Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 117: You're Too Weak

When they thought of this, everyone could not help but find Zhao Changhe particularly intriguing. He had taken the risk of getting seriously injured, yet he had actually moved to break the fight between the two rather than favoring Yue Hongling.

When Xuan Chong had moved to save Tang Buqi, he had directly struck out against Batu, but no one thought that he had done something inappropriate. After all, why would anyone care about how he went about saving someone on his side? The struggles between nations were of greater importance than minor scuffles between internal forces. In fact, he could be considered magnanimous for not jumping into the battle and cutting down Batu.

However, Zhao Changhe had actually not chosen to throw his saber at Chi Li’s head but rather right between the two fighters, preventing the possibility that the two fighters were unable to control themselves and ended up taking each other’s lives. This was what the referee of a competition would do. There was nothing wrong with it from any possible perspective.

And precisely for that reason, it was difficult to understand what he was thinking. Even if he wanted to sacrifice his life for honor, or if he was confident that he could severely injure himself to take his opponent down, his family and friends would find it hard to think this way. Due to his actions, those from the foreign race behind Chi Li might even start feeling sympathy for him.

Some people felt that what he had just done was even less appropriate than Xuan Chong.

The action he had carried out was much riskier than simply favoring Yue Hongling. Refereeing was not a job that just anyone could do, any mistakes could mean the wannabe judge being the one ending up on the ground. So, was doing something like that really necessary?

No one believed that Zhao Changhe had acted out of righteousness. Everyone believed that he had done such a thing to prevent the perception that Yue Hongling had received assistance against Chi Li. In this regard, Yue Hongling should be thankful as he would rather take more risks himself.

Just how much does he like Yue Hongling?

People could not help but sneak glances at Yue Hongling, who was quietly applying medicine to herself to stop the bleeding. They could not help but think, Miss Yue, these actions of his are no different than an open declaration of love. By the way, he even got a stronghold mistress who looked just like you, isn’t that scandalous? Are you going to do something about it?

We’ve been waiting to see this moment for a long time...

Yue Hongling did not mention whether or not she was confident in trading injuries for her opponent’s life. In the end, her response was as follows, “I am grateful for you stopping our fight at the critical moment. But don’t you know that it’s very dangerous for you to do this kind of thing?”

Zhao Changhe laughed and replied, “You saved my life back at Zhao Village.”

Yue Hongling was speechless.

Zhao Changhe continued, “What’s so dangerous about throwing a saber from afar? I just threw my saber because it was faster. If it had been faster to charge over, then I would have done that instead! If you see your savior about to go down in their fight against someone, what is there to hesitate about? If you hesitate, then what’s the point in being in this world or talking about chivalry? It would be better for you to just go back home and get drunk on milk!”

Xuan Chong nodded slightly, “He is a member of my generation.”

Someone in the crowd muttered, “Is it really just repaying a favor, I wonder... I’m afraid he had something greater in mind...”

Yue Hongling turned her head slightly.

Well, what was supposed to be a heroic act had turned into this corny farce. She could not help but feel sorry for Zhao Changhe.

Zhao Changhe looked around the crowd. He did not know who had just spoken up, and he did not bother trying to find out. He loudly declared, “So what?! The whole world knows about how I wanted to make Yue Hongling my wife. What’s wrong with that? I can’t just bring myself to stand by and watch as this foolish woman, who calls herself a hero, wants to go down with someone. What are you going to do about it?!”

Here it is!

As expected, bandits are direct!

Zhao Changhe simply looked at Yue Hongling. “Anyway, you’ve probably heard about it yourself. Well, I’ll just ask you directly. Do I have a chance, yes or no?”

Countless people eagerly looked at Yue Hongling, as if this question was even more captivating than the earlier intense battle between the First and Second Hidden Dragons. Even Chi Li, who was similarly tending to his wounds, smiled and looked over with interest.

Endless trials and the eternal cycle of life and death could be quite tedious.

Observing such romantic entanglements was an amusing diversion every now and then.

Yue Hongling was looking at Zhao Changhe, and she recalled the discussion they had earlier.

“Should we first discuss how we are going to act when we meet in front of others?”

“So... should I really pursue you?”

“If I reject you, that would be the end of it, right?”

The words he had just said were in accordance with their earlier discussion. This could indeed bring an end to the rumors and gossip that had surrounded their relationship for so long. However, when her turn to respond came, she could not bring herself to say the words that had reached her lips.

Rejecting him publicly, in front of so many people, would make him look pitiful. If she did that, he would become everyone’s laughingstock.

But agreeing? She genuinely did not have that kind of sentiment, much less any plans for such relationships for the time being.

Looking into Zhao Changhe’s eyes, they remained clear and even seemed to contain a hint of amusement, as if he was saying, “How do you like my script? Is my performance convincing? Come on, it’s your turn.”

It was unclear how much time passed, perhaps just a few breaths, but amidst the eager anticipation of the crowd, Yue Hongling finally spoke, “My heart still desires to roam the world. I have no intention of choosing a partner for the time being.”

Even though he had expected this answer, Zhao Changhe still could not help but sigh a little inwardly. He said, “I understand—”

Before he could finish speaking, Yue Hongling suddenly added, “But...”

Zhao Changhe: “?”

Everyone’s ears pricked up.

“If I were to seek a partner, he does not necessarily need to have great strength. Instead, I would want someone with a heart filled with chivalry and courage, who is committed to safeguarding the nation and the people, and who is willing to help the weak and oppose the strong. Only if our hearts align in this way can I bring myself to journey with him to the ends of the world.”

The crowd collectively let out a satisfied “Ohhhhh.” Indeed, this was very much in character for Yue Hongling. In any case, it was unthinkable for her to ask about dowry or whatever material possessions.

Yue Hongling said slowly, “Brother Zhao, you have the courage... But in the presence of foreigners, who act arrogantly and rely on their strength to bully others, you can’t even bring yourself to stand against Batu. Is it because you see him as stronger than you and are afraid of him”

Batu: “?”

Why are you suddenly calling me out? I was just enjoying the show from the side here. I’m just minding my own business...

Oh, wait, this actually does seem to be a part of our business. We originally came here to show off our strength and trample the hidden dragons of the Central Plains. We’re enemies. I almost forgot about it while watching the show just now...

Zhao Changhe looked at Yue Hongling inexplicably, as if saying, “This was not what we agreed upon earlier. What are you doing?”

Yue Hongling looked right back at him calmly. It was difficult to tell her true intentions.

Zhao Changhe shook his head slightly, turned to look at Batu, and chuckled, “Of course there is a reason why I haven’t taken action against him.”

Yue Hongling asked, “Oh? Why is that?”

Zhao Changhe took a few steps, stretched out his hand to caress the hilt of Dragon Bird, which was stuck into the ground, and said slowly, “He is too weak. He is only qualified to bully my eldest nephew. He has no value to me, even as a whetstone. Why would I bother?”

Tang Buqi: “...”

Batu: “?”

The crowd looked at each other in shock.

Why would you bother??

Hey, you shouldn’t just see Batu as the 99th hidden dragon. Even if he is eleven places lower than you on the ranking and you think you are better than others, he has shown his strength just now. His cultivation has clearly reached the fifth layer of the Profound Gate. Meanwhile, you still haven’t even broken through to the fourth layer, right? You may have higher potential than him, but you might not be able to compare to him in combat power right now.

You’re both on the same level and challenging someone with higher cultivation than you is a difficult feat. It would be incredibly impressive if you could hold your own against him, yet you dare to say that he is too weak for you to even raise your saber?! Do you think this is the same as when you were sparring over a trivial matter?

Zhao Changhe had indeed been merely acting when he had said this. His original intention for not getting involved had been to observe Wan Dongliu’s actions, but unforeseen events had disrupted his plan. With Batu having fun on the side, his plan of observing Wan Dongliu had become moot. Given the current situation, he could not appear cowardly.

Dragon Bird has long wanted to battle Batu... Are you happy?

Zhao Changhe firmly gripped the handle of his saber. “Well, no matter, I might as well go ahead. I’m Zhao Changhe of the Central Plains. Please enlighten me, Batu.”

Chiang!

A dragon’s roar erupted from the excited Dragon Bird.

Batu had long since become infuriated at Zhao Changhe’s words. Veins popping out on his forehead, he stepped forward with his saber. “Alright, let me see what gives you the right to call me weak!”

Zhao Changhe glanced at him and said with a chuckle, “But you really are weak. Go ahead and make the first move.”

Chi Li cleared his throat and cautioned, “Batu, be careful. He’s provoking you. Don’t fall for it...”

But it was already too late, Batu was so angry that smoke seemed to be coming from his head. “All you’ve ever managed to do was push my saber aside when you saved your little nephew’s ass. Do you really think that means you’re stronger than me? Take this!”

His loud roar covered up Chi Li’s warning. He raised his saber and slashed diagonally, from the upper right to the lower left.

The whistling sound of the saber was like a violent wind, and the terrifying power it brought with it seemed to carry the might to crush mountains!

Even Xuan Chong, who was watching from the sidelines, was secretly astonished. He thought to himself that he would have definitely stepped aside to avoid the direct confrontation if he was in Zhao Changhe’s place. He felt that it was impossible to block such an attack with a regular weapon. It was no wonder Zhao Changhe could separate the two fighters, who were in a life-and-death struggle, with a single throw of his saber.

It was truly difficult to directly resist the might of a saber. Of course, it was not impossible to win against such weapons, either. With the flexibility of swordsmanship, defeating such opponents was well within the realm of possibility.

As these thoughts flashed through his mind, a cry of surprise erupted from the crowd.

They saw Zhao Changhe swing his saber from the lower right to the upper left, directly confronting Batu’s saber!

Sure enough, they are the same kind of fighter!

Just this single clash of strength had everyone’s blood pumping. The battle between Chi Li and Yue Hongling had been too mysterious for many to understand. This clash of raw strength and power was much more exciting and thrilling to spectators!

Fourth layer vs fifth layer! Would Zhao Changhe be able to manage against Batu’s strength?

Bang!

An earth-shattering explosion resounded, as expected. Contrary to everyone’s expectation, however, it was neither a stalemate nor was it Zhao Changhe being pushed back. Instead, Batu’s saber was forcefully pushed aside, leaving him wide open!

With his Dragon Bird in hand, Zhao Changhe only needed to push forward slightly to pierce through Batu’s chest!

Fwoosh!

A flying blade suddenly struck, knocking away Zhao Changhe’s saber. Chi Li had taken action to save his companion.

Zhao Changhe did not continue attacking Batu. He took a look at the side of his saber that had been hit by the flying blade, and suddenly smiled. “We’re even.”

Chi Li said calmly, “You’re very powerful. I take back my previous evaluation. The Central Plains not only have that sword, but also this saber.”

Zhao Changhe turned to look at him. “I hope you don’t meet your death too soon in the Central Plains... The next person who confronts your scimitar will be me.”

Chi Li said calmly, “I shall wait for when that time comes. Let’s go.”

With that, the group of formidable foreign hidden dragons, who had arrived with great momentum, found themselves in a rather bewildering situation. Batu was disoriented and Chi Li had sustained a rib injury. The both of them left Bright Moon Tower in a somewhat sorry state.

One had been severely injured by Yue Hongling, while the other had been defeated by Zhao Changhe in a single strike. It felt as if they had just witnessed a mixed doubles match involving a couple.

Everyone exchanged puzzled glances, as most of them could not comprehend why the strength of someone at the fourth layer, like Zhao Changhe, had been able to overpower that of someone at the fifth layer. If he had won in a skillful manner, they would have been able to accept it, but this ending left them perplexed. In the end, the fight only served to confirm what Zhao Changhe had said earlier: “He is too weak.”

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