Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 339: Brutal Revenge

Although Huangfu Qing had explicitly stated that she was giving Xia Chichi space to have fun with Zhao Changhe, as soon as Huangfu Qing left, Xia Chichi remarked, “That big sister is really beautiful and elegant. It really makes others envious.”

Zhao Changhe said, “Now that she’s gone, I can really talk to you. Don’t bully her. It really is a bit...”

Xia Chichi laughed. “Why are you only saying this when she isn’t here? Is it because when we’re both present, it would feel like you’re taking sides?”

“Uh...”

“You... Haah, you really aren’t good at these things.” Xia Chichi gently stroked his face, amused. “But actually, you don’t really need to worry too much about this... Yesterday, although I was making excuses, thinking back, what I said unintentionally was quite right. Back then, you and I suppressed our feelings and focused on our cultivation, which led to us having the power we do today. Now, with our fates still uncertain, how can we dare waste our time?”

Zhao Changhe knew that she was right.

It was just that meeting again in a foreign land, after a long time away from each other, made it difficult to not lose themselves a bit.

“Women can be part of your life, but don’t let them consume too much... That goes for any woman, including me,” said Xia Chichi softly. “You’re meant to roam the jianghu, testing your saber against all, commanding the wind and clouds, not getting caught up or lost in romance. Today we part, and I hope that the next time I see your name shining in the sky, it’s because you have surpassed me.”

Zhao Changhe fell silent.

Looking into Xia Chichi’s gentle eyes, the words he wanted to say were left unsaid.

They silently stared at each other for a moment before Xia Chichi smiled slightly, stood on the tip of her toes, and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Even though another woman’s scent is on you...”

She pressed her hand on his heart. “At least this part still belongs to me.”

The little witch turned gracefully and walked out the door, her ponytail bouncing as she moved. “I should get to work. I have some matters to discuss with the Yang Clan of Hongnong... Soon, the maritime proposal you submitted to the venerable might be on the agenda. The changes in the world are intensifying. Wouldn’t it be exhilarating to ride these waves together?”

Zhao Changhe did not say anything and just smiled slightly. He accompanied Xia Chichi out of the fabric store and walked down the streets of Kunlun City.

They walked together through the moderate snowfall, all the way to the outskirts of the city.

As they reached the bounds of the city, Zhao Changhe stopped and said one simple word.

“Sure.”

It was unclear if he meant that his name would shine above hers, that his heart belonged to her, or that they would navigate the turbulent waves together.

Or perhaps it was an answer to all of them.

Xia Chichi did not ask for details, nor did she linger. She used her movement art and swiftly sped away.

Dressed in white with her sword of ice, she blended into the snow. Soon, she disappeared, lost in the vast, snowy landscape.

Zhao Changhe watched her leave, standing in the wind and snow. It was only when she disappeared from his sight that he slowly turned around and headed back.

How lucky I am to have met her during our humble beginnings.

He took a long breath, clearing his mind of recent romantic entanglements, and strode back into the city.

He went back to meet with Chen One first to discuss matters related to the secret realm and coordinate with Ying Five. Then, he planned to focus on his training at the inn while waiting to see Daoist Yuxu would agree to meet with him.

If Daoist Yuxu did not agree, it actually was not a big deal. Zhao Changhe did not feel a pressing need to meet with him. He purely wanted to see if there were any clues pertaining to the Heavenly Tome that he could get from Daoist Yuxu. The Heavenly Tome was something that the blind woman sought, and it was not really something suitable for someone of his level to seek out. He planned to spend some time training in Kunlun City for a period of time afterward. It was a place rich with opportunities and strange people he had not yet encountered.

Chichi’s right, this is where my focus should be. My first priority should be to improve my martial arts and my power. If I fail to even make a mark in this world, then I would have transmigrated in vain, and I would have failed to live up to her expectations.

*

Meanwhile, the serious expression that Xia Chichi had worn transformed into a cheerful grin as she traveled. She knew that she had left an impression in Zhao Changhe’s mind.

Who is the Fire Serpent of Yi compared to me? Even if you spent the night with him, who do you think is on his mind now? Hmph.

Previously, the Earth Deer of Liu had been responsible for escorting Yang Qianyuan. However, he did not head directly to Hongnong. The Earth Deer of Liu was still mainly responsible for establishing a foothold in Kunlun City and extending the influence of the Four Idols Cult around Kunlun. There was no reason for him to run all the way to the distant Hongnong himself. He had just gone a few hundred li away to buy fabrics, and it took two to three days to purchase and load the goods. Yang Qianyuan was detained nearby, and the Earth Deer of Liu was simply waiting for the saintess to take him off his hands.

Xia Chichi, traveling quickly, left early in the morning and arrived by afternoon.

Entering the agreed-upon location, she immediately saw the Earth Deer of Liu loading a carriage in the courtyard. Xia Chichi grinned broadly and said, “Yang Qianyuan hasn’t run away, has he?”

Liu Tuzhang replied, “His meridians are crippled. He’s packed up in the carriage.”

“Good, arrange for a carriage to take me along. Running all the way here was exhausting.” Xia Chichi stretched as she entered the hall. “Is there any food? Get me some...”

Her voice cut off abruptly as she noticed someone already sitting in the main seat in the hall. She was clad in a fiery red ceremonial robe, with a vermillion bird mask covering her face. She sat cross-legged on the main seat, holding a cup of tea. Her sensuous red lips blew gently, her posture was relaxed, yet her aura was one of authority and majesty.

The surrounding subordinates of the Four Idols Cult all kept their heads lowered, not daring to stare at her.

Vermillion Bird was Vermillion Bird. Even if she was just sitting there drinking tea, her majestic aura penetrated people’s hearts, including even Xia Chichi.

Xia Chichi’s eyes widened, and her previously cheerful mood vanished. Nervously stammering, she said, “V-venerable, why are you here?”

She was not sure why she was so nervous. She had completed all her tasks successfully, and she should have been seeking praise. But due to her having been intimate with Zhao Changhe, she instinctively felt a bit guilty.

The beautiful eyes under the mask stared at Xia Chichi with a penetrating gaze. Vermillion Bird remained silent for a long time, and the atmosphere took on a sudden, inexplicable tension.

Seemingly dissatisfied with the temperature of the tea, Vermillion Bird set down the cup with a loud, sharp sound that nearly made Xia Chichi jump.

“Chichi...” Vermillion Bird finally spoke, her voice lazy yet authoritative.

“Yes, Venerable...” Xia Chichi thought to herself that even though both women exuded an air of nobility, Venerable Vermillion Bird’s voice was far more intimidating and awe-inspiring than the coquettish tone of the Fire Serpent of Yi.

Vermillion Bird scrutinized her for a few moments before saying, “Put your hands on your head and kneel in the corner for half an hour.”

Xia Chichi was dumbfounded. “Venerable, what did I do wrong?”

“You stepped in with your left foot first.”

Xia Chichi: “?”

“Oh, and you were being shameless with Zhao Changhe in Kunlun. Do you really think the Earth Deer of Liu is my only informant in Kunlun?”

“...Could it be that the Fire Serpent of Yi reported me?”

Vermillion Bird snapped coldly, “Oh, so you admit to it?”

Xia Chichi deflated and obediently placed her hands on her head. “Can I kneel when we get back? It’s embarrassing with so many people watching.”

Vermillion Bird gave her a sideways glance before saying, “I’m thirsty.”

Xia Chichi quickly ran over, sycophantically picking up the teacup and blowing on it several times. “Venerable, the tea has cooled.”

“Mm-hm...” Vermillion Bird took the teacup, feeling very satisfied.

You tried to make me serve you tea, huh? Who’s serving tea to whom now, huh?!

She took a leisurely sip, savoring the coolness like drinking iced plum juice at the mouth of a volcano, and slowly said, “Forcing you to kneel as punishment might be a bit harsh...”

“Yes, yes!” Xia Chichi smiled obsequiously. “I’m a leader, after all...”

“Then let’s go with something more refined.” Vermillion Bird sighed. “Seeing that you’re so restless and impatient, you should refine your mental state. Go and copy scriptures.”

Xia Chichi was dumbfounded. “Huh?”

“Our holy cult’s Four Idols Myriad Teaching Scripture. Write it down ten times. That should help you calm your mind and stop acting like a monkey.”

“But, but... That scripture has over a thousand words...”

“So what? Ten times is just over ten thousand words, is that too much?” Vermillion Bird waved her hand. “Go on, it’s for your own good. Once you’ve finished that task and calmed down, I’ll teach you how to refine the Four Idols Sword Body. Refining a physique like that involves the intense fire element. If you’re this restless when you begin forming such a physique, you may face dangers.”

Xia Chichi never thought of herself as restless, but if her master said she was, then she was. Who was she to argue?

Since the venerable mentioned the Four Idols Sword Body and the fire element, it must mean that she’s received the essence of fire from the Fire Serpent of Yi. It seems that the Fire Serpent of Yi indeed reported me.

Just you wait, I’ll find ways to make you pay.

Xia Chichi sniffled, obediently took out a booklet, and offered it ingratiatingly. “This is the Classic of Materia Toxica from the ancient era. It should greatly benefit the lineage of the Azure Dragon. We painstakingly copied it down. Please take a look at it, venerable. ”

Vermillion Bird took the booklet and tucked it into her robe without even glancing at it. “Yes, this is very useful.”

Xia Chichi’s face lit up with joy, only to hear Vermillion Bird say, “You should also copy down the medicinal part of our Azure Dragon Sacred Scripture while you’re at it, along with this Classic of Materia Toxica. Doing this should help in your understanding of pharmacology and toxicology.”

Xia Chichi was completely dumbfounded.

She had thought that she would be praised for her achievements, but it seemed her treatment was quite the opposite.

However, the venerable kept insisting that it was for her own good. Her past teachings had always been fairly strict, so she genuinely could not tell if this was punishment or reward.

“Oh, by the way.” Vermillion Bird suddenly patted her shoulder kindly. “You’ve been traveling and must be tired. Go take a bath first, and then you can get on the tasks I’ve given you. I’ve prepared a set of clothes for you. I hope you’ll like it.”

Xia Chichi sighed in relief. Phew, the venerable is still concerned for me. She’s like a strict but caring mother. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of strictness.

She excused herself with a smile, and when she reached the guest room, she took a look around and saw a set of clothes beside the steaming hot tub. It was bright red with a gaudy gold trim, and it looked like a wedding dress.