Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 190: Participating in a Battle Between Experts on the Ranking of Earth

Zhao Changhe did not really care whether this Fire Serpent of Yi was willing to help or not. Saber in hand, he rushed toward the battlefield.

When he arrived, he saw Gui Chen leading dozens of Daoists, grouping together in a formation similar to the Big Dipper, besieging a barbarian dressed in clothes that allowed him to blend in with the night.

There was a large hole in the roof of the main hall nearby. It looked like this barbarian had launched a surprise attack from the roof. However, Gui Chen was well prepared, countering the attack and swiftly leading the disciples to surround the barbarian.

It seemed like it was wishful thinking on my part to expect to be able to help... It turns out that it isn’t even a confrontation between two groups of people, but rather just one extremely powerful expert charging into the Taiyi Sect. Even Xuan Chong is just standing outside. It seems he’s unable to intervene unless there’s an opening in the set formation.

It was like the battle between Tang Wanzhuang and Maitreya in the sky above the Tang Clan. Ordinary people could not even get close. Even just the strong winds around them were unbearable for normal people.

The barbarian carried a heavy saber that was only slightly smaller than Dragon Bird. The saber roared and dust flew everywhere. Despite being surrounded, he showed no fear; if anything, he fought more and more fiercely as time went on. There was a sense of ferocity in his attempt to kill Gui Chen even at this point, and he was displaying remarkable courage.

Gui Chen’s expression was grave. Despite being well-prepared, he did not seem certain about defeating this opponent. The disparity between the opponent and the powerful disciples of the Taiyi Sect was simply too big. They could not even block a single blow from the opponent. They could only rely on Gui Chen to hold his ground, while just harassing him when they could.

If it were not for the advantage brought about by the formation, they would have been broken through long ago... It would be funny if the other party ended up getting killed like this...

Zhao Changhe whispered to the Fire Serpent of Yi who rushed to his side, “This person is so strong... I don’t know much about the people of the jianghu, do you know who he is?”

Vermillion Bird said calmly, “Mad Lion He Lei, ranked seventh on the Ranking of Earth. You seem to have fought his disciple, Batu.”

Zhao Changhe had indeed felt that his saber art resembled Batu’s.

So Batu actually has such a powerful master. Despite being surrounded, he’s actually still thinking of killing his target. This kind of ferocity and determination is indeed terrifying. Are all the people from the Grasslands like this? It honestly seems a bit reckless...well, more like “crazy.” Do they really think that there are no capable people left in the Central Plains?

Zhao Changhe said, “Can you handle him?”

Vermillion Bird stood up and said, “Have you ever seen the Fire Serpent of Yi on any ranking? I might not even be able to beat you.”

Are you kidding? Sure, I also consider the barbarians as enemies, but this is really not the time for us to turn hostile against one another. Does this guy really think that our Four Idols Cults are loyalists of the Great Xia or that I’m some chivalrous heroine?

Zhao Changhe was very certain that this woman who could silently appear in his room was quite strong, but he had no intention of forcing her to do anything. He grabbed Xuan Chong, who was pacing around anxiously, and said: “Brother Xuan, do you have any bows and arrows? Can you get me a set?”

Xuan Chong’s eyes lit up, “Yes, we do hunt sometimes. Just give me a moment... Wait, who is this woman? Yi...”

“I found her in the town at the foot of the mountain. She’s just dressing up a bit. I’m fond of playing around with the masks of the Four Idols Cult. I’m sorry for disturbing you with my indecency. Can we deal with the matter at hand first?”

Vermillion Bird: “...”

“Why would I care about what you do? Even if she really is the Fire Serpent of Yi, it’s none of my business. Hell, even if you could play with Vermillion Bird herself, that’s none of my business,” Xuan Chong instinctively replied before hurrying to retrieve a bow and some arrows.

Vermillion Bird clenched her fingers so tightly that her joints creaked. Little did Xuan Chong know that he had almost provoked a demon queen who could easily turn his bones into dust.

Oblivious to the mortal danger he had just avoided, he quickly fetched a bow and handed it to Zhao Changhe.

Zhao Changhe judged the distance and leaped onto the roof of a nearby building. Then, he slowly drew the bow.

Vermillion Bird moved over to his side, watching him coldly as he searched for an opportunity. She said, “Are you really going to intervene?”

“Why not? It’s not like he’s got a layer of qi protecting his body that can block arrows, right? Even if he does and it can block the shots of ordinary soldiers, I am not at all an ordinary soldier.”

“While you might be right, the threat your arrows pose to him is minimal. If he retaliates, you could easily die.”

“He is under heavy siege. If I don’t even dare shoot an arrow in such a situation, then what is the point of me practicing martial arts?”

“Don’t you think that this is a treacherous and dishonorable act? Is this something a hero would do?”

“Please, this is a war between our nations!” Zhao Changhe retorted impatiently. “Why are you asking so many questions like a curious child? If you’re not planning to do anything, then just stay quiet and watch.”

In reality, with the heightened senses that Mad Lion He Lie had, he had long discovered that there was someone who had drawn a bow and was preparing to shoot. He had no issue with having to face a sneak attack. However, Zhao Changhe’s bow simply remained drawn, serving only to apply pressure. By not releasing the arrow, he increased the psychological pressure that the other party had to face. He Lei could not determine the actual strength of the archer, so he did not dare to reveal any weaknesses, which left him more and more constrained.

In fact, at this moment, He Lei’s expression had become much more serious than before. His eyes would occasionally glance in Zhao Changhe’s direction, and he moved around much more frequently now. He avoided staying in one place for too long.

Gui Chen breathed a sigh of relief. If they continued like this, then they would eventually win.

Vermillion Bird naturally saw through everything. She had been asking questions deliberately, to play dumb.

A mere junior at the fifth layer of the Profound Gate really dares to recklessly participate in a battle between experts on the Ranking of Earth! What’s even more surprising is that he’s actually managing to effectively apply pressure on the enemy!

In terms of instinct and awareness for combat, along with his potential, I’m honestly surprised he’s only ranked eighteenth. In those aspects, he’s actually comparable to those at the top like Chi Li and Yue Hongling.

But he actually dared to roar at me...

In the midst of the battle formation, He Lei suddenly roared, “Hey! You on the roof with the bow, state your name!”

Zhao Changhe smiled faintly and said, “Wang Daozhong, Wang Clan of Langya.”

Do you think I’m stupid? If I reveal my own name, I would completely lose any of the pressure I’m placing on you.

Vermillion Bird nearly burst out laughing. Zhao Changhe’s choice of response amused her quite a bit.

Wang Daozhong was the cousin of Wang Daoning, the head of the Wang Clan. He was at the bottom of the Ranking of Earth, ranked thirty-sixth.

He Lei’s expression became even more solemn. With the strength that Wang Daozhong had, if the arrow hit him, then he really might not be able to walk away unscathed.

Moreover, this seemed to imply that the Wang Clan and the Taiyi Sect had long-standing agreements, rendering his purpose of coming here meaningless.

Though brave beyond measure, He Lei eventually had no choice and began his retreat. With a sudden swing of his heavy saber, he forced two old Daoists on his left to back off. Then, he leaped up, preparing to block any arrow that came his way as he did so.

As he leaped, the sound of a bow being released echoed through the air.

Having long anticipated this, He Lei swung his saber, but...he merely sliced through empty air!

It was just the bowstring!

He Lei had misjudged the situation, and he was now going to pay for it. Gui Chen’s sword shot at his back, aiming right for his heart. He Lei twisted his upper body sharply. The sword grazed his shoulder, causing blood to spray out of it.

He Lei staggered, then he swung his saber to fend off any following attacks that Gui Chen might send his way. He retreated as quickly as he could, leaping away like an injured lion.

Under the moonlight, his enraged roar echoed, “Wang Daozhong of the Wang Clan, I will remember this!”

Gui Chen flew up and hurriedly chased after him, saying, “His movement art seems ordinary. If we can seize this opportunity to capture him alive, it would eliminate a major threat!”

Before his words faded, a clear male voice came from the distance, “Brother He Lei, since you’ve come to Qilu, why haven’t you drank some water and wine?”

“So this is indeed a trap set by your Wang Clan! The Wang Clan truly is loyal to the Great Xia. Admirable, admirable!”

As his voice drifted away, it was unclear whether the Wang Clan had caught him.

Gui Chen shook his head and did not pursue any further.

This was most definitely not a trap set by the Wang Clan. On the contrary, they only appeared to “catch He Lei” not to help the Taiyi Sect out, but to help He Lei escape. Their intentions were more than obvious.

With He Lei having managed to escape, he would also likely realize it sooner or later.

Zhao Changhe furrowed his brow, pondering about the situation. It was like one of those situations in Hong Kong movies where the cops would show up after everything was already over. The Wang Clan making their appearance only made it difficult for Gui Chen to give chase. Something doesn’t seem right...

He raised his head and glanced at the nearby Fire Serpent of Yi whose eyes were gleaming. He asked in a low voice, “What do you think of the Wang Clan’s actions?”

Vermillion Bird smiled slightly and said, “I’m just a woman who knows nothing. Why are you asking me?”

A middle-aged man with a long beard appeared at the Daoist temple and cupped his hand politely toward Gui Chen. “Are you alright?”

Gui Chen returned the gesture and said, “Thank you for your concern, Mister Wang. Apart from a piece of our roof missing, we’re fine.”

“That’s good.” The man then turned his head to look at Zhao Changhe and said calmly, “What is the meaning of a rebel from the Four Idols Cult openly appearing here?”

Zhao Changhe instinctively stood in front of Vermillion Bird and retorted, “Who are you again? You weren’t involved in the fight with the barbarian, and now you come out and act like you own the place?”

The man was silent for a moment before slowly saying, “My surname is Wang, given name Daozhong.”