Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 533: The Furious Pirates

The pirate ships drew closer with astonishing speed.

Even though the pirate ships were not quite as large in tonnage as the Tang Clan’s flagship, they were certainly on par with the other vessels in the Tang Clan's fleet. With over a hundred such vessels cutting through the water in unison, they exuded a daunting presence.

The Tang Clan sailors rapidly spread across the deck, bows drawn and arrows nocked. There was even a flurry of movement as oilcloths were pulled away, revealing several ballistae beneath.

Zhao Changhe glanced sideways, silently noting to himself that these ballistae were likely procured through some of Tang Buqi’s under-the-table dealings for his personal benefit. Tang Buqi, though seemingly so upright, was evidently no stranger to questionable methods.

The crew’s disciplined, formidable display began to add a somewhat absurd air to the scene. The pirate ships, coming ever closer, seemed increasingly hesitant. Eventually, they split into two flanking lines, passing on either side of the Tang Clan's fleet from just beyond bowshot range—a display that spoke to their impressive sailing skills and no less impressive coordination.

A voice rang out from afar, amplified by internal energy: “Whose fleet are you?”

Hoh, their strength isn’t too bad.

For someone to project their voice clearly across such a distance in the middle of a vast ocean was no trivial feat. Even with a modern loudspeaker, such clarity would be difficult. It required the control of someone who had at least unlocked the Profound Mysteries—it was at the first layer of the Profound Mysteries that one would gain the ability to be in tune with their environment and leverage the sea breeze to carry their voice.

Tang En, clearly lacking such ability, was unable to respond. However, the speaker seemed to have made out the flags flapping wildly in the wind. “Ah, it’s the Tang Clan of Gusu.”

Without further comment, the pirate fleet turned about, taking up positions on either side as if to provide an escort while keeping pace with the Tang Clan's fleet.

Tang En frowned deeply, his expression clearly troubled.

Zhao Changhe, puzzled by this turn of events, whispered, “What exactly are they playing at?”

Tang En sighed and explained, “There’s an old saying: you can be a thief for a thousand days, but you can’t guard against thieves for a thousand days. By shadowing us like this, they’re making it clear that we shouldn’t even think about making landfall for rest or resupply. Once we disembark, things could get messy very quickly.”

Zhao Changhe nodded in understanding. It was clear that at any supply point or port, the pirates would likely have accomplices ashore, ready to signal the fleet. If they coordinated a two-pronged attack, the Tang Clan's fleet would be quickly left in a dire state, especially since there was a top-level master among the pirates and none on the Tang Clan’s side. Should the pirates find the right moment, it would be like a tiger among sheep—the ballistae would not be of much help then.

This was the advantage of fighting on home turf, coupled with the deterrent of having a powerful expert on their side.

The best course of action was to engage the pirates now and frighten them off. However, Tang En clearly was not prepared for a life-or-death struggle just a couple of days into their voyage, and hesitation showed on his face.

Seeing the situation, Zhao Changhe raised his voice slightly, “Well then, let’s see who ends up guarding against whom. If I get the chance to board one of their ships and plunder it, it wouldn’t be a bad experience at all.”

His tone seemed merely slightly louder, yet the sound was solid, unwavering despite the wind. It carried firmly across the water to each of the pirate ships.

The pirates collectively stiffened, visibly shaken. They instantly realized that there was someone in the Tang Clan's fleet with power far beyond the fleet commander’s.

Their leader’s expression visibly darkened, and he called back with newfound caution, “May I ask which hero on the Ranking of Earth we have the honor of encountering?”

For a brief moment, Zhao Changhe almost instinctively wanted to claim to be Wang Daozhong. He had gotten so used to impersonating Wang Daozhong that it felt entirely natural—his strength was entirely up to par now, making him something of a quintessential character actor. But on second thought, he restrained this impulse. Given that Wang Clan played a central role in these events, and Zhao Changhe intended to observe quietly from the shadows, claiming Wang Daozhong’s identity would likely ruin everything and defeat the entire purpose of this endeavor.

Instead, he casually commented, “The Tome of Troubled Times is filled with biases. I have no standing on any of its rankings. I’m just an unknown nobody.”

On the mainland, there were few who might believe such a statement, but out here at sea, the pirates seemed inclined to trust his words. “Ah, a sea-born hero recruited by the Tang Clan. Might we know your name, sir?”

Zhao Changhe borrowed the name of someone he had recently met, Lu Shouyi, and altered it slightly. “Zhao Shouyi[1]. And who might you be?”

Maintaining unity was the essence of this new name, making it much classier than the Shouyi in Lu Shouyi’s name.[2]

There was a brief pause on the other side, perhaps an attempt to recall whether they had ever heard of a Zhao Shouyi. When no memory surfaced, the leader responded, “I am Hua Zhenming of the Furious Pirates. By order of our third leader, we are tasked with advising all fishermen and traders to return to shore.”

Zhao Changhe could actually believe their claim of “advising” rather than raiding. After all, this was still nearshore, less than a day’s distance from land. Even Tang En had expressed disbelief at encountering pirates so close to shore. Perhaps it was indeed nothing more than a “courteous” effort to dissuade travelers. But of course, that was also because their side was strong. If the Tang Clan's fleet had been weaker, this supposed “advising” may have quickly turned into outright plundering.

Zhao Changhe could not help but be intrigued. “With strength like yours, there are still others above you?”

Hua Zhenming replied humbly, “My strength can only make me a minor figure in our crew.”

Zhao Changhe found himself thinking, “Hey, blind woman. The Tome of Troubled Times missing notable figures like this seems a bit much, don’t you think?”

The blind woman kept silent, feigning ignorance.

Zhao Changhe could only continue, “Well, in any case, you’re surrounding and trailing our fleet. Is this what you call advising?”

Hua Zhenming responded, “What else could we do? Your ships are armed and fortified. It would be foolish to clash with you head-on without some strategy.”

Zhao Changhe chuckled. “And what about now?”

Hua Zhenming fell silent.

The main reason their tactic of trailing the fleet had been effective was Hua Zhenming’s own strength. The threat of a sudden boarding and massacre from such a powerful figure could keep a fleet perpetually on edge, a psychological weight they could not escape. But now that the tables had turned, with someone evidently stronger on board the Tang flagship, who was it that would find themselves too tense to relax?

Hua Zhenming sighed. “The seas are increasingly dangerous these days. Our attempts to persuade people to turn back are well-intentioned. Do you really have to make this so difficult?”

Zhao Changhe said, “If you can give us a convincing reason to turn back, we might consider it. Otherwise, if you were in my position, would you really just obediently turn back because someone said they were trying to be helpful? We still have to answer to our own patrons, don’t we?”

Hua Zhenming was silent for a long while before saying, “I can’t provide you with any further explanation.”

Zhao Changhe shrugged. “Then there’s nothing more to discuss. Keep following us if you wish.”

Hua Zhenming hesitated before making a formal declaration, “In accordance with the rules of the jianghu, I hereby challenge you. Should your side lose, your entire fleet must return.”

Zhao Changhe chuckled and asked, “Do you really think you’re a match for me?”

“Internal energy and mastery of the Profound Mysteries don’t always determine the outcome of a battle,” Hua Zhenming replied calmly.

“Fair point,” Zhao Changhe agreed. “But what happens if you lose?”

Hua Zhenming responded with no hint of hesitation, “We will surrender all our wealth and... women.”

Zhao Changhe could not help but glance over at their ship, noting there were no women aboard at all. What bullshit.

But continuing this standoff was not ideal either, and Zhao Changhe himself was rather curious to measure the strength of these pirates. Smiling, he agreed, “Deal.”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than both fighters sprang into the air, converging above the sea between the two vessels. In an instant, the clash of blows echoed in the air—ten exchanges traded with lightning speed.

Zhao Changhe employed the Divine Brilliance Sect’s Wind and Lightning Palm, a technique as defensively sound as the wall of a fortress. It was the perfect choice for gauging his opponent’s power without giving away too much of his own identity, and he doubted that Hua Zhenming would recognize it.

To Zhao Changhe’s delight, Hua Zhenming’s techniques were quite a revelation. His strikes bore an unmistakable influence from the ocean—each blow carried the oppressive sensation of the immense pressure underwater. Though seemingly slow, each attack exuded a relentless force, like battling the heavy currents of the deep. Around him, it almost appeared as though a swirling vortex of seawater had formed, rotating with his every move.

This was the epitome of martial artists drawing inspiration from the natural world, one of the classic attributes of true martial prowess. If recorded in the Heavenly Tome, it would undoubtedly provide profound insights into his own cultivation path.

Within moments, they had completed a dozen exchanges, and both fighters simultaneously expelled a breath, then descended toward the water below.

Zhao Changhe extended his foot, tapping lightly on the water’s surface to spring back up as if he were walking on air.

Hua Zhenming also landed atop the waves, but instead of relying on buoyancy, it seemed as if a vortex from beneath the sea surged upward to lift him, aiding his ascent.

Zhao Changhe laughed. “Good, good! Now take this!”

In a flash, thunder roared as he unleashed the full might of the Wind and Lightning Palm, his strike tearing through the air like a storm.

Hua Zhenming responded by raising both hands, and a spiraling water dragon ascended with force, colliding fiercely against the descending wind and lightning.

However, the water dragon soon began to dissipate and crumble. Unable to withstand Zhao Changhe’s overwhelming power, Hua Zhenming was thrown backward and flung back toward his ship.

Zhao Changhe grabbed him by the collar, effortlessly tossing him back onto the pirate ship, and used the counterforce of the throw to propel himself smoothly back to the Tang Clan’s flagship, his retreat elegant and graceful.

Both sides, captivated by the spectacle, broke into collective cheers, with friend and foe alike shouting in admiration, “Incredible!”

Indeed, movement arts were the ultimate show-stoppers, far flashier than any Wind and Lightning Palm.

Hua Zhenming landed on his deck, staggering a few steps, and then realized he had not sustained any injuries. He stood in silence for a moment, reflecting on the battle, before clasping his hands toward Zhao Changhe. “Thank you for the lesson.”

Zhao Changhe returned the gesture. “I overpowered you, but your technique was enlightening. I’ve learned a lot as well.”

Hua Zhenming sighed. “Our treasures and women are yours.” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Zhao Changhe laughed heartily. “I’ll take the women!”

He gave Tang En a pat on the shoulder. “Full speed ahead. Let’s go.”

The Tang Clan’s fleet sailed forth, leaving the pirates staring at each other in stunned silence.

After a long pause, Hua Zhenming let out a sigh. “The third leader was right... Heroes still walk the land.”

1. Lu Shouyi is written 卢守义, while Zhao Shouyi is written 赵守一. They are not perfect homonyms; the “yi” part has different tones, so they can be distinguished in speech. ☜

2. The phrase referenced here is 抱元守一, a concept originating from Daoism. It describes a practice or a state of mind where one holds onto their fundamental, pure essence while maintaining a singular focus and unity of the mind. The last character in Lu Shouyi’s name, 义, means “justice/righteousness.” Practically, it’s “preserving justice” vs. “preserving the one/unity.” ☜