Chapter 110: Tang Buqi

Chapter 110: Tang Buqi

Zhao Changhe rode his horse back to Yangzhou City in a daze.

His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of transforming his meridians. This matter was incredibly important to him, and it left his thoughts in disarray, causing him to daydream throughout his journey. It was not until he returned to the city that the hustle and bustle of the city reached his ears, and he snapped out of his reverie. He chided himself silently, recognizing that he needed to remain more composed.

He reflected on how easy it was for people to be drawn into cults when they promised to fulfill their deepest desires.

In fact, upon further thought, even figures as influential as Cui Wenjing believed that such a feat was as unattainable as heavenly treasures. Furthermore, even Tang Wanzhuang, who controlled the empire’s martial resources, avoided discussing the matter. With that being the case, how could resolving the issue with his meridians be something that a mere cult or sect of the jianghu easily solve? Even if it was possible, the price would have to be unbearable.

It was possible that they possessed some sort of unparalleled treasure, but they had to be absolute idiots to let him use such a valuable resource. Also, the possibility of that being the case was extremely low. It was much more likely that it was pure deception.

And if he took the initiative to ask for it, that would be offering them his weak spot on a silver platter. He would be slowly prying off his defenses, sliding step by step towards the abyss, unable to struggle anymore.

Zhao Changhe had overheard Wan Dongliu and the guard talking the previous night, and they had mentioned something about secret control techniques. With that in mind, it was almost certain that when the abbot mentioned that they would send someone to teach him about the scriptures, he meant that they would send a celestial maiden and provide him with certain stimulants. In that state, it would be much easier to control him.

This kind of secret technique that would make oneself stronger by making use of one’s dual cultivation typically had soul-controlling effects or a way to make the target become extremely infatuated and unable to break free. This was most likely what they were trying to do.

Zhao Changhe chuckled self-deprecatingly, realizing that he still held some value to them.

While he was in thought, a shout suddenly came above and to his right, “Oi, you there riding the horse on the bridge, are you the Bloodthirsty Asura Zhao Changhe?”

Zhao Changhe turned his head and saw a restaurant that had no walls, doors, or windows. It was an open pavilion for guests to drink and enjoy the scenery. A young man stepped on the railings and gazed down at him disdainfully.

Wan Dongliu hurriedly ran up behind the young man and pulled him aside anxiously, “Brother Tang, brother Tang, an even temper brings wealth...”

It looked like Wan Dongliu had invited this young man for a meal, but upon seeing Zhao Changhe passing by on the bridge below, the latter had inexplicably decided to provoke him.

Zhao Changhe said calmly, “Yes, I’m Zhao Changhe, but not the bloodthirsty asura you mentioned. And you are?”

The young man said proudly, “I am Tang Buqi of Gusu.”

“Ah, I know you.” Zhao Changhe waved his hand. “Twenty-four years old, number 102 on the Ranking of Hidden Dragons. You would do well to learn more from your older sister. You should avoid going out to drink wine.”

“Older sister?” The young man choked for a moment. “First Seat Tang is my paternal aunt.”

“Cough, cough, cough...” Zhao Changhe almost choked on his own saliva. He suddenly thought of Cui Yuanyang. He secretly wondered why she did not have a higher-generation title. It would be amusing if a bunch of old men called her “aunt.” Well, maybe she did have such titles and it was just that he had not heard them.

His mind briefly wandered off, but then he snapped back and playfully said, “Be a good nephew and go back to drink your milk. Yangzhou is a place for adults to have fun, kids should stay at home.”

Tang Buqi became furious. “You insolent scoundrel! How dare you spout such nonsense?! Behold my sword!”

A stream of spring water descended from the sky, heading straight at Zhao Changhe.

The railing above was crowded with spectators, and pedestrians on the street stopped to watch.

This was a rare clash between heroes on the Ranking of Hidden Dragons! It was an opportunity not to be missed!

“Brother Wan,” someone in the restaurant said. “Why does Mister Tang’s sword look so slow? Even I feel like I could easily dodge it.”

“My arrest warrant has long since been revoked, and I am now no different from an ordinary person. If I am to be arrested for engaging in combat with my saber, then what about Tang Buqi, who started the fight? Does the Demon Suppression Bureau belong to the imperial court or the Tang Clan?”

The middle-aged man became a little embarrassed. He looked left and right at the passers-by who were watching in the distance and said, “The cancellation of your arrest warrant was to give face to the Cui Clan. It does not mean that you have been acquitted. Besides, you are a bandit, why did you enter the city? It is our bureau’s duty to seek clarity on such matters.”

Zhao Changhe retorted, “I came to this city for two reasons: to enjoy the scenery of Yangzhou and to meet the people of the Jiangnan region. Now that I’ve seen both, I can say that while the scenery is quite enjoyable, the people are rather ordinary.”

The middle-aged man sighed helplessly, then sent a secret message. “The Maitreya Cult makes use of spiritual illusion arts that can make you be more trusting of others. Be cautious and do not trust others too easily.”

Zhao Changhe was taken aback by the message for a moment, but he maintained his disgruntled appearance as he rode away without acknowledging the warning.

It appeared that this person was a trusted associate of Tang Wanzhuang, possibly aware of his identity as a “secret agent.” He had sought to communicate with Zhao Changhe but had difficulty finding the opportunity to do so, and it was only by complying with Tang Buqi’s extravagant request that he was able to meet with him.

As he continued to make his way through the city, Zhao Changhe could not help but reflect on how everyone, regardless of their affiliation to righteousness or evil, seemed to be merely playing roles in a grand theatrical performance.

Dark clouds gathered overhead, casting a shadow that left everyone in the city feeling suffocated.

Meanwhile, Yue Hongling followed Zhao Changhe all the way into the city. When Zhao Changhe clashed with Tang Buqi, she did not want to be discovered by Wan Dongliu and the others, so she pondered for a moment before finally deciding to head to Xiaoxiang Pavilion first.

After a brief investigation, she quickly discovered several women, who clearly practiced the cultivation techniques of the Maitreya Cult, playfully changing their attire.

Among them, one tall and particularly pretty woman stood out. She exuded a heroic spirit. Several old brothel madams smiled and draped her in a red warrior’s costume, tied her hair into a ponytail, and adjusted her clothes. “Look at this, isn’t our flower-picking celestial maiden a perfect replica of Yue Hongling?”

Yue Hongling could not help but admit that this so-called flower-picking celestial maiden did resemble her quite a bit.

The maiden said, “It’s mainly the heroic spirit that is difficult to imitate. We are not exactly the same in that regard... If I really get close to him, it will be difficult to keep him believing in the facade.”

“It doesn’t matter. Right now, his mind is filled with thoughts of refining his meridians. With the woman he has a crush on soothingly teaching him, he will only become more deeply infatuated. Furthermore, he wouldn’t know what Yue Hongling looks like in bed.”

Yue Hongling: “...”

This is unbearable. Not only are you pretending to be me, but you’re actually planning on making Zhao Changhe think that he’s having fun with the real Yue Hongling!

The celestial maiden sorted it out, looked at her reflection in the mirror, and said with a smile, “I really do resemble her. Even I can hardly tell us apart.”

Everyone chuckled and said, “Besides, how well does he really understand Yue Hongling? Once the secret technique is used, with a bit of guidance, he won’t be able to tell the difference at all. We just got news that he’s currently engaged in a scuffle with Tang Buqi at the bridge. You might as well wait for him in his room. That way, when he opens the door, his heart will surely melt when he sees that the girl he has a crush on is sitting on his bed right in front of him.”

With mischievous smiles, the old madams escorted the flower-picking celestial maiden into Zhao Changhe’s room and then dispersed.

Inside the room, the flower-picking celestial maiden rehearsed several poses, trying to evoke the feeling of Yue Hongling. Suddenly, her vision blurred, and it seemed like another Yue Hongling had appeared in the mirror.

Startled, she turned to look around, but everything suddenly went dark as she lost consciousness.

Zhao Changhe returned to Xiaoxiang Pavilion burdened with all kinds of thoughts. He pushed open the door to his room mindlessly.

Yue Hongling was sitting at the table, pouring herself a drink. When she saw him enter, she smiled slightly and asked, “You’re back?”

Damn, this illusion art is seriously convincing! Zhao Changhe’s heart began beating wildly. She looks just like the real Yue Hongling!

1. 1 cun (寸) is equal to 3.33 cm ☜