Tome of Troubled Times-Chapter 648: A Miracle

Zhao Changhe felt slightly aggrieved. His understanding of the Four Idols Cult’s doctrine was only surface-deep. He had not read a single word from the sea of sacred texts and teachings that the cult had. By strict standards, he really did not deserve to be considered even a novice member, much less the very god of the cult. When his wives discussed matters of doctrine, he often found himself with nothing to contribute, so naturally, his mind turned toward figuring out his role in the upcoming ceremony.

He could not just sit there while Vermillion Bird and the others dryly introduced him to the cult as the Night Emperor.

When he successfully forged the sword earlier, many cult members had witnessed it, and their awe was evident. However, that moment was not part of the formal ceremony. During the ritual itself, he would need to display some kind of miracle to avoid any awkwardness.

There were generally two types of miracles. The first was more abstract—using his newly-forged River of Stars to resonate with the stars in the sky, causing them to shimmer and blink as if responding to his call. It was similar to when he had presented Sisi before the Spirit Tribe and the apparitions of myriad spirit beasts appeared, prompting their devotion.

But such tricks could easily be dismissed by the more discerning onlookers. Among the cult’s Twenty-Eight Mansions were many top-tier experts, some even ranked on the Ranking of Man. For them, mere illusions would not suffice.

Zhao Changhe gazed into the roaring forge, considering his options. If he wanted to produce a truly effective sign, his best bet might be to work with the flames themselves. It would also be a way to honor his promise to help Vermillion Bird break through to the Profound Control Realm. If he could visibly boost her cultivation in front of the entire cult, the impact would be monumental. Even if she did not fully ascend to the next realm, a significant surge in her cultivation would be obvious to the experts present. That alone would serve as a compelling incentive—a divine carrot, if you will.

But how was he supposed to assist Vermillion Bird in breaking through? Double cultivation was a potential path, but that was not something to enact on the spot, especially not in a public ceremony. He would need to figure out another way to help her.

His mind swirled with these thoughts, and before he knew it, he had spoken them aloud. Realizing his blunder, he quickly added, “I didn’t mean it that way...”

Vermillion Bird’s cheeks flushed red with anger. “Do you think ruling the four idols can be accomplished by your loins alone? You haven’t even read a single word of our sacred texts. How do you expect to face the cult with any dignity? Since you just promised to share in Chichi’s punishment, you’ll start now. You are to copy all the sacred texts and teachings of the cult, one by one!”

Zhao Changhe sighed.

“Guards!” Vermillion Bird swept her sleeves as she turned to leave. “Bring ink, brushes, and paper for King Zhao. He has some copying to do!”

Zhao Changhe glanced pleadingly at Lady Three and Xia Chichi. Moments ago, they had been squabbling, but now they stood united, simultaneously turning their heads away.

* * *

Night had fallen, and the first star flickered in the sky.

The Four Idols Cult’s most significant ceremonies traditionally began at this hour.

Given the season, if the skies were clear, the dominant constellation would be the constellation of the Black Tortoise, occupying the heart of the night sky. But tonight, snow clouds blanketed the heavens. Only a few stars managed to peek through the heavy cover, and the moon was almost invisible.

The cult’s headquarters was located beneath an official’s mansion somewhere in the capital, complete with a key altar built underground. But tonight’s grand ceremony did not take place in that decade-old headquarters. Now that the saintess had ascended as the empress, the imperial palace was effectively their headquarters.

Naturally, everyone gathered at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. This place was now the true heart of the cult.

The underground chamber was not particularly large, but the strict hierarchy of the Four Idols Cult ensured that only a select few had the privilege to enter this sacred space. In total, no more than a few dozen were allowed to attend the core ceremony. The rest of the congregation knelt in dense, solemn rows outside, watching the proceedings via a live broadcast.

Although no stars shone in the sky above, the subterranean sky sparkled brilliantly, casting a radiant glow upon the ceremonial platform.

At the summit of the platform, Zhao Changhe sat quietly, his presence commanding yet serene. In front of him, a low table held the sacred texts, and he sat cross-legged, pen in hand, diligently copying the scriptures. His demeanor was calm and steadfast as if even the collapse of the heavens would not faze him.

For the congregation, this ceremony held unprecedented significance. They had all witnessed the forging of the River of Stars and the descent of the Night Emperor. Each person’s mind was alight with reverence, imagining that their god was now refining the doctrine, bestowing upon them the correct interpretation—proof of divine wisdom needing no preparation, delivered spontaneously, and accepted without question.

Vermillion Bird and Black Tortoise stood in solemn formality, draped in their most ceremonial robes, their faces obscured by their masks. They flanked the platform like living embodiments of divine authority.

The most distinctive figure was Xia Chichi. In her usual duties, she donned the attire meant for the Azure Dragon, and her entourage typically consisted of members of the Azure Dragon branch, a group she had personally cultivated. Her daily ceremonial robe, on the other hand, bore the marks of the White Tiger, representing the inheritance from her mother—a crisp, white garment exuding an icy majesty. Zhao Changhe had only seen her wear it once before, during the sword conference at Langya.

But tonight, she wore a white imperial robe—a robe bearing elements of both the White Tiger and Azure Dragon, signifying not only her lineage but also the imperial authority now intertwined with the Four Idols Cult.

It was at this moment that the congregation recalled: the primary purpose of today’s ceremony was to appoint a new cult leader.

Standing at the edge of the platform, Vermillion Bird announced in a measured, clear voice, “The Canon of Eras states that when the four idols unite, the holy cult shall establish its leader. The foundation of our cult was built without a single leader. Instead, the four idols governed in unison. Only when one who embodies all four idols appears shall a cult leader arise. Thus, for a thousand years, our cult has remained without a leader.”

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She paused briefly before continuing, her tone chillingly authoritative.

“Yet the current generation of four idols have reconsidered this interpretation. The phrase ‘when the four idols unite, the holy cult shall establish its leader’ does not imply the appointment of a mundane leader but the return of the Night Emperor. The cult leader is merely the closest mortal to divinity, a conduit of divine will. And who is closest to the divine? First, the one most intimate with the god, who can express their intent...”

At this point, the eyes of every devotee flickered between Zhao Changhe and Xia Chichi, knowing smiles spreading across their faces.

Of course, Xia Chichi was closest to the divine. The first time they had heard Zhao Changhe’s name was from rumors during her induction as saintess—whispers that she had spent two months with a mountain bandit, exploring an uncountable number of positions.

At the time, Vermillion Bird had insisted on her appointment despite widespread skepticism. Only when Xia Chichi’s formidable skills silenced her critics did the doubts finally subside. Now, the truth was evident—she served their god. Who could be closer to the god than her? If she was not worthy of representing him, then who was?

Vermillion Bird’s voice grew icier as she continued.

“...Second, the one who comprehends our doctrine most deeply, able to clarify the obscure; third, the one whose cultivation is the most profound, bearing power capable of profound control; and fourth, the one proficient in multiple paths, who possesses a broad knowledge. Such a person is near to the divine, though not divine themselves, and may serve as the mortal leader of the holy cult.”

Her gaze swept the assembly before she declared, “Saintess Xia Chichi embodies the paths of both the Azure Dragon and White Tiger and has touched upon the mysteries of the Black Tortoise. Her mastery of the path of the Azure Dragon nears the Profound Control Realm, granting her the ability to be one with the stars and be akin to a flying dragon in the sky. Her journey from Yangzhou to the capital took but an instant; her summoning of the Azure Dragon’s image routed the Wang Clan’s army. These feats, and countless others, bear witness to her worthiness.”

“Now, by the consensus of Vermillion Bird and Black Tortoise, Saintess Xia Chichi is deemed worthy to assume the position of cult leader, acting as the voice of the divine and guiding the four idols.”

As Vermillion Bird concluded her declaration, Xia Chichi began ascending the steps.

Just as Zhao Changhe believed the descent of a god required a display of miracles, the same applied to the ascension of a new cult leader.

As Xia Chichi ascended the platform, though the stars in the sky outside were obscured by heavy clouds, they began to twinkle through the veil of darkness. With each step, a star shone. Gradually, the eastern and western constellations of the Azure Dragon and White Tiger illuminated the sky. The constellation of the Black Tortoise emerged faintly, and as for the Vermillion Bird—whose essence Xia Chichi had yet to master—it was Vermillion Bird herself who subtly cheated, illuminating the southern stars for her.

By the time Xia Chichi reached the top of the platform, the constellations of the four idols shone brilliantly across the heavens.

The congregation was stirred to their core, bowing low in reverence.

Xia Chichi’s position was not quite at the summit, as that spot was reserved for the god revered by the cult, who was still silently copying texts. Below him, a dragon throne awaited. Standing before it, Xia Chichi swept her robe aside and took her seat with regal grace.

Vermillion Bird and Black Tortoise exchanged a reluctant glance, each kneeling on one knee.

“Greetings to the cult leader.”

Damn it. We were originally completely willing to do this. This is how things are supposed to be, after all. But after that fight earlier, this feels completely wrong. This damn brat.

Originally, Xia Chichi was supposed to get up, politely inviting the two venerables to rise, and the venerables would bless her by placing their hands on her head, symbolizing that the cult leader should also heed their counsel.

But that part of the ceremony had been discarded.

The two venerables reluctantly swallowed their pride and stepped aside. Vermillion Bird, with a tight expression hidden beneath her mask, presented a cup of tea, her eyes downcast. “Cult leader, please accept this tea.”

“Mm.” Xia Chichi casually extended her hand, took the teacup, and delicately blew away the froth.

The members of the Four Idols Cult were utterly bewildered.

What has gotten into Venerable Vermillion Bird? She just threw her own authority into the dirt! Isn’t it supposed to be that while the cult leader is to be respected, the venerables are to keep them in check. What’s going on?

Vermillion Bird’s face flushed red beneath her mask, filled with embarrassment. She transmitted her voice with a tone of anger, “Enough of this, you little brat! Say something proper or I swear I’ll revolt!”

Xia Chichi felt immensely pleased, finally speaking slowly, “I merely serve as the executor of divine will and representative of our god and do not deserve such ceremony. Vermillion Bird is my master. Should I err in my duties, she may rebuke me openly...”

A collective exhale rippled through the congregation. This made much more sense to them. Vermillion Bird had ruled the Cult with unwavering authority for years. Her prestige far surpassed Xia Chichi’s. Even with Xia Chichi crowned as the cult leader, most followers accepted her leadership simply because of her imperial status. For many, Vermillion Bird remained the true leader of the Four Idols Cult.

Vermillion Bird gave a faint, begrudging snort, deciding not to spar further with the little brat. Instead, she turned and said, “As we all know, today is not only the day of our cult leader’s ascension but also of an event of even greater significance...”

All eyes turned to Zhao Changhe, wondering if it was enough to simply announce the descent of their god like this.

Vermillion Bird was hesitant but continued, “Our Night Emperor... has been found!”

As she spoke, Zhao Changhe suddenly said, “Venerable Vermillion Bird...”

Vermillion Bird was taken aback—what was he up to now?

She had no choice but to respond, “What are your instructions, revered god?”

“Matters concerning the god need no proclamation... Never have I heard of anyone proclaiming someone as a god. The purpose of this ceremony is to establish the cult leader.” Zhao Changhe did not even look up as he continued, “In fact, as your revered god, I should bestow blessings upon you.”

Vermillion Bird could not help but retort, her tone sharp, “And how does our revered god plan to bestow us blessings?”

Have you even finished copying the texts?

Zhao Changhe smiled faintly as he said, “For me, the one most deserving of blessings is you, Vermillion Bird. You have toiled tirelessly for the Four Idols Cult, bearing the burdens of leadership for over a decade without a hint of selfishness. You upheld the worthy, chose the right cult leader, and accepted a supporting role. The Four Idols Cult may exist without a god, but it cannot exist without Vermillion Bird.”

Her eyes widened, stunned by his words. Though his praise struck deeply, she could not fathom why he chose this moment to say it.

He continued, “I hereby grant Vermillion Bird the radiant fire of Southern Li. May she forever guard the southern heaven.”

As he spoke, he raised his brush and made a subtle stroke toward the southern section of the subterranean sky.

It was as if reality bent to his will. The moment the brush tip touched the air, flames—identical to the radiant fire of Southern Li—burst forth from the heavens above.

Fiery light cascaded downward, swirling around Vermillion Bird. The flames coalesced into the form of a magnificent firebird, its piercing cry echoing through the nine heavens.

The congregation gaped in awe.

When Xia Chichi ascended earlier and the stars responded, it was impressive, but those with deeper knowledge understood it as a resonance achievable through mastery of the four idols. This was different. No one, not even the most learned, could comprehend the origin of this fire. Where did it come from? Why did it descend on command?

This was not just any fire—it radiated heat and power surpassing even Vermillion Bird’s own mastery. It was the pure, unadulterated radiant fire of Southern Li, the source of Vermillion Bird’s power.

Zhao Changhe smiled and beckoned, “Come forward, venerable.”

Vermillion Bird was dazed as she ascended the high platform. She longed to seize him and demand an explanation, but the situation required her to maintain decorum. Before the assembled crowd, she had no choice but to kneel down on one knee, bowing her head in submission. “Revered god...”