Chaotic World Book-Chapter 532 - 516: Owe You a Favor

At the foot of Emei Mountain, Zhao Changhe once had iron-smiting session in a town’s tavern all day.

Situ Xiao hugged a jar of wine and gulped it down merrily, claiming to be treating Zhao Changhe to a drink, but ended up getting himself half-drunk first.

Zhao Changhe was speechless and didn’t bother with him, just sneaked some wine into his own flask.

He had been too shy to ask Sisi for wine to fill his gourd before; it had been empty for a month now...

After all, it was the first time in a year since his big battle and rise to fame on the Human List that he wasn’t injured like a dead dog and could actually go out for drinks with friends. This was a monumental improvement for Zhao Changhe, truly not easy...

"Hey," Situ Xiao, finally feeling tipsy, put down the jar, "Why aren’t you drinking?"

Zhao Changhe rolled his eyes, "I’ve never been a drunkard like you, okay?"

"If you’re not into drinking, why carry a wine gourd?"

"Why does enjoying a few sips have to make me a drunkard? Are you policing me, which forum did you graduate from?"

Situ Xiao: "?"

He didn’t understand.

Zhao Changhe honestly said, "Actually, it’s because carrying a long sword over my shoulder and hanging a flask by my waist looks cool and very Worldly Society."

Situ Xiao laughed angrily. Was this scoundrel really the one outshining his peers?

He said sourly, "You even stole my Drunk Walk, yet you claim you’re not a drunkard."

He was calling him a drunkard, but actually, he was bitter about Zhao Changhe learning his move.

Zhao Changhe replied, "Hey, being familiar is one thing, slander is another... Back in Langya, I only mimicked Drunk Walk to put on a show. I didn’t master it, okay? Or, maybe you could teach me? You’ve already taught me Wind and Thunder Palm, one more wouldn’t hurt."

Situ Xiao was amused by his shameless mannerisms, "You really are... Now you are Second Layer Secret Treasure, number one on the Human List! You should be the one I’m learning from, not the other way around. How do you still have the nerve to learn from me?"

"Why do I detect a hint of jealousy?"

You noticed? Situ Xiao snorted and fell silent.

"I could teach you something too." Zhao Changhe casually grabbed paper and pen from the tavern’s counter, swiftly wrote a page, and handed it to Situ Xiao, "Although I hardly ever use Wind and Thunder Palm... There, consider it an exchange."

Back then, Situ Xiao had kindly taken Zhao Changhe under his wing, seeing his interest in learning a new move, and taught him readily.

But this time, it was clearly Zhao Changhe lifting Situ Xiao up.

With a belly full of musings about changing times, Situ Xiao took the paper, glanced at it, and suddenly spat out a mouthful of wine.

Trying not to spray it on the paper, he wildly turned his head to spit, almost breaking his neck, coughing incessantly.

The paper showed a Body Refining Technique that could speed up healing.

If Zhao Changhe’s Blood Asura Body’s aggressive nature and their Divine Brilliance Sect’s impenetrable Body Refining approaches conflicted, making it difficult to combine them, this healing technique seemed to be tailored for his Divine Brilliance Sect without any conflicts.

This wasn’t just an exchange for Situ Xiao; it was a top-notch opportunity that could send the whole Divine Brilliance Sect into ecstasy, something that could be placed in the core Secret Techniques section!

"You... cough cough... do you... do you realize what level of Body Refining Technique this is!"

"I know, Secret Treasure Level."

"And you’re just handing out this level of Secret Technique like it’s nothing?"

"What’s wrong with that?" Zhao Changhe said, "It’s a Magic Skill I figured out on my own. I can teach whoever I want."

Situ Xiao went silent, then after a while sighed, "I suppose you should be against rebellion, shouldn’t you? So why doesn’t it show, and instead you seem even more approachable?"

Zhao Changhe was surprised, "I was thinking you’re acting weird today, fussing over this?"

"If beliefs do not coincide, even the best of friends can become strangers."

"But who told you I hate rebellion? With that loafer style of Zhai Mu’s, you stayed in his territory for so long without rebelling, that’s what I can’t respect about you."

Situ Xiao was dumbfounded.

"Could the rumors we’ve heard be incorrect? Was the Wang Family’s attitude toward you that I saw in Langya also false? Are you truly not the Crown Prince?"

Previously, while Situ Xiao was attacking the fort gate, Zhao Changhe was quite close to the conversation between Zhai Muzhi and Lu Shouyi. Situ Xiao did overhear some of it. Lu Shouyi had said, defending Zhai Muzhi was Xia Longyuan’s intention... In fact, Great Xia’s true nature stems from Xia Longyuan himself.

If we speak of rebelling against Zhai Muzhi in his own domain, then within the territories of Great Xia, does it mean rebelling against Xia Longyuan?

Zhao Changhe paid no respect to Xia Longyuan, executing his decision to kill without hesitation, seemingly incarnating this point through action.

It was certainly a cause for uproar.

Lost in his whirlwind thoughts, Situ Xiao heard Zhao Changhe say, "I do have one question."

Situ Xiao steadied himself, "Go ahead."

"Once our respected master settles in Ba Shu, could he change his nature?"

Situ Xiao knew what he was referring to but remained silent. Ambitions may not surface when initiating a rebellion, but once power is established, nobody knows if new intentions will arise. Situ Xiao couldn’t make such a guarantee on behalf of his master. However, the Divine Brilliance Sect could claim a slight assurance since they were all bachelors with no descendants, therefore less prone to dynastic ambitions.

Situ Xiao could indeed make this assurance for his master: Absolutely no interest in women...

"Instead of contemplating whether I might change, perhaps you should consider what Xia Longyuan will do now amidst the widespread chaos." Li Shentong’s voice came from outside, "When I rebelled, I was prepared for Xia Longyuan to come for my head and never considered what would come afterward."

Zhao Changhe rose to his feet, "Aren’t you leading the forces to Chengdu?"

"I sent a fellow apprentice in my place," Li Shentong said nonchalantly, "Do you really think I love warfare? I would rather be here drinking."

Li Shentong casually entered, snatched his apprentice’s wine bowl, and drained it in one gulp.

Situ Xiao reached out eagerly, his face a mixture of distress and the inability to utter a complaint.

Zhao Changhe: "..."

"Bang!" Li Shentong heartily finished his drink, set down the bowl, looking at Zhao Changhe with unmistakable admiration in his eyes, "I couldn’t complete the task you entrusted me with, which leaves me somewhat ashamed."

Zhao Changhe said, "Are you referring to the task I entrusted you with, to take care of Hongling?"

"Mm... I sent people to look for her, but couldn’t find her. I was useless from start to finish."

"It’s not your fault, Elder. Hongling is in the Miao Region. I encountered her personally, and she’s fine. You remembered this favor, which already proves your reliability."

"Incomplete is incomplete. I owe you a favor, and you may ask for another," Li Shentong said with significance, "Aside from asking me to surrender to Xia Longyuan."

Zhao Changhe fell silent for a moment, "What about surrendering to others?"

Li Shentong smiling slyly, "You?"

Zhao Changhe waved his hand, "I’m just a wanderer of the Worldly Society... Elder, you jest."

Li Shentong spoke leisurely, "It all depends on who the other party is... As for now, unless Tang Wanju becomes Empress herself, others are unworthy."

Zhao Changhe’s eyes widened, could there be others who thought in this direction? Tang Wanju as Empress, an idyllic vision indeed.

In fact, Li Shentong’s words implied that Zhao Changhe was not yet worthy, but it seemed to hint at future potential... which could not be openly stated. His purposeful visit seemed to already suggest some underlying intent.

Li Shentong added, "Perhaps you’ve been in the Miao Region too long and are unaware of the current state of affairs. A few days ago, the Wang Family and Huangfu Family jointly proposed to switch from canal transport to maritime. Regardless of the politics behind it, it is certain to stir chaos. The Wang Family is bound to raise their banner, and Wan Tianxiong, having dominated Jianghuai for many years, is not one to be underestimated. The Tang Family already bears the look of dominance in Jiangnan... It’s not impossible for the Tang Family to vie for the throne, so drop that shocked expression."

Zhao Changhe felt his heart skip a beat as the day had finally come... Remembering it was his proposed measure, he felt an intricate mix of emotions.

Situ Xiao clicked his tongue, "Whoever came up with this toxic plan to change from canal to maritime transport must have been some vile strategist born without an asshole..."

Zhao Changhe glanced sideways, considering reclaiming the Cultivation Technique he had just handed over.

"No matter the state of the world, what truly matters is Xia Longyuan’s thoughts; everything else is just play-acting." After finishing, Li Shentong left, "I won’t disturb you two and your drinking..."

Have a great day ambitions or factions may arise, leaving Situ Xiao unable to offer warranties in such matters. But one edge Divine Brilliance Sect might have was their monk-like celibacy, void of descendants, which naturally steered them away from thinking about owning a family dynasty.

Situ Xiao’s garanty to his master regarding his desinterest in women however, was wholehearted and solid...

"Rather than contemplate my potential to deteriorate, it would serve you better to reside for, amidst the flames of war across the land, what might Xia Longyuan’s actions entail?" Li Shentong’s voice reached them from outside, "I staged a rebellion, fully prepared to have Xia Longyuan claim my head—never once contemplating what might follow."

Zhao Changhe stood up, "Shouldn’t the elder be leading the charge to Chengdu?"

"Ah, I sent a junior there in my stead." Li Shentong said dismissively, "Did you truly think I relish in the chaos of war? I’d much rather drink."

Speaking so, he casually strolled in, snatching away a wine bowl from his own disciple and draining it dry in one swift move.

An eagerly expectant Situ Xiao extended his hand, his face etched with a mingling of sorrow and reluctance, no words escaping him.

Zhao Changhe: "..."

With an exuberant "thud!" Li Shentong slammed down the empty bowl, and in the gaze he cast toward Zhao Changhe, admiration could not be concealed, "The task you entrusted to me—I failed to fulfill it. It leaves me somewhat lacking in honor."

Zhao Changhe inquired, "Is the elder referring to the task of safeguarding Hongling I assigned to you?"

"Indeed... people were dispatched but she could not be found; from beginning to end, I was of no assistance."

"That cannot be blamed on you, elder. Hongling was in the Miao Region; our paths crossed, and she remained unscathed. That you even kept this matter at heart denotes you as a man of your word."

"A promise unkept is still unkept. I am indebted to you for one favor which you are entitled to claim," expressed Li Shentong with depth, "Except, of course, for surrendering to Xia Longyuan."

After a moment’s pause, Zhao Changhe asked, "What if it involves surrendering to someone else?"

Li Shentong revealed a hint of amusement, "To you?"

Zhao Changhe gestured denial, "I am but a lone figure of the Worldly Society... Elder pokes fun."

Li Shentong uttered thoughtfully, "It ultimately depends who that other party might be... For the present, unless Tang Wanju elects to become Empress herself, no one else measures up."

Zhao Changhe’s eyes widened—could it be that there were actually people who entertained such thoughts? The notion of Tang Wanju as Empress was simply too picturesque to contemplate.

Li Shentong’s statement, though understated, suggested that Zhao Changhe was not yet of sufficient stature, yet veiled hints of a possible future lingered... matters not intended to be laid bare. His distinct effort to voice these sentiments already carried certain implications.

"The truth is, you may have lingered in the Miao Region for too long, blind now to the turbulence sweeping our world. Just a few days past, the Wang Family and the Huangfu Family jointly proposed a shift from canal to maritime logistics. Behind such a move might lurk myriad hidden gambits—chaos is assured. The Wang Family is destined to hoist their flag; Wan Tianxiong has dominated Jianghuai for years and is not to be underestimated, and the Tang family already presents a formidable profile in Jiangnan... The prospect of the Tang family contending for power is far from fanciful, thus spare me the look of astonishment." Zhao Changhe’s heart leaped—an inevitability now reality... reflecting upon the fact that the proposal was his own, his feelings tangled in complexity.

Situ Xiao uttered a series of tsk-tsks audibly, "The toxic scheme to switch from canals to maritime, such a crime against nature... one wonders which vile mastermind, devoid of a soul, concocted it..."

Zhao Changhe cast a sidelong glance, contemplating the reclamation of the Cultivation Technique he had only just granted.

"No matter the world’s upheaval, at its crux rests Xia Longyuan’s intentions—without which all travails are but monkeyshines." Having spoken, Li Shentong turned and departed, "Having intruded long enough, I shall leave you brothers to your drinking..."

Zhao Changhe lost any appetite for drinking he may have previously possessed.

He yearned, practically, to sprout wings and soar directly to the Capital, to see Tang Wanju... to confront Xia Longyuan.

Incorrect—that should come after a visit to Cui Wenjing first.

He and old Cui had made a pact; upon his return from the Southwest, he would wed Yangyang... but now that winds of change swept the land, if the Wang Family instigated rebellion, two paths beckoned: westward towards Puyang, or southward into Xuzhou. Should they march westward, would old Cui still possess the mindset for marriage negotiations?

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