Chapter 339: Brutal Revenge

Chapter 339: Brutal Revenge

Although Huangfu Qing had explicitly stated that she was giving Xia Chichi space to have fun with Zhao Changhe, as soon as Huangfu Qing left, Xia Chichi remarked, “That big sister is really beautiful and elegant. It really makes others envious.”

Zhao Changhe said, “Now that she’s gone, I can really talk to you. Don’t bully her. It really is a bit...”

Xia Chichi laughed. “Why are you only saying this when she isn’t here? Is it because when we’re both present, it would feel like you’re taking sides?”

“Uh...”

“You... Haah, you really aren’t good at these things.” Xia Chichi gently stroked his face, amused. “But actually, you don’t really need to worry too much about this... Yesterday, although I was making excuses, thinking back, what I said unintentionally was quite right. Back then, you and I suppressed our feelings and focused on our cultivation, which led to us having the power we do today. Now, with our fates still uncertain, how can we dare waste our time?”

Zhao Changhe knew that she was right.

It was just that meeting again in a foreign land, after a long time away from each other, made it difficult to not lose themselves a bit.

“Women can be part of your life, but don’t let them consume too much... That goes for any woman, including me,” said Xia Chichi softly. “You’re meant to roam the jianghu, testing your saber against all, commanding the wind and clouds, not getting caught up or lost in romance. Today we part, and I hope that the next time I see your name shining in the sky, it’s because you have surpassed me.”

Zhao Changhe fell silent.

Looking into Xia Chichi’s gentle eyes, the words he wanted to say were left unsaid.

They silently stared at each other for a moment before Xia Chichi smiled slightly, stood on the tip of her toes, and kissed him lightly on the lips. “Even though another woman’s scent is on you...”

She pressed her hand on his heart. “At least this part still belongs to me.”

The little witch turned gracefully and walked out the door, her ponytail bouncing as she moved. “I should get to work. I have some matters to discuss with the Yang Clan of Hongnong... Soon, the maritime proposal you submitted to the venerable might be on the agenda. The changes in the world are intensifying. Wouldn’t it be exhilarating to ride these waves together?”

Zhao Changhe did not say anything and just smiled slightly. He accompanied Xia Chichi out of the fabric store and walked down the streets of Kunlun City.

They walked together through the moderate snowfall, all the way to the outskirts of the city.

As they reached the bounds of the city, Zhao Changhe stopped and said one simple word.

“Sure.”

It was unclear if he meant that his name would shine above hers, that his heart belonged to her, or that they would navigate the turbulent waves together.

Or perhaps it was an answer to all of them.

Xia Chichi did not ask for details, nor did she linger. She used her movement art and swiftly sped away.

Dressed in white with her sword of ice, she blended into the snow. Soon, she disappeared, lost in the vast, snowy landscape.

Zhao Changhe watched her leave, standing in the wind and snow. It was only when she disappeared from his sight that he slowly turned around and headed back.

How lucky I am to have met her during our humble beginnings.

He took a long breath, clearing his mind of recent romantic entanglements, and strode back into the city.

He went back to meet with Chen One first to discuss matters related to the secret realm and coordinate with Ying Five. Then, he planned to focus on his training at the inn while waiting to see Daoist Yuxu would agree to meet with him.

Vermillion Bird snapped coldly, “Oh, so you admit to it?”

Xia Chichi deflated and obediently placed her hands on her head. “Can I kneel when we get back? It’s embarrassing with so many people watching.”

Vermillion Bird gave her a sideways glance before saying, “I’m thirsty.”

Xia Chichi quickly ran over, sycophantically picking up the teacup and blowing on it several times. “Venerable, the tea has cooled.”

“Mm-hm...” Vermillion Bird took the teacup, feeling very satisfied.

You tried to make me serve you tea, huh? Who’s serving tea to whom now, huh?!

She took a leisurely sip, savoring the coolness like drinking iced plum juice at the mouth of a volcano, and slowly said, “Forcing you to kneel as punishment might be a bit harsh...”

“Yes, yes!” Xia Chichi smiled obsequiously. “I’m a leader, after all...”

“Then let’s go with something more refined.” Vermillion Bird sighed. “Seeing that you’re so restless and impatient, you should refine your mental state. Go and copy scriptures.”

Xia Chichi was dumbfounded. “Huh?”

“Our holy cult’s Four Idols Myriad Teaching Scripture. Write it down ten times. That should help you calm your mind and stop acting like a monkey.”

“But, but... That scripture has over a thousand words...”

“So what? Ten times is just over ten thousand words, is that too much?” Vermillion Bird waved her hand. “Go on, it’s for your own good. Once you’ve finished that task and calmed down, I’ll teach you how to refine the Four Idols Sword Body. Refining a physique like that involves the intense fire element. If you’re this restless when you begin forming such a physique, you may face dangers.”

Xia Chichi never thought of herself as restless, but if her master said she was, then she was. Who was she to argue?

Since the venerable mentioned the Four Idols Sword Body and the fire element, it must mean that she’s received the essence of fire from the Fire Serpent of Yi. It seems that the Fire Serpent of Yi indeed reported me.

Just you wait, I’ll find ways to make you pay.

Xia Chichi sniffled, obediently took out a booklet, and offered it ingratiatingly. “This is the Classic of Materia Toxica from the ancient era. It should greatly benefit the lineage of the Azure Dragon. We painstakingly copied it down. Please take a look at it, venerable. ”

Vermillion Bird took the booklet and tucked it into her robe without even glancing at it. “Yes, this is very useful.”

Xia Chichi’s face lit up with joy, only to hear Vermillion Bird say, “You should also copy down the medicinal part of our Azure Dragon Sacred Scripture while you’re at it, along with this Classic of Materia Toxica. Doing this should help in your understanding of pharmacology and toxicology.”

Xia Chichi was completely dumbfounded.

She had thought that she would be praised for her achievements, but it seemed her treatment was quite the opposite.

However, the venerable kept insisting that it was for her own good. Her past teachings had always been fairly strict, so she genuinely could not tell if this was punishment or reward.

“Oh, by the way.” Vermillion Bird suddenly patted her shoulder kindly. “You’ve been traveling and must be tired. Go take a bath first, and then you can get on the tasks I’ve given you. I’ve prepared a set of clothes for you. I hope you’ll like it.”

Xia Chichi sighed in relief. Phew, the venerable is still concerned for me. She’s like a strict but caring mother. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of strictness.

She excused herself with a smile, and when she reached the guest room, she took a look around and saw a set of clothes beside the steaming hot tub. It was bright red with a gaudy gold trim, and it looked like a wedding dress.