Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 106: Ally of the Maitreya Cult

Not counting those times that he had gone to see Tang Wanzhuang, this was the first time that Zhao Changhe was entering a brothel.

He really, really had to thank Xia Chichi for granting him the experience of being with a woman. Although they had not gone all the way, the experience was close enough. If he had come to this brothel just a few days ago, he would have tensed up as soon as any of the girls approached him. Back then, his innocence had been apparent even to Han Wubing.

Han Wubing was a friend, so Zhao Changhe had no problem being teased by him. However, he could not afford to appear timid in front of outsiders. After all, he was the notorious Bloodthirsty Asura. If people found out that this so-called “fierce demon” was actually a novice who blushed at the mere touch of a woman, everyone would laugh themselves silly.

How was he going to make his way in the jianghu then?

“This is our Xiaoxiang Pavilion’s top courtesan, Ruyan,” Wan Dongliu said with a smile. “Ruyan, take good care of Mister Zhao here. If you satisfy him, there will be rewards for you.”

Ruyan assumed a demure and shy demeanor, gracefully seating herself right next to Zhao Changhe. She bowed her head and smiled innocently, making every effort to make herself look like a virtuous lady. Then, she nibbled on her lower lip bashfully, clinked her cup with his, and softly said, “I offer you a toast, young master. Your name is renowned throughout the world, and I have always admired you...”

A fragrant breeze brushed by, and her soft shoulder pressed against his body. If it were before, Zhao Changhe would have been all tensed up, but now he hardly had any reaction. He smiled and raised his own cup in reply, taking a big mouthful. He did not follow Wan Dongliu’s example of holding a courtesan in his arms, but he also did not avoid Ruyan like she was some venomous snake. He simply leaned back leisurely on the chair, appearing like someone who was all too familiar with such a routine.

He was not merely acting this way for the sake of appearances. He knew that those of the martial world were quick to judge people. If you appeared too innocent, you would attract all sorts of trouble. On the other hand, if you behaved like someone experienced, others would not dare to have any rash thoughts toward you.

As expected, Wan Dongliu, who was enjoying the embrace of his own courtesan, said with a smile, “Ruyan, brother Zhao used to be a stronghold master of a group of mountain bandits. He’s definitely seen his fair share of virtuous ladies. Why bother with all the pretense? Who are you trying to impress with that act?”

Zhao Changhe thought to himself that he might be in trouble. Wan Dongliu was not wrong in the slightest. Although Ruyan was indeed quite beautiful, she could hardly compare to Tang Wanzhuang. He had already developed a bit of an immunity toward such actions...

He waved his hand and said, “Eh, brother Wan, as you have said, I’ve been with many women, so these gestures mean little to me. Just having the right atmosphere is enough for me.”

Wan Dongliu laughed heartily, “That’s right, you must be eyeing someone like Yue Hongling or Cui Yuanyang, right? Compared to them, the pleasures that this brothel can provide are indeed lacking...”

Come on already, you asshole.

“But having said that, even if you do achieve such feats in the future, they won’t be able to provide the tender care and devotion that Ruyan can. After all, that’s something different altogether.”

“That’s true, that’s true.” Seeing the pitiful look that Ruyan gave him, Zhao Changhe could not bring himself to continue on this topic. He cleared his throat and changed the subject, “Brother Wan, I can’t help but find something strange. My reputation should be more well-known up north, and you people in the Jiangnan area should have only known of me through the Tome of Troubled Times. So... why does it seem as if the people here are more familiar with me than those in the north? You even know my nickname when I didn’t even know I had one myself. Can you explain why this is?”

Wan Dongliu calmly explained, “This place is a central hub for water transport, so information spreads more quickly here than elsewhere. It’s much easier for someone’s fame to spread here. That is one reason. Another reason is that the Maitreya Cult actually spread rumors about you. Although, from our analysis, there doesn’t seem to be much of a connection between you and them.”

Zhao Changhe was taken aback. “The Maitreya Cult? They boosted my fame?”

“That’s right,” Wan Dongliu said with a smile. “The Maitreya Cult and the Four Idols Cult are at odds with one another. Their enmity stems from their very doctrines. The conflict between them may even be more serious than the ones they have with righteous sects or the imperial court. Brother Zhao, you are known for defecting from the Blood God Cult, a subsidiary of the Four Idols Cult. You are also known for killing Luo Zhenwu, who was suspected of being a prince, and being wanted by the imperial court. It was only because you saved a member of the Cui Clan that the warrant for your arrest was revoked... In many ways, you might be seen as a worthy ally by the Maitreya Cult.”

Zhao Changhe almost spat out his drink.

He was making his way to where the Maitreya Cult operated with the intention of causing them trouble, but it turned out that they actually considered him an ally.

After giving it some thought, however, he could not deny that it did make some sense, especially with what had happened at the Ancient Sword Lake. In the Maitreya Cult’s eyes, he and Han Wubing had taken Xia Chichi hostage, which had caused a great deal of distress to the Four Idols Cult. As such, there was absolutely nothing wrong with the Maitreya Cult seeing him as the enemy of their enemy.

With this in mind, Zhao Changhe looked at Wan Dongliu with a hint of curiosity. Is he so welcoming toward me because he’s associated with the Maitreya Cult?

The Maitreya Cult was active in Jiangnan, and the Cao Gang was a local powerhouse here. It was impossible for these two forces to have no interactions with one another. In other words, either they were enemies or they were associates. And judging from this brothel, as well as what Tang Wanzhuang had told Zhao Changhe about the Maitreya Cult engaging in immoral activities, it seemed extremely likely that there were members of the Maitreya Cult present.

Hmph, of course this guy would know that I don’t have much of a connection with the Maitreya Cult. He’s probably in cahoots with them!

Wan Dongliu continued, “It’s completely normal for the Maitreya Cult to promote your reputation. You honestly should not mind the nickname of Asura too much. The Maitreya Cult probably found it quite appealing. Of course, the main reason why they boosted your reputation is to shame the Four Idols Cult.

“As far as they’re telling everybody, the new saintess of the Four Idols Cult is just another woman that you had grown tired of. They told everyone how you killed a branch master of the Blood God Cult with ease, how the cult leader could not stop you even when he took action personally, and much more. And because they did their best to boost your reputation, your fame has reached great heights. That is why you’re so well-known in this region...”

Zhao Changhe replied, “It seems that I really should thank them on behalf of Cult Leader Xue.”

Wan Dongliu chuckled and said, “Let’s not talk about the Maitreya Cult for now. I am much more curious about why someone like you has come to Jiangnan. Is there any way we can assist you?”

Zhao Changhe said, “I merely helped you catch a thief. Your passionate hospitality is honestly making me a little uncomfortable.”

Wan Dongliu shook his head. “Merely helped us catch a thief? Do you know who that thief is?”

“I am ignorant of the figures in Jiangnan. Brother Wan, please do enlighten me.”

“That was the renowned master thief Ji Chengkong.”

Zhao Changhe thought for a while but could not recall any such name on the Tome of Troubled Times. He apologized, saying, “I’m sorry, but I don’t seem to have heard of him.”

“...In any case, he’s a notorious thief in Jiangnan, and he is particularly known for not only liking to steal things but also prying into people’s secrets. The thing he enjoys the most is stealing valuable secrets and spreading them.” Wan Dongliu sighed. “Do you now understand why I, despite having some influence in the area, had such a hard time catching him on my own...”

Zhao Changhe could not help but inquire, “I take it that he has stolen some of your secrets?”

“Exactly. While this matter might seem trivial to you, it’s nothing less than saving my life from my point of view. However, please forgive me for not divulging the specifics.”

Zhao Changhe found this to be quite interesting. He realized that in the vast jianghu, one truly could encounter all kinds of people. Ji Chengkong seemed to be rather intriguing. Zhao Changhe then asked, “How do you plan to deal with Ji Chengkong? Do you intend to kill him?”

“He has not caused any significant trouble yet, and I am not all that ruthless, really. However, I am concerned that he might relapse into his old ways, so I can’t just let him go. For now, I plan to lock him up for a while and see how things go...” Wan Dongliu then looked at Zhao Changhe as if pondering something and said, “Brother Zhao, is there something you want to do to him? I mean, he did try to steal your money.”

Zhao Changhe waved his hand and smiled, saying, “No, not at all. I just find the people in Jiangnan to be very interesting. I’m merely broadening my horizons. Come, let’s have a drink.”

Wan Dongliu laughed heartily and turned to Ruyan, saying, “Ruyan, it’s your time to shine.”

Ruyan, who had been listening to Zhao Changhe with admiration, finally broke into a smile and approached him. “Young master...”

Zhao Changhe did his best to play the role of an experienced gentleman, welcoming her with a smile.

However, although he was being friendly, he could not help but find the situation increasingly intriguing. He suspected that Wan Dongliu had some ulterior motives. It did not make much sense to him that Wan Dongliu was doing all this just because he had helped them catch a thief.

If Wan Dongliu really does have connections with the Maitreya Cult, then are they trying to recruit me?

As the evening progressed, the guest and host enjoyed their drinks, engaging in light-hearted conversation about the jianghu while mingling with the courtesans. By the time they finished, it was already dark outside.

Wan Dongliu brought his courtesan with him as he bid his farewell. “Ruyan, take good care of Mister Zhao tonight.”

Ruyan’s eyes were filled with allure as she bashfully lowered her head.

Zhao Changhe, too, appeared eager to experience the night’s pleasures as he held her close and headed to his guest room.

Once the door to the room closed, Ruyan looked at him and her cheeks blushed. “Young master... Would you like me to help you bathe?”

Zhao Changhe, unable to contain his excitement, lifted her and leaped onto the bed, saying, “There’s no need for all those pretentious things. I’ve been waiting for this since earlier!”

“Ooh, Young Master Zhao, please be gentle on me. Hehe, you’re so impatient...”

Outside the room, the person who was listening in on what was going on inside shook their head and left.

It was not wise to eavesdrop too much. Zhao Changhe was someone on the Ranking of Hidden Dragons and it was impossible for him not to have sharp senses. It would be bad if they were discovered.

Little did they know that as soon as they left, Zhao Changhe swiftly pressed a point on Ruyan’s body that caused her to lose consciousness. The next moment, she was out cold, and he sprang up from the bed.

His gaze suddenly became clear and alert, the hurried look on his face from earlier nowhere to be seen.

“Only idiots would do this kind of thing with a woman who might be a member of the Maitreya Cult. They wouldn’t even know how they might end up being under the cult’s control... And as Chichi said, such people are dirty.” Zhao Changhe quietly took out a set of dark clothes from his belongings, put them on, and then swiftly slipped out through the window, disappearing into the darkness.

My biggest problem right now is that someone might think I’m the kind of guy who can only last three seconds... But never mind, there’s a more pressing issue at hand.

His current objective was to follow Wan Dongliu.