Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 281: Darkness, Bloodlust, and Death

The night grew deeper.

Zhao Changhe stumbled out of the tent.

Immediately, a guard stepped forward to stop him with a nervous smile, speaking in broken Central Plains Mandarin, “Mister Zhao, where are you going?”

Zhao Changhe squinted at him. “What, am I a guest or a prisoner? Is it any of your business where I go?”

“Uh, no, it’s just that this is a military camp. It’s not safe to wander around...”

Zhao Changhe scanned the circle of guards and smiled. “Did your khan tell you to take good care of your honored guests?”

“Yes, yes, he did...”

As they spoke, the guards felt a growing sense of respect for Zhao Changhe. Their khan’s orders to treat him well seemed to magnify in their minds, while the instructions to keep an eye on him and prevent him from leaving the tent faded away.

It was not just a single guard who felt this way either, all the guards nearby felt increasingly positively toward Zhao Changhe. His words subtly guided their thoughts, making them increasingly confused.

Having touched upon the door of the Profound Mysteries, Zhao Changhe could now exert a certain degree of mental and spiritual influence. The mental control derived from the Pure Bliss Art, which had been relatively useless in the past, had now become practically applicable.

Originally, the Maitreya Cult used this technique to sway the minds of followers. Later, it became more notorious and began being used to seduce women, but for some reason, Zhao Changhe found it more useful for manipulating men...

The technique’s effect was similar to the fear induced by the Vicious Blood Art. If he could combine these effects, it could probably have significant impact on future battles.

And his success right now was the best evidence.

When he deceived the guards of the Lu Clan in Gusu, he had to disguise himself to enhance the effect, and he faced only a few people. Here, among many, without any disguise and relying solely on direct speech, he was still able to affect so many people. Clearly, there was a qualitative leap in its effects.

It’s actually working... Thanks to the absolute difference in our power, these soldiers can’t resist the subliminal suggestions.

“I need to relieve myself.”

“Well, there’s a chamber pot in the tent.”

“I don’t like using chamber pots. Can’t you just let a grown man like me find a corner and be done with it?”

“Uh, you’re right...”

“If you don’t want me wandering around the military camp, then why don’t you just follow me?” Zhao Changhe turned around and walked toward the corner of the tent. “Come along, come along.”

After he said that, a group of guards followed him in a daze.

A red figure flashed behind him. Yue Hongling seized the opportunity to slip away.

Seeing Yue Hongling disappear into the darkness, Zhao Changhe stopped with a smile and relieved himself behind the tent. Casually, he asked, “Is the khan entertaining new guests?”

“Yes.”

“Are they still eating right now? Are they staying in the main tent or in separate guest tents?”

“The khan is hosting them in the main tent, and they definitely won’t be staying there. There are separate guest tents for them.”

“Where are the guest tents? As a guest myself, I’d like to have a look at them.”

“Oh, sir, please come with me...”

Without realizing it, the guards had forgotten what their original duty was, and they were even waiting on him as he answered the call of nature. They were now serving Zhao Changhe as if he were their master, complying with his every request.

Zhao Changhe followed the guards through several twists and turns to a location he would not have been able to find on his own.

As he moved around the camp, the other members of the tribe did not even question him, seeing that he was being escorted by their own soldiers.

When he arrived nearby, Zhao Changhe looked at the tent guards from a distance and waved amicably. “Alright, you can go about your own duties now.”

The guards who were with him saluted and retreated. “Understood, sir, have a good rest.”

Watching them leave, Zhao Changhe suddenly slipped into the shadows around the corner.

Yue Hongling silently appeared beside him, her eyes narrowed and glinting mischievously. “Hey, you...”

“Hm?”

“Did you ever use this trick on me? Is that why I fell for you?”

Zhao Changhe could not help but laugh.

Knowing her question was unreasonable, Yue Hongling grumbled for a while before saying, “Anyway, you better not use this on any other girl, or I’ll be the first to take your head!”

“Yeah, yeah, you can definitely take my head....”

Yue Hongling’s eyebrows shot up.

Zhao Changhe tugged at her sleeve. “Someone’s coming.”

Yue Hongling quieted down, crouching beside him.

In the distance, along the torch-lit path, Batu was personally escorting the envoy Ubalu had sent, clearly indicating his current inclinations.

Both of them gripped their weapons.

*

The banquet that Batu held for the envoy was far grander than the reception he held for Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling.

Deep down in his heart, Batu felt that his interactions with Zhao Changhe were somewhat shady. On the other hand, he faced the envoy from the khagan’s side at a psychological disadvantage, leading him to even arrange an exceptionally grand reception for the other party. The banquet featured lavish servings of beef and lamb, with women dancing to liven the atmosphere, and important figures from the tribe gathered.

In fact, it was not just a single envoy but rather a delegation. There were over ten delegates who had come, necessitating an even grander affair.

Amidst the singing and dancing, the lead envoy began with a reprimand, “Khan Batu, why were you so hasty? I visited your camp only to find it empty, only to turn around and then turn around again.”

Batu cursed inwardly. Do you really think I would just sit and wait for you to come and allow you to keep the Warring Lion Tribe divided? I’m not stupid.

However, he could only heartily laugh on the surface. “What are you saying? We had no idea that you were coming. Had we known, we would have surely prepared a feast for you first.”

At this point, the envoy had no choice but to accept the situation. The khagan’s desire for the Warring Lion Tribe to be divided was a clear yet unspoken agenda. Moreover, Batu was not entirely without backing. He had a connection with the shaman temple and decent relations with Chi Li. They had to consider what stance the temple would take should things get truly tough for him.

Given their delayed arrival and the Warring Lion Tribe’s unification, there was not much that they could do anymore.

They could only say that Batu’s recent military campaigns were exceedingly impressive. He swiftly and decisively attacked the Desolate Wolf Tribe, stabilizing internal affairs with the seized resources, winning over wavering allies, and rapidly striking down dissenters. The khagan’s main forces were still locked in a standoff with Huangfu Yongxian, and by the time news reached him, the once-fragmented Warring Lion Tribe had nearly unified, with only He Shan left resisting. In the end, their attempt to save He Shan had still come too late.

This demonstrated that while Batu might not be the most formidable individual warrior, his military acumen was exceptional. His ability to seize opportunities and command troops was top-notch. Frankly, even his personal strength was respectable—after all, becoming a hidden dragon was no small feat. He had inherited He Lei’s complete legacy, and with more time and a larger stage, his future was limitless.

The envoy continued, “Khan He Lei’s unexpected death in the Central Plains left the Warring Lion Tribe unable to participate in the war, which was a significant loss for our side. This setback slowed our advance, and the khagan has been deeply distressed. But now, knowing that He Lei has a worthy successor should bring some comfort to the khagan.”

Batu replied, “I must thank the khagan for his concern.”

The envoy said, “With first snow approaching, the battles between the khagan and Huangfu Yongxian have intensified., with multiple large-scale engagements and many casualties on both sides. Since Khan Batu has stabilized internal affairs, shouldn’t you join the campaign on Yanmen?”

Batu replied calmly, “I have just conquered He Shan’s tribe, and there are still some remnants to be dealt with. Besides, I’m still young, and not everyone in the tribe acknowledges me. Raising a large army to join the campaign might prove a bit difficult at the moment.”

“The khagan will issue an edict to all tribes, publicly declaring Khan Batu’s legitimacy and bestowing upon you the title of Warring Lion King. What do you think of this?”

Batu was overjoyed. This was exactly what he had hoped for.

Nominally, Batu was He Lei’s nephew, but in reality, he was He Lei’s biological son, born after He Lei had an affair with Batu’s mother. Since he had no children with his own wife, He Lei had always favored his “nephew,” treating him as his own and passing on the tribe’s treasured heirlooms to him. Even without an official will, the tribal elders understood that the inheritance rightfully belonged to Batu.

So then, why were his uncles and brothers still fighting over the inheritance?

This was because the khagan used the excuse of being too preoccupied with the war to deal with internal issues, tacitly allowing others to vie for power. After all, Batu was not He Lei’s legitimate son, and that was enough to provide others an excuse to vie for power.

As long as the khagan acknowledged Batu, all the internal unrest would cease to exist, and his position would become unassailable. Moreover, other tribes would no longer dare to cover his resources; there would no longer be any tribes like the Desolate Wolf Tribe who would intercept their resources. The Warring Lion Tribe was one of the largest and most powerful tribes, and it was not to be taken lightly.

Most importantly, with the title of “king,” his political capital would change dramatically. For instance, Ubalu, who had been commanding him arrogantly, would have to kneel before him in the future.

Conquering the Desolate Wolf Tribe had already been tacitly approved of, making his subsequent plans to subdue Hu Lie’s tribe more feasible.

Compared to the precariousness of rebellion and the uncertain support from Great Xia, this seemed much more practical.

Seeing that Batu was swayed, the envoy added, “Additionally, when Hu Lie went missing, there were suspicions within his tribe that you were involved. I will take responsibility for mediating this matter.”

Batu was overjoyed. “I deeply appreciate your help! This has been causing me a headache recently. Hu Lie was defeated by Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling. That had nothing to do with me!”

The banquet proceeded joyfully, and as the envoy became tipsy, he said, “I will retire now. I need to report back to the khagan early tomorrow. If we can break through Yanmen, you could be more than just the Warring Lion King—you could become the King of Jin!”[1]

Batu was deeply moved, and he began to genuinely care for the envoy’s safety. He secretly thought that if the envoy headed back drunk, should Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling attack him, he would truly be in trouble. As such, he personally helped the envoy stand up and said, “I will escort you myself.”

He then whispered instructions to his men, “We’ll have a team of elites escort me and the envoy. Assign troops to tightly keep watch of the tent where Zhao Changhe is... No, just seize him.”

In his own camp, Batu led hundreds of men to surround himself and the envoy, escorting him to the VIP tent. Only when they were outside the tent did he stop, instructing his soldiers to surround the tent. Only when he believed it to be absolutely secure did he smile at the envoy and say, “Then I won’t disturb your rest.”

The envoy waved drunkenly.

Batu turned to leave, but he had only taken a few steps when a chilling sensation crept into his heart.

He instinctively turned to see Yue Hongling flying toward him menacingly. The figure who had saved him just hours ago was now seeking his life.

“Assassin!” Batu drew his saber and shouted, “Protect me!”

A group of personal guards, already prepared, surrounded Batu. Yue Hongling leaped onto one of their shoulders, soaring like an eagle. Then, from her elevated position, she thrust her sword toward Batu’s face. Under the moonlight, the murderous intention in her eyes was clearly visible.

“She wants to kill me...” Batu thought. He retreated rapidly to avoid her deadly strike.

Countless soldiers surged in from all directions, even the guards around the envoy’s tent instinctively moved to block Yue Hongling’s escape route.

The envoy, standing outside the tent, saw the commotion and shouted, “All of you, go help your kha—”

Before he could finish his sentence, a broad saber seemed to “grow” from the shadows, silent and unseen, not even stirring the air.

The entire space seemed to freeze—no wind, no moonlight, only boundless darkness, bloodlust, and death.

Following Scattering the Gods and Buddhas and No Man’s Land, the Vicious Blood Saber Art had a third ultimate technique that could only be used at the eighth layer of the Profound Gate: “Hell on Earth.”

The envoy only realized the imminent danger when the blade was already at his throat. He quickly drew his saber to block it.

However, all he saw was a pair of blood-red eyes, and it felt as if Death was staring right at him, appearing before him to claim his life.

Fear surged through his heart, and his hand, still in the process of raising his saber, froze momentarily.

In that brief moment, the broad saber swept across his neck, and his head flew into the air.

Zhao Changhe caught his head, lifted it high, and shouted, “The khan is exceedingly wise in his preparations. I have successfully executed the fiend. What shall I do next?”

The envoy’s guards were stunned.

All of Batu’s men were stunned.

Yue Hongling kept her sword and retreated, a smile playing in her eyes that had just been filled with killing intent.

Batu looked at Yue Hongling in midair, and then at Zhao Changhe holding the severed head. His eyes finally showed a trace of ruthlessness, “What else? Of course, kill the rest of the delegation! Leave none of them alive!”

He took a deep breath and said something that others might have mistaken for a sign of camaraderie. “Zhao Changhe, fuck your mom!”[2]

1. The King of Jin (晋王) is an ancient Chinese term referring to whoever is appointed ruler of the greater region where Yanmen Pass is, which is modern-day Shanxi. ☜

2. Batu actually says something more like “I’ll fuck your mother” (我操你妈) here, but it doesn’t really sound right as he’s really just shouting an expletive. This is somewhat relevant to a line in the next chapter, though. ☜