112: Chapter 110 Tang Buqi 112: Chapter 110 Tang Buqi Zhao Changhe absentmindedly rode his horse back to Yangzhou City.

The matter of transforming his meridians was so important to him that his mind had become messier than usual, and he was distracted all the way.

It wasn’t until he reached the city and was awakened by the hustle and bustle, which vaugely surrounded him, that he criticized himself for not being calm enough.

Thus, he couldn’t deride others for foolishly believing in cults.

It was just a matter of whether or not they hit the thing you care most about in your heart.

On reflection, even Cui Wenjing, who had immense power, believed that only heavenly materials and earthly treasures could make such transformations, and Tang Wanju, who controlled the national martial arts resources, also avoided the subject.

How could a mere worldly sect resolve this so easily?

If it were possible, the cost would likely be unbearable.

Either they really had some treasure, and you’d have to utterly demean yourself to access such resources, which seemed less likely; or more probably, it was merely a scam.

When you desire something, it naturally erodes your guard gradually, sliding step by step toward an abyss from which you cannot extricate yourself.

Last night, overhearing Wan Dongliu and Tortoise discuss controlling through secret techniques, combined with today’s mention of someone coming to “transmit the technique,” was almost certainly about having a Heavenly Girl to accompany you in passing the teachings through fluid exchange…

Since he had desires, he naturally wouldn’t strongly refuse.

And then, these kinds of dual cultivation replenishing techniques often involve soul control, or they make you extremely addicted and unable to leave.

It seemed mostly likely such schemes.

Zhao Changhe scoffed at himself, it seems he still had some worth…

As he pondered, a shout suddenly came from above on the right side, “Is the horse rider beneath the bridge Bloodthirsty Shura, Zhao Changhe?”

Turning, Zhao Changhe saw it was an inn; there were no walls, doors, or windows upstairs, just an open hall for guests to drink and enjoy the view.

A young man stood on the railing, looking down disdainfully.

Following the young man was Wan Dongliu, who appeared anxious as he pulled on him, “Brother Tang, brother Tang, good relations make good fortune…”

It appeared Wan Dongliu had invited him for a meal, and now, seeing him, Zhao Changhe, walking under the bridge, this man, for some reason, decided to provoke.

Zhao Changhe stated indifferently, “I am Zhao Changhe, but no Shura.

And you are?”

The young man proudly said, “Tang Buqi from Gusu.”

“I see,” Zhao Changhe waved his hand dismissively, “You’re twenty-four and ranked 128 on the Hidden Dragon List.

You should spend more time learning from your sister and quit boozing around.”

“Sister?” The youth choked up, then said woodenly, “The Tang head is my aunt on my father’s side.”

“Cough, cough, cough…” Zhao Changhe nearly choked on his own saliva, the image of Yuan Yang flashed in his mind, musing why she didn’t hold a higher generational position — it would be amusing to see a bunch of white-bearded old men calling her ‘Granny.’ Hmm, maybe there really was, just not seen.

This stray thought passed quickly, and he mockingly said, “Nice nephew, Yangzhou is for adults to play, go back to your milk.”

Tang Buqi became furious, “Defiant one, still daring to spout nonsense!

Take this sword!”

A stream of spring water fell from the sky, aiming straight for Zhao Changhe on his horse.

The railing of the upper floor was crowded, bystanders paused, craning their necks to see.

This was a rare sight—a duel among the heroes of the Hidden Dragon List!

“Brother Wan,” someone in the inn said, “That young master Tang’s sword seems very slow to me, I could dodge it.”

Wan Dongliu just smiled slightly and sipped his wine without responding.

In fact, no response was needed, because before the man finished speaking, the Dragon Sparrow suddenly unsheathed on Zhao Changhe’s back and struck next to Tang Buqi’s sword.

Though it seemed to be a few inches apart, a sudden ring of metal clashing vibrated.

On closer inspection, a sword and a blade had met precisely, as if Tang Buqi had shifted his sword path at the last moment, as if presenting it for Zhao Changhe to chop.

Instant uproar in the inn.

This duel between practitioners of the Mystical Gate Fourth Layer was already beyond the understanding of many!

Tang Buqi was unable to withstand the force midair and flew back, landing steadily on the inn’s railing, his piercing gaze now fixed on Zhao Changhe below, his disdain gone, replaced with a grave intensity.

He could indeed see through the Spring Water Sword Technique at a glance…

His sword momentum, perhaps it was an illusion, but it also seemed to contain a hint of Tang family style?

The one who questioned earlier about the slowness of Tang Buqi’s sword had gone mute, now aware that if it were he receiving that strike, his throat would probably be a bloody hole.

He looked at Tang Buqi’s silhouette with some veneration and quietly asked Wan Dongliu, “Brother Wan, how would you explain this sword and this blade?”

Wan Dongliu explained smilingly, “The Spring Water Sword Technique is elusive and unpredictable.

If you really could discern its path, you’d be among the ranks of the Hidden Dragon.

Moreover, Brother Tang’s sword has its own unique presence, already possessing the spirit of a great master, even I would struggle to handle it.”

Tang Buqi, hearing this, turned back slightly, nodding in acknowledgment, accepting the praise.

After all, visibly being pushed back by a single strike indicated a disadvantage, but with Wan Dongliu’s comment, he didn’t lose face.

Wan Dongliu continued, “And Brother Zhao’s blade that broke through illusion to strike at the essence, reflects the keen combat intuition honed through bloody battles in the Worldly Society, not something ordinary people can match.

If you or I were in his place, it would be impossible to handle it with such ease.

What’s most praiseworthy is that Brother Zhao seems to have grasped the technique of Gangrou Bijing.

In my view, his ranking of eighty-eight on the Hidden Dragon List is too low and should be higher.”

Zhao Changhe looked up at him, smiled, and accepted the gesture graciously.

“Help me show off, why don’t you…

Otherwise, I didn’t want to hurt Tang Wanzhuang’s little nephew.

This cut doesn’t seem very strong, this show-off won’t work out, it’d be nice to have an amazed bystander explaining things…”

It was hard to tell whether this last remark was a hint to others about Zhao Changhe’s changed circumstances implying some malice, not easy to judge.

As Zhao Changhe’s thoughts turned, he laughed heartily and rode away on his horse.

“Nephew, your sword is not bad, it still needs some polishing.”

Tang Buqi shouted angrily, “If I hear you speaking disrespectfully to my elders again, it’s going to be you and me till death!”

It seemed because he had trash-talked his aunt a few times in the past, this youngster was troubling him over familial respect…

His aunt didn’t even care, what are you fussing over…

But this reason was okay, Zhao Changhe casually waved his hand, and leisurely rode across the bridge, disappearing in the blink of an eye into the alleyways.

He soon realized he had overestimated these young masters.

Not long after he left, a middle-aged man stopped him at the end of the street.

“Former wanted criminal, rides through the busy streets, brawls with a sword…

Sir, you should come with us to the Demon Suppression Department.”

“…

” This Tang Buqi didn’t persist face-to-face, but he actually manipulated the Demon Suppression Department behind the scenes to capture me.

Is this what modern city novels are like?

Zhao Changhe was speechless.

He had planned to contact the Demon Suppression Department to report his situation, but he couldn’t outright ask where the Demon Suppression Department was located, rendering his plan unfeasible.

It seems the department wasn’t so reliable after all.

“My warrant has been revoked, and my identity now is that of an ordinary person.

If you arrest me for brawling with a sword, then what about Tang Buqi provoking with a sword?

Is the Demon Suppression Department of the Imperial or Tang family?”

The middle-aged man felt somewhat embarrassed, glanced at the onlookers from afar, and finally said, “Sir, your warrant being revoked was a gesture of face for the Cui Family, it does not imply a pardon of innocence.

Besides, sir, you have a bandit background, why enter the city?

It’s part of our duty to inquire clearly.”

“I entered the city for the pursuits of Yangzhou’s pleasures and people of Jiangnan.” Zhao Changhe reined his horse onto another path, no longer caring to engage, “Now that I’ve seen both, the pleasures are commendable, the people mediocre.”

The middle-aged man sighed helplessly and suddenly transmitted secretly: “The Maitreya Sect has Spiritual Illusion Techniques that make you believe they are trustworthy and close, remember, be cautious and don’t trust easily.”

Zhao Changhe was stunned momentarily but maintained a resentful expression on his face and rode away.

Apparently, this man was truly a close confidant of Tang Wanzhuang, probably aware of his own secret agent status.

He too wanted to communicate but had no chance, complying with Tang young master’s spoiled request actually provided an opportunity to meet openly.

This city…

it seemed like everyone is living a tiresome life, all putting on a show whether righteous or demonic.

Dark clouds gathered overhead, suffocating everyone below.

Meanwhile, Yue Hongling had followed Zhao Changhe into the city, and when Zhao Changhe got entangled with Tang Buqi, she, not wishing to be discovered by Wan Dongliu and others, pondered briefly before heading to Xiao Xiang Inn.

After a brief investigation, she indeed soon found several women laughing and changing, all exuding a strong aura of the Maitreya Sect’s cultivation techniques.

One was particularly tall and handsome, her features bringing out a vibrant vitality after a slight makeover.

Several old madams happily dressed her in a red samurai outfit and tied her hair into a ponytail, fixing her neckline, “Look at this, isn’t she just the spitting image of Yue Hongling?”

Figuring this was the so-called ‘Heavenly Girl’, even Yue Hongling had to admit, she really did resemble her.

Heavenly Girl said, “The main thing is that this vitality is hard to imitate, we’re not that type…

And if things really get romantic, what posture should be used?

That can’t be hidden.”

“It doesn’t matter, his mind is full of concerns about meridian issues now, with a secret admirer comforting and preaching, he would only sink deeper into belief.

After all, what Yue Hongling is like in bed, he doesn’t know, right?

You being a bit extra is just because you like him.”

Yue Hongling: “…”

It’s bearable, but this is unbearable, you’re not just impersonating, you’re actually trying to make Zhao Changhe believe he’s being intimate with Yue Hongling!

The Heavenly Girl adjusted herself, looked in the mirror and smiled, “Indeed quite alike, even I can hardly tell the difference.”

Everyone laughed, “How well could he really know Yue Hongling?

With a little guidance and the secret technique, he wouldn’t be able to tell at all.

I heard he’s now caught up fighting with Tang Buqi at the bridge, you might as well wait in his room.

Once he opens the door, the secretly admirering girl sitting there, the guy would probably be absolutely smitten.”

A group of them laughingly escorted the Heavenly Girl into Zhao Changhe’s room, then dispersed.

The Heavenly Girl, in the room, casually struck a few poses to find the feel of Yue Hongling, suddenly her vision blurred, and it seemed as if another Yue Hongling appeared in the mirror.

She turned in shock, her vision darkened, and she lost consciousness.

Zhao Changhe, weighed down by his thoughts, returned to Xiao Xiang Inn and pushed open his room door.

Yue Hongling sat at the table, pouring herself a drink, and upon seeing him enter, she slightly smiled, “Back?”

Damn, this illusion technique is freakishly realistic!

Zhao Changhe’s heart raced, this damn well was too much like Yue Hongling!

————

PS: Tonight to ~12 o’clock.