave loose ends.

From what she knew of Zhao Changhe, he was likely still planning something, but perhaps this was not the right place to discuss it. Deciding not to press him for now, she silently followed him down the mountain.

* * *

“Boss! Sister-in-law!” At the City Defense Bureau, Liuzi and a group of brothers eagerly greeted their leader and his companion.

When it came to the title of “sister-in-law,” the former bandits did not recognize anyone else—Yue Hongling had held that position in their minds from the very beginning. Now that the boss had personally brought her along to visit, their excitement knew no bounds.

As for the fact that Zhao Changhe had sent a flying horse to save them, expressing their gratitude was not necessary. That was simply what a boss ought to do.

The so-called City Defense Bureau was neither a military nor an official administrative department. Back when the local government and the Demon Suppression Bureau had been purged of officials loyal to Lu Shiheng, the Blood God Cult had taken over public order but had never formally integrated into the administrative structure of the empire. Similarly, with the military stretched thin, the Blood God Cult had supported city defense efforts but remained outside the army’s structure. This led to the creation of a temporary, multi-functional unit responsible for military defense, city security, and even some demon-suppression tasks—a product of Xue Canghai’s dominance over Xiangyang at the time.

After Xue Canghai marched north, the remaining members of the Blood God Cult were few and inexperienced. Over time, the bureau’s responsibilities were scaled back to resemble more of a local patrol team. The new prefectural governor provided them with official status and salaries, stabilizing their role.

These men, who once lacked the skill to even be decent mountain bandits and had no talent for honest work, unexpectedly found their niche as peacekeeping patrols. Day by day, they strutted through the city with puffed-up chests, loudly giving orders and beating up anyone who dared to disrupt the peace. Ironically, their heavy-handed methods brought an unprecedented tranquility to the streets. Yet, for all their bravado, they did not dare abuse their power or bully the weak. They knew full well their boss would not back them up if they crossed the line—after all, it was not a secret among them that Zhao Changhe had once left them behind, though they would never admit it to outsiders...

Lacking ambition, they found their current life of drawing official paychecks and staying home with their wives more than satisfying—a dream they once never dared hope for. This sense of contentment anchored them, and their once wayward ways transformed.

Unexpectedly, their efforts earned the respect of Xiangyang’s citizens, who lauded King Zhao’s subordinates as true men of honor. The more praise they received, the more they felt obligated to live up to it, feeling compelled to live up to the people’s expectations. They truly had turned from bandits into dependable peacekeepers. It was to the point that during the cold weather of the recent temple fair, they had voluntarily stepped up to protect the people in secret.

When Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling arrived, the men enthusiastically bought braised duck and sliced beef, setting up a small banquet to welcome their boss and sister-in-law. Seeing their current state, the couple could not help but feel gratified. Zhao Changhe sipped his wine and chuckled, “I never expected you lot to make me look so good. How about heading to the capital? They’re desperate for people in all departments right now.”

The men waved him off immediately. “If you’d asked us half a year ago, some of us might’ve gone. But who would want to leave home now?”

Zhao Changhe laughed in disbelief. “This place is your home now?”

“Why not? Our brothers are here, our wives and children are here. If this isn’t home, where is it?”

The casual remark struck a chord with Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling. They exchanged a glance, both moved but saying nothing.

Liuzi broke the silence. “Boss, are you cultivating to become an immortal these days? That story about your horse descending from the sky to save us—it sounds unreal! We can brag to our kids and grandkids about this for life!”

Zhao Changhe grinned. “You can think of it that way.”

Liuzi continued, “They say when one person ascends, even their chickens and dogs rise with them. Your horse literally rose with you. How come we haven’t yet?”

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“You lacked foundational cultivation techniques, and that bit of martial arts you learned doesn’t count for anything. The techniques I knew either didn’t suit you or belonged to others and couldn’t be freely shared. I only taught you the Yellow Sand Saber Art, which isn’t particularly useful. But now, I have more resources, so that’s no longer an issue.” Zhao Changhe pulled out a booklet. “This is a copy of some of the Four Idols Cult’s cultivation techniques. There’s a decent variety, so see which ones suit you and practice them accordingly. There’s bound to be something for everyone. From now on, you’ll be considered disciples of the Four Idols Cult. Betrayal won’t be tolerated; I wouldn’t be able to explain it to others.”

Liuzi was ecstatic. “Thank you, Boss! Betray you? We’re your chickens and dogs!”

“Pfft...” Yue Hongling sprayed her drink in laughter.

He might want some dogs, but certainly not this breed.

The banquet was filled with joy, and the two did not stay overnight. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, they took Snow-Treading Crow and left Xiangyang.

Yue Hongling glanced back at the city and murmured, “I thought we were just here to visit them, but I didn’t expect to feel so touched.”

Zhao Changhe held her hand and smiled. “Home is where the heart finds peace.”

Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at his face. “When... will you accompany me home? I mean to Luoxia Mountain Village.”

Zhao Changhe froze, only for Yue Hongling to turn her head and add, “Don’t you plan to propose to me? Or do you think you can take advantage of me without taking responsibility?”

Zhao Changhe erupted in joy. “I’ll go! Of course, I’ll go!”

Yue Hongling smiled softly, saying nothing more.

He held her hand and led the horse toward the sunset.

Behind them, their shadows stretched longer and longer, subtly warping into eerie shapes, resembling demonic faces.