Chapter 173: Meeting an Old Acquaintance in the Western Xiao Imperial Palace

The Rain-Listening Sword suddenly appeared before its master.

Chen Changsheng looked up and saw the sword shake a little. A clump of hair drifted down from its blade.

“Hair from that monster?” Chen Changsheng asked.

The Rain-Listening Sword swayed like it was nodding.

Though it hadn’t killed the monster, its sword energy had sliced off several tufts of hair, which landed on the blade during the fight.

Chen Changsheng stared intently, then muttered to himself.

‘Looks like fox fur…’

But earlier, he’d clearly seen two pairs of horns on the creature’s back.

That didn’t add up.

At first, he’d thought it was a deer demon. But horns growing on its back seemed odd.

“Probably no ordinary monster.”

Chen Changsheng voiced his thought. Perhaps someone was behind it.

Without sufficient Magical Power, one couldn’t activate Talismans. This monster wasn’t that powerful; it escaped the Rain-Listening Sword’s chase only thanks to those Talismans and the Soul-Summoning Banner.

Regaining his focus, Chen Changsheng spoke: “Let’s head back.”

He sheathed the Rain-Listening Sword and returned to Ximing City.

…

The City God of Ximing City had paced anxiously in his temple, face etched with concern, waiting for a long time.

Just as he was growing hopeless…

A figure entered the temple.

The City God rushed forward. “Celestial Immortal! Did you destroy that monster?”

“I carelessly let him escape.”

Chen Changsheng flicked his wrist, and the Soul-Summoning Banner dropped into his hand. “City God, is this the banner flag you mentioned earlier?”

Seeing the densely gathered Yin Energy within it, swirling as if ten thousand Wraiths resided inside, the City God pointed a trembling finger. “T-That’s it! That’s the one!”

Chen Changsheng said, “Now that the wandering spirits have been found, what’s missing is the Human Emperor’s official recognition.”

The City God replied, “Please don’t trouble yourself, Celestial Immortal. This god will visit the palace and explain matters to the Human Emperor.”

“It might be best if this Chen Changsheng goes personally.”

Chen Changsheng waved dismissively. “I actually wish to meet the Emperor of Western Xiao as well.”

“Then this god shall guide you.”

“Alright.”

Chen Changsheng peeled off the Talisman sealing the City God Temple. He’d considered keeping it to study, but as soon as it detached, it burned into ash.

Seeing this, Chen Changsheng didn’t linger. Led by the Ximing City God God, he made his way to the palace.

The Western Xiao Imperial Palace was modeled after the layout of the former Great Jing palace, though all dimensions were scaled down. It lacked Great Jing’s former magnificence. Perhaps because it was newly built, it appeared this way.

By the time they reached the palace, darkness had completely fallen.

Lamps burned brightly within. At night, the palace grew exceptionally quiet. Patrolling guards walked with hushed steps, the silence almost unsettling.

“How long have you served as City God here?” Chen Changsheng asked.

The Ximing Prefecture City God answered, “Over five hundred and seventy years.”

“That’s quite a tenure,” Chen Changsheng continued. “There must have been several dynastic changes throughout history. Have you ever encountered a situation like this before?”

The City God pondered. “This god doesn’t know for certain. Perhaps there was? But how it was resolved… this god isn’t aware.”

“Weren’t there any records?”

“The Netherworld Tribunal’s City Gods’ duties only involve recording affairs concerning Wraiths. Other matters like this… very rarely have written records.”

At this, Chen Changsheng’s curiosity stirred.

He pressed, “So previous City Gods kept ledgers? How far back can we trace the earliest records?”

The City God replied, “Esteemed Celestial Immortal, the earliest entries in Ximing City’s Wraith Ledger date back over four thousand years, nothing older. But this pertains only to Ximing City under my humble rule. Other places, this god cannot speak for.”

“Were there any breaks or gaps?” Chen Changsheng inquired.

“This… this god hasn’t paid attention to that…”

The City God stammered, “Please let me check as soon as I return.”

Chen Changsheng waved his hand again gently. “City God, don’t be troubled. This was just a casual question.”

The City God nodded respectfully. His gaze then turned to a brightly lit room ahead.

“Esteemed Immortal,” the City God declared, “There lies the palace’s Imperial Study. The Human Emperor should be inside.”

Chen Changsheng acknowledged with a nod and walked into the study.

The Imperial Study differed from Chen Changsheng’s expectations.

It resembled an armory more than a study.

Every wall hung weapons of all kinds – swords, spears, halberds, axes. As for books? Likely just the memorials piled on the desk.

Before the writing desk sat a man in dragon robes holding a brush. Though dressed like an emperor, his posture was wholly improper: one foot rested on a nearby stool, his leg jiggling, his writing posture aggressive, and his mouth moved as he muttered.

“What nonsense is this…”

“Tch, Great Jing implemented this ages ago. As if I don’t know!”

“Fight fight fight… fight what? Might as well fight their own stink! Which fool drafted this memorial?”

“The handwriting gets uglier every time! Why can’t they practice more?”

This ‘Northern Desert Emperor’ spoke fluently – in the Jing language.

Chen Changsheng observed the muttering man at the desk and paused.

It wasn’t just because of the emperor’s unconventional actions and words.

It was his face.

Though his features had changed over the years, Chen Changsheng recognized him instantly.

How did he become emperor?!

Shang Lu abruptly looked up towards the room’s side. He’d sensed someone nearby. Seeing nothing, he dismissed it as imagination.

“Who’s there?!”

Then, upon turning back properly, a figure stood directly before him!

Shang Lu’s heart clenched. He stood up swiftly and threw a punch at the figure in one fluid motion.

Pure Blood Qi surged into his fist – no reservation held.

Thump…

Yet the figure before him effortlessly caught the powerful blow. A simple tug, and Shang Lu’s strength dissipated.

“Impressive.”

Shang Lu pulled back instantly, whirled, and flung another punch backwards.

As an Eighth Grade Martial Artist, those capable of directly blocking his blows in the world were few.

He froze. The figure repelled his fist with an open palm!

Boom…

Chen Changsheng seized his fist, channeled the force, and sent it rebounding back.

Shang Lu stumbled back several paces. Only by hitting and clinging to a wall did he halt his fall.

“Taiji Fist?!”

Recognition jolted him. Eyes locked on the figure, he demanded, “Who are you?!”

But when his gaze finally settled on the figure’s face—just for one second—he froze, utterly unmoving.

The force in his grip vanished instantly. Surging Blood Qi calmed and receded within him.

Chen Changsheng flexed his fingers lightly. “That actually stung a bit.”

Shang Lu stood motionless, transfixed on the figure in the Blue Robe. His lips moved, whispering faintly.

“Great Master…”