Tome of Troubled Times

The Yang Clan’s birthday banquet was set to be held in two days, but the next day, the courtyard was quiet, no longer bustling as it was the previous night.

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Zhao Changhe was diligently studying the Rejuvenation Art, which was also a way of avoiding the complicated situation with the women around him. At the moment, cramming some medical knowledge seemed much more pleasant than dealing with the headache of being caught between women.

Of course, he still underestimated them. Which among the women around him was not a formidable figure in their own right? Nevertheless, seeing him engrossed in medical study, the women did not disturb him.

Tang Wanzhuang was in her own courtyard reading a book—but whether she was truly reading, no one knew. Huangfu Qing claimed to be sleeping, having sent away all the maids and servants that the Yang Clan had arranged for her. As for what she was actually doing, no one knew either.

Meanwhile, Cui Yuanyang had gone to the Wang Clan’s residence, mingling happily under the pretense of being future in-laws.

Even though Wang Daozhong knew that he could not really treat this girl as some random relative, especially with everything about her screaming the surname Zhao, he could not openly drive her away and had to force a smile despite his displeasure.

The thing that Wang Daozhong wanted to do the most right now was to rush into Zhao Changhe’s courtyard and chop him up. But unfortunately, Zhao Changhe was a distinguished guest invited by the Yang Clan, so he could not act recklessly, especially with Tang Wanzhuang standing guard right next door. He was not sure that he could win in a fight.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became.

Even the normally lovable little rabbit that was Cui Yuanyang began to get on his nerves, so he simply decided not to see her and stayed inside reading instead.

The world was peaceful for a day, until the next evening when Yang Jingxiu’s birthday banquet began.

There were indeed very few people in the world capable of treating ailments related to the soul—so few, in fact, that there might as well be none. This was why Tang Wanzhuang’s condition had become something even she was ready to give up on, something considered a “terminal illness.”

From the perspectives of Tang Wanzhuang and Huangfu Qing, Zhao Changhe’s Rejuvenation Art offered a glimmer of hope, even if they were not sure how effective it could truly be. They believed that it offered a chance.

But others did not know this. According to the information they had gotten, Zhao Changhe had only just started learning medicine from Tang Wanzhuang in Xiangyang a little over ten days ago.

The reason Zhao Changhe was invited to the banquet was purely his current status. He was at the center of many events, and the Yang Clan wanted to handle him carefully and observe him closely.

He was truly invited to attend the birthday banquet; no one expected him to actually treat any illnesses.

In fact, arranging a seat for Zhao Changhe had become a bit of a headache. Should he be seated in the main hall with the dignitaries, perhaps even in a high position next to Huangfu Qing? But with his identity as prince not being publicized, it did not seem that appropriate to have that be the arrangement.

Based on his known identity, he should be placed in the outer hall with the martial artists of the jianghu, separated from dignitaries. However, although his ranking on the Ranking of Man was impressive, it was not quite enough to place him at the top. Seating him among other renowned martial artists while he was lower in rank may cause offense.

Yang Bugui carefully escorted Zhao Changhe to the outer hall, sneaking glances to see that he seemed cheerful and unbothered, which allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief, “I hope you don’t feel slighted by this, brother Zhao.”

Zhao Changhe smiled and said, “Drinking and eating casually out here is much more comfortable. Who would want to sit inside and have to put on airs? There’s no need to worry about my seat. I’m much more comfortable squeezing in with younger people.”

Yang Bugui smiled and said, “That’s just like you, brother Zhao... It reminds me of the time in Langya when you and Situ Xiao drank to your heart’s content. To be honest, back then, we were all moved by your camaraderie—that is how men should be.”

“Why do you keep praising me... Also, did Situ Xiao not come?”

“We couldn’t find him. I’m not sure where he’s off training, but the Divine Brilliance Sect did send a representative. Look over there, that man over there...” Yang Bugui gestured with his eyes toward a dignified middle-aged man sitting at the head of the hall. “Elder Shi from the Divine Brilliance Sect, 30th on the Ranking of Earth.”

“As expected of the world’s strongest sect,” Zhao Changhe glanced at the man, wondering whether he could rope the Divine Brilliance Sect into the fight against Maitreya. As for the matter of resolving the Yang Clan’s issue, the Divine Brilliance Sect likely would not be of much help, as their specialty was in tempering the body, and they had always been weaker in matters of the soul.

He casually asked, “So, about what I mentioned the other day—you said you’d discuss it with your father. What’s the result of your discussion?”

“Uh, brother Zhao, our family does have some issues. We’re grateful for your offer to help, but I’m afraid this isn’t something you can assist with. We do appreciate your goodwill, however.” Yang Bugui lowered his voice and continued, “But just from your goodwill, I can tell you that my father will definitely participate in the battle against Maitreya. Just let us know when the time comes.”

Zhao Changhe smiled slightly. “Alright. Go tend to the other guests. You don’t need to hover around me all the time.”

Yang Bugui apologized and took his leave. Zhao Changhe did not bother trying to join Elder Shi’s table. He found a table with a group of younger people and blended in. No one paid him much attention; everyone was busy looking through the courtyard into the inner hall, the hall where the distinguished guests were seated: Huangfu Qing, dressed in all her splendor, and Tang Wanzhuang, who was sitting below her with a frosty face.

The phrase “orchids and chrysanthemums each possess their own beauty” could not even begin to describe this scene.

How could ordinary flowers such as orchids and chrysanthemums even compare to their beauty?

It was as if the heavens had crafted two masterpieces and placed them together.

“I’ve heard people say that ten years ago, the two beauties of the capital competed with each other, which was a wonder in the capital... I thought it was an exaggeration—after all, they’re just two women, and they aren’t the kind of people who would compete over beauty, maybe a few cold remarks at most, but nothing like the fierce rivalry that was mentioned by many. But seeing them now, I realize the truth in those words.”

“Yeah, they don’t even need to say anything. Just sitting there, I’m afraid anyone who debates about who among them is more beautiful would be ready to fight to the death.”

“So, who among them is more beautiful?”

“I think the First Seat is more beautiful. Her cool, serene elegance—she surpasses the imperial noble consort.”

“I think the imperial noble consort is more beautiful! Her allure as a woman is breathtaking at first sight—what would a kid like you know?”

“The first seat is more beautiful!”

“The imperial noble consort is more beautiful!”

Someone said weakly, “Um, do none of you notice Cui Yuanyang sitting below them? She’s so cute, like a little porcelain doll...”

The two men arguing simultaneously sneered and said, “Go sit at the kids’ table, virgin!”

Zhao Changhe: “...”

“Let’s take a vote!” Someone walked over to Zhao Changhe, holding a piece of paper. “Brother, who are you voting for?”

Zhao Changhe looked at the paper: four votes for Tang Wanzhuang, four votes for Huangfu Qing, and one vote for Cui Yuanyang.

Zhao Changhe asked, “Can I only vote for one or multiple?”

The group was astonished, “You want to vote for more than one?”

“No restrictions, right?” Zhao Changhe picked up the pen and checked all three. “I want them all.”

Why do you all have such distinct preferences, treating this like a multiple-choice question? And besides, why do you care who’s more beautiful? What does it have to do with any of you?

Everyone looked at him strangely. “Brother, what’s your great name?”

“How did you know my name was Gao Daming?”[1]

“...”

As he casually bantered with the young martial artists and enjoyed the lavish dishes that were being brought out, Zhao Changhe’s mind was already focused on what was going on in the main hall. The advantage of being in the outer hall was not having to sit through the formalities like those in the main or inner hall, where the entire process of honoring the birthday felt excruciatingly long and tedious. Tang Wanzhuang and Huangfu Qing were used to sitting still, so he could understand how they managed, but he could not understand how the lively Yangyang could endure it.

Once the long, dull birthday customs were over, the younger members of the family began entering the arena to display their mastery of martial arts and competed against each other.

This was also a way for the Yang Clan to showcase the strength of their younger generation to outsiders and give their particularly exceptional members to gain recognition.

Watching the younger generation of the Yang Clan sparring, the event finally began to feel like a gathering in a world of martial arts. The spar was a breath of fresh air compared to the earlier ceremony.

“Though there aren’t many top talents... the Yang Clan’s younger generation isn’t bad,” said someone softly. “Yang Bugui benefited from the previous generations’ achievements in the Ranking of Man, and now he’s ranked third on the Ranking of Hidden Dragons, commanding respect wherever he goes. But that’s not all—the Yang Clan has several members ranked among the 180th to 230th on the Ranking of Hidden Dragons. While these rankings are relatively low, the Yang Clan at least has more members on the ranking than even the Cui and Wang Clans.”

Zhao Changhe watched the martial arts competition in the main hall and silently agreed that the Yang Clan’s younger members seemed generally capable. In fact, even Yang Qianyuan was quite skilled—he had ventured alone into Kunlun alone and nearly took over the Jinqian Gang.

Judging from the martial arts competition, it was clear that the Yang Clan’s members had a solid foundation. This might be related to the nature of the Yang Clan’s martial arts, which emphasized solidity and perseverance. It may also have something to do with the decline of the clan, which may have given the younger generation a sense of urgency that drove them to work harder. This was better than the Cui Clan, at least—take Cui Yuanyang, for example. Before she met him, she was quite lazy and showed no interest in training.

Someone else remarked, “Brother, you sound so old and wise with your commentary. if we didn’t know better, we’d think you were some renowned master...”

The man coughed twice and sighed, “My ranking has dropped recently... I’m ashamed.”

The group suddenly showed respect, “You’re on the Ranking of Hidden Dragons? My apologies. May I ask who...”

“I used to be ranked 212th. After the Blood Asura entered the ranking of Man, I should have moved up a spot, but instead, I fell to 213th.” The man sighed, though a hint of pride gleamed in his eyes. “But it just so happens that Miss Cui was once ranked in this very ranking as well. We’re connected by fate.”

Zhao Changhe spat out a mouthful of wine with a “pfft.”

The man shot him a sideways glance. “Brother Gao Daming...”

Zhao Changhe waved his hand. “I’m ashamed as well. My ranking also dropped. I was originally ranked first, but now I’ve fallen to forty-fourth.”

Hearing this, it did not sound like he was referring to the Ranking of Hidden Dragons. Rather, it seemed like he was referring to an internal ranking within his own sect. The man, now in a bad mood, said, “I’m talking about the Ranking of Troubled Times.”

“So am I.”

“???”

Just then, the Yang Clan’s martial arts competition and birthday celebration came to an end. Yang Jingxiu, looking very pleased, smiled and said, “Buxiu, at just fifteen years of age, you’ve already reached the fourth layer of the Profound Gate. Your sword art is precise, and your understanding is excellent. You are truly a promising talent in our clan. I grant you three days of meditation by the Lianshan Sword.”

The young man was overjoyed. “Thank you, uncle.”

The Lianshan Sword has lost its spirit, yet he’s still granting a reward like this. Old Yang is really working hard to maintain the illusion that their divine sword is still in good condition.

From the guest seats, Wang Daozhong stroked his beard and said, “The Yang Clan truly has many talented youngsters. Brother Yang, in previous years, there were often opportunities for guests to spar. Is that something you’re considering this year?”

This was indeed common, though not always guaranteed. It mostly depended on the host’s wishes. Yang Jingxiu replied, “Brother Wang, are you suggesting that your clan’s younger generation spar with ours?”

Wang Daozhong smiled and said, “I was thinking more of having the guests spar amongst themselves. It’s not often that so many renowned individuals gather—why not take advantage of the occasion?”

Yang Jingxiu laughed and said, “And who do you have in mind, brother Wang? With your strength, are you thinking of sparring with Elder Shi?”

Wang Daozhong waved his hand. “Of course not/. I have a guest ranked forty-fifth on the Ranking of Man. As it happens, the one ranked forty-fourth is also here. My guest both admires and wishes to challenge him—wouldn’t that be quite a spectacle?”

The people at Zhao Changhe’s table watched wide-eyed as a man with a sword approached and respectfully bowed to who they recognized to be Gao Daming. “I am Thunderbolt Sword Ding Ting, ranked forty-fifth on the Ranking of Man. I would like to request guidance from the Blood Asura.”

The youngsters at the table looked at Zhao Changhe, who was happily gnawing on a chicken leg, with twitching eyelids.

So your ranking really did drop from the first to forty-fourth... How could someone like Zhao Changhe, the Blood Asura, be sitting in a corner of the outer hall, cheerfully munching on chicken legs with oil all over his face, and participating in a beauty vote with us?

And Cui Yuanyang is his fiancée! Thankfully, we were just praising her for being cute and beautiful and didn’t say anything disrespectful.

Wait a minute... The fuck did he mean when he checked all the boxes earlier?

1. This is a play on words from the question to Zhao Changhe. The question he was asked was “这位兄台高姓大名,” which is simply someone asking him what his name is, but Zhao Changhe twisted it and made it seem as though the other party was referring to him as if he had the surname Gao (高 - high, lofty) and name Daming (大名 - great name) ☜