Luoxia Manor Master felt that he could threaten others' sects, but they had already progressed so much that he truly couldn't pose any threat.

Under normal circumstances, Yue Hongling could have triumphantly returned to her hometown, where the local people would only welcome her with gongs and drums.

But now, it was a bit delicate—Zhao Changhe was the King Zhao of Great Han, hostile to the political situation in Guanglong. With Yue Hongling's relationship with Zhao Changhe, it might not affect Luoxia Manor's situation since she never returned home before, but once she did, what would unfold was anyone's guess.

The two sat on horseback, gazing at the distant Huashan. Yue Hongling pondered for a long while before speaking softly, "Our love, albeit widely rumored, is mostly just 'Worldly Society gossip', with very few actually aware of our true relationship. Besides, given my nature, even if we're lovers, I might run off tomorrow. So, our perceived bond might not be as deep as we think in the eyes of others."

Zhao Changhe's mouth twitched as he listened, "You're quite pleased with yourself, aren't you?"

"Hmph. Now I've been caught by you... aren't you pleased?"

"..."

"Anyway, what I'm saying is, if I go back, I could separate from our relationship. I could really strut back to help you figure out the current situation in Guanglong."

Zhao Changhe was a bit uneasy, "You going alone?"

Yue Hongling couldn't help but laugh, "Hey, I'm Imperial Realm, don't you understand this concept?"

"No such concept, I've knocked down nearly a handful of Imperial Realm."

"...I reckon it's more like you've had nearly a handful of Imperial Realm in your arms, with no respect."

Zhao Changhe silently counted, "Not that many actually."

"You counted, did you?" Yue Hongling said, both annoyed and amused, "Fine, we've broken up."

"?" Zhao Changhe, who was holding her waist while sitting on the horse, raised his hands in shock, "Repeat that?"

Yue Hongling went soft with his grab, leaning breathlessly against him, "Don't... I'll have to say the same when I go back. Get used to it, in case we have to meet publicly, don't give us away. It's just an act. You and that stinky Sisi are quite familiar with this game, right?"

This was indeed a quick and effective method to discern the current situation. Zhao Changhe thought resentfully, "If we're splitting up to gather information, we'll still need a place to meet."

Yue Hongling smiled, "Chang'an has many tourist spots, any one will do... how about the Great Wild Goose Pagoda? Yuan Cheng mentioned they were in Chang'an before, and I reckon they're likely there now. It's also a good opportunity to check out how Buddhist influences are faring in Chang'an."

Zhao Changhe considered, feasible indeed. Yuan Cheng had mentioned before that they were originally in Chang'an, but due to a lack of trust, they had relocated to Xiangyang. So, were there still monks in Chang'an now, and if so, did Yuan Cheng appear duplicitous? Or could the Buddhist power be leveraged in this situation? What became of that Buddha of theirs before?

After all the twists and turns, what was previously understood to be related to the Western Regions and Kunlun might ultimately converge in Chang'an.

"Stop pinching..." Yue Hongling turned around, pressing her lips against his, "Be good. It's only been a few days together, and you already can't bear to part..."

Zhao Changhe grasped her slender waist and kissed her fiercely.

Indeed, it was rare for Sister Yue to accompany him throughout the journey, side by side. Even the thought of a brief separation to take separate paths left him feeling strangely empty.

After an intense kiss, Yue Hongling, gasping for breath, pushed him away and straightened her disheveled clothes. She then jumped up and flew towards Huashan.

Midway, she turned and smiled back, "If you wish to be inseparable every day, then watch my hero settle the world. When that happens, I'll sheathe Hongling's Longsword, release the horses to the southern hills, and cook soup for you."

Her voice trailed off as she disappeared into the mountains.

Zhao Changhe gazed at the vanishing figure in red and let out a long sigh, rubbing his head.

Yeah, to be inseparable, we have a whole lifetime ahead.

Cook soup? At most, you'll make roujiamo. Huh, with that strength in your waist and legs, maybe pinch mine?

Zhao Changhe pondered for a moment and once again took out his makeup materials. Applying a new disguise casually, he rode to the city's outskirts, leading his horse to the gate in a straightforward manner.

He carried a stack of forged travel documents; the identities of Zhao Wangtang and Zhao Shouyi were still in play. Venturing into enemy territory, he dared not use the Zhao surname. He picked one at random, choosing one that said Qin Jiu—having the surname Qin seemed geographically apt—and used it.

"Jinnan's Qin Jiu, originally a merchant..." The guard glanced at him, "A merchant traveling alone?"

Zhao Changhe sighed, "Times are chaotic, fortunes have declined. I've come to try my luck in Chang'an."

The guard didn't fuss and waved him through, "Go ahead."

Zhao Changhe paused, "No City Entrance Tax?"

The guard gave him a sidelong glance, "You really want to pay that much? Just give it to me then."

"No, no." Zhao Changhe hurriedly led his horse into the city, inwardly shaken.

The Li Family truly had the flair needed for those contending for the world. Just this move alone could at least double Chang'an's prosperity and earn it a good reputation.

Many times, the City Entrance Tax could indeed be abolished. It hadn't always existed in Great Xia. Its continued presence was partly due to local officials profiteering, and partly a stopgap for those genuinely short on funds. It had yet to be abolished in the Capital because everyone was indeed short on funds and had no choice.

Unexpectedly, Chang'an had already abolished it... Were they that wealthy?

Zhao Changhe slowly entered the city, observing the bustling traffic of carriages and horses with a sigh.

It was more prosperous than the Capital, rivaling the sights when he first entered the Capital before the world's turmoil. After the world descended into chaos, especially after incidents like Lu Jianzhang's blunders, the Capital had declined severely, losing its former glory. Now, by comparison, Chang'an seemed more like a true Capital.

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