Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 373: I Am Here

Zhao Changhe led Tang Wanzhuang through the city, avoiding any potential pursuers, and then finally hiding in Da Zhou’s duck shop.

Hearing about the fierce battle at the Immortal Palatial Garden, Da Zhou was pacing anxiously in the yard. Suddenly, a blood-covered man and a fairy-like woman leaped down from the wall of the yard he was in, leaving him stunned. “Bureau chief? Ah, uh, Mister Zhao...”

Zhao Changhe said, “Your place hasn’t been compromised yet, so it’s a decent hiding spot... Arrange a secret room for us. We need to recover immediately.”

The advantage of having allies was that you did not have to worry about hiding in some unpredictable wilderness. They would have secret rooms prepared and would even have a lookout.

“Follow me.” Da Zhou quickly opened a cellar, revealing a hidden room inside. The room was fully furnished with a bed and necessities. “I’m ashamed. I always thought that I would have to hide in here myself, but I never thought it would instead come in handy for someone like you, Mister Zhao...”

“It’s not for me. It’s for First Seat Tang.” Zhao Changhe paused, then looked at Tang Wanzhuang with a serious expression. “Did you only partially unseal your cultivation? You seemed a little too at ease dealing with Maitreya.”

Tang Wanzhuang had been smiling while watching Zhao Changhe and Da Zhou’s interaction, and now she replied with a smile, “I didn’t have to fully unseal it, thankfully...”

Zhao Changhe stared at her sternly without speaking.

Tang Wanzhuang, seemingly somewhat intimidated by his stern look, avoided his gaze slightly and said, “I’ll be fine after a short rest. Why do you look so worried?”

“Are you sure you’ll be fine after a short rest?”

“Yes.”

“Then I won’t go in to help you heal,” said Zhao Changhe seriously. “I have urgent matters to attend to.”

Tang Wanzhuang smiled softly. “Okay.”

She did not ask what urgent matters he had, nor did she share her own analysis. Zhao Changhe did not say much either, only, “Don’t push yourself too hard. The world won’t stop turning without you.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s beautiful eyes shimmered. “Is that so...”

Zhao Changhe gave her a grumpy look but said nothing and disappeared the next instant.

Tang Wanzhuang knew that he had left something unsaid—”because I am here.”

From the moment he had shouted, “Li Sian has been rescued,” she felt that he had a better grasp of the situation than she did.

On the way here, she had wondered if Zhao Changhe would use the excuse of “helping her heal” to create an intimate and ambiguous atmosphere between them... But it turned out that he never even thought of doing so if the situation was not too dire.

The chaos in Xiangyang won’t stop whether you’re here or not.

I am here.

The prince she had once hoped for was becoming more and more reliable. When he rode his horse to the deserts in the north, he had already stepped into the fray.

It must be for the sake of the empire...

“Bureau chief, bureau chief?” Da Zhou’s voice pulled Tang Wanzhuang out of her thoughts. She coughed awkwardly. “Yes, I need to rest.”

“Do you really need to rest?” Da Zhou looked at her skeptically, then asked, “When did this Mister Zhao Wangtang join the Demon Suppression Bureau? He seems like a master on the Ranking of Man, yet he’s unknown by the world?”

Tang Wanzhuang: “?”

Da Zhou: “?”

Tang Wanzhuang: “What did you just call him?”

“Zhao, Zhao Wangtang.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s face flushed red. She did not respond for a long time, then slipped into the secret room and slammed the door shut.

And to think I thought that he was doing all this for the empire.

Da Zhou stood outside, pondering for a while before he finally realized.

What nonsense is Zhao Wangtang? He’s clearly Zhao Changhe. As for which Tang he’s looking at? Just from the bureau chief’s blushing face earlier, there isn’t even a question about it.

* * *

“I really never would have believed it if I had not seen it with my own eyes. A master ranked fifth on the Ranking of Earth, two masters from the Ranking of Man, over a dozen top experts at the eighth and ninth layers of the Profound Gate, and thousands of archers and crossbowmen, yet they could not even force Tang Wanzhuang to fully unseal her cultivation at the third layer of the Profound Mysteries.”

Inside the Immortal Palatial Garden, Wang Daozhong paced back and forth in the hall. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t risk taking action ourselves. If the Tome of Troubled Times announced everything, the whole world would know... Who would have thought that Maitreya would be so useless? He wasted a golden opportunity.”

It had indeed their best shot at killing Tang Wanzhuang. Tang Wanzhuang had been of the belief that the Wang and Yang Clans would never attack her, which was why she had even dared to come to Xiangyang alone. She never could have guessed that they intended to use Maitreya’s hands to kill her.

The one pulling the strings from behind the scenes was Lu Shiheng.

The Wang Clan had believed that Lu Shiheng was cooperating with them, pretending to go along with the Maitreya Cult’s celestial maiden, using them to do the dirty work. Meanwhile, Maitreya thought that Lu Shiheng was under the celestial maiden’s control. As for who was right... it was actually neither.

With a small city like Xiangyang caught between the Wang Clan and the Maitreya Cult, Lu Shiheng knew that he could not stand on his own. He had to choose one side. As both sides vied for control over Xiangyang, he sided with whoever seemed to have the upper hand. He cooperated with both sides and did it extremely well, to the point where both sides still considered him one of their own.

In the case of mutual destruction, then he might have an actual shot at rising to power. It all depended on how the situation evolved. Regardless of the outcome, Tang Wanzhuang’s death would be a significant benefit to all these ambitious men.

Once Tang Wanzhuang fell, who else in the Great Xia could hold the line?

Some did not desire troubled times, valuing the well-being of the people.

Some others eagerly awaited the troubled times.

Wang Daozhong continued to complain, “Tsk, Vermillion Bird, if it wasn’t for that damn woman’s inexplicable pride. Not wanting to rely on petty means to defeat Tang Wanzhuang? Absolute nonsense! If she truly is so noble, then she should go out and challenge Tang Wanzhuang! Hiding like a rat, she’s nothing more than a rat!”

Lu Shiheng thought to himself, If you’re so brave, why don’t you say that to her face? I’d like to see who the rat really is.

Finally unable to hold back, he interrupted Wang Daozhong, who was in the middle of complaining, “Second master, what do we do now?”

Wang Daozhong replied, “We wait. Yang Jingxiu is crossing the river. Once he arrives, Yu Cixiu’s troops outside won’t stand a chance against Xiangyang’s fortified walls.”

Yu Cixiu’s troops were actually quite numerous, but Xiangyang was difficult to defend with its forces alone. The defeat at Taihu Lake had shattered the momentum of the Maitreya Cult, and now their only hope was to take control of Jingchu, essentially betting everything on this.

If the Yang Clan truly moved south and joined forces with Xiangyang’s troops, Maitreya’s forces would not stand a chance.

Lu Shiheng, however, was more concerned about something else. He asked, “What about Tang Wanzhuang? She escaped... I really did try to kill her! If they investigate later... Should I just declare independence?”

“Since I have not been exposed, just claim that you were under the Maitreya Cult’s control. The imperial court will back you, and she can’t hold you accountable for anything. At a certain point, even if she wants to hold you accountable, she won’t have the power to do so.”

Lu Shiheng frowned slightly, feeling a growing sense of dread.

Just as he was about to speak, a guard reported, “City lord! Yu Cixiu’s army is launching a night attack! They’re currently twenty li from the southern gate!”

Lu Shiheng nodded and said to Wang Daozhong, “Second master, please stay here. I will personally oversee the city’s defense.”

Whether he would defend or open the gates, he would decide later.

Before he could leave, another guard hurriedly reported, “City lord, a large number of boats have appeared on the Han River!!”

Wang Daozhong said, “That’s the Yang Clan. Let them assist in the defense...”

Before he could finish, another guard rushed in, “City lord! A force has appeared upstream. They’re attacking our riverside camp like madmen, killing everyone they see!”

Lu Shiheng looked at Wang Daozhong in shock, and Wang Daozhong stared back, equally astonished.

Where did this new force come from?

Wang Daozhong quickly made a decision, “You defend the southern gate, I’ll check the north.”

* * *

On the south bank of the Han River, the flames soared into the sky.

Before the civil war fully erupted, there had never been any actual military camps stationed on the banks of the Han River. The camp here was merely a symbolic naval camp, which Lu Shiheng had only recently begun developing in preparation for war.

However, as the camp had only recently begun to be properly developed, it was still far from being considered fully established, much less battle-tested.

Because of that, when Xue Canghai led the Blood God Cult like a pack of unleashed tigers, they leveled the camps within moments.

The Blood God Cult’s fanatic members reveled in their slaughter. “Is there anyone left? My vicious blood qi is about to experience a breakthrough! Hahaha! Killing really is the best way to raise our cultivation!”

The remaining soldiers fled in terror, cursing their parents for not giving them more legs.

Where did these bloodthirsty demons come from? They don’t even seem to be here to fight a war. It’s as if they came out here purely to carry out a massacre!

“Stop chasing, you idiots! The doctrine has changed! Stop clinging to the old ways!” Instructor Sun scolded them. “No chasing, no attacking the city! Move north and block the riverbank!”

Xue Canghai’s voice boomed, “Search the camp! There must be fire arrows stashed somewhere[1]! See those ships over there? Set them aflame!”

Yang Jingxiu, the head of the Yang Clan of Hongnong and tenth on the Ranking of Earth, stood on the bow of his ship, frowning at the flames in the distance.

Has there been a change in plans?

It looks like the Maitreya Cult preemptively allied with another force to seize the camp and block the riverbank... From the looks of it, it should be the Blood God Cult, Xue Canghai?

His son, Yang Bugui, whispered, “Father, it’s Xue Canghai.”

Yang Jingxiu glanced at him, “Haven’t you always wanted to challenge Cult Leader Xue? He’s right in front of you now. Do you want to try?”

Yang Bugui replied, “This is not the right time for such personal matters, father. Do you not find the situation suspicious? The Blood God Cult is subordinate to the Four Idols Cult, and we’re allied with the Four Idols Cult. Why would the Blood God Cult attack us?”

Yang Jingxiu frowned deeply, equally puzzled by the situation.

If it was not for the favor from the Four Idols Cult involving Yang Qianyuan, he would not have wanted to even send troops here. Competing in such chaos did not align with his clan’s interests. He neither wanted to take over Xiangyang nor cared if it fell to the Maitreya Cult.

The Wang Clan wanted to keep the strategic city of Xiangyang, but they were too far away to actually fully do so themselves, so they hoped the Yang Clan would send troops to assist them. They came here purely to assist the Wang Clan. Previously, Zhao Changhe also thought that a mere Yang Qianyuan would not be enough to make the Yang Clan form an alliance, and that was indeed the case. However, sending troops one time to help defend an already well-fortified city was acceptable as a favor.

What’s going on? The Four Idols Cult helped us capture a traitor, in exchange for us sending troops to assist in the defense of Xiangyang. So why is their own subordinate, the Blood God Cult, blocking us on the riverbank, preventing us from crossing?

The Yang Clan father and son were completely confused. Unfortunately, the main representatives from the Four Idols Cult had claimed that they would not deal with Tang Wanzhuang in such cowardly ways and simply left. Now, the only representative from the Four Idols Cult, an ordinary cult member, was also just standing there in bewilderment, unaware of what exactly was going on.

At this moment, Wang Daozhong rushed out from the city, like a hawk diving down to strike. He headed straight for Xue Canghai in the center of a formation. “So it’s the infamous Cult Leader Xue of the Blood God Cult. Today, I shall remove a demon from this world!”

Xue Canghai looked up at the moonlit Wang Daozhong approaching from afar and his eyes flashed with intense killing intent. “Damn it, everyone really thinks I’m a pushover now.”

Elders of the cult quickly went into formation around Xue Canghai.

The formation they were making use of was the Blood God Formation, developed based on the Blood God Array Plate. Their vicious blood qi surged into the sky, and their power increased ferociously.

The Blood God Saber flew up to meet Wang Daozhong head-on. The clash of sword and saber resonated across the Han River.

Xue Canghai was knocked back. He fell forcefully on the ground but laughed heartily. “Is this all there is to someone at the second layer of the Profound Mysteries?”

Wang Daozhong was struck back as well. His expression one of utter shock.

This wild saber, this fearless aura, is this really Xue Canghai? What the fuck, isn’t that Zhao Changhe in disguise?

Just as he thought of Zhao Changhe, he heard the latter’s voice in the distance. “Oh, Mister Wang, you’re sparring with my friend?”

Wang Daozhong turned abruptly to see Zhao Changhe swiftly slipping through the Blood God Cult’s formation, securing himself tightly before poking his head out with a wide grin on his face. “Mister Wang, Uncle Yang, your efforts to fight Maitreya are truly commendable. The Demon Suppression Bureau acknowledges your righteous deeds.”

Li Sian’s head suddenly popped up from behind Xue Canghai. “Indeed, our Demon Suppression Bureau will be sure to spread the word of your valor far and wide!”

Continuing like a comedy duo, Zhao Changhe added, “Maitreya is attacking the southern gate. I believe that Uncle Yang and Mister Wang should be able to handle him together?”

Wang Daozhong looked at Zhao Changhe and Li Sian hiding behind the members of the Blood God Cult like turtles and found himself with no outlet for his fury.

Just how did it all end up like this? Will we really have to fight against Maitreya?

Wait, Yang Jingxiu wouldn’t be swayed by some youngster like Zhao Changhe. He’d just turn around and leave. I’d like to see what you’d do then!

But then Zhao Changhe shouted toward the river, “Uncle Yang, I was the one who captured Yang Qianyuan. It was but a small token of my respect for you.”

Yang Jingxiu: “...Brother Daozhong, how about we join forces to fight Maitreya? It would be a great feat, no?”

Wang Daozhong was seething with anger, but he had no idea what to say.

So you’re the one who captured Yang Qianyuan, huh? Then what was with those rumors I heard that some guy named Wang Daozhong was the one who captured him in Kunlun?

It seems like the case has been solved as to who impersonated me!

But unfortunately, solving the case now was pointless. Yang Jingxiu and his son had already reached the riverbank. With them as witnesses, Wang Daozhong had no choice but to truly fight Maitreya.

“You two are truly righteous.” Zhao Changhe’s laughter could be heard from within the Blood God Cult’s formation. “Blood God Cult, listen up. Take a detour to the southern gate of Xiangyang. Our target—Maitreya’s flank!”

1. This is what it says in the raws, but I believe that it’s more likely that it was arrows and oil stashed in the camp. To make “fire arrows,” arrows would usually be dipped in oil and set aflame before being shot. ☜