Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 554: Back to the Real World

The two stood on the shore, gazing out across the sea, and sure enough, they could see a ship approaching. It was clear from a glance that it was not a ship belonging to the Tang Clan or the Heavenly Origin Pirates.

Is it a passing fishing vessel, or is it a military vessel here to hunt pirates?

They exchanged a glance—one clenched a fist, the other gripped a saber—both prepared for a potential fight.

The captain aboard the ship was equally puzzled.

He had gotten lucky. While the other scouting boats had found nothing, his ship had stumbled upon something unusual here. He had been ready to turn tail at the first sign of trouble, but as they got closer, it became clear that this was no pirate stronghold. In fact, it looked like it was just two people stranded on an island.

Judging by the makeshift shelter they had built, they had clearly been there for some time.

A man and a woman, stranded on an island...

The entire crew’s minds quickly filled in the rest, weaving countless scenarios, most of which seemed straight out of a romantic novel. How could these two have been stranded together for so long yet still not have had kids? That’s honestly quite remarkable!

However, most baffling to the crew was that, if ordinary people were stranded on an island and saw a ship, they would be shouting and waving to catch attention. But these two? They were just standing there, quietly looking out at the sea.

Could they be stunned by joy?

One crew member murmured, “I can’t make out the faces from here, but that woman’s got quite an amazing figure...”

His companions chuckled, exchanging knowing looks. They did not need words to understand each other.

Generally, sailors would help anyone they found stranded, though not without some expectations in return. It was commonly understood that the rescued often offered a reward of their own, and in the lonely monotony of life at sea, such rewards were more often than not taken to mean something intimate. This applied to both rescued males and females.

As they looked at the man far out on the island, they noticed his rugged and robust, yet handsome figure, which definitely suited some of the crew’s tastes.

The entire crew, animated by their imaginations, called out as they steered the ship closer. “Don’t worry, we’re here to rescue you!”

Lady Three called back, “How about you all just turn around and leave?”

The sailors were stunned.

Zhao Changhe sighed, tugging gently at Lady Three’s sleeve. “Is that really necessary? They’re just trying to help.”

Lady Three rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “I’ve sailed these seas more times than you’ve eaten rice. Do you think their kindness doesn’t come with strings attached? They’re not just interested in me, even you’re on the menu...”

Zhao Changhe blinked. “What?”

As the ship drew within a few dozen zhang, they could now see each other clearly.

The crew stared, wide-eyed, with some members visibly drooling.

A handsome man and a beautiful woman—like immortals gracing the human world. The crew felt as though they had struck gold.

However, the experienced captain suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He listened to his guts and immediately shouted, “Hard to starboard, we’re out! Now!”

His crew looked bewildered until the captain elaborated, “You fools! Look at their clothes! Since when are people stranded on an island able to stay this fucking clean? Those two are top-tier experts!”

Before he could finish, Lady Three moved. She leaped into the air, crossing the distance between them in an instant. She landed on the ship’s bow with a chilling smile. “You should’ve turned around when I said so.”

One terrified sailor instinctively drew his saber and swung at her.

Lady Three reached out with her slender hand, casually grasping the saber and twisting it until it looked like a corkscrew. She then grabbed the sailor by the throat and lifted him off the deck, her gaze icy. “You dare covet me? You’ve got some nerve.”

The man kicked wildly, but he was utterly unable to break free from her elegant grasp.

The rest of the crew were frozen in fear, sweat pouring from their brows. These were not people stranded on an island—they were clearly top-tier martial artists out on a leisurely honeymoon. This terrifying woman alone could likely slaughter everyone on board without breaking a sweat. Whoever had the audacity to even harbor thoughts about such people had clearly lost their mind.

Zhao Changhe appeared right beside her, watching Lady Three’s display of force with a wry smile.

You say Vermillion Bird is the vicious one, but look at yourself—you’re no better. You all come from the same mold of the Four Idols Cult. Honestly, I think Chichi might be the sweetest of you all.

The captain tried to smile despite his fear. “Honorable lady, we meant no harm. We only wished to help, and even if... Well, even though we may or may not have had some thoughts, nothing was said aloud, much less done. Surely you can’t hold us accountable for mere thoughts... Please, spare us.”

Lady Three’s expression remained cold. “Your ship doesn’t appear to be well-equipped. You aren’t a lone vessel, are you?”

The captain nodded quickly. “You are most perceptive, honorable lady. Yes, we’re part of a fleet. We recently found an injured shark, so we split up to search the area...”

Lady Three immediately understood. “You weren’t fishing for sharks. You were looking for people. What is your mission here?”

The crew exchanged nervous glances before one sailor finally admitted, “We’re searching for the Heavenly Origin Pirates.”

Lady Three nodded. “I see... The Heavenly Origin Pirates have indeed been a scourge upon the Eastern Sea. It’s only right for them to be eliminated—your mission is a noble one.”

Zhao Changhe: “...”

The captain was equally stunned. He had assumed this woman had some connection to the Heavenly Origin Pirates, maybe even an alliance with them. But now it seemed that was not the case. In fact, it seemed as though she was even enemies with them!

Sure enough, Lady Three continued, “I’ve long wished to meet this pirate crew myself. I’ve heard their third-in-command is quite beautiful and powerful... perhaps it’s time for me to pay her a visit.”

Zhao Changhe lowered his head, trying to hide his twitching face.

The captain, initially nervous, was now overjoyed. He had assumed that his fleet would have no chance against the pirates. But with these two terrifying individuals on their side, things looked different. They could potentially be the strongest force in the alliance and turn the situation to their advantage.

The captain quickly offered a fawning smile. “Honorable lady, if you would take charge of upholding justice, that would be wonderful. The people of the Eastern Sea would be eternally grateful!”

Lady Three gave a slight nod and casually dropped the crewman she was holding to the deck. “Prepare a cabin for us. Also, bring us the best food and wine you have. As long as I’m here, the pirates won’t dare touch you.”

The captain bowed repeatedly and offered to lead the way. “This way, please, madam...”

“Who said you could call me that?” Lady Three said sharply.

The captain stammered, “Th-then may I know how I am to address you?”

Lady Three’s eyes darted around as she thought. “You may call me Venerable.”

She then turned to glare at Zhao Changhe, “Come on, little piggy. Keep up.”

Zhao Changhe: “...”

Lady Three continued to chat with the captain as they walked. “This is my guard, Little Pig. Isn’t he nice and sturdy?”

“Very sturdy, indeed...” the captain said, thinking to himself, A guard, you say? And you’re sharing a room with him? Just say he’s your lover—we certainly wouldn’t dare laugh. He doesn’t really look like a pig, though.

Once they arrived at the cabin, the captain respectfully bowed his way out. “Rest well, honorable guests. I’ll make sure that the wine and food you requested are brought to you right away.”

The moment the door closed, Lady Three’s stern expression broke. She let out a snicker, almost doubling over with laughter.

Zhao Changhe crossed his arms, glaring. “Venerable...”

Lady Three smiled playfully. “What’s wrong? Wasn’t my performance perfect? With us traveling along with this fleet, just watch me plant a dagger in the side of Penglai.”

“I think you’re more interested in the drama than the sabotage,” Zhao Changhe said, exasperated.

“And what’s wrong with that?” Lady Three said, arching an eyebrow.

Zhao Changhe responded, “Well, I guess nothing. But having them call you Venerable is something else. Wouldn’t that give away that you’re a leader of the Four Idols Cult?”

“The Sea Emperor already knows that I’m Black Tortoise. But whether he connects me with the leader of the pirates is still uncertain,” Lady Three replied thoughtfully. “I asked them that just to gauge their reaction, to see if they know about the link between the Four Idols Cult and the pirates. From their response, it seems that at least these random sailors have no clue.”

Zhao Changhe looked at her, a bit surprised. Then he nodded in understanding. Lady Three was a well-respected leader within the Four Idols Cult, and even Vermillion Bird often sought her counsel. She liked to relax and have fun, but that did not mean she was not thoughtful. On the contrary, her life and experience in the jianghu were deep and sophisticated. There was no need for anyone to worry about her.

Deciding to leave it at that, Zhao Changhe stepped forward, cracking his knuckles. “You always have a good reason for what you do... So, why call me Little Pig?”

Lady Three giggled, wrapping his fist in her hand. “Aren’t you my little piggy?”

Zhao Changhe tried to shake his fist free but could not break her grip.

Zhao Changhe quickly came to the frustrating realization that once Lady Three had fully recovered, there was no way he could match her strength. He had always thought himself strong, but in the face of Black Tortoise’s power, his supposed strength seemed like a joke. He truly felt like a pig held in place by a strong farmer, unable to resist.

Lady Three leaned in close to his ear, her voice soft and teasing, “Back to the real world, Little Pig.”

Zhao Changhe knew what she meant. The secluded island where they had clung to each other, fighting for survival, was like a fading dream. It was now but a fleeting moment that had already faded away without a trace.

Lady Three felt a pang of emptiness, too. She murmured, “I know you only wanted me for my body... But now, that’s over. Do you regret it? Not taking advantage when you had so many chances?”

Zhao Changhe paused for a moment before responding in a quiet voice, “I don’t regret it.”

“Liar.”

“But... that time together, relying on each other—it was more beautiful than anything else,” Zhao Changhe said, his voice steady. After a moment’s hesitation, he added, “Lady Three, I hope we can keep walking together, side by side.”

Lady Three’s heart pounded at his words, her throat suddenly dry, her mind blank. She struggled to come up with a response to his unexpected confession, the idea of a future together beyond her grasp.

It felt like time stretched on forever, though it may have only been a moment. Then, she suddenly grew irritated. “Who needs all that nonsense? Just stay as my obedient little pig. Please me, and I’ll reward you... occasionally.”

Zhao Changhe opened his mouth to speak, but Lady Three silenced him by pressing her lips to his, pinning him back against the chair. His hands were trapped, her weight holding him down.

He did not resist. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

At that moment, Zhao Changhe realized with a sigh that, once again, he was being played by his “big sister.”

The door creaked open, and the captain entered, carrying a tray of food and wine. He froze at the sight before him. Lady Three was straddling Zhao Changhe, kissing him deeply, her fingers running through his hair, while Zhao Changhe had a strangely resigned yet amused expression on his face.

The captain swallowed, unsure if the man looked more pained or more pleased. With a woman like this, like a lioness on the hunt... how long will it be before she drains this poor man dry?

Lady Three seemed entirely unbothered by the interruption. As the captain set down the tray, she stood up lazily, running a hand through her tousled hair. “Captain, tell us about the overall plan to surround and eliminate the pirate fleet. How many groups are involved? What kind of ships are there, and where will everyone gather?”