Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 334: I'll Help You Get Her

Xia Chichi was at a disadvantage.

The problem, at this moment, was that she was supposed to be the leader, and it would not make sense for a leader to fight with a subordinate over a man’s embrace. If she really did that, then she would practically be dragging the Four Idols Cult’s reputation through the mud.

She could not just let the Four Idols Cult become regarded as a brothel!

So, as she watched the shameless snake nestle in Zhao Changhe’s arms and kiss him, she could only stand there and watch, fuming with anger.

Actually, at this moment, Huangfu Qing herself was feeling a bit of regret. What in the world am I doing...?

Right now, Xia Chichi was actually acting in consideration of the cult’s reputation, while she, the very venerable Vermillion Bird, was actually disregarding it and acting as she liked.

What a mess... But who told you to try and make me serve you tea? That was just infuriating!

So yes, being the Fire Serpent of Yi was indeed very freeing for Huangfu Qing. It allowed her to let go of many restraints.

She did not go too far, though. After that brief kiss, she left Zhao Changhe’s embrace and said with a slight smile, “I’ll go change clothes as well. Saintess, may I be excused now?”

Xia Chichi, feeling utterly defeated, waved her hand. “Go.”

But then, Huangfu Qing suddenly brought out the essence of fire out of nowhere and held it out. “This essence of fire is something Zhao Changhe painstakingly sought within the secret realm for you. He was not heading to the secret realm to avoid Ye Wuzong; it was all for you. He could not handle it because of how hot it was, so he left it with me. Now, I pass it onto you, and with that, my tasks here in Kunlun are complete.”

Xia Chichi was taken aback and turned to look at Zhao Changhe.

You specifically looked for this for me and didn’t mention it?

Zhao Changhe scratched his head, actually having completely forgotten about it. As soon as he came out, the situation was so chaotic that he ended up forgetting about the essence of fire. It was likely that even Huangfu Qing had forgotten about it, and she only remembered it when she thought about changing her clothes and glanced at her ring.

It was no wonder why many seniors and elders would advise juniors not to get too caught up in romance. It really could easily mess things up.

Watching Huangfu Qing sway her hips as she left, Xia Chichi stared at the essence of fire for a long time, feeling much better. Zhao Changhe’s actions had been mindful of her. Even though she did not know what exactly it was that she needed this item for, it did not change the fact that he sought it out for her.

But it was also a bit awkward. As someone who did not practice fire-attribute cultivation techniques, she could not handle such a scorching item either. “Why did you get this for me?”

Zhao Changhe explained, “It’s part of forming the Four Idols Sword Body. You already have the sword pellet and Iceheart, and with this, you’ll likely have no problem attaining that physique.”

Xia Chichi was a bit surprised, “How do you know about this? Our records do mention the existence of the sword body, but the requirements to refine the physique were never listed down in such detail.”

“Uh, I just know. If you aren’t able to handle it, then you can probably just let Huangfu Qing hold onto it for now, and later, you can have Venerable Vermillion Bird help you figure out what to do with it.”

Xia Chichi nodded. “Huangfu Qing? Why not Qing’er[1]?”

Zhao Changhe blinked.

Xia Chichi gave him a sideways glance. “Why are you standing there like a brick? Aren’t you usually pretty good at talking things over?”

Zhao Changhe said helplessly, “I don’t know what to say or do. My mind is blank.”

Xia Chichi sneered, “And you think you can be a playboy like that? Do you really think you can handle it?”

Zhao Changhe sat down obediently, ready to receive a scolding. He felt that he could at least make Chichi feel better this way.

But then Xia Chichi said, “She was probably a deliberate distraction sent by the venerable to interfere with us. How genuine her feelings are is questionable... But it doesn’t really matter. Men don’t really lose out in these situations. If Venerable Vermillion Bird dares to send her, you can just accept it and have some fun. Just don’t get too attached. But the problem is, it seems like you’ve really taken a liking to her.”

Zhao Changhe awkwardly replied, “I don’t think she was sent to my side for that reason. I also thought the same in the past, but it doesn’t make sense to send someone like her...”

Xia Chichi thought his words made sense. It was indeed odd. If they were going to send someone, it would not be someone with her identity or status.

Moreover, the encounter at the Fiery Kun Ridge genuinely was a coincidence. It was not a deliberate setup whatsoever. If sparks flew, it was because fate had a hand in it.

Even if she had not been sent as a gift initially, their relationship had already progressed so far. With that being the case, the Fire Serpent of Yi could then naturally take on the mission of competing with the saintess, hence her bold actions.

But none of it truly affected Xia Chichi.

She was the one who encouraged Zhao Changhe to open his heart. Otherwise, he would have remained innocent. Despite feeling a bit jealous, which was a normal human reaction, what truly mattered to her was her place in Zhao Changhe’s heart.

Looking at the essence of fire glowing warmly in the winter, like a campfire, Xia Chichi knew that Zhao Changhe still held her dear. And seeing him sitting there, taking her scolding dutifully, she believed that the Fire Serpent of Yi could never replace the deep bond they shared. Zhao Changhe was not the type to be fickle. He never wavered even in front of Iceheart.

Whether Vermillion Bird had sent that snake or it was just that she had genuinely fallen for him, it was all inconsequential in the end.

The little witch’s mind suddenly entertained a malicious thought. Lowering her voice, she asked, “Have you slept with her?”

Zhao Changhe said awkwardly, “No...”

Xia Chichi sneered, “What a waste. I gave you three days alone in a secret realm with a woman, and you couldn’t even make a move? Is your mouth only good for eating?”

Zhao Changhe was stunned. What is Chichi going on about? Is she out of her mind?

Xia Chichi continued in a low voice, “How about I help you get her? Judging by her looks, she should be quite enjoyable.”

Zhao Changhe was stunned.

Xia Chichi, eyes twinkling with mischief, thought to herself: You think you can ruin my relationship with Changhe? In the end, he’ll play with you but thank me. Hah. Not only will he thank me, but he’ll long for and cherish me even more.

Why do you think I always took the initiative to be intimate with him before? It’s because back then, he had no other women. The one who was closest to him naturally comes to hold a unique place in his heart. And now, with other women around, the one he can’t have becomes the most unforgettable.

Moreover, it’s the cult’s rules that are keeping us apart. It isn’t that I’m unwilling, so his heart will only yearn for me even more.

And from another angle, letting him play with the imperial noble consort can be seen as a form of revenge, can’t it?

At this moment, Huangfu Qing returned to the main hall after changing clothes. She no longer clung to Zhao Changhe’s side but gracefully approached Xia Chichi and bowed slightly. “Saintess.”

Xia Chichi turned to look at her, a flash of amazement in her eyes.

Even covered in blood and with messy hair, she was stunning. Now, all cleaned up, she looked even more beautiful, with an aura of nobility and authority that few could emulate. It was hard to imagine that this was the same person who was acting coquettish earlier.

It’s said that she was as famous as Tang Wanzhuang back then. I heard that countless men in the capital went crazy for the two of them. Now, I see why. No wonder why Zhao Changhe was so captivated by her. Such a woman can drive men wild with just a glance.

The more this was the case, the more Xia Chichi wanted to see her disheveled and breathless. The little witch’s mind was filled with mischievous thoughts.

But it was broad daylight at the moment, making it difficult to have anything spicy happen. Hence, she decided she would wait until night.

But then Huangfu Qing said, “With my tasks in Kunlun complete, I should return to report to the venerable. I would like to request leave, Saintess.”

“What’s the hurry?” asked Xia Chichi. “Were you just using Zhao Changhe for your mission? So now that you’re done, you’re eager to just leave him behind?”

Huangfu Qing: “...”

“What’s wrong? You were just kissing him earlier. You didn’t seem to be in a hurry to leave back then. Now, after changing your clothes, you’re suddenly in a hurry to run. Are you afraid of me?”

Huangfu Qing was expressionless. “You overestimate yourself, Saintess. Your tricks...”

Zhao Changhe covered his face, unable to watch

Xia Chichi, however, was unbothered and calmly said, “Well, if you aren’t afraid of me, then why don’t you stay around for a bit and have some fun. You can keep this essence of fire for now and hand it over to Venerable Vermillion Bird later. I’ll discuss the sword body with her when I see her.”

Huangfu Qing took the essence of fire with an emotionless expression.

Hah, I’ll make sure to give this to the venerable. And when the time comes for you to refine the sword body, you’ll find that cultivation can be quite grueling.

Xia Chichi, unaware of the tragic future awaiting her, continued, “We have serious matters to attend to. Now that everything is sorted, let’s discuss if we should pay the Thief Saint a visit.”

At these words, the awkward atmosphere in the main hall dissipated. Zhao Changhe let out a sigh of relief. Serious matters were a welcome change.

He immediately chimed in, “I think we should formally pay him a visit. Although this was framed as a game, the Thief Saint still displayed his magnanimity by not holding a grudge against us. It’s only right for us to thank him in person. Otherwise, it would seem a bit ungrateful of us.”

Huangfu Qing watched the young pair discuss matters of the jianghu, appreciating how well they handled social etiquette.

Xia Chichi said, “Then the two of us will go. I also have some cult-related matters to formally discuss with the Thief Saint. As for the Fire Serpent of Yi...”

Huangfu Qing smiled and said, “I’ll stay here to guard the place.”

Xia Chichi said, “No, you’ll come with us to provide support.”

Huangfu Qing knew the reason behind her decision but still asked, “For my support in battle?”

Xia Chichi explained, “Not for battle, but to prepare an escape from the city immediately if things go wrong.”

Huangfu Qing asked, “What do you mean?”

“Although the Thief Saint is magnanimous, he is unpredictable. We can’t be sure if he’ll change his mind. And our Four Idols Sect is not to be trifled with. He will be cautious. As long as someone is outside, he won’t dare act rashly and risk leaving witnesses.”

Huangfu Qing was pleased with her plans. Chichi has indeed grown up now. She’s quite thoughtful when it comes to handling serious matters.

In fact, Huangfu Qing was not afraid of fighting Ye Wuzong at all. Being arranged to do tasks from the perspective of a subordinate was novel and somewhat interesting to her.

Huangfu Qing even found herself getting into the role, her previous awkwardness gone. She bowed and responded, “Understood.”

Zhao Changhe also sighed with relief, feeling that the atmosphere had improved significantly.

As for Ye Wuzong... Actually, Zhao Changhe still had some unfinished business with him.

He wanted to probe for clues about the Heavenly Tome. While Ye Wuzong likely did not have any, what about Daoist Yuxu? He felt like if he did want to find Daoist Yuxu, he’d need some help from Ye Wuzong.

Zhao Changhe suddenly recalled the old woodsman he had met on the mountain. Could it be him?

1. Just a reminder that the word Qing’er (情儿) can mean “mistress,” as in “extramarital lover,” not “female master.” ☜