Chapter 334: I Will Help You Get Her

Chapter 334: I'll Help You Take Her

Xia Chichi was at too great a disadvantage.

The disadvantage lay in her current role as the "leader," meaning she could not simply push past her "subordinate" to crowd into a man's embrace. To act so recklessly would be to drag the dignity of the Four Symbols Sect through the dirt.

The Four Symbols Sect was no brothel, after all!

And so, as she watched that snake-vixen press against the man's chest and kiss him wantonly, she was left to do nothing but stare with wide, helpless eyes, her lungs nearly bursting with rage.

In truth, at that very moment, Huangfu Qing herself felt a pang of regret, wondering what on earth she was doing.

It seemed as though Chichi was the one showing concern for the Sacred Sect's dignity, while she, Suzaku, was acting entirely without restraint.

What a complete mess this had become.

Yet, who asked you to demand that I serve tea? It was simply too infuriating.

Thus, the identity of the Winged Fire Snake was indeed a comfortable one, casting aside so many heavy shackles.

Ultimately, she did not take things too far. After a casual, fleeting kiss, she stepped away from Zhao Changhe's embrace with a faint smile. "I shall go change my attire as well. May the Holy Maiden grant her subordinate leave to depart now?"

Utterly exhausted by life, Xia Chichi waved her hand dismissively. "Go on."

Yet she saw Huangfu Qing extract the Fire-Flame Essence from somewhere and suspend it in the air before them. "This Fire-Flame Essence was obtained by Changhe through great hardship when he entered the secret realm for the Holy Maiden's sake; it was not merely to evade Ye Wuzong. He could not carry such a scorching object, so it was temporarily placed with me. Now that it is returned to the Holy Maiden, all of this subordinate's duties regarding this journey to Kunlun are fulfilled."

Xia Chichi was stunned for a moment, then turned her head to look at Zhao Changhe.

You actually went to find this specifically for me, and you didn't even mention it before...

Zhao Changhe scratched his head, having completely forgotten about it. The moment he emerged, the shura field of jealousy had torn things apart so terrifyingly that who could possibly remember such a detail? It was likely that even Huangfu Qing had forgotten, only remembering because she subconsciously glanced at her ring when she prepared to change her clothes.

It was no wonder so many seniors always warned against becoming too obsessed with matters of the heart; it truly made it easy to ruin important affairs...

Watching Huangfu Qing sway her hips gracefully as she departed, Xia Chichi stared at the Fire-Flame Essence for a long time, her mood improving considerably. Zhao Changhe's thoughts and actions were still centered on her after all; even she had not known what this object was for, yet he had gone to seek it out for her sake.

But it was also somewhat awkward, as she could not touch something so intensely hot either; her cultivation did not belong to the fire element, so she had no affinity for it. "Why did you find this for me?"

Zhao Changhe explained, "It is for a type of Four Symbols Sword Body. You possess the Sword Core and the Ice Soul; with this added to them, it will most likely succeed."

Xia Chichi was somewhat surprised. "How do you know that? Our ancient texts do record such a sword body, but the required components are never stated in such detail."

"Uh, anyway, I just know. If you do not know how to handle it, let Huangfu keep it for now, and have the Venerable Suzaku look into how to employ it for you later."

Xia Chichi nodded. "Huangfu. Why is it not Qing'er?"

Zhao Changhe: "..."

Xia Chichi cast a sidelong glance at him. "Why have you been acting so foolishly, looking completely stiff until proper business was mentioned, as if only then your soul returned to your body? Aren't you usually quite capable of talking your way out of things?"

Zhao Changhe said helplessly, "I do not know what to say, nor do I know what to do. My mind is entirely blank."

Xia Chichi sneered. "And with a state like that, you still try to mimic a philanderer? Do you truly have what it takes?"

Zhao Changhe simply tucked his hands into his sleeves and sat honestly before her to receive his scolding, figuring he deserved it anyway; if Chichi felt better after a good lecture, then so be it.

Yet, what Xia Chichi actually said was: "This woman was most likely maliciously sent by the Venerable to drive a wedge between you and me. How much sincerity she possesses remains doubtful... Though it is not a significant issue either; a man loses nothing in such an exchange. If the Venerable dares to send her, you might as well accept her. Play with her and leave it at that, just do not casually give her your heart. The current issue is that I feel you truly do like her quite a bit?"

Zhao Changhe said awkwardly, "She was likely not sent. We had the same misunderstanding before, but there is no reason to send someone of her status..."

Hearing this, Xia Chichi's judgment wavered momentarily. It was indeed strange; even if someone were to be sent, it should not be someone of her standing.

Furthermore, this encounter at the Fiery Kunlun was an entirely genuine coincidence with no deliberate design behind it; that sparks could fly merely signified that their fate had arrived.

However, even if she had not been sent originally, now that their relationship had reached this stage, the Winged Fire Snake had naturally taken on the added mission of competing directly with the Holy Maiden, which was why she would openly flaunt herself.

But in truth, none of this had a major impact on her...

Allowing Zhao Changhe to open his heart was something she herself had advocated; otherwise, he would still be entirely innocent. While the little witch felt sour in her heart, that was merely a normal human reaction; in reality, she did not care deeply about these matters. What she truly cared about was her position within Zhao Changhe's heart.

Yet looking at this Fire-Flame Essence suspended before her eyes, radiating a cozy warmth like a campfire in this winter season... for whose sake had he risked life and limb to seek this object? And looking at his honest demeanor as he took her scolding... Xia Chichi believed that a mere Winged Fire Snake truly could not replace the bond they had forged when they knew each other in obscurity. Zhao Changhe was no ungrateful or unfaithful man; even the Ice Soul had never wavered before him.

Whether she was sent by the Venerable or they had truly fallen for each other and wished to contend, it could only be likened to throwing a meat bun at a dog—a complete waste of effort.

A malicious thought suddenly bloomed in the little witch's mind, and she lowered her voice to ask, "Have you taken her yet?"

Zhao Changhe said awkwardly, "No..."

Xia Chichi sneered. "What a useless creature. Given three days alone as a man and a woman in a secret realm, and you actually failed to lay a hand on her? Is your mouth only meant for eating?"

Zhao Changhe was dumbfounded. Chichi, what on earth are you saying? Could it be that you have been driven mad by anger?

Xia Chichi continued to lower her voice. "What if I help you take her? She looks as though she would taste quite good."

Zhao Changhe stared open-mouthed in astonishment.

Xia Chichi rolled her eyes, thinking silently to herself: Did you two truly believe you could ruin the bond between Changhe and me? Don't let it turn out that after all this time, the one Changhe enjoys is you, but the one he thanks is me.

Not only will he thank me, but the one he anticipates and remembers most in his heart will also be me.

Why did she used to take the initiative to act shamelessly with him in the past? Because at that time he had no other women, so the only one who shared intimacy with him naturally held the most unique position in his heart. But now times had changed and the little wretches had multiplied; at this moment, one had to look at things from the opposite perspective. The one who could least be touched, the one who could least be obtained, would be the unforgettable white moonlight.

Moreover, they were separated by the rules of the sect, which provided an excellent justification; it was not that she was unwilling, so the man would only cherish her more deeply in his heart.

From another perspective, playing with a certain someone's favored consort—could that not be considered a form of revenge?

At this moment, Huangfu Qing returned to the main hall after changing her clothes. She did not press close to Zhao Changhe's side again, but stepped elegantly down to stand below Xia Chichi, offering a slight bow. "Holy Maiden."

Xia Chichi turned her head to look, a flash of astonishment in her eyes.

Even when covered in blood and grime with disheveled hair earlier, she had already appeared beautiful; now that she was properly adorned, her beauty was truly celestial. Especially that nobility and majesty, an aura of a high ruler that ordinary people could never hope to feign; it was truly difficult to imagine her seductive behavior from just moments ago.

She had heard that this woman once shared an equal reputation with Tang Wanzhuang, driving countless young men of the capital into a frenzy over the two of them; looking at her now, her reputation was indeed well-deserved. No wonder Zhao Changhe had been enchanted; a woman like this truly belonged to the kind who could drive men mad with a single sidelong glance.

The more she was like this, the more one wished to see what kind of state she would be in when her hairpins were disheveled and her breath came in gasps. The little witch's heart was filled to the brim with malicious intent.

However, it was broad daylight now and there was no proper excuse; they would speak of it when night fell.

Yet she heard Huangfu Qing say, "This subordinate's business in Kunlun is concluded, and it is time to return to report to the Venerable. I specifically take my leave of the Holy Maiden."

"What is the rush?" Xia Chichi said. "Could it be that your relationship with Young Master Zhao was merely a form of exploitation, such that the moment the business is finished, you hurry away without the slightest desire to remain together?"

Huangfu Qing: "..."

"What is the matter? You were kissing just a moment ago, and I did not see you in any rush to leave then. Changing your clothes makes you want to run; I see you are afraid of this seat..."

Huangfu Qing remained expressionless. "The Holy Maiden speaks too harshly. With just these few abilities of yours..."

Unable to bear the sight, Zhao Changhe covered his face with his hands.

Yet Xia Chichi did not take offense, saying leisurely, "It is fine as long as you are not afraid. Stay a while to amuse us. You may keep this Fire-Flame Essence for now and give it directly to the Venerable later; I shall also consult her regarding the matter of the sword body when I return."

Huangfu Qing reclaimed the Fire-Flame Essence without any expression on her face.

I shall certainly deliver it to the Venerable for you. When the time comes to fashion the sword body, we shall see how I can make things difficult for you.

How could Xia Chichi know what a tragic future awaited her? She was currently saying, "Speaking of which, we have proper business to attend to. Now that everything is put in order, let us deliberate on whether it would be best to pay a formal visit to the Saint of Thieves."

The moment these words were spoken, the bizarre atmosphere in the hall dissolved instantly. Zhao Changhe let out a great sigh of relief; proper business was good, proper business was excellent.

He immediately chimed in, "I believe we need to pay a formal visit to his residence. Though this occasion was described as a game, to put it plainly, it was due to the Saint of Thieves' magnanimity that he did not press matters too closely with us; it would not be incorrect to say he allowed us to win. Both in terms of reason and propriety, we ought to go to his door to offer our thanks, otherwise it would display a lack of manners."

Huangfu Qing watched the young couple deliberate with a smile; the martial world was built on human relationships and worldly wisdom, and these two youngsters were handling it well enough.

Xia Chichi said, "Then the two of us shall make the trip; I also have certain sectarian matters to formally discuss with the Saint of Thieves. As for the Winged Fire Snake..."

Huangfu Qing smiled faintly. "This subordinate can simply watch over the courtyard and guard the residence."

Xia Chichi said, "No, you shall come with us to provide support from the outside."

Huangfu Qing knew exactly what she meant, yet deliberately asked, "To fight?"

Xia Chichi explained, "Not to respond to a fight, but to be ready at any moment to leave the city as soon as we hear something amiss."

Huangfu Qing asked, "What does that mean?"

"The Thief Saint may have bearing, but his moods are unpredictable; we can't tell if he'll turn hostile. And our Four Symbols Sect is not to be trifled with—he will have reservations. So as long as someone is outside, he cannot silence everyone in an instant, and thus dare not act rashly."

From the perspective of her master and the sect, Huangfu Qing was pleased—Chichi had indeed grown, acting with thoroughness.

In truth, she was not at all afraid of Ye Wuzong in a real fight, but this feeling of being arranged to do things from Chichi's subordinate angle was quite novel, rather interesting.

Huangfu Qing even got a bit addicted to the act, the awkwardness of the bow gone, and she bent in response: "Yes. The Saintess has thought it through thoroughly."

Zhao Changhe also let out a sigh—what a good atmosphere, wasn't it?

As for Ye Wuzong... Zhao Changhe actually still had some unfinished business.

He wanted to probe whether he could find clues about the Heavenly Book... Ye Wuzong most likely didn't have any, but what about Yuxu Zhenren? How to find Yuxu Zhenren might require an introduction from Ye Wuzong.

Zhao Changhe suddenly recalled the woodcutter he had met on the mountain earlier—could it be him?