Xia Chichi always put on a show for the world, presenting herself with regal decorum, but when it came to expressing emotion with Zhao Changhe, she had always been straightforward and fervent. She knew just how to draw out the depths of his feelings.0

At that moment, Zhao Changhe, who had begun to see the world as a cultivator with a detached, transcendent gaze, was suddenly and utterly pulled back to earth by a single sentence.0

“Don’t say such nonsense. I’m not going to die, and neither are you.”0

He gently stroked Xia Chichi’s belly as he said softly, “The truth is… there may not be that many bitter battles left.”0

“Don’t try to fool me,” Xia Chichi replied coolly. “If we’re talking demon gods, I bear the will of the Azure Dragon. In the world of humans, I am the reigning sovereign. After watching over this land for thirty years, what should be known, I already know. What shouldn’t be known, I know anyway. You still have no assurance of defeating the Heavenly Dao, and neither does Ye Wuming. Both of you are carrying doubts in your hearts. How can there not be a bitter war ahead?”0

Zhao Changhe was a little surprised. “What makes you so certain? Most people think that last battle wasn’t all that intense.”0

“Because now you’ve already found the River of Stars, yet you haven’t gone to confront Ye Wuming. And she hasn’t come to seize the child, either. On the surface, everything appears calm, but there’s only one explanation for all this: the two of you made a silent pact. Since the strike at Tiger Hill missed its mark, neither side dares press the issue too hard. Neither of you wants to let a third party swoop in for the kill.”0

“…Mm.”0

“That last battle not being ‘all that intense’ back then was merely thanks to you sacrificing yourself. Our pillar of strength nearly died in that battle. Those who say it was easy only show that they weren’t the ones bleeding. It’s easy to talk when you’re still standing.” Xia...0