Chaotic World Book
Chapter 191 - 187 Vermilion Bird White Tiger

Chapter 191: Chapter 187 Vermilion Bird White Tiger

Following Xuan Chong to the main hall of the sect, Zhao Changhe was somewhat disappointed by the deities enshrined within; they were not images of the true martial god but instead those of the Three Pure Ones.

Perhaps solving the case wasn’t the destiny that the Jade Token brought, and meddling in affairs that weren’t his own, who could he blame?

After all, unraveling the mysteries of this world was, in essence, solving a case.

In front of the images of the Three Pure Ones sat an old Taoist with white hair and beard, exuding an aura of a transcendent hermit.

Observing his seated position, Zhao Changhe suddenly remembered that he had subconsciously been practicing cultivation in a cross-legged posture for quite some time. Xia Chichi and Yue Hongling had both said that this was a Mystic Sect cultivation posture. Not all cultivation techniques required sitting cross-legged, but since he began cultivating with serenity, he subconsciously chose this type of sitting. It seemed there was some significance to it.

The old Taoist had his eyes closed initially, but as the two stepped into the hall, his eyes opened at just the right moment, and he smiled faintly, "You’ve returned?"

With that, he nodded towards Zhao Changhe, "Young hero, your entire being is infused with evil techniques, and many call you a devilish thug. Yet, observing your actions today, evil qi emerges outwardly while chivalry runs deep within you. Xuan Chong has made a good friend. Your journey southward has indeed been fruitful. Please, take a seat."

Though it was flattering to be given such high praise, Zhao Changhe didn’t bother pondering whether the old man was the Xuanwu or think about how he and Xuan Chong weren’t really that close. He simply performed a juniors’ greeting and sat down on a cushion to one side. Soon, a young Taoist offered tea, bowed, and departed.

While their way of receiving guests was modest, it was more polite than the Cui Family or Tang family, and coupled with the harmonious atmosphere of the sect, Zhao Changhe was rather impressed.

Xuan Chong said, "Disciple lacks wisdom. During my trip to Yangzhou, aside from assisting the local authorities in capturing the evil cultivators of the Maitreya Sect, I didn’t do much. Even solving the conspiracy of the Maitreya Sect was initiated by Brother Wan; Brother Zhao, Brother Tang, and Lady Yue fought bravely in the temple while I was completely clueless and didn’t even participate."

"It doesn’t matter... People like young hero Zhao, teeming with passion and enveloped in evil qi, need a tranquil heart. Look at him now, sitting cross-legged so naturally. And you, who have been raised in the mountains, are naturally tranquil and aloof from worldly affairs, untouched by them. You just need to experience more of the worldly toils to gain insight into the mundane world. After going through these experiences, you will think more deeply when faced with situations in the future, and the one to make a difference next time will be you. This is precisely your worldly cultivation."

Xuan Chong bowed, "Disciple is enlightened."

"Therefore, you must attend the Wang Family’s banquet. Not only must you go, but if the Wang Family’s young masters want to test you with their swords, you must fight with all your might to win, and not take it lightly."

"... Yes," replied Xuan Chong, who could not help but ask, "Master, do you also think that this is just for testing swords?"

"It’s testing the hearts of the people in this world," Gui Chen said with a faint smile. "Let’s see how many are willing to kowtow to the Wang Family, what the Cui Family thinks about this, how the hidden forces behind other Hidden Dragons view this, and whether our Taiyi Sect is easily bullied, etc. If it’s not feasible, then it’s just a brash and arrogant young master’s sword test invitation. A few harsh words of criticism won’t be a big deal."

Xuan Chong was stunned for a moment, a thought flashing through his mind, "Are they planning on establishing themselves?"

"It remains to be seen. After all, the Crown Prince is already dead..." Gui Chen said slowly, not saying anything more.

Xuan Chong’s expression turned grave; if the Wang Family were to establish themselves, their nearby Taiyi Sect would indeed be the first to have to make a move, either submit or relocate and flee.

But Master’s words about fighting with all strength to win indicated that they did not plan to submit.

Xuan Chong asked cautiously, "Master’s instruction that those with unknown identities are not allowed up the mountain—does it relate to this?"

"It is related to the Wang Family’s actions, but what we guard against is not the Wang Family." Gui Chen smiled, "The Wang Family’s actions, I believe, are apparent to many. Tell me, do you think there will be people who will maliciously fan the flames? For instance, if something suddenly happens to our Taiyi Sect, how would others view it?"

Xuan Chong, the mild-mannered, couldn’t help but curse, "Motherf**ker..."

Zhao Changhe also thought to himself that this was indeed possible; damn it, caught in the crossfire for no reason.

Luckily, Gui Chen was a powerful figure ranked twenty-ninth on the Earth List. Although not high in ranking, there were only about thirty-some people in the entire world who could defeat him; ordinary people, even with ill intentions, wouldn’t dare to act rashly. If it were any other sect, it would indeed be time to flee now.

So in times of chaos, the only true reasoning is the strength of one’s own fist; others certainly won’t reason with you.

Xuan Chong said, "But Master, what’s the use of the gatekeepers checking identities? It would be better to simply close the gates and refuse visitors outright."

"There’s no difference, if a powerful person wants to sneak in, nobody can stop them. If such powerful people come forth, what they want is your Master’s head," Gui Chen spoke of it as if it was unrelated to him, very calmly, "The so-called identity check is nothing more than a message to the outside, implying that the old Taoist is prepared, and those who want to cause trouble should weigh their options. Also, since I am prepared, I have probably already communicated with the Imperial Court and the Wang Family. Whether I live or die won’t cause any effect. Is it still necessary to forcefully proceed?"

Xuan Chong was dumbstruck, "Why do I feel like the Taoist practices I’ve cultivated since childhood were fake? Are these the kinds of things we Taoists should consider?"

Gui Chen smiled with a hint of sorrow, "Foolish child, in times of chaos, where can pure tranquility be found?"

Xuan Chong couldn’t help but mutter, "Then... why not just leave altogether?"

"Because besides being a cultivator, we are also martial artists. If we shy away from trouble, this sword will no longer advance an inch. I may no longer progress, but you can’t do the same. From now on, you must live up to the ’Chong’ in your name and strive forward. Once you make it onto the Human List, you can return to our Mystic Sect’s stronghold."

Xuan Chong remained silent for a long time, then deeply kowtowed, "Disciple is enlightened."

Zhao Changhe sat beside them, watching the master-disciple exchange, silent from beginning to end.

It seems there’s no need to solve the case, it’s not like that.

The old Taoist knew better than anyone, who needs to crack the case? Many of his words also deeply moved Zhao Changhe.

Indeed one must travel the world, see a host of heroes, not to waste this journey.

He’s certainly not Xuanwu; the Four Symbols Sect would only wish for more chaos in the world.

Then... Could anyone from the Four Symbols Sect possibly be causing trouble with malicious intent?

For some reason, amidst this tense atmosphere, Zhao Changhe inexplicably sensed an aura reminiscent of a Chaotic Scene...

Perhaps this is the Bloodthirsty Asura.

...

In the deep of the night, all was quiet, the moon illuminated Songgang.

Two slender silhouettes stood under the moon, quietly observing the intermittently visible Taiyi Sect buildings.

"Experience outweighs youth, Gui Chen is prepared, this plan is no longer feasible." The firebird mask glistened eerily red under the moonlight, like a flicker of Demon Fire.

Ruby lips parted amidst the flames, uttering chilling words, yet exuding a lazy, seductive charm.

Beside her stood a woman with a White Tiger mask, fierce in appearance, yet its round shape added a touch of cuteness, diluting its lethality.

The figures of these two women, one full of grace and the other delicate, were like orchids in spring and chrysanthemums in autumn, each with their own elegance, a pity that their true faces were hidden.

Beneath the White Tiger mask, beautiful eyes glanced at Vermilion Bird. Xia Chichi always felt that the Vermilion Bird Venerable must be a very beautiful elder sister. It’s a pity with her current status she still couldn’t catch a glimpse of her true face.

The Vermilion Bird Venerable wasn’t always in the sect, akin to a Divine Dragon seldom seen. On rare occasions of her appearance, it was to lead important matters, like this time. It remained a mystery what her everyday identity was; scouring the tales of the Worldly Society, one finds no corresponding character, truly strange.

Xia Chichi always felt a bit tricked. Even with a mask, probably the whole world knew this White Tiger was her, Xia Chichi; any future undercover roles were likely unrelated to her. It felt like she was dragged in by Vermilion Bird specifically for managing affairs... Thinking about Vermilion Bird’s initial joy, was there another layer to it...

But no matter what, although Vermilion Bird and she did not bear the title of master and disciple, their bond was definitely that of a genuine mentor-disciple, and she had profound respect for Vermilion Bird.

Listening to Vermilion Bird’s intent to give up, Xia Chichi let out a sigh of relief, "Actually, I also felt that this approach was inappropriate. The methods are too crude, and the consequences are unknown. There’s no need to exert ourselves over nothing. We’re not desperate enough to resort to madness... Besides, that sort of thing appeals more to the barbarians. What the barbarians take delight in, we should not do."

"In the eyes of the divine, there is no distinction between barbarian and Han. You need to change that perspective," Vermilion Bird criticized, but didn’t press the matter, essentially agreeing with Xia Chichi’s opinion, "But the barbarians, confident in their shamans’ Longevity Heaven, are not aligned with us. Should they truly enter the Central Plains, they would certainly label us as Demon Sect and eradicate us. From this viewpoint, we and the barbarians are indeed unmistakable enemies. The Maitreya Sect is truly blinded by their folly, unable to see this plainly."

Xia Chichi laughed and sighed again in her heart.

It was said that Zhao Changhe had entered the Taiyi Sect during the day. As long as there was no altercation, it was good.

But then she heard Vermilion Bird say, "However, isn’t Miss Cui from the Cui Family heading to Langya now? You are quite suited for this job."

"Eh?" Xia Chichi’s eyes widened.

————

PS: Still none tonight; the start of a volume always needs extra polishing.