Eternal Saber

Chapter 638: Chapter 59: Mastery Comes from Practice

"Everyone, now that Little Kunmi and Prime Minister Qin are dead, let us heed the advice of Elder Feng."

One of the Imperial Guard Commanders, seeing the situation was futile, immediately echoed the sentiment and sided with Great Kunmi.

Maybe choosing the right master early could still earn him some merit for protecting the sovereign.

He had already noticed that the gaze of that killer had glanced in his direction.

Even someone as formidable as Prime Minister Qin, an Innate Expert, could not withstand a single strike from him.

Once targeted by him, it was as if half a foot was already in the grave.

Among the five Imperial Guard Commanders, three had already died in the chaotic battle.

The remaining Commander, upon seeing this, quickly bowed and led his men to surrender.

The initially chaotic situation soon stabilized.

The plump old man and others were severely injured, and if it weren’t for the fear of accidentally injuring them, Chen Tang’s Lion’s Roar could have stunned many at once.

Seeing the crisis resolved, Li Shuhu hurried forward and rescued Li Zhongmou.

The scene just now was clearly seen by Li Zhongmou from within the prison, leaving him deeply moved.

He hadn’t expected that in the little over two years since they last met, the young and inexperienced Chen Tang he first met in Changze County had grown to this extent.

It’s no exaggeration to say that this Wusun internal conflict was entirely suppressed by Chen Tang alone!

When a martial artist reaches a certain level of cultivation, they possess such power.

All the literary and martial strategies, schemes, and intrigues are worthless in the face of absolute strength.

"Brother Chen, long time no see. Without your help this time, we would have surely perished."

Supported by Li Shuhu, Li Zhongmou stepped forward to express his gratitude.

"Second Brother Li, there’s no need for such formality."

Chen Tang quickly supported Li Zhongmou’s arms, helping him up.

"You brat, how did you train your sword skill to such a level?"

The plump old man couldn’t help but ask.

Although he knew Chen Tang had opened the Mud Ball Palace and had guidance from the Emperor Wu’s inheritance, only two years had passed, and yet he had trained his sword skill to this level, which shocked him greatly.

Chen Tang said calmly, "Nothing special, just lots of practice."

"Damn!"

The plump old man couldn’t help but laugh and curse, "Your skill in showing off in front of me has progressed by leaps and bounds too."

Back when they were in Changze County, he had heard the term ’showing off’ from Chen Tang.

Chen Tang would occasionally say some odd phrases, but he had long since grown accustomed to them.

This particular phrase left a deep impression on him.

At first, it sounded crude, but upon reflection, it felt incredibly fitting.

He had always liked to show off since childhood.

He had mingled in Jianghu for decades, and was quite accomplished in that regard.

However, every time he tried to show off in front of Chen Tang, he always failed.

It wasn’t that he lacked skill, but that the person backing Chen Tang was even more impressive; he simply couldn’t compete.

"It’s only been two years, and here I am showing off to you."

Chen Tang laughed, "I’m usually quite low-key."

As if I don’t know you?

Are you someone who keeps a low profile?

The plump old man squinted as he looked at Chen Tang, half-believing and half-doubting.

From Changze County to the Daqian Capital, when have you ever been low-key?

Everywhere you go, it’s as if you stir up chaos.

On the other side, two Imperial Guard Commanders opened the prison and helped the pale-faced, terrified Great Kunmi out.

"Zi Xing, aren’t you going to thank your savior yet?"

The plump old man saw Great Kunmi standing idly by and couldn’t help but frown, softly reprimanding.

"Oh, oh."

Great Kunmi snapped back to reality, tiptoeing through the blood and corpses on the ground to approach, his face still showing uncontrollable fear.

"Thank you, young hero, for saving my life."

Great Kunmi stepped forward and bowed in gratitude.

Chen Tang nodded but said nothing.

He had no interest in the Kunmi struggle of Wusun Country.

He only came this time to rescue the plump old man and Li Zhongmou.

"Why are the two youngsters from the Changsun and Murong families involved in this?"

The plump old man looked at Changsun Ming and Murong Haitang and asked.

Mentioning this, Changsun Ming glanced to the side.

With so many people around, this was a major matter and not convenient to discuss, so Changsun Ming said, "It’s a long story. Elder Feng should first rest and recuperate."

"Arrange a few rooms for rest and make sure no one disturbs us."

Chen Tang told Great Kunmi, "Also, bring the best Imperial Physicians from Wusun Country here."

"Yes, yes, of course."

Great Kunmi nodded repeatedly, saying, "Clear out Changsheng Palace for the master and the young hero to rest and heal."

Chen Tang supported the plump old man, along with Changsun Ming, Murong Haitang, Li Zhongmou, and Brothers Li Shuhu, and left the place. Led by a few Imperial Guards, they wound their way through the palace before finally settling in front of Changsheng Palace.

"How did you end up here?"

The plump old man looked at Chen Tang and asked.

"I was captured by the Demon Venerable in Nanxia and taken to Xiling. As soon as he left, I escaped."

Chen Tang half-joked, "I headed north, thinking of hiding with you, but it turns out you’re in worse shape than I am."

"Damn!"

The plump old man cursed, "You really know how to cause trouble, attracting the Demon Venerable. I can’t handle you!"

"What about you two?"

The plump old man shifted his gaze to Changsun Ming and Murong Haitang.

"It’s nothing."

Changsun Ming hesitated for a moment before smiling, "We came as part of the Qian Country envoy to Wusun. Upon hearing of Elder Feng’s plight, we lent a hand."

The plump old man had already become a cripple, unable to sense any Inner Qi within.

Even if they revealed what the Eldest Princess Qingmu had entrusted, it would only add to Elder Feng’s worries, increasing his burden.

The plump old man frowned, his small eyes darting around.

He knew why Li Shuhu appeared here.

After all, his imprisonment originated from being gravely injured by the Barbarian Race’s Grandmaster when they invaded Liangzhou.

Would the two youngsters from the Changsun and Murong families travel thousands of miles just to visit Wusun Country on a diplomatic mission?

Moreover, he noticed Changsun Ming seemed hesitant earlier, indicating there was likely more to the story.

Chen Tang had just checked Li Zhongmou’s injuries.

He hadn’t cultivated Inner Qi yet, and aside from some superficial wounds and weak Qi and Blood, there were no major issues.

Chen Tang came over to the plump old man, activated the Divine Illumination State, and examined him, his expression grave.

Though the plump old man feigned nonchalance with his playful exterior, his injuries were severe. Aside from his shattered Dantian, most of his Meridians were also broken.

Keeping him alive was miraculous enough.

"If there’s anything to say, speak directly. Why keep it hidden when you sought me out?"

The plump old man’s face darkened.

Changsun Ming glanced at Chen Tang. Seeing there was no way to hide it, he drew a short sword from his bosom and handed it to the plump old man with both hands.

"This is Qingmu’s sword."

The plump old man immediately recognized it, asking, "Did Qingmu send you? Is there trouble on her end?"

"The Eldest Princess is well; you needn’t worry, sir. However..."

Changsun Ming briefly explained how Yuan Qingmo cursed the Emperor at court and was executed in the autumn, elucidating their purpose.

The plump old man fell silent upon hearing this.

He was aware of his situation; with his Dantian shattered and Meridians severed, compounded by internal and external injuries, there was no turning back.

Let alone going to the Capital to save anyone.

Li Zhongmou and Li Shuhu exchanged glances, both feeling heavy-hearted.

Without Elder Feng’s support, it meant there were no Grandmaster-level reinforcements for Liangzhou, leaving it completely isolated, and its eventual fall was only a matter of time.

Even with help from the likes of the Vermilion Bird Lord, they likely wouldn’t hold out for long.