Chapter 373: With Me Around

Chapter 373: I Am Here

Zhao Changhe led Tang Wanzhuang through the city in a flurry of twists and turns, and once certain there were no pursuers, he ducked into the Great Zhou’s duck shop.

Hearing that a fierce battle had erupted at the Immortal Palace, the Great Zhou was pacing restlessly in the courtyard when suddenly a blood-soaked man and a fairy leaped down from the wall, leaving him dumbfounded: “Chief... uh, Mr. Zhao...”

Zhao Changhe said, “This place hasn’t been exposed, it’s still a good hideout... Arrange a secret room for us; we need to heal immediately.”

The advantage of having one’s own people was that there was no need to nervously flee to some desolate wilderness, facing unpredictable dangers—they had a hidden chamber ready, and someone to keep watch.

“Follow me.” The Great Zhou immediately opened a cellar, triggered a mechanism inside, and revealed a concealed little room, complete with bedding and all: “I’m ashamed to say I always thought I’d be the one hiding here someday, never imagined it would come in handy for Mr. Zhao’s healing...”

“It’s not for me, it’s for your Chief Tang.” Zhao Changhe paused, then looked at Tang Wanzhuang with a serious expression: “Did you open your third secret vault halfway? The ease with which you handled Maitreya seems off.”

Tang Wanzhuang had been watching Zhao Changhe and the Great Zhou coordinate with a smile, and now she laughed: “Not fully opened, but it’s fine...”

Zhao Changhe stared at her with a stern face, saying nothing.

Tang Wanzhuang seemed almost afraid of his stern expression and avoided his gaze, turning her head slightly: “I’ll be fine after some rest, what’s with that look?”

“Are you sure rest will be enough?”

“Mm.”

“Then I won’t go in to help you heal.” Zhao Changhe said seriously, “I have urgent matters to attend to.”

Tang Wanzhuang smiled faintly: “Mm.”

She didn’t ask what Zhao Changhe was going to do, nor did she share her own analysis. Zhao Changhe didn’t say more either, only adding: “Don’t push yourself. The world doesn’t need you to fight every battle; it won’t stop turning without you.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s beautiful eyes flickered: “Is that so...”

Zhao Changhe shot her an exasperated glare, said nothing more, and vanished.

Tang Wanzhuang knew what he had left unsaid— “I am here.”

From the moment he had shouted “Li Si’an has been rescued!” earlier, she had felt that Zhao Changhe’s confidence now surpassed even her own.

On the way here, she had secretly wondered if Zhao Changhe might use the excuse of “helping you heal” to plunge them back into that ambiguous, unspeakable atmosphere... But as it turned out, he hadn’t even considered it.

The chaos in Xiangyang—the world wouldn’t stop turning without you.

I am here.

The crown prince she had once hoped for was becoming more and more like the real thing... When he rode out to the northern frontier, he had already stepped into the game.

Was it for the sake of the nation and its people...

“Chief? Chief?” The Great Zhou’s voice jolted Tang Wanzhuang from her reverie. She coughed, slightly embarrassed: “Mm, I need to rest.”

Do you really need rest? The Great Zhou gave her a speechless look, then asked, “When did this Mr. Zhao Wang Tang join the Demon Suppression Bureau? He should be a master on the Human Ranking, yet he’s unknown to the world?”

Tang Wanzhuang: “?”

The Great Zhou: “?”

Tang Wanzhuang: “What did you call him?”

“Zhao... Zhao Wang Tang.”

Tang Wanzhuang’s face flushed red, and she stood there for a long moment without replying, then swept her sleeve and entered the secret chamber, slamming the hidden door shut.

And he says it’s for the nation and its people—what does that name mean?

The Great Zhou stood outside, pondering for a long while, until realization dawned.

What nonsense was “Zhao Wang Tang”? This was clearly Zhao Changhe, and as for which “Tang” he was looking toward—the way someone’s face had just turned red said it all.

...

“Who would have thought that a fifth-ranked Earth Ranking master, two Human Ranking experts, over a dozen top-tier martial artists at the eighth or ninth level of the Mystic Gate, and thousands of strong bows and crossbows couldn’t even force Tang Wanzhuang to unlock her third secret vault?”

Inside the Immortal Palace, the familiar Wang Daozhong paced back and forth in the hall: “It’s a pity we didn’t dare to act ourselves—the Chronicle of Chaos would announce it to the world in an instant... Who could have imagined that Maitreya would be such a waste, squandering a perfect opportunity.”

Indeed, it had been a unique chance. Tang Wanzhuang had come to Xiangyang alone, believing that the Wang and Yang families would never dare to make a move against her. Who would have guessed that this group was plotting to use Maitreya’s hand to kill her?

The thread connecting them was Lü Shiheng.

The Wang family thought Lü Shiheng was cooperating with them, using the Maitreya Heavenly Maiden as a pawn to kill by proxy; while Maitreya believed Lü Shiheng was controlled by the Heavenly Maiden. As for who was right—neither was.

In this mere city of Xiangyang, caught between the Wang family and the Maitreya Sect, Lü Shiheng knew he couldn’t stand alone; he had to choose a side. As the two powers vied for control, he would side with whoever had the greater chance of victory. So he cooperated with both, and did so flawlessly, so that even now, each side still considered him one of their own.

And if he could bring about a mutual defeat, he might even rise to power himself—it all depended on how the situation evolved. No matter how it changed, Tang Wanzhuang’s death would greatly benefit all these ambitious men.

If Tang Wanzhuang fell, who else in the Great Xia could hold things together?

Some didn’t want chaos, for the people’s lives were like grass.

Others only wished for chaos to come quickly.

Wang Daozhong continued to grumble: “That woman Vermilion Bird, with her inexplicable sense of propriety—‘This seat’s victory or defeat against Tang Wanzhuang will not be decided by the hands of rats.’ Bah! If you have such a martial heart, then go challenge Tang Wanzhuang! Hiding and skulking—who’s the rat!”

Lü Shiheng thought to himself, You have the nerve to say that to her face? I’d like to know who the rat is.

Finally, he couldn’t help interrupting Wang Daozhong’s complaints: “Second Master Wang, what do we do now?”

Wang Daozhong said, “Wait. Yang Jingxiu is crossing the river. Once he arrives, we can use him to hold off the troops stationed outside. Xiangyang’s walls are too strong to breach easily.”

Yu Cixiu’s troops were actually quite numerous; at least Xiangyang City alone couldn’t defend against them. The defeat at Lake Tai had essentially shattered Maitreya’s momentum, and now their only hope was to seize Jingchu—it was almost their entire gamble.

But if the Yang family moved south and joined forces with Xiangyang’s garrison, Maitreya’s troops would be no match.

That wasn’t what Lü Shiheng wanted to know, however. He asked, “And Tang Wanzhuang? She escaped... I actually did strike at her! When the time comes for an investigation... Should I just declare independence?”

“As long as I haven’t been exposed, we can just say you were controlled by the Maitreya Sect. The court will naturally support you, and she won’t be able to pursue it. In fact, when the time is right, she won’t have the power to pursue anything anymore...”

Lü Shiheng frowned slightly, feeling an unsettling sense of unease.

Just as he was about to say something, a personal guard rushed in to report: “City Lord! Yu Cixiu’s army is launching a night attack; they’re already twenty li from the South Gate!”

Lü Shiheng nodded to Wang Daozhong: “Second Master, please stay seated. I will personally oversee the city’s defense.”

Whether it would be defense or opening the gates remained to be seen.

But before he could leave, another guard hurried in: “City Lord! A large number of boats have appeared on the Han River; they’re crossing!”

Wang Daozhong said, “That must be the Yang family’s troops. Perfect, let them come and help with the defense...”

Before he finished, yet another guard rushed in: “City Lord! From upstream, an unknown force has emerged, charging into our riverside camp, killing everyone in sight—like a pack of madmen!”

Lü Shiheng stared in shock at Wang Daozhong, who stared back in equal bewilderment.

Where had this army come from?

Wang Daozhong made a quick decision: “You go defend the South Gate. I’ll go north to see what’s happening.”

...

On the south bank of the Han River, flames lit up the sky.

Before the internal conflict had fully erupted, the banks of the Han River had no defensive function. The camp here was merely a symbolic naval station, only recently developed in secret by Lü Shiheng, quietly preparing for civil war.

But it was still not fully established, and had never seen battle.

When Xue Canghai led the Blood God Sect’s followers charging out like a pack of tigers released from their cage, in no time at all they had razed the camp to the ground.

A group of Blood God Sect lunatics slaughtered with wild joy: “Anyone else? My blood fiend is about to break through! Haha, killing is indeed the best way to nurture a fiend!”

The routed soldiers only wished they had been born with more legs as they fled back to the city in utter panic.

Where did this pack of bloodthirsty demons come from? They’re not here to fight a war—they’re here purely to slaughter!

“Stop chasing, you little bastards! I told you the doctrine’s been changed, but you’re still clinging to the old almanac, aren’t you?” Instructor Sun roared in fury. “No pursuit! No siege! Full retreat north—block the riverbank!”

Xue Canghai’s voice rang through the army: “Search the camp! There must be fire arrows in the water fort! See those dark masses of ships over there? Shoot them, damn it!”

Yang Jingxiu, head of the Hongnong Yang clan and tenth on the Earth Ranking, stood at the prow of his boat, frowning at the blaze on the shore.

A mutiny?

The Maitreya Sect had actually colluded with another faction in advance to seize the camp and block the riverbank… From the scale of this commotion, was it the Blood God Sect? Xue Canghai?

His legitimate son Yang Bugui murmured at his side, “Father, it’s Xue Canghai.”

Yang Jingxiu glanced at him. “Weren’t you always clamoring to challenge Sect Leader Xue? Now he’s right before your eyes—want to give it a try?”

Yang Bugui replied, “This isn’t the time, Father. Something’s off here. The Blood God Sect is a subordinate of the Four Symbols Sect, and we’ve come as allies of the Four Symbols Sect. Why would the Blood God Sect turn on us?”

Yang Jingxiu furrowed his brow deeply, equally baffled.

If not for the Four Symbols Sect doing him the favor of handing over Yang Qianyuan, he wouldn’t have wanted to send troops at all. Waging war in these chaotic times didn’t serve his family’s interests. He had no desire to occupy Xiangyang, nor did it matter to him whether the Maitreya Sect breached the city.

It was only because the Wang family wanted to hold this vital stronghold of Xiangyang, and they were too far away to manage it themselves, that they hoped he would send troops to help defend it. This was purely a favor to the Wangs. Earlier, Zhao Changhe had also thought that a mere Yang Qianyuan wouldn’t be enough to secure an alliance with the Yang clan—and indeed it wasn’t. But using it as a trade for one military deployment to assist in defense—that was acceptable.

But what was happening now? The Four Symbols Sect helped us capture a traitor in exchange for one deployment of troops to assist in defense, and now their own subordinate blocks us at the riverbank, refusing to let us pass?

The Yang father and son were utterly bewildered. Unfortunately, the Four Symbols Sect’s people, claiming they “wouldn’t gang up with rats against Tang Wanzhuang,” had already fled… The only Four Symbols Sect member still with them was an ordinary representative, who stood there dumbfounded, having no idea what was going on.

Just then, Wang Daozhong arrived from the city, swooping down like a hawk striking a hall, heading straight for Xue Canghai in the formation: “So it’s the world-renowned Sect Leader Xue of the Blood God Sect. Today, I shall vanquish demons and exorcise evil!”

Xue Canghai looked up at Wang Daozhong flying toward him under the moonlight, a deep murderous glint in his eyes. “Fuck your mother! You all think I’m a pushover? Go home and fuck your mother’s cunt instead!”

The surrounding transmission elders and protectors quickly encircled Xue Canghai, forming a battle formation.

This was the Blood God Grand Formation, developed in imitation of the sacred artifact’s array disk, arranged by men, exuding a blood-chilling aura that granted a ferocious boost in power.

The Blood God Blade slashed upward. With the formation’s enhancement, Xue Canghai and Wang Daozhong clashed head-on in a mighty exchange. The thunderous impact of blade against sword echoed across the Han River.

Xue Canghai was sent tumbling backward, but he laughed uproariously: “Second Layer Secret Vault—is that all?”

Wang Daozhong was knocked back through the air, his expression one of utter shock.

Such a wild blade momentum, such a fearless presence—was this really Xue Canghai?

Could it be Zhao Changhe in disguise?

No sooner had the thought of Zhao Changhe crossed his mind than Zhao Changhe’s voice came from afar: “Yo, Master Wang is sparring with my friend?”

Wang Daozhong whirled around and saw Zhao Changhe slip in from behind, darting straight into the Blood God Sect’s military formation, shielding himself thoroughly, before poking his head out and grinning: “Master Daozhong, Uncle Yang, your tireless efforts in fighting the Maitreya Sect—this righteous deed has not gone unnoticed by our Demon Suppression Bureau.”

Suddenly, Li Si’an’s head popped up behind Xue Canghai: “That’s right! Our Demon Suppression Bureau will spread word across the land, praising your noble acts.”

Zhao Changhe continued, as if in a comedy routine: “The Maitreya Sect is attacking the south gate right now. I wonder if Uncle Yang and Master Daozhong can join forces to hold him off?”

Wang Daozhong stared at Zhao Changhe and Li Si’an, hiding in the military formation like turtles, his rage with no outlet.

How had it come to this?

Caught in the fire of public opinion, was he really supposed to go fight the Maitreya Sect now?

Then again, Yang Jingxiu wouldn’t be fooled by a brat like that. He would just turn and leave—what could Zhao Changhe do?

But then Zhao Changhe shouted toward the river: “Uncle Yang, I captured Yang Qianyuan myself. A small token, not worthy of your esteem.”

Yang Jingxiu: “…Brother Daozhong, how about we join forces against the Maitreya Sect? It would be a most satisfying deed. Shall we go together?”

Wang Daozhong choked back a mouthful of curses, not knowing what to say.

So you captured Yang Qianyuan, did you? Then what about the Kunlun legend that Wang Daozhong captured Yang Qianyuan?

It seemed a case was about to crack.

But cracking the case now was meaningless. What mattered more was that Yang Jingxiu and his son had already flown to the riverbank. Under their witness, Wang Daozhong had no choice but to fight the Maitreya Sect.

“Truly righteous, both of you.” Zhao Changhe’s laughter came from within the military formation. “Blood God Sect, hear my command! All troops, circle around to the south gate. Target—the Maitreya Sect’s flank!”