Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 201: Man and Wife

The farce thus came to an abrupt end, with the stage having been ruined. There was no longer much of a show for people to watch.

Most people nowadays did not really know much of the previous generation of hidden dragons, but they learned that the current generation of hidden dragons actually seemed to get along rather well.

They had initially expected to witness each of the hidden dragons display their skills to get in. Several of them, like Xuan Chong, might have expressed their dissatisfaction while still showing their prowess, demonstrating their capabilities without offending the host too much.

In this way, they would have also provided some entertainment for the onlookers.

Unexpectedly, from the very start with Situ Xiao, or perhaps even with Zhao Changhe, who had already drawn his saber even before Situ Xiao appeared, the hidden dragons aimed to put an end to the farce the direct and hard way.

Ji Chengkong also directly slapped the Wang Clan in the face, nearly tearing down their signboard. Of course, he did not actually dare to be too harsh, and he did not actually tear it off, as he still had his life to consider, but the crooked plaque was still a stinging slap to the Wang Clan’s face.

Then, Xia Chichi and Zhao Changhe swiftly and decisively smashed the gate apart while chatting and laughing.

It seemed that none of them were willing to accompany the Wang Clan in their little games.

Zhao Changhe’s words, that he would just smash it to pieces, seemed to carry a deeper meaning.

But what really puzzled people was that even though the stage had been ruined, the Wang Clan surprisingly did not send any powerful figures to intervene. Instead, they only sent out someone who looked to be a butler. He slowly approached the gate, inspected it for a moment, and calmly said, “Go fetch some craftsmen to make a new gate, then have the signboard properly hung up. Have this done by the end of the day.”

After saying that, he even respectfully cupped his fist and bowed to Zhao Changhe, Xia Chichi, and Xuan Chong, saying, “It was just a small game. Please do forgive us if this has offended you. The young master has been waiting for you in the banquet hall for some time. Please come in.”

Zhao Changhe and Xia Chichi exchanged glances, secretly acknowledging that this was indeed the kind of etiquette and manners that were to be expected of a prominent clan. At the very least, Cui Yuanyong had given them such an impression before. They thus could not help but wonder what game the Wang Clan was playing earlier.

Without saying a word, the two of them faintly smiled and walked into the hall side by side.

Xuan Chong: “...”

Wasn’t it the two of us who came here together? What am I now?

The broken gate remained open, and the hidden dragons that arrived later looked at the hole in the gate in surprise. They presented their invitations as expected of them, and everything seemed to proceed in a normal manner.

However, those who had witnessed what had happened earlier were kicking themselves, regretting that they could not go in and watch the following events in person. They felt that the events that were going to take place in the banquet hall would be even more exciting and fascinating than the earlier event.

Meanwhile, Zhao Chang and Xia Chichi entered side by side. Xia Chichi was smiling happily underneath her mask, and she said, “Hey, isn’t this the first time we’ve walked side by side openly since Beimang?”

Zhao Changhe looked a little nostalgic and said softly, “Yes.”

If there was a time in this world when he felt most like he was at home, then it was truly those one or two months when he lived together with Chichi. After that, no matter where he stayed, he never got that same feeling again.

It was a pity that they had to go their separate ways so soon. Their relationship, which should have grown stronger over time, ended up having to be secretive due to issues involving larger forces. Because of that, even getting to walk side by side out in the open became something to be happy about.

He did not know if the encounters with Vermillion Bird, especially the most recent one, had allowed for looser restrictions on the relationship between him and Chichi, but at least for today, they were both able to attend the banquet of the Wang Clan as guests. At least for today, there was no problem with them being in close proximity to one another.

I should make the most out of this...

As these thoughts crossed his mind, he joked, “Why did you come so early? This isn’t like you at all. I really thought that you would only appear during the grand finale, making a big entrance befitting your name.”[1]

Xia Chichi shrugged and said in a low voice, “Well, I knew that you would be here, so I wanted to come early to see you. This way, before the banquet begins, we can have the chance to talk a bit. Who knows when we’ll get the chance to do this again? So what’s the point of putting on airs?”

Zhao Changhe felt warmth welling up in his heart and whispered back, “I never thought that the Wang Clan would actually invite you. After all, to the imperial court, you are considered a rebel. It’s rather audacious of the Wang Clan to openly invite a rebel to their banquet, and you actually dared to come. Are you not afraid that they’ll send out five hundred executioners after you?”

“Why would I not dare to come? With the Wang Clan’s status, they are naturally capable of inviting people from both sides. Also, would they go through so much effort just to deceive someone like me, who is only at the seventh layer of the Profound Gate? That would be ridiculous,” replied Xia Chichi. Then, she suddenly switched to voice transmission. “Your identity as the prince is becoming increasingly real in everyone’s eyes. They are more likely to want to kill you than to plot against me.... Of course, the likelihood is still quite slim. Moreover, your whereabouts aren’t exactly a secret, so there’s no need for the Wang Clan to make a move against you right now.”

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“While the prominent clans of Great Xia do boast scholarly heritages, their rise in this world began in the ruins of martial arts. Ultimately, they all still retain an air of martial arts and the spirit of jianghu. If you were to look at this matter from a martial arts perspective, it would not actually seem that out of the ordinary. In the world of martial arts, it isn’t uncommon for powerful forces to invite opposing sides over for whatever events.” Xia Chichi said leisurely. “Some might even find such actions bold and admirable.”

Zhao Changhe nodded inwardly, acknowledging that similar examples did exist in the modern world.

It is indeed not all that surprising.

However, one could also argue that the Wang Clan was no longer affected by the deterrence of Xia Longyuan. As a member of the Wang Clan, the empress likely understood Xia Longyuan’s situation better than others, and it now seemed that he was in a worse condition than what was being let out.... Perhaps the Wang Clan’s actions were even meant to convey this message to the world, which was quite despicable.

Xia Chichi looked at the servant of the Wang Clan, who was leading the way, and then at Xuan Chong, who was leisurely enjoying the scenery behind them. “Can you use voice transmission now? It’s not easy to talk here. I feel like someone might eavesdrop on us. If you’re able to use voice transmission, the chance of our conversation being intercepted is much smaller.”

Zhao Changhe did know how to transmit his voice. It was a technique that varied little among different forces. He had previously studied and grasped the Pure Bliss Art of the Maitreya Cult, which was a complete system. With it being a complete system, it naturally included a way to use internal energy to transmit sound, a subtle application achievable only by practitioners of internal arts rather than the brute strength of practitioners of external arts.

He had not been able to use it before due to his insufficient internal cultivation. He had only just broken through to the fifth layer for his internal cultivation, so he was not sure if he could use it just yet. Anyhow, he tried it out, “Hello?”

Xia Chichi: “...”

“I can actually do it now,” Zhao Changhe said happily. “It turns out that the fifth layer is enough. The manual I was referring to said that one needed to reach the seventh layer first, though.”

Xia Chichi rolled her eyes at him. “Normally, it is indeed required to reach around the seventh layer. However, you’re using... his inheritance. It’s simply of a different quality.”

“Urgh...”

Having spoken of Xia Longyuan’s cultivation technique, Xia Chichi’s expression grew slightly melancholic. She sighed and said, “Judging from the Wang Clan’s behavior... he... he might really be unwell....”

Zhao Changhe pursed his lips.

No wonder Chichi looks a bit sluggish as of late. Who knows what complex emotions she’s feeling right now? No matter how much she might resent him, he is still her biological father at the end of the day. And I’m the only person she can confide in.

“I don’t know if I should find an opportunity to go to the capital to pay him a visit...” Xia Chichi whispered. “I feel like it actually might even be easier for me to go to the capital than you. If you were to go to the capital, it would really stir up some trouble. Your cultivation... is not quite there yet.”

Sure enough, Chi Chi was the one who understood his thought process the most. Without reaching a certain level of strength, it really was not appropriate for him to go to the capital. Zhao Changhe could only say, “As long as you don’t go and stir trouble in the imperial palace, poking around outside should be fine. However, I doubt that you would hold yourself back like that. Just make sure not to get arrested as a rebel, it would really be ridiculous if that were to happen”

Xia Chichi laughed and said, “Let’s talk about it again later. I’m still hesitant.”

Zhao Changhe responded, “If the situation is right and I do go to the capital... I’ll keep an eye out for you.”

Xia Chichi did not mince her words. “Then you better hurry up and train. Aren’t you kind of soft lately? That perseverance you had back then that attracted me, do you even still have it?”

“I have been practicing without pause. First Seat Tang had asked me to slow down a bit, but playing the guqin and painting also ended up contributing to my cultivation. It’s quite effective. I’m not just idling away my time.”

“What about when it comes to women?”

“...At least so far, I’m still waiting for you to come and claim my first time.”

Xia Chichi glanced at him, her eyes shimmering with charm beneath her mask, “Wasn’t your first time already on my lap ages ago? Alright, alright, don’t start spouting nonsense just because you know how to use voice transmission now...”

Zhao Changhe did not know how to react. Who really is spouting nonsense between us? By that logic, my first time was taken by my right hand years ago...

Young men and women rarely get to spend time together, and it often feels like there’s so much to say and there is never enough time.

Unfortunately, no matter how grand or large the Wang Clan might be, the distance from the entrance to the banquet hall was only so great. Soon, the servant of the Wang Clan that was leading the way stopped and bowed toward them. “The banquet hall is just ahead. The young master has been waiting for you.”

Both of them sighed and ceased their conversation simultaneously, sharing the same thought: It would have been better if the Wang Clan was a bit bigger...

“The Sixth Hidden Dragon, White Tiger Saintess Xia Chichi, has arrived~”

“The Eighteenth Hidden Dragon, Bloodthirsty Asura Zhao Changhe, has arrived~”

The guard that was standing by the entrance announcing their arrival made Zhao Changhe wish that he had a mask to hide his face as well.

The Wang Clan’s solemnity was a bit too much for him.

However, just as they stepped through the large door and before they could even see what the hall looked like, a discordant voice rang out coldly, “It is indeed understandable for the Wang Clan to extend invitations to the hidden dragons throughout the world without regard for their origins. After all, this is a grand occasion. We need not mention the conflict between the righteous and the evil here. However, attending a banquet with a mask on and concealing your identity, is rather rude, don’t you think? Is this the making of those from demonic cults?”

Before Xia Chichi could say anything, Zhao Changhe spoke up first. “Who the hell are you? Mind your own damn business!”

Under her mask, Xia Chichi’s originally ice-cold expression instantly turned into a mischievous smile.

1. Just a reminder that Chichi’s name can be literally translated to “late.” ☜