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Zhan Zhao's recovery speed far exceeded the imperial physician's expectations. Perhaps it was because the vitality that Xuan Yuan Tianyi had gained at the cost of his life was exceptionally pure, or perhaps it was driven by the heavy sense of responsibility in his heart, but in just over half a month, he was able to get out of bed and walk slowly. Although his face was still somewhat pale and his internal strength was far from recovered, he was at least out of danger.
The first thing he did upon waking was to give Bao Zheng and Zhao Zhen a detailed account of the Battle of Guanyin Pavilion, especially the details of the Black Witch Cult's "Red Nightmare Venerable" and his collusion with the Liao Kingdom. Upon learning that the mastermind behind the scenes had not yet been brought to justice and might be related to a conspiracy to destroy the border's dragon veins, both Zhao Zhen and Bao Zheng looked grave.
“Guard Zhan, your injuries have not yet healed, there’s no need to rush the investigation.” Bao Zheng looked at Zhan Zhao’s thin but resolute face and said in a deep voice, “The most important thing right now is to recover your health.”
Zhan Zhao shook his head slightly, his gaze falling on the swaying shadows of the trees outside the window. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable power: "My lord, the remnants of the Black Witch Cult have not been eliminated, and the dangers on the border remain. How can I sleep soundly? Moreover..." He paused, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes, "Tianyi is asleep, and Nianchen is still young. This Bianjing city needs someone to guard it."
He needed to keep busy, to fill every moment with duties and cases, just to temporarily suppress the guilt and longing that gnawed at him constantly. Protecting this city, protecting its people, protecting the promise they made together before their child was even born—this was the only thing he could do now, and the only thing she hoped he would do.
Looking into his eyes, which held a light that was different from before, a light that had become even more resolute after the accumulation of immense grief, Zhao Zhen sighed inwardly and finally nodded: "I grant you permission to participate in the case assistance, but you must act within your capabilities and not overexert yourself."
"My lord, I obey the order."
From that day on, Zhan Zhao's life became unusually regular. Every morning, he would slowly practice his sword in the courtyard, stretching his muscles and bones. Although he dared not use his internal energy, his every move was still steady and precise. Then he would go to the next room to spend half an hour with the babbling Nianchen, clumsily learning to feed him and change his diapers. Looking at those eyebrows and eyes that resembled Tianyi's, he felt both warmth and a pricking pain in his heart.
Afterwards, he went to the Kaifeng Prefectural Government Office. Bao Zheng, considerate of his health, did not assign him to patrol the streets, but only asked him to assist Gongsun Ce in organizing case files and analyzing clues. Zhan Zhao was meticulous and often discovered connections that others overlooked from the smallest details, providing key insights into several unsolved cases, which impressed Gongsun Ce.
Seeing him like this, Bai Yutang felt somewhat relieved, but he also knew that he was using busyness to numb himself. He no longer joked around as before, but silently stayed by Zhan Zhao's side, either reviewing the files together or watching him practice swordsmanship with his arms crossed, occasionally offering a word or two of advice on the method of circulating qi to help him recover his internal energy.
A month later, Zhan Zhao's internal strength had recovered to 50-60%.
That evening, he came alone to the martial arts training ground in the backyard of Kaifeng Prefecture. The afterglow of the setting sun cast a long shadow of him. He stood quietly in the field, his gaze fixed on the giant sword that had been lying dormant for a long time on the weapon rack not far away.
The sword still had an ancient and heavy feel, and it gleamed with a dark luster in the setting sun.
He slowly walked over, reached out, and grasped the familiar sword hilt. The cold touch traveled through his palm, carrying a long-lost thrill.
He used this sword to uphold justice and protect the peace of the region.
He once used this sword to drink and chat with her, and to spar with her under the moon.
He also used this sword in a bloody battle at Guanyin Pavilion, but in the end... he was unable to hold onto it.
Scenes from the past flashed through my mind, finally settling on her resolute face as she fell into a deep sleep.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and when he opened them again, all the complex emotions in his eyes had been suppressed, leaving only a calm and firm expression like that of an ancient well.
"Zzz—!"
A clear and melodious sword cry resounded throughout the training ground!
The Giant Sword was drawn in response! Its light was like autumn water, drawing a chilling gleam in the setting sun!
Without using any internal energy, he simply began to wield his sword. His opening stance was like a white rainbow piercing the sun, a galaxy reversing its course… each move was steady and powerful, exuding righteousness. The sword's edge cut through the air, emitting a whistling sound, as if expressing the unspeakable pain and vows in its master's heart.
His movements gradually quickened, the sword light growing ever stronger, eventually enveloping him. His red official robes fluttered in the sword light, like leaping flames, or perhaps... the resolute red of her departure.
He wasn't wielding a sword; he was dancing with longing, guilt, promises, and the will to protect.
Bai Yutang had already leaned against the moon gate of the martial arts arena, watching quietly. He didn't disturb him, but his peach blossom eyes, which always carried a hint of untamed spirit, were now filled with complex emotions. He knew that the gentle and refined Southern Hero Zhan Zhao was still there, but after experiencing this life-and-death separation, his bones had gained a refined calmness and sharpness, like steel that had been reforged, more resilient, and more...heartbreaking.
After finishing his swordplay, Zhan Zhao sheathed his sword and stood up, slightly out of breath, sweat beading on his forehead, but his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness. He looked down at the humming Juque sword in his hand, his fingertips lightly brushing against its cool blade.
“Old friend,” he murmured to himself, as if speaking to someone sleeping in the distance, “we shall continue to walk side by side from now on.”
For the clear and bright world she gave her life for, for their shared child, and for the responsibility that she has never been able to relinquish.
The Giant Sword seemed to understand his words, responding with a deep hum.
From this moment on, Zhan Zhao, the Southern Hero and the Imperial Cat, has truly returned. Bearing a heavier burden, a stronger will, and the unhealable wound in his heart, he once again stands on the front line of protecting Bianjing.
As night deepened, he sheathed his sword and turned to walk towards Nianchen's room. His figure stood tall and straight in the night, his steps firm.
He knew that there might still be storms ahead, but he was no longer afraid.
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