Eternal Saber-Chapter 243 - 28: Ministry of Imperial Stables

Chen Tang pondered, "Senior Brother, if things cannot be done, it’s better to retreat and endure. As long as one lives, there is hope."

"I lack the cultivation now, and can’t help you. But when I have achieved mastery and return, I will surely help you slay these demons and spirits!"

Yuan Qingshan nodded slightly, saying nothing.

Chen Tang vaguely sensed that Yuan Qingshan was disheartened and might have even developed a death wish.

He spoke again, "I’ve been cultivating for less than a year. Give me ten years, and I’m sure I can reach the level of a Grandmaster, or even further to become a Grandmaster of the Transformation Realm!" 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

In ten years, Chen Tang would only be twenty-eight. Reaching the level of a Grandmaster at such an age is simply unheard of, not to mention becoming a Grandmaster of the Transformation Realm.

Even Former Emperor Wu only reached the Transformation Realm at the age of forty.

Chen Tang had no certainty in his heart but was merely voicing these bold words to instill confidence in Yuan Qingshan.

"Junior Brother, I believe in you."

Yuan Qingshan smiled and changed the subject, saying, "By the way, before you leave, don’t forget to say goodbye to Qingmu properly."

Chen Tang fell silent.

Given the current situation in Qian Country, it was inevitable that Yuan Qingshan would lose power.

Without Yuan Qingshan’s protection, heading to Nanxia was relatively safer for him.

This farewell, who knows when they might meet again.

Chen Tang took a deep breath and said, "I’ll go back and prepare now. I’ll come see you before I leave."

"No need."

Yuan Qingshan shook his head and said, "Once you’ve decided on a day to leave, don’t tell anyone, and don’t come to see me again."

Chen Tang remained silent for a while before nodding and heading towards the door.

"Junior Brother..."

Just as Chen Tang reached the door, Yuan Qingshan called out to him again.

Chen Tang turned back and looked.

Yuan Qingshan didn’t speak, just quietly gazed at Chen Tang, lost in thought.

"Senior Brother?"

Chen Tang called softly.

Yuan Qingshan seemed to come to his senses, waved his hand with a somewhat relieved smile, and said, "It’s nothing, go on!"

Seeing that Yuan Qingshan had turned his back, Chen Tang then turned and left.

After leaving the Imperial Palace, Chen Tang didn’t immediately seek out Qingmu, but headed to the Inner City Imperial Stables instead.

The Ministry of Imperial Stables oversees the breeding and management of warhorses.

The Minister of the Imperial Stables is none other than Li Yan of Wu’an County.

Soon after entering the capital, Chen Tang had sent the Thunder Leopard to the Ministry for care, hoping to see his old acquaintance in passing.

However, after the city’s arena battles, Li Yan had gone out on official duties and wasn’t seen.

This time, Chen Tang was here to secretly get Thunder Leopard out of the city before finding a chance to leave himself.

Otherwise, riding Thunder Leopard out of the city would be too conspicuous.

"Lord Chen."

The guard at the door recognized Chen Tang and quickly bowed in greeting.

After all, during this period, the most prominent figure in the capital was Chen Tang.

Chen Tang asked, "Has Lord Li returned?"

"He has returned, but..."

The guard, looking troubled and hesitant, said, "The Minister is receiving an important guest in the Inner Courtyard, Lord Chen, perhaps..."

"Oh?"

Chen Tang paused slightly, saying, "Then it would be impolite to disturb. I just need to fetch my horse from the stables."

"Let me take you there."

The guard nodded and said.

With Chen Tang’s status, no paperwork was needed to take his horse.

As Chen Tang followed the guard into the Grand Treasury Temple, he casually asked, "Who is it?"

"It seems to be an elder from the Profound Celestial Sect, with the surname Qu."

The guard said.

"Hmm?"

Chen Tang stopped in his tracks, frowning slightly.

The Profound Celestial Sect again.

Chen Tang said, "Where are they? Take me there."

The guard hesitated, saying, "Uh... that might not be appropriate. Should I announce your arrival first?"

"No need."

Chen Tang smiled and said, "We’re old acquaintances."

...

The Ministry of Imperial Stables.

Inner Courtyard, Main Hall.

In the seat directly facing the entrance, apart from Li Yan, there also sat an old man over sixty, donned in a Taoist robe, with a long flowing beard and a duster in his hand, exuding an aura of otherworldly elegance.

This man was one of the ten elders of the Profound Celestial Sect, Elder Qu.

On both sides of the main hall stood several disciples of the Profound Celestial Sect, some were Mystic Masters, and others were martial artists within the sect.

"Lord Li."

Elder Qu said, "Previously, only a few of my disciples came to visit, which may not have shown enough sincerity. Today, I’ve come personally, and you still refuse to agree?"

Li Yan smiled kindly, saying, "Elder Qu, your esteemed presence makes me anxious. However, I truly have no intention of joining the Profound Celestial Sect, much to your disappointment."

Elder Qu said lightly, "You’ve seen the events happening across Qian Country recently. The Profound Celestial Immortal Venerable represents the manifest will of Heaven on earth. Only by worshipping the Immortal Venerable and joining the Profound Sect can one escape disaster."

"Currently, His Holiness is stubborn and reckless, defying Heaven, resulting in divine retribution. Lord Li, you shouldn’t follow in His Holiness’ footsteps."

This statement carried a slight threatening tone.

Li Yan’s expression remained unchanged. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and sighed, "Alas, I’m old, and won’t live for many more years. I’m well-versed in both Buddhist and Taoist ways..."

Elder Qu rudely interrupted, "The older you get, the more you need something to believe in. Only then can you have a peaceful end!"

This statement was a blatant intimidation!

"Heh heh."

At that moment, a contemptuous laugh came from outside the main hall.

A tall man appeared, wielding a long sword, striding boldly, and said, "Kong Cong worshipped the Profound Celestial Immortal Venerable, so why didn’t he have a peaceful end?"

Kong Cong was Elder Qu’s disciple!

Seeing the newcomer, Elder Qu’s face darkened, eyes filled with a murderous look.

Chen Tang!

Before his words had faded, Chen Tang had already stepped into the main hall.

The disciples of the Profound Celestial Sect on either side looked displeased and stepped forward to try to block him.

"Get out of the way!"

Chen Tang shouted coldly.

Clang!

With a light flick of his thumb, ’Eternal’ was slightly unsheathed, revealing just a bit of the blade, which emitted a bone-chilling cold!

The disciples of the Profound Celestial Sect couldn’t help but shiver.

Considering that this man dared to kill Kong Cong—a favored disciple of Elder Qu and their eldest senior brother—in front of the Emperor, what chance did they stand?

With this thought, the disciples of the Profound Celestial Sect were intimidated by Chen Tang’s reputation and instinctively stepped back half a step.

Chen Tang continued walking, straight through the crowd, and directly approached Li Yan and Elder Qu!

"You still dare to face me?"

Elder Qu squinted slightly, staring at Chen Tang in front of him, and said in a firm voice.

Chen Tang grinned and said, "I’m quite bold, what wouldn’t I dare to do?"

Of course, Elder Qu wanted to kill Chen Tang.

But now was not the time.

Once the Emperor falls, this man will be like fish on a chopping board, entirely at his mercy!

There was no need to act rashly at the Ministry of Imperial Stables and give others leverage.

Elder Qu quickly calmed down, smiled slightly, and said, "What does Grand Protector Chen believe in?"

"I believe in nothing."

Chen Tang brandished his sword horizontally, slowly saying, "I only believe in this blade in my hand!"

Having killed Kong Cong, he had already made enemies with them.

Thus, Chen Tang was unconcerned in coming here.