Chapter 609: You Unfilial Daughter
Of course, Qi Huang gained far more than just these things. She also figured out what the Heavenly Dao was and how to transcend it.
Qi Huang did not hoard this vital information. She immediately found her main body and revealed all her new discoveries.
After a long period of digestion, Cheng Hong Ling spoke cautiously, “If everything in the dreamscape is true, then your transformation is likely caused by the Assimilation ability of that External Heavenly Dao, which indirectly proves Lu Yao succeeded.”
“Yes, and this proves that my direction is correct. As long as I see Lu Yao finding and using that Assimilation ability, I will be able to master it and solve the problems with my soul,” Qi Huang said excitedly.
“But there’s one problem: where is the power of that External Heavenly Dao? Merely mastering the method isn’t enough!” Cheng Hong Ling reminded her.
“I was assimilated by Cheng Ling after I put on the skin you gave me. I believe that power is within my body, but I don’t know why I can’t find it. Has she used it all up? But my assimilation is still continuing!” Qi Huang probed her body with her Spiritual Sense.
“Never mind, find a way to master it first. Keep dreaming,” Cheng Hong Ling encouraged her.
“Don’t worry, I might not be good at being a woman, but dreaming is something I can do with my hands,” Qi Huang said with a confident smile.
“I think you’re quite good at being a woman. Which man calls himself an Immortal anytime, anywhere?” Cheng Hong Ling teased sarcastically.
“Uh… it’s a conditioned reflex,” Qi Huang’s smile turned awkward.
“Also, if the female ghost you encountered on your way back after stealing my Tooth Token was really a phantom of the Boundless Demonic Hair, then it would explain why only Ghost Tomatoes worked on you!” Cheng Hong Ling had a look of realization.
“I thought so too, but when I think about it, it’s too coincidental. Not only was I assimilated by the power of that External Heavenly Dao, but I also happened to encounter ‘Boundless Demonic Hair’ on the way,” Qi Huang raised an objection.
“Who can say whether it’s a coincidence or something else? Perhaps the spirit of the ‘Boundless Demonic Hair’ sensed the owner’s aura on you and actively sought you out?” Cheng Hong Ling made a bold guess.
“Hmm!” Qi Huang nodded thoughtfully.
“Another question: since Lu Yao successfully obtained the Assimilation ability of that External Heavenly Dao, why did her Blood Tears appear on Mother and then be passed down to me? This thing is her main source of Yin Energy absorption, and it’s impossible to just throw it away,” Cheng Hong Ling asked again.
Qi Huang fell into thought, a sense of foreboding gradually growing within her. She then guessed, “Could it be that she ultimately failed?”
“Who knows!” Cheng Hong Ling smiledNoncommittally, then moved to the next topic: “Lastly, based on your dream, if you are indeed the assimilation body of that External Heavenly Dao, then according to ‘Mobile Girl,’ scattering a little Heaven-Concealing Water on yourself would allow you to completely escape the notice of the local Heavenly Dao.”
“Who knows? We can’t exactly go and ask the Heavenly Dao for proof!” Qi Huang spread her hands.
“You know, as the truth unfolds, I feel like we have a close connection with that Lu Yao. This means we’ll likely end up on the opposite side of the Heavenly Dao in the future, especially since she rebelled against it,” Cheng Hong Ling voiced her concerns.
“It’s fine, don’t we already know how to deal with the Heavenly Dao? You have Killing intent.” Qi Huang’s eyes suddenly lit up. “You, a cultivator, can use Killing intent. Could it also be because of Lu Yao?”
“Are you asking me? Who should I ask?” Cheng Hong Ling asked expressionlessly.
“Never mind. Anyway, according to Yu Qian, Killing intent can indeed counter the Heavenly Dao. As long as you cultivate to be strong enough, you won’t fear it,” Qi Huang continued to encourage her.
“She clearly said that Killing intent can only deal with the Heavenly Dao’s Will. What about the Heavenly Dao’s elemental powers? What will we use to counter them? We don’t have the Yin Energy that Lu Yao possesses!” Cheng Hong Ling corrected her very rationally.
Qi Huang pondered for a moment and said, “Yes, and more than one thing. First is the Assimilation power of that External Heavenly Dao. If I can control it, I can definitely contend with the Heavenly Dao. Second is Spiritual Sense. Since I’ve been assimilated by the power of that External Heavenly Dao, it means I’m no longer a part of the local Heavenly Dao. My Spiritual Sense has no upper limit and can completely surpass it.”
“Your analysis makes sense. Let’s work hard to verify it!” Cheng Hong Ling nodded in deep agreement.
In the following days, Qi Huang continued to help her main body improve her cultivation. In her spare time, she would also use Ghost Tomatoes to strengthen her Spiritual Sense. She knew that the threat from the Lü family was what she needed to consider right now, not the unseen and intangible hypothetical enemy of the Heavenly Dao.
As the Ghost Tomatoes planted by Elder Zuo gradually matured, the Juyin Auction House’s purchasing speed increased, and Qi Huang’s Spiritual Sense also improved slowly and steadily.
One day, Qi Huang picked up a Ghost Tomato and fell into thought. “If everything in the dreamscape is true, it means that the exaggerated speed of my Spiritual Sense’s growth has nothing to do with the Tongming Comb!”
To verify her guess, Qi Huang dipped another ordinary comb in Ghost Tomato juice and combed her hair. The result proved her guess was correct; it still had the same strengthening effect.
It made sense. If the Tongming Comb were truly that miraculous, how could it have ended up in her cheap Master’s hands? Qi Huang chuckled to herself, but she didn’t underestimate the comb because of it. After all, it had allowed her to be a man for a while longer.
Meanwhile, Lin Tu’s imperial edict adjusting the conscription age was officially issued. The common people wailed, but unfortunately, in this era, ordinary people couldn’t even get enough to eat, let alone have the energy to resist. They could only accept their fate.
Although Qi Huang felt pity, she was unable to protect herself at the moment and had no energy to play the role of a great hero saving the common people.
A month passed in the blink of an eye. Lin Tu’s 60th birthday was approaching, and Lin Ran, the Sixth Princess, finally returned.
Upon returning to the Imperial Palace, Lin Ran’s first meeting was naturally with her Father Emperor.
In the Imperial Study, Lin Tu’s expression was grim. He said sarcastically, “So you still know how to come back? If I hadn’t celebrated my 60th birthday, I probably wouldn’t have seen you in my entire life.”
“Father Emperor exaggerates. It’s quite normal for cultivators to go into seclusion for several months,” Lin Ran replied calmly.
“Is that so? Then why did I hear from people at Broken Cloud Peak that you weren’t in seclusion?” Lin Tu clearly had no intention of letting her off the hook and was not giving his daughter an easy way out.
“…” Lin Ran hesitated to speak, ultimately remaining silent.
“I know what you want to ask. The expert who injured you at the Evergreen Convention was sent by me,” Lin Tu admitted fearlessly.
“Why?” Lin Ran asked, gritting her teeth tightly.
“Because you’re not good enough! You couldn’t defeat that Qi Huang. Rather than letting you lose face for the royal family, it’s better to find an excuse for you to withdraw,” Lin Tu said without mercy.
“But do you know what people outside are saying about me? That I staged it all and fled without a fight. Doesn’t that lose face?”
“It’s better than losing to that Qi Huang in front of everyone. I’ve already been toyed with by her once. If you lose to her again, what’s left of the royal family’s dignity?” Lin Tu retorted.
“You are my Father Emperor! Without even fighting, how could you assume your daughter would definitely lose?” Lin Ran shook her head in disappointment. Her Father Emperor didn’t understand her at all; she was never the type to admit defeat. Even with a trace of a chance, she would try.
“Why deceive yourself?” Lin Tu’s face showed a hint of disdain. Then he said, “Let’s not talk about unpleasant things. Many royal families from friendly nations will come to celebrate my 60th birthday. Dress beautifully and don’t disgrace our Xihui Imperial Family.”
Lin Ran mumbled an uninterested “Um.” The common people were complaining loudly, and she really didn’t feel like celebrating.
“What’s wrong? Not happy?” Lin Tu’s expression turned somewhat unpleasant.
“Father Emperor, why are you still advancing the conscription age? Evil spirits are rampant in the mortal world now, and the climate is harsh. Those common people are already pitiful enough,” Lin Ran asked directly.
“Why do you even ask? Do you know how many countries are attacking our Xihui Dynasty simultaneously? If we don’t conscript, do you want your Father Emperor to become a defeated monarch?” Lin Tu retorted sternly.
“But isn’t that the trouble you caused by being warlike? I’ve advised you countless times, why don’t you ever listen to me?” Lin Ran said with a sigh of regret.
“Absurd!” Lin Tu suddenly stood up and rebuked, “What do you know, you unfilial daughter? It’s clearly those enemy countries causing trouble, yet you blame your own Father Emperor for being warlike? The Sixth Princess of the dignified Xihui Dynasty is turning her back on her own side, indulging in her spoiled behavior. Do you think I can’t do anything to you?”
