Chapter 976: Qi Ruohua Returns, Interrogation

Jing Yuheng reported faithfully, relaying all the details about the channel.

The people sent in were equipped with specially crafted weapons that record the conditions inside the channel; Jing Yuheng spent a fortune to have them forged for the purpose of learning the channel's state, and unexpectedly, they worked very well.

'Your Majesty, there is indeed another layer of passage within the channel that leads to Tianwai. Of those who went to Tianwai, a few have died while the rest are still alive, confirming that they truly reached Tianwai and survived safely.'

'Other sects also have their own means; they likely know some information about Tianwai as well. This passage… really can reach Tianwai.'

'Moreover.'

Jing Yuheng opened his mouth but held back.

Qi Ruohua lowered her gaze and asked, 'Moreover what?'

Jing Yuheng activated a Formation that enveloped the two of them; the conversation was known only to them, inaccessible to anyone else.

Having completed that step, Jing Yuheng bowed and said, 'Your Majesty, I seem to have seen Chen Chuyang's figure within the Recording Stone.'

'Hmm?'

Qi Ruohua stood up, her eyes turning… serious as she stared at Jing Yuheng and asked, 'Are you sure it's him?'

'I won't mistake him; I might misidentify others, but him I could never get wrong. I believe Chen Chuyang was also inside at the time and opened a passage to Tianwai for them, sending them onward, and that passage still hides another passage that Chen Chuyang left behind.'

'Why would he do that? Why act so covertly? I don't understand, so I must ask Your Majesty.'

'Your Majesty, how should we handle this? Should we inquire with Chen Chuyang about it?'

Jing Yuheng could be 100% certain it was him; that aura and that silhouette could not be mistaken.

If she could detect it, have the others already discovered it as well?

They simply understood each other without voicing it.

What was Chen Chuyang's purpose? Why sneak in?

Jing Yuheng needs to know all of this.

Qi Ruohua frowned in thought; after a long pause she spoke, 'For now, we don't need to intervene. He must have his reasons; later I'll ask him. As for this matter, keep it quiet, and start preparing for the situation in Tianwai.'

'Within the Great Qi Dynasty, there are many talents in the Black Dragon Guard who can send a few loyal people forward.'

'They must be loyal; the number need not be large—just a few will suffice; too many would be problematic.'

Jing Yuheng nodded, 'Understood.'

Qi Ruohua continued, 'They must be loyal to us; otherwise, if they betray us, the consequences would be unimaginable. You must also prepare defenses against such betrayal.'

'I understand.'

'Go, make the arrangements.'

'Yes.'

Jing Yuheng left; Qi Ruohua took a deep breath, rubbed her head, and lowered her gaze to think, 'Husband, what exactly are you planning?'

'Could it be that you're also interested in Tianwai? Or perhaps you intend to go to Tianwai yourself?'

But why doesn't he go himself?

If he wanted to go, he could actually go.

Yet he insists on sending others while he stays, which raises questions.

'No, I'll still go to Longshe Shan to ask.'

Without clarification, she feels uneasy.

One day later.

On Longshe Shan, Qi Ruohua arrived quietly; upon entering the mountain, she was placed by Chen Chuyang into a room.

Having not seen each other for a long time, the two naturally sparked like dry wood and fire.

It ignited instantly.

After half a day of affectionate moments, Qi Ruohua voiced the doubts in her heart.

Chen Chuyang heard her words and realized he could not hide from her; he also understood why this woman had come to find him.

'I've been watching that passage all along. In fact, since they first discovered it, I already knew about it and entered it, but at that time I couldn't locate the route to Tianwai and had no means. Later I sent Heishanyang, who brought back several solutions. The last time I happened to see those people, I wanted to give it a try.'

'I didn't expect it to succeed, and I also sent them to Tianwai to see what's there.'

'As for me, I won't go to Tianwai in the short term; you're all here with me, so what would I do going alone to Tianwai?'

Chen Chuyang held Qi Ruohua; this woman no longer possessed any regal bearing, already collapsing in Chen Chuyang's arms.

A beautiful woman is still just a woman.

'So that's it; I thought you were plotting something.'

Chen Chuyang, half laughing, half crying, said, 'How did you know it was me?'

Qi Ruohua gave him a cold stare and said, 'Those people carry the Recording Stones we specially know about; they can be left in Wangdu, under Jing Yuheng's control. She discovered it immediately and reported it to me at once.'

'I can't figure it out, so I ask you—who knows you only… acted by accident?'

Chen Chuyang exclaimed in surprise, 'I didn't expect you had such a good thing! Why never heard of it before?'

Qi Ruohua said wordlessly, 'How many years has the Great Qi Dynasty existed? Without good resources, how could we have controlled this world for so long?'

'Moreover, every time you come to Wangdu you're in a hurry, both arriving and leaving quickly; how could you have so much time to accompany me?'

Only then did Chen Chuyang realize he had rarely been with her; most of his time was on Longshe Shan, and he couldn't help but hold her tightly.

'It's my fault as a husband; from now on I'll strive to spend more time with you.'

'That would be best.'

Qi Ruohua, though aware the words were flattery, still chose to believe them.

At this moment she was very happy; at least Chen Chuyang held a place for her in his heart.

'Husband.'

'What's the matter?'

'I heard you captured Shang Hongchen?'

"Cough cough cough."

Chen Chuyang coughed violently, lowered his head to look at the woman in his arms, and Qi Ruohua wore a full‑face smile, her eyes tinged with mockery.

"How did you know?"

"These matters, I can't even pretend not to know."

Qi Ruohua shot Chen Chuyang a sharp glance, gave him no friendly expression, and said, "You, it's too obvious, and Sister Hongxue—she said everything."

"I haven't congratulated you yet for successfully taking Shang Hongchen; she's the woman you've been longing for, and I didn't expect you still couldn't escape your own poisonous hand."

Chen Chuyang hurriedly explained, "Madam, I have no such intention; it was Hongxue who arranged it originally, and I was merely following Hongxue's orders."

"As for me, to you, Madam, I am truly sincere; other women, in my eyes, are just fleeting clouds."

Qi Ruohua wasn't buying it; she had seen every kind of person, and petty sweet talk was something she was immune to.

"Husband, keep those words to coax Sister Hongxue; I won't buy that."

Chen Chuyang instantly understood; Qi Ruohua needed genuine sincerity.

Some matters require proof through action, not just words.

For the next three days, Chen Chuyang stayed by Qi Ruohua's side until she escaped the room, and only then was the matter considered concluded.