Chapter 296: Multi-Faceted Messenger

Chapter 296: The Multifaceted Messenger

Having been mentally prepared for it, Yue Hongling's departure this time caused no great waves, though a lingering sense of melancholy and reluctance was inevitable.

Zhao Changhe knew her heart had not yet come to a standstill... it was just that her departure this time seemed somewhat hurried, as if she were fleeing from something.

Looking at the men on the martial arts field, a sudden realization dawned upon Zhao Changhe's mind, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

Who said she had no intention of staying? Was this not already a nascent sign? She was merely afraid of this very sign.

Zhao Changhe's mood suddenly brightened, and he waved his hand, shouting, "Brothers, do you want me to teach you a few moves?"

The crowd was overjoyed. "We've been waiting for those exact words from you, Boss!"

Zhao Changhe casually picked up an ordinary single-edged saber, weighed it in his hand, and smiled. "You all know the Blood Fiend Saber Technique. I'll teach you something a bit more special—the Yellow Sand Saber Technique of an Earth Rank Grandmaster. It harnesses the power of wind and sand; when it erupts, it sweeps away clouds and remnants, raising violent sands with irresistible might. When launching a sneak attack, it blends into the traces of wind and sand, silent and omnipresent, ethereal and hard to guard against... It is a highly superior saber technique. Once you learn it in the future, I suggest spreading it widely across the world so that anyone can learn it."

If Hu Lie were here, one wondered if he would spring back to life, strangle Zhao Changhe to death, and then lie back down.

But in reality, Zhao Changhe was not targeting a Hu Lie who was already finished. Rather, he had discovered that the martial arts of the prairie and desert tribes all shared very similar characteristics. For instance, Chi Li's Spirit Fox Saber Technique and the characteristics of Hu Lie's saber technique were essentially in secret alignment. Extrapolating from this, many tribes should share similar styles. Letting the martial artists of the Central Plains become more familiar with it would be beneficial in the future.

What Zhao Changhe had obtained of the Yellow Sand Saber Technique was merely its surface elements. However, with his current understanding of martial arts, he could already sort through and create a complete set of a "self-created saber technique" based on these characteristics and saber intents. This process of organizing and teaching was also a process for him to re-familiarize himself with and master the Yellow Sand Saber Technique once more.

He had acquired many sword techniques but very few saber techniques. This time was a highly beneficial supplement, offering great inspiration for the expression of his own "As is Hell" saber intent.

During this period in Beimang, Zhao Changhe had firmly resolved to spend some time accumulating and settling down, honing his saber techniques and digesting what he had gained beyond the northern border.

The "slowing down" that Tang Wanzhuang spoke of was nothing more than a process of gathering and releasing. Sweeping across the northern border on horseback left little room for sedimentation; now was the time to settle down, and it could not be rushed.

Furthermore... he was waiting for someone, having a premonition that she would come.

...

This batch of mountain bandits actually had quite a decent foundation.

They were all taught by the same teacher...

Although there were differences in individual talent, comprehension, and level of effort—and at the beginning, looking at their ragtag appearances had given Old Sun quite a headache, causing him to show particular favor to the intelligent and hardworking Zhao Changhe—Old Sun had still been very responsible. He had laid a solid foundation for each of them. Whether it was basic external martial arts or saber techniques, they wielded them with decent form, at least without losing their shape.

Having drifted through the martial world for so long, Zhao Changhe had seen people far worse than them everywhere.

After teaching everyone the saber technique for about five or six days, while Zhao Changhe's injuries were progressively healing, he also felt his comprehension of the saber technique advance by another level. What was even more delightful was that many of his men had actually made breakthroughs.

Previously, there were a few at the first tier of the Xuan Guan gateway; now, two had reached the second tier, precisely the two who had been preparing to compete on the stage earlier. As for those who had not even broken through the first tier of the gateway before, a large-scale trend of breakthroughs was now emerging.

In truth, this half-year of imprisonment had also been a form of settling and accumulating... at least it had rounded out their impetuous hearts, enabling them to suppress their temperaments and cultivate patiently.

The blossoming tide of breakthroughs put Zhao Changhe in an excellent mood. Logically speaking, a large group of men at the first or second tier of the Xuan Guan gateway would be considered an elite force even if placed within the army. He did indeed intend to cultivate this group a little; after all, they could be counted as his "direct subordinates." Where should he send them in the future? Certainly not to the army, but for the Blood God Sect.

Though the barbarians had retreated, the Central Plains showed no signs of quieting down; instead, it grew even more chaotic. In these times of chaotic warfare throughout the world, Sect Leader Xue had also ascended to the Earth Rank and would surely take action. These people were theoretically also members of the Blood God Sect, and he would have a need for this manpower.

When the time came, they would naturally serve a purpose.

Do not mistake Sect Leader Xue for a comedic figure; he was the master of a demonic sect and possessed immense brutality. Zhao Changhe had never underestimated him, and even now, he did not quite dare to knock directly on his door...

"My!" A fragrant breeze drifted past, and a giggling voice sounded by his side. "Look what I've discovered. Over a hundred elites!"

The martial arts field instantly fell into a chaotic jumble, and the men practicing their sabers almost twisted their necks turning to look.

Where did this charming woman come from? Her entire body exuded a mature and bewitching allure, just like a rose in full bloom.

Just how many bandit chief wives do you have?

Yet Zhao Changhe seemed to have anticipated this long ago, not even turning his head. "Practice your sabers, what are you looking at? Want a woman? Wait until you practice until the eighth tier of the Xuan Guan gateway, and you will have one too."

"Damn... Boss, if you want to curse us to be virgins for life, just say it directly."

"Although I was very grateful to you all back then for raising a clamor and creating a fateful bond between me and Hongling, this time I still must clarify—this lady is not my woman. I don't have the qualifications to touch her, so stop staring with those wide ox-like eyes."

Having finished speaking, Zhao Changhe finally turned his head, offering a slight smile to the newcomer. "I have been waiting for Third Sister for a long time. I originally thought that with your intelligence network here in Beimang, it would be quite easy to find me. I didn't expect it to take this long."

Third Sister watched with great interest as Zhao Changhe clarified things to his subordinates, only now smiling. "I had other business to attend to. Did you think I have nothing better to do than keep my eyes glued on you? The vanity of you."

"Fair enough." Zhao Changhe extended his hand in an inviting gesture. "Shall we go inside for a drink?"

Third Sister turned her head to look at the eager expressions of the crowd and smiled. "Inviting me into the room, aren't you afraid of being misunderstood?"

Zhao Changhe replied, "I have already finished my clarification. I can't control what others choose to think. Besides, the house isn't just a single room. I am the stronghold chief; I have my own private courtyard, alright?"

Third Sister burst out laughing. "Yes, yes, yes. The great stronghold chief who awes the entire Beimang, how majestic."

"Naturally, it cannot compare to Commander Yuan of the Yellow Sand Settlement." Zhao Changhe led the way. "Please."

Third Sister followed him into the room with great interest, watching as he brought out a pot of wine, a plate of dried beef, and a dish of peanuts. "This time it's truly my treat for Third Sister. The conditions of the mountain stronghold are ordinary, so please do not disdain its simplicity."

"As long as someone is treating, I am happy." Third Sister leisurely sipped her wine and smiled. "You knew I would come?"

"Ying Wu's cooperation with me only had an opening statement; what specifically to do next hasn't been said yet. In the end, we spoke about searching for the Dragon Elephant Blood Ginseng. I reckon he went to look for clues, and once he has them, he would naturally send a messenger to inform me. Between him and me, is there any messenger more suitable than you? After all, I recommended you to be the commander of the Yellow Sand Settlement."

"Indeed." Third Sister said softly, "The problem is that by doing so, in Batu's eyes, I might now belong to someone. Should I thank you for your recommendation, or should I give you a beating?"

Zhao Changhe was thoroughly speechless. "It was just a normal recommendation on my part. How others speculate is none of my business."

"Then what was the use of explaining and clarifying to your subordinates? Why don't you go clarify things with Batu?"

"...Who would deliberately and eagerly send a letter to clarify such a thing? To others, wouldn't that just be a guilty plea through denial?"

"I've heard people say that the reputation of any woman who comes into contact with you becomes unfortunate."

"That is not necessarily true. At least Zhuque's reputation is perfectly normal."

Third Sister blinked her eyes, almost unable to contain her laughter. It took her a long while before she said, "Let's talk about the messenger. Actually, I feel I am more suited to be a messenger between you and another person... You say Ying Wu with your mouth, but in your belly, you are thinking of Huangfu, aren't you?"

As expected, Zhao Changhe asked, "Did Yihu She ask you to bring a message to me?"

"No." Third Sister's face was expressionless. "I am Xuanwu, and she is one of the Twenty-Eight Mansions. She asks me to bring a message? Who does she think she is? On the contrary, when I went back, I gave her a beating, making her kneel down to repent, telling her she shouldn't blindly initiate a private affair with a man outside the sect!"

"Hey! She isn't a holy maiden, and furthermore, she isn't your direct subordinate. None of your business, you're controlling way too much!"

"What of it?" Third Sister countered, "Do you think Zhuque didn't beat her? It's only because the Imperial Concubine cannot be easily moved; otherwise, it would be a wonder if Zhuque didn't kill her."

Zhao Changhe said angrily, "An evil sect, full of idiots."

Third Sister said with an air of utmost seriousness, "Actually, since the two of us are so familiar, it's not impossible for me to give you some face and help you out. If you want to steal Yihu She away, I have no objections. When Zhuque loses her temper, I will help you hold her back. Consider it a return for your recommendation, how about it?"

Zhao Changhe actually acted coy for quite a while before sighing, "While I am indeed grateful for this, the problem is that Yihu She and I haven't reached that stage yet. Don't misunderstand... at most, she has a slight good impression of me, which is ten thousand miles away from the situation you all are imagining..."

"There's no misunderstanding. I already said I made her repent for her private affair, and she didn't deny it."

Zhao Changhe's eyes lit up instantly. "Really?"

Of course it was false... Third Sister was nearly bursting with internal laughter, but her face remained deadpan. "Of course it's true. I am the dignified Xuanwu; could I possibly lie?"