Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 435: Entering Shu

Yue Hongling had mentioned that after visiting the Sword Hut, she intended to go to Miaojiang. At the time, the Battle of Xiangyang had not yet erupted, and Yue Hongling did not know that Zhao Changhe was close by. If she had to flee, her instinctive reaction would have been to head toward Miaojiang, considering her original plan. She was likely still there.

Although a lot of time had passed, it was not clear whether she had left or not. Either way, going there should at least yield some clues, and if she was still there, that would be even better.

In fact, if there had been no disruptions, Yue Hongling would have normally gone to the Sword Hut and then Miaojiang, and Zhao Changhe would have done the same. If they met, it would be like they had been drawn together by fate despite having different goals. But now, Zhao Changhe’s thoughts were far from such romantic notions.

Miaojiang was vast and looking for a single person there was nothing more than searching for a needle in a haystack.

He could only hope that both Yue Hongling and Shi Wuding were known well enough that inquiring about them would lead to some clues.

Now that he was not alone, finding people should be a bit easier than before.

Zhao Changhe passed through Ba into Shu, entering the Sichuan region. His first stop was at a famous jewelry shop, the designated meeting place with Li Sian, though he was not sure if Li Sian had arrived yet.

When he arrived, Li Sian was already inside, examining some jade. “The quality of these pieces look a bit off... Has there been trouble over there too? These pieces all seem flawed... Oh? You’re here already?”

Zhao Changhe strode in. “I was worried you might not have arrived. Good to see you here.”

Noticing Zhao Changhe’s troubled expression, Li Sian raised an eyebrow and asked, “Is something wrong?”

“The Sword Hut’s base was empty. It looks like they relocated. Did you know?”

“We just found out recently...”

“Why is the intel so delayed?”

Li Sian sighed, putting down the jade he was holding. “The Sword Hut is made up of a bunch of reserved swordsmen. Just think of Han Wubing. While most of the Sword Hut’s members aren’t as reclusive as him, they are still pretty similar in temperament. They rarely interact with outsiders, so it’s not unusual for people in the jianghu to hear next to nothing about them. When it comes to a secluded sect such as theirs, even if they were wiped out, it would take quite some time for anyone to even notice.”

Zhao Changhe sneered. “They rarely interact with outsiders? Could it be because they are mostly preoccupied elsewhere, busy with other activities?”

Li Sian was puzzled. “What do you mean?”

Zhao Changhe said directly, “I suspect that the Sword Hut might be a front for the Snow-Listening Pavilion... It’s just a guess, but Yue Hongling fought with them, and I found some who were killed by her sword. I personally examined the bodies.”

Li Sian’s expression shifted. “What...”

He glanced around and then pulled Zhao Changhe into a private room. “When you’re in Bashu[1], you must be careful with such talk... While the members of the Sword Hut rarely appear in the jianghu, many prominent families in these areas have sought guidance from them. Even the military and members of the Demon Suppression Bureau have sought instruction. They may not be officially listed as disciples, but the Sword Hut’s influence is far-reaching, even though they keep a low profile.”

Zhao Changhe narrowed his eyes. “They rarely interact with outsiders, yet many people go there for instruction...”

“Maybe it’s about cultivating an aura of exclusivity?” Li Sian smiled. “They’re trying to build themselves up as the sacred land of swordsmanship in Bashu.”

“So, their relocation...”

“I don’t know how much weight your speculation holds, but even if it were Yue Hongling who spread this unsubstantiated claim, it would not have much of an effect on the Sword Hut. Even though she has a solid reputation, she’s still just a rising star in the jianghu. Because of that, it’s unlikely that she’d be able to shake a deeply rooted sect like Sword Hut. I trust what you’re saying, but what can I do with it? It’s not like I can take it at face value and act upon it. It’s just something to keep in mind.”

Zhao Changhe nodded. “True. So, the relocation wasn’t likely solely due to that?”

“It’s possible that they feared their connection to the Snow-Listening Pavilion would attract enemies, which could have increased the chance of problems. So, relocating may have been a precaution...” Li Sian pondered. “But I doubt that was the main reason. It seems a bit excessive to relocate the whole sect just for that.”

Zhao Changhe calmed down, finding that Li Sian’s words made sense.

Li Sian continued, “That means the battle with Yue Hongling might not have been due to her discovering their connection to the Snow-Listening Pavilion. There could be another reason. Furthermore, you don’t even know if the fight happened before or after the relocation, right?”

“Mm...” Zhao Changhe suddenly found the situation somewhat amusing.

Back when he ventured beyond Yanmen Pass, he had also rushed out thinking Yue Hongling was in danger, only to realize later on that she was in much less danger than he thought. After all, it was not easy to catch someone in the vast wilderness of the steppe.

This time was similar. His first reaction was always to worry about her safety. But after a bit of analysis, things did not seem as dire as he had thought. Even if Shi Wuding was pursuing her, as long as she managed to shake him off and hid in Miaojiang, it would be just as difficult to track her as it was beyond Yanmen Pass.

Yue Hongling was not someone who needed others worrying about her. She had far more experience in the jianghu than Zhao Changhe. Yet somehow, he could not help but worry for her safety more than anyone else.

Perhaps it was because people like her, wandering the world, gave off a sense of being rootless, as if they were constantly teetering on the edge of life and death. It evoked a deeper sense of concern.

Li Sian said, “I’ll send a message to inform the bureau chief about the Sword Hut’s possible connection to the Snow-Listening Pavilion, just so she’s aware. As for Miaojiang, how can I help you?”

“I mainly need your help tracking down leads on Yue Hongling. It would be difficult for me to find her on my own.”

“Aren’t you heading to Miaojiang to find the entrance to that secret realm?”

“...How can you help with that? If it was so easy to find, then Ying Five would have already gone there himself.”

“At the very least, I can set you up with an identity that will make it easier to get by over there. Do you think any random outsider can just walk in and blend in?”

“A merchant caravan, I suppose?”

“Exactly. I’ve had long-term business dealings with one of the major local leaders, Lei Ao. While you may not be treated like a VIP, they’ll at least give you some small favors. Finding someone will be much easier with their help. As for locating the secret realm, well... You’re more qualified than we are in that regard.”

“Alright...” Zhao Changhe thought for a moment. “Is this merchant identity easy to arrange? What if I pretend to be someone else?”

Li Sian asked, intrigued, “What are you up to now?”

“How about you introduce me as the famous Wang Daozhong from the Wang Clan? Do you think they’d buy that?”

“I... suppose it could work.” Li Sian could not help but laugh. “It might actually be better. If I say you’re part of my group and you get into trouble over there, I’d be dragged into it. But if you’re Wang Daozhong, and I merely introduced you as a business contact for the sake of courtesy, then even if you cause problems there, I can wash my hands clean.”

Zhao Changhe was quite pleased. “Then it’s settled.”

Li Sian added, “Wang Daozhong got into trouble with the Yang Clan, and after being rescued from prison, it would make sense for him to be sent to Miaojiang to open new business avenues. It’s perfectly reasonable...”

“Mm-hm.”

“But you should at least make some effort to disguise yourself. Don’t treat people like they’re idiots. For instance, you should probably grow some facial hair at least,” Li Sian eyed him up and down. “And I’ll get you a proper scholar’s robe...”

Zhao Changhe sighed. “Someone once told me if I kept doing sloppy disguises, they’d beat me up. Don’t worry.”

At this point, Zhao Changhe had long forgotten his early promise not to live life behind someone else’s face.

He honestly just could not help himself; pretending to be Wang Daozhong was just too damn funny.

Li Sian found a set of clothing in Wang Daozhong’s usual style and helped procure a fake beard. Zhao Changhe pulled out some bottles and powders to carefully apply the disguise.

After a good look in the mirror, he was quite pleased.

Well, well, I really do look a lot like Wang Daozhong now.

Li Sian, meanwhile, was busy overseeing the loading of the carts. “We’re mainly transporting Shu brocade over there to trade for jade and precious stones. But recently, the quality of the jade has been awful. I was planning to head over myself to see what’s going on—whether Lei Ao is trying to pull a fast one on me, or if our people stationed in Miaojiang have been pocketing the profits and giving us subpar goods. It’s perfect timing for me to introduce you to them as well.”

Zhao Changhe peeked outside at the group of people loading the carts. There were quite a few of them. “Are these all agents of the Demon Suppression Bureau? Or are they part of the Mounted Brigand Brotherhood?”

“I wish the Demon Suppression Bureau had that many people. Some of these are brothers from the Brotherhood, while others are local hires. What, you don’t trust them?”

“Well...” Zhao Changhe stored Dragon Bird back into his ring and pulled out Dragon Emperor, fastening it to his waist. “From now on, call me Mister Daozhong.”

Dragon Bird, now inside the ring, began sulking.

Just days ago, it felt like it was going to be in the spotlight, yet now it was being shelved?

Feeling a bit rebellious, Dragon Bird was about to protest when Zhao Changhe’s calming thought came through. “I’m just playing a role for now. When a real fight comes up, you’ll be my ace.”

Dragon Bird grumbled but stayed silent.

Strange... This guy really bothers to even explain himself to his saber. He’s definitely not like Xia Longyuan.

Li Sian grinned. “There’s still some time before the carts are ready. How about we grab some food? You can get used to being Mister Daozhong.”

Zhao Changhe looked around and, seeing no reason not to, followed Li Sian out toward a nearby tavern.

They had barely taken a few steps when a voice from the street called out in surprise, “Mister Daozhong? When did you arrive in Bashu?”

Zhao Changhe turned to see a scholar dressed in long robes, accompanied by a few attendants, looking genuinely astonished to see Wang Daozhong here.

A series of ellipses filled Zhao Changhe’s mind. I don’t know you! How am I supposed to handle this?

Li Sian’s voice reached his ear via a secret sound transmission, “That’s Xie Ruhai, the secretary of Di Muzhi, the governor of Shu Commandery.”

Zhao Changhe’s thoughts shifted.

Xie Ruhai, huh? Well, this guy isn’t much of a concern, but Di Muzhi, the prefectural governor[2], has another identity that would be of great interest to people in the jianghu.

After the deaths of figures like He Lei, Cai Wenque, and the Maitreya Cult leaders, those from the Ranking of Man quickly filled spots on the Ranking of Earth. The gatekeeper to the Ranking of Earth was no longer Wang Daozhong, and the top spot on the Ranking of Man was no longer held by Vulture Beak. Instead, it was now held by the former fourth-ranked.

No matter how they ascended, whether through luck or skill, being at the top of a ranking made one stand out.

The former fourth-ranked of the Ranking Man, now the first, just so happened to be Di Muzhi, the governor of Shu Commandery.

1. This is simply a term used to refer to the ancient states of Ba (巴) and Shu (蜀) collectively. This is a region associated with modern-day Chongqing and Sichuan. ☜

2. Note that though the term has been coined as prefectural governor, these are governors of commanderies. Ancient China has a rather complicated line of names for regions and their administrators, but just know that prefectural governors and governors of commanderies are one and the same. ☜