Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 113: Asura Phala

“What would be the point of assassination?” The flower-picking celestial maiden continued smoothly, seemingly truly intent on showcasing the cult’s strength and persuading Zhao Changhe to join them. “The Maitreya Cult has a strong presence in Jiangnan. The majority of the officials in Yangzhou have already joined forces with us. Even most of the Cao Gang’s members are our believers. We even have celestial maidens inside the magistrate’s residence.

“With a simple command, not only Yangzhou but the entire Jiangnan region would be under our control. If the two of you join us, you can both become Bodhisattvas in the future.”

“With that being the case, what is the cult still waiting for?” Zhao Changhe asked. “Are you perhaps waiting for your cult leader to start another movement elsewhere before coordinating things here?”

The flower-picking celestial maiden shook her head and said, “I honestly don’t know about this... I was simply tasked with spreading our teachings to you. I have not been informed about any specific tasks that will be given to you. My only concern is recruiting you into our ranks. If there are indeed tasks that you need to perform, I believe they would probably involve drawing the attention of the Four Idols Cult. After all, you have a feud with them, so you are the best bait. At the moment, that’s the best I can come up with.”

Zhao Changhe was momentarily taken aback. “Is the Four Idols Cult also carrying out their operations here? Have they been acting in even greater secrecy than you?”

Yue Hongling said softly, “The Four Idols Cult has always been known for their secrecy. Unlike the Maitreya Cult, which aims to expand its number of followers, their goals lie elsewhere... At most, they might recruit some affiliates to carry out tasks openly on their behalf like the Blood God Cult. But most of the time, you wouldn’t even know who among those close to you is actually a member of the Four Idols Cult.”

Zhao Changhe scratched his head. “I suppose that makes sense...”

Even the flower-picking celestial maiden could not hold herself back from responding, “Considering your background as a subordinate member of the Four Idols Cult, it’s only natural...”

“Fair enough,” Zhao Changhe said. “I’m still relatively new to cultivation, and yet you hold me in such high regard just because of my connection to the Four Idols Sect?”

“It’s not just that. In our cult, killing leads to enlightenment. Killing one person grants you the status of a One-Abode Bodhisattva while killing ten people elevates you to a Ten-Abode Bodhisattva. With you being known as a bloodthirsty murderer, you are a perfect fit for our cult. The title ‘Asura’ is not just a random nickname, it’s also the Abbot’s expectation of you. In the future, you may even attain the Asura Phala.”[1] As the flower-picking celestial maiden spoke, there was a look of expectation and admiration on her face. Her mission to seduce Zhao Changhe was sincere from this angle.

“...Then why don’t you go recruit the Blood God Cult? They’re all bloodthirsty murderers.”

“We would love to,” the flower-picking celestial maiden replied with a hint of frustration. “But the Four Idols Cult is really annoying. It’s just four ancient beasts, what’s there to worship?”

Zhao Changhe chuckled and said, “So are you saying that you can actually improve the state of my meridians as you mentioned earlier?”

The flower-picking celestial maiden glanced at Yue Hongling cautiously. Yue Hongling had been quietly listening to their conversation, only occasionally providing explanations. It was as if she were letting her man take the lead.

The celestial maiden secretly marveled, and said softly, “It is indeed true. Our Pure Bliis Art can benefit both the celestial maiden and the target. Many adult converts who have joined our cult have experienced rapid progress in their cultivation thanks to the infusion of true essence. They naturally do not have any problems with regard to their meridians... If you’re willing, I...”

“Don’t trust her so easily!” Yue Hongling, who had been sitting there and acting like a quiet wife, suddenly interjected. “They are merely using forbidden arts to harvest power, using people as furnaces to bypass years of bitter cultivation. While it may seem like you’re making rapid progress, such a way of cultivation will be of no help to the issue with your meridians. Moreover, the power they harvest is impure and chaotic, leading to superficial cultivation. You must not be tempted... Furthermore, once you fall for it, you will never be able to break free from their ability to control people...”

“Alright, that’s enough,” Zhao Changhe said, noticing Yue Hongling’s anxious expression. He instinctively reached out to pat her head, but then he remembered that she was Yue Hongling, not Cui Yuanyang. As such, he could only awkwardly pull his hand back.

Yue Hongling stared at his hand as it stretched out and then retracted, letting out a harrumph.

The flower-picking celestial maiden was eager to convince them, saying, “We do not solely rely on harvesting other’s power. We also have celestial maidens who engage in dual cultivation with Bodhisattvas for mutual benefit! Otherwise, how would our high-ranking members cultivate? Prolonged dual cultivation really does have a certain positive effect on the meridians. If I’m lying, may I never return to the Realm of True Void!”

Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling exchanged glances. Since she had made such a solemn vow, it was likely that there was some truth to her claims; they had initially assumed that she had something else in mind for Zhao Changhe, merely wanting to make use of him

Zhao Changhe was genuinely intrigued this time. He thought to himself that such arts were typical for a protagonist to possess in these kinds of stories. Although it may not resolve the root issue, it should at least improve his current situation, right? He asked, “Do you have this art?”

The flower-picking celestial maiden hesitated, not sure if she should reveal the truth. In the end, she said, “I can only have a superficial understanding of this art. You must join our cult, and Maitreya himself will impart it to you.”

Yue Hongling hesitated for a moment before beginning to search the celestial maiden’s body.

Zhao Changhe turned to look at her with a rather strange expression.

Is big sister Yue trying to help me look for the dual cultivation technique? Does she plan to find someone for me to practice it with?

Yue Hongling was indeed searching for a dual cultivation technique for him. She carefully searched but did not find anything. She sighed and said, “Unfortunately, we do not possess soul-searching or mind-controlling arts. Otherwise, we might have been able to find something...”

The flower-picking celestial maiden also found Yue Hongling’s actions quite strange. Are we really the ones from a demonic cult or are you? Aren’t you a heroine? Or could it be that you took the chance to touch me first to prevent him from touching me?

At this moment, footsteps approached from outside the door, and someone said, “Are the two of you... enjoying yourselves?”

Zhao Changhe glanced at the celestial maiden. She knew all too well that if someone found out that there were celestial maidens in the magistrate’s residence, she would be in immense trouble. If she was discovered, even being skinned and tortured would be considered lenient. At this point, she naturally knew how to play her part and quickly said in a charming voice, “Changhe, you’re so passionate.... My whole body is still aching....”

Yue Hongling was still body searching the celestial maiden, and when she heard that, the corner of her mouth twitched.

It’s really hard to bear seeing someone impersonate me right in front of me. Also, what’s with the way you addressed him?

The person outside chuckled and said, “I apologize for interrupting. However, Young Gang Leader Wan has sent me here to extend an invitation to join him for an evening banquet.”

Zhao Changhe asked, “Where?”

“Bright Moon Tower.”

“Tell him that I’ll be there.”

The person outside responded, “Very well, I won’t disturb you any further. Have a great time.”

The flower-picking celestial maiden let out a timely soft moan, apparently as a result of Yue Hongling’s touching.

Yue Hongling: “...”

Trying to maintain his composure, Zhao Changhe suddenly took out a pill that radiated rich blood qi and stuffed it into the celestial maiden’s mouth. “This is the Vicious Blood Pill of the Blood God Cult. If you do not take the antidote within ten days, your blood and qi will rampage, your body will split apart, and you will die a miserable death. Don’t expect Maitreya to save you, everyone has different systems of cultivation.”

In reality, it was just a regular Blood Settling Pill used to suppress the effects of the Vicious Blood Art temporarily. Zhao Changhe was using this ruse to intimidate the celestial maiden, making her believe that she was poisoned with a deadly substance.

The flower-picking celestial maiden sensed the presence of something in her bloodstream and sighed. “There was actually no need for you to make use of such a malicious substance. I have no choice but to continue with the act. It has to be me who is seen in an intimate situation with you today. I know how to handle them. As for your true relationship with Yue Hongling, no one will ever find out...”

Zhao Changhe and Yue Hongling exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement. Yue Hongling said, “I’ll go out in public and see if Wan Dongliu tries looking for me.”

After saying that, she slipped out of the window and disappeared in the blink of an eye.

From the beginning to the end, neither of them felt the need to clarify on whether or not they were truly a couple... It actually felt nostalgic in a ridiculous way; after all, when she was the stronghold mistress, they had already experienced a similar situation...

The flower-picking celestial maiden sighed again. “The Maitreya Cult does not regard you as an enemy, which is why they were deceived so easily. Once someone discovers the truth, you will be in grave danger. I can’t understand why we can’t just be on the same side.”

Zhao Changhe did not attempt to change her perspective of the world. This celestial maiden was already deeply indoctrinated, and it was futile to argue with her. Besides, their plans of placing him under their control were not indicative of them being on the same side. He simply replied, “We can talk about this later.”

He sat for a moment, waiting for Yue Hongling to get far away, before boldly opening the door and walking out with large strides. He encountered the guard outside the door and patted him on the shoulder. “I hope you don’t think her disguise could fool me, but I have to admit that this play was amazing. It was truly a delightful surprise. I must thank the abbot for his kindness.”

After saying that, he left the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.

The guard hurriedly entered the room. The flower-picking celestial maiden’s face was flushed and her eyes were filled with a seductive allure as she languidly adjusted her clothes. She sighed and said, “He found out. I told you that it would be difficult to hide the truth once he got close enough... But fortunately, he’s understanding, and it seems that he found the whole thing enjoyable.”

The guard nodded in agreement, “Did you manage to place him under control?”

“With my cover blown, I didn’t dare to use that. He’s not a fool. Let’s take our time. I think he can definitely be won over. Patience is key, and who knows, he might truly become addicted to my taste...”

1. Phala is the fruit of karma. In a simplified way, it simply refers to the consequences of one’s actions. On the grander scale, it’s the result of one’s actions in the past life, reflected in the current life. ☜