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.
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.” ☜