Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 296: Multifaceted Messenger

Having mentally prepared himself, Yue Hongling’s departure did not cause him much turmoil this time, but it did inevitably fill him with a sense of melancholy and reluctance.

Zhao Changhe knew all too well that her heart was not one to settle just yet. But this departure seemed hasty, as if she were avoiding something.

Looking at the people on the training ground, Zhao Changhe had a sudden realization and a faint smile appeared on his face.

Who said she had no desire to stay? Nah, this is a sign. She’s afraid of that very thing coming true.

Zhao Changhe’s mood suddenly improved. He waved his hand and said, “Brothers, how about I teach you a few moves?”

Everyone was overjoyed. “We’ve been waiting for you to say that!”

Zhao Changhe casually picked up an ordinary saber, weighed it in his hand, and then smiled. “You should all be familiar with the Vicious Blood Saber Art. I’ll teach you something even more special, the Yellow Sand Saber Art[1] of an expert on the Ranking of Man. It harnesses the power of the wind and sand, creating a storm when it erupts, with wind and clouds swirling and a sandstorm raging. In the midst of a sandstorm, your blade blends in with the wind and sand, becoming silent and invisible, omnipresent and elusive. It is a top-tier saber art. Once you master it, I suggest spreading it across the world so everyone can learn it.”

If Hu Lie were here, he’d probably crawl over to bite Zhao Changhe’s throat before succumbing to death.

But in reality, Zhao Changhe was not targeting the down-and-out Hu Lie. Rather, he had discovered that the martial arts of the tribes of the Grasslands and Huangsha shared a number of characteristics. For example, Chi Li’s Fox Spirit Saber Art and Hu Lie’s saber art were extremely similar. This could be extended to many similar tribes. Letting the martial artists of the Central Plains familiarize themselves with these techniques would be beneficial for the future.

Zhao Changhe only had a superficial understanding of the Yellow Sand Saber Art, but with his breadth of martial arts knowledge, he could already create a complete saber art based on the characteristics and saber intent he had witnessed in techniques that he had come across. The process of organizing and teaching the saber art was also a way for himself to become more familiar with the Yellow Sand Saber Art.

He had acquired many sword arts but very few saber arts. Thus, this saber art was a very beneficial addition to his arsenal, providing more inspiration for the saber intent of his Hell on Earth.

During this time in Beimang, he had made up his mind to spend some time accumulating and settling down, honing his saber art and digesting what he had gained beyond Yanmen.

Tang Wanzhuang’s advice to slow down was essentially about balancing periods of action and reflection. After his turbulent exploits in the north, it was time to settle down and reflect.

Additionally, he was waiting for someone, and he had a premonition that she would come.

*

The group of bandits actually had a pretty solid foundation.

They did all have the same teacher, after all.

They were initially a bunch of misfits, giving Instructor Sun quite a headache and making him especially favor the smart and hardworking Zhao Changhe. Nevertheless, despite the differences in individual talent, comprehension, and effort, Instructor Sun remained dutiful, taking up the responsibility of ensuring that each of them had a solid foundation, whether it was in their practice of the external cultivation art or the basic saber art. They all practiced with decent form, without any major deviations.

Having roamed the jianghu for so long, Zhao Changhe had seen countless people far worse than them.

After guiding them on the saber for about five or six days, Zhao Changhe’s injuries gradually recovered, and he felt that his understanding of the saber arts had deepened. Even better, many of the bandits experienced breakthroughs.

In the past, some had already reached the first layer of the Profound Gate, and now, two of them, the ones who had been preparing to duel on the stage, had reached the second layer. Those who had yet to break through to the first layer were also showing signs of being very close.

The half-year they spent in prison had also served as a period of accumulation and reflection. It helped soften their restless hearts, allowing them to settle down, which was naturally beneficial for cultivation.

The widespread breakthroughs greatly improved Zhao Changhe’s mood. A large group of first and second-layer Profound Gate practitioners would be considered elite troops in the army. He indeed intended to train this group a bit—they were, after all, his “minions.” As for where they would be sent in the future? Definitely not the army, but rather the Blood God Cult.

Although the barbarians had retreated, the Central Plains was far from peaceful. In fact, it had become even more chaotic. In these troubled times, Cult Leader Xue, having ascended to the Ranking of Man, would surely make his move. These bandits were theoretically also members of the Blood God Cult, and they would be needed.

When the time comes, they would prove their worth.

Cult Leader Xue could not be underestimated. In spite of his repeated losses, he could definitely not be regarded as a clown. He was the brutal and cruel leader of a demonic cult. Zhao Changhe had never taken him lightly, and even now, he did not dare confront him directly.

“Well, well!” A fragrant breeze blew by, accompanied by a playful voice. “What do we have here? Over a hundred elites!”

The training ground was instantly in disarray. The heads of those practicing the saber almost twisting off from how quickly they turned.

Where did this hot lady come from? Damn, I’ve never seen someone with that kind of mature lady charm. Just how many mistresses does the boss have?!

Zhao Changhe, however, seemed to have expected this, and he didn’t even turn his head. “Focus on your training. Where are you looking? Want a woman? When you reach the eighth layer of the Profound Gate, you’ll easily be able to get one yourselves.”

“Fuck... Boss, if you want to curse us to be single for life, just say so.”

“Although I appreciate you all for setting things up for me and Hongling back then, I need to clarify this time. This lady is not my woman. I don’t have the right to touch her. Now, stop staring like a bunch of cows at a freshly-painted gate.”

After Zhao Changhe finished his motivational speech, he finally turned around and smiled at the visitor. “I’ve been expecting you, Lady Three. I thought your intelligence network would have an easier time finding me in Beimang, I didn’t expect it to take this long.”

Lady Three looked intrigued at Zhao Changhe’s clarification to his subordinates, but then she shrugged and smiled. “I had other matters to attend to. Do you really think I have nothing better to do than keep tabs on you? How presumptuous.”

“Alright then.” Zhao Changhe gestured invitingly. “Shall we have a drink inside?”

Lady Three glanced at the eager faces of the bandits and laughed. “Aren’t you afraid of being misunderstood by inviting me inside?”

Zhao Changhe said, “I’ve already explained things to them, but I can’t control what they think. Besides, there’s not just a single room inside. I’m the stronghold master. I have a whole courtyard to myself.”

Lady Three burst into laughter: “Yes, yes, the mighty stronghold master of Beimang, how impressive.”

“Of course, it can’t be compared to the commander of Huangsha Market.” Zhao Changhe led the way. “Please.”

Lady Three followed him in with interest, watching as he brought out a bottle of wine, some dried beef, and a plate of peanuts. “This time, I’m truly hosting you. The stronghold’s conditions are modest, but I hope you won’t fault me for it.”

“I’m happy as long as someone’s treating me.” Lady Three sipped her wine gracefully and smiled. “You knew I would come?”

“The collaboration between Ying Five and me has only just started, and we haven’t really gone into the specifics. We ended up talking about Dragon Elephant Blood Ginseng. I guessed that he went to look for clues. Once he found something, he would naturally send a messenger to inform me. Who would be more suitable than you to be that messenger? Especially since I recommended you for the position at Huangsha Market.”

“Indeed,” Lady Three said leisurely. “But the problem is, with this arrangement, Batu might think I’ve already chosen a side. So, should I thank you for your recommendation or give you a beating?”

Zhao Changhe was speechless. “I made a proper recommendation. What others speculate is none of my business.”

“So why bother explaining things to your subordinates? Why not go and clarify things with Batu?”

“...Who would go out of their way to clarify such things? It would just look even more suspicious.”

“I heard that all the women who get involved with you end up with a worse reputation.”

“That’s not necessarily true. At least Vermillion Bird’s reputation seems to have remained intact.”

Lady Three blinked, almost bursting into laughter. After a while, she said, “Well, speaking of being a messenger, I actually think I’m more suited to act as the messenger between you and someone else. While you say Ying Five, you really mean Huangfu Qing, right?”

Zhao Changhe asked, “Did the Fire Serpent of Yi have a message for me?”

“No,” Lady Three replied expressionlessly. “I’m one of the Four Idols, while she is one of the Twenty-Eight Mansions. How could she send a message through me? Who does she think she is? In fact, I went back and gave her a good beating. I made her kneel and repent for having an inappropriate relationship with a man outside the cult!”

“Hey! She’s not a saintess, and she’s not directly under your command. What does it matter to you? You’re meddling too much!”

“Why can’t I?” Lady Three said. “You think Vermillion Bird wouldn’t beat her? If she were not the imperial noble consort, Vermillion Bird might have killed her already.”

Zhao Changhe said angrily, “You cultists are just... stupid.”

Lady Three said seriously, “Actually, since we’re so familiar with each other now, it’s not like I couldn’t help you out a bit. If you want to snatch the Fire Serpent of Yi away, I wouldn’t mind. If Vermillion Bird gets angry, I can hold her off for you. Consider it a thank you for your recommendation. What do you think?”

Zhao Changhe actually hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Thanks, but there’s nothing between me and the Fire Serpent of Yi. Don’t misunderstand... She might have a bit of liking for me, but it’s far from what you’re implying.”

“There’s no misunderstanding at all. When I told her to repent for her inappropriate relationship, she didn’t deny it.”

Zhao Changhe’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Of course not, you dumbass. Lady Three burst out laughing internally, but she maintained a serious expression on the surface. “Of course it’s true, I’m Black Tortoise. Why would I lie to you?”

1. This was the Sandstorm Saber Art, but it seems the author changed the name here from 狂沙刀法 (Sandstorm Saber Art) to 黄沙刀法 (Yellow Sand Saber Art). ☜