The court, which had been celebrating jubilantly for days, was thrown into collective shock by Cui Wenjing’s words.0

Cui Wenjing held immense influence within the court. His contributions to the founding of the Great Han Empire and the implementation of its reforms were indispensable. His concerns had to be addressed, or it could shake the confidence of the entire realm. More importantly, the missing Cui Yuanyang was King Zhao’s wife.0

From the moment Zhao Changhe had left Beimang and met her in her most vulnerable state, to the long journey where he protected her and ensured her safe return home, their story had become a widely admired romance. Although Zhao Changhe had been constantly at war and Cui Yuanyang was still young, leaving them with little time together, she had unwaveringly devoted her heart to him since her teenage years. It was impossible to imagine how Zhao Changhe would react upon learning that Cui Yuanyang had gone missing.0

Xia Chichi, especially, had to display the utmost concern. Otherwise, people might accuse her of being indifferent out of jealousy, which would be an ugly look for her. She thus immediately dismissed the court and held a private meeting with Cui Wenjing and Tang Wanzhuang.0

“Changhe once mentioned before that the Qinghe Sword, Langya Sword, and the other divine swords of the mountains and rivers were originally created by the ancient demon god Piaomiao. She was the manifestation of the qi veins of the mountains and rivers, essentially making her the spirit of this world. The ethereal qi of the mountains and rivers, thus the name Piaomiao[1],” Xia Chichi said, her expression grave. “If Yangyang inherited the Qinghe Sword and was merely influenced by its sword spirit, that would be understandable, but if she’s Piaomiao herself…”0

Cui Wenjing said, “I’ve considered that myself. It’s possible that Yangyang’s cultivation was insufficient, causing her soul to merge with the sword spirit to some extent....0