Eternal Saber

Chapter 428 - 34: The Day of the Duel

Chen Tang knew immediately that this matter was quite tricky.

No wonder the Langya Pavilion Master was lukewarm to him, leaving him aside for all these days without sending anyone for him, almost forgetting about him.

The Sword Casting Manor has the support of the Northern Expedition Army behind it.

Once this is exposed, even the Langya Pavilion might not be able to protect him.

All four present fell into silence for a moment.

With over a dozen lives lost in the Sword Casting Manor, it’s uncertain if even the Langya Pavilion can protect Chen Tang, let alone them.

Song Wu suddenly stood up and said, "Brother Chen, you’ll have to endure for a while longer without revealing your identity. I’ll go back now and start investigating the Sword Casting Manor."

Chen Tang was deeply moved.

This was not only about brotherly loyalty; moreover, Song Wu had complete trust in him to say such things.

Furthermore, this move involves enormous risk.

A slight misstep could even ruin his future!

Shen Zhiyuan voiced his concern, fully aware of the stakes involved, and quickly said, "Old Song, don’t be hasty. This matter requires careful consideration."

Song Wu replied firmly, "There’s something unusual about this; there must be a problem with the Sword Casting Manor."

"Even so, it’s unlikely we can investigate the Sword Casting Manor." Shen Zhiyuan said, "After this incident, the Sword Casting Manor is heavily guarded, impenetrable, and any small movements will alert them."

Su Muzhe also advised, "If Captain Song acts under General Liu, any mobilization could easily be discovered by General Liu!"

"If anyone informs General Liu about this, Captain Song’s career would be over!"

Song Wu said, "Therefore, I have to investigate this matter alone."

Chen Tang shook his head and said, "Brother Song, I appreciate your goodwill. I, Chen Tang, am unburdened, with nothing to fear. At worst, I’ll just leave, as the world is vast, there’s always a place for me."

"You hold an important position in the Northern Expedition Army; it was hard to get there, there’s no need to risk yourself because of me."

Song Wu patted Chen Tang on the shoulder and smiled with a relaxed expression, "Don’t worry, don’t you trust my skills?"

Song Wu’s lightweight skill ’Flying Star Step’, ranks among the Ten Great Lightweight Techniques.

Back in Beiqian, even the few Jianghu newcomers like Chen Tang were outmatched by him.

Shen Zhiyuan, with a serious expression, said in a low voice, "But have you thought, just in case, if when investigating the Sword Casting Manor, you find a connection to General Liu, what will you do?"

Song Wu fell silent for a moment.

But soon, he seemed to have made a decision and said, "Above General Liu, there’s also the Commander of the Northern Expedition Army, General Wang Xiaobo."

"If General Wang..."

Shen Zhiyuan wanted to continue asking.

"No need to say more," Song Wu interrupted as he saw Shen Zhiyuan trying to persuade him further, and shook his head, "If there’s a problem with the Sword Casting Manor, it’s also a huge threat to the Northern Expedition Army. Even if not for Brother Chen, for the Northern Expedition Army, I must investigate!"

Shen Zhiyuan sighed inwardly.

He understood Song Wu’s nature.

Once he made up his mind, nobody could persuade him otherwise.

"Where are you going? Let’s finish our drinks; a day or two won’t make a difference."

Seeing Song Wu turning to leave, Shen Zhiyuan quickly called him back.

Song Wu said, "No more drinking, time is of the essence. When this is over, we will have a big drink together."

With that said, Song Wu strode out of the place with determination.

Coming and going like the wind, acting swiftly and decisively!

Chen Tang watched Song Wu leave, silent and turbulent within, almost unable to calm himself.

He knew that with Song Wu’s departure, he was risking his future and life!

"Captain Song is indeed a man of character." Su Muzhe’s eyes showed deep admiration.

With Song Wu gone, the remaining three were worried and were not in the mood to continue drinking.

The three simply ate something, and Chen Tang then stood up to take his leave.

As Shen Zhiyuan and Su Muzhe were about to see him off, a girl named Ah Li walked up from the side, following quietly behind Chen Tang.

The two were slightly taken aback.

Not knowing when Ah Li arrived.

They didn’t think much of it, taking it as a reunion after a long time, the conversation engaging, thus ignoring others.

Chen Tang returned to his residence, and things were quite calm in the following days.

During this time, Shen Zhiyuan visited him twice.

After all, as Song Wu’s friend staying at the Langya Pavilion, Shen Zhiyuan couldn’t be negligent.

Regarding that script, they exchanged insights with each other, both gaining something from the interaction.

As the time for the Prime Minister’s Mansion and Langya Pavilion drew near, Shen Zhiyuan was busy preparing for the battle and didn’t come over again.

Chen Tang considered inquiring about Zhiwei’s situation or asking Shen Zhiyuan to take him to see Zhiwei.

But after reconsideration, with the Sword Casting Manor matter unresolved, Shen Zhiyuan was somewhat guarded against him as an ’outsider’.

With the impending battle, Zhiwei will surely appear, giving them a chance to meet, so there was no rush.

During this period, Chen Tang visited the armory twice to check on the sword casting process.

On the first visit, the seven Flying Swords showed no signs of being smelted.

Later, not knowing what materials Uncle Qi used, but on Chen Tang’s second visit, the flames were fiercer, the temperature extremely high, with the heatwave spreading hundreds of meters around.

The seven Flying Swords were red-hot, showing signs of softening.

Clang clang!

Uncle Qi personally took the field, wielding a hammer, forging layer upon layer, with sparks flying everywhere.

News about the prodigies on the Wind and Cloud Ranking also came through.

Xiao Wuhen, with blood dripping from his eyes, temporarily stayed at the Langya Pavilion to recover. During this period, under the careful treatment of Su Li, the Medical and Poison Dual Mastery, his injuries improved, reportedly regaining some vision.

However, hoping to fully recover and return to his previous state is impossible.

The damage to Xiao Wuhen’s eyesight has a huge impact on him!

This also means he can’t keep his tenth place on the Wind and Cloud Ranking, and there will definitely be changes this year.

Of course, this matter is too embarrassing, so Lin Mubai, Xiao Wuhen, and others are all very secretive about it.

The Jianghu guests in Langya Pavilion only knew that Xiao Wuhen suffered a great loss but didn’t know at whose hands he met his downfall.

Today was the day agreed upon for the duel between the Prime Minister’s Mansion and Langya Pavilion.

Langya Pavilion had already prepared a spacious martial arts arena in advance, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people.

This time, the duel attracted not only people from the Jianghu of the Six States but also many from the Court who came to watch.

The crowds from both sides surged, each occupying one side of the martial arts arena, distinctly divided into the Jianghu and the Court camps.

On one side, naturally, were Xia Daozi and Minister of the Secretariat Shen Guobao leading the group.

Ten thousand heavy-armored Imperial Guards, armed with weapons, surrounded the two, forming an impenetrable defense, so not even a fly could get through.

Normally, when coming to Langya Pavilion, the safety of Xia Daozi and Shen Guobao should be handled by Langya Pavilion.

But the two were too fearful of death.

They both knew their standing in the hearts of Jianghu people.

Near Langya Pavilion, two additional Imperial Guards were stationed, ready to assist at any time!

The Jianghu camp on the opposite had only over a thousand people, including disciples from top forces across the Six States and renowned Jianghu guests and Green Forest heroes.

The Jianghu guests pointed and laughed at Xia Daozi and Shen Guobao hiding among the Imperial Guards, occasionally bursting into loud laughter.

"Laugh, laugh."

Xia Daozi sneered in his heart, "Let’s see which of you Jianghu dogs will still be laughing in a while!"

Langya Pavilion was located in the middle of the two camps.

Not only because of the identity of the Langya Pavilion Master but also because Langya Pavilion itself was unique, bridging the Jianghu and the Court—some clan members walked the Jianghu, while others served in the Court.

This was Langya Pavilion’s way of survival.

No matter which side held more power, Langya Pavilion could always maintain a lineage.

And today, Langya Pavilion could stabilize both the Court and Jianghu camps not only because Madam Su personally came to watch.

But also because a figure capable of controlling the situation and commanding the world had arrived on Langya Pavilion’s side!

Ye Xuan of the Sword Pavilion!

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On this day, Chen Tang, Ah Li, Mei Zhenyu, and Zhu Lingxue took a stroll around Langya Pavilion and barely saw anyone.

Almost everyone had run to the martial arts arena to watch the duel.

Chen Tang first made a detour to the armory.

The sword casting seemed to have reached its final stage, and whether it would succeed or not would be revealed today.

Uncle Qi was too focused to even speak to Chen Tang, and he watched carefully.

After watching for a while, Chen Tang, worried about disturbing Uncle Qi, headed to the martial arts arena.

"With so many people and onlookers over there, won’t we be discovered?"

Mei Zhenyu was still a bit worried.

"It’s okay,"

Chen Tang smiled and said, "We’ll stand in a corner and just watch the fun without revealing ourselves."

"Yeah, yeah, everyone’s attention will definitely be on the people in the match, no one will notice us."

Zhu Lingxue’s eyes sparkled, and she rubbed her hands together, feeling a little excited.

Some people are naturally fond of watching fights and want to join in the fun.

Even a big clash like this, where the prodigies gather, or a street brawl, will attract a crowd.

Before long, Chen Tang and the others reached the edge of the martial arts arena.

It was already packed with people, bustling with noise.

At a glance, both camps were densely packed, with inner and outer layers, encircling the large martial arts arena.

The people of Langya Pavilion were on a constructed high platform in the middle, which was quite conspicuous.

Sitting in the center was an elderly woman with graying hair, advanced in years but full of energy, resting on a deep red dragon head staff, intently watching the two fighting in the arena.

Judging by her status, this should be Madam Su.

Beside Madam Su sat a young girl, quiet and lovely.

Even from a distance, Chen Tang recognized this girl at a glance—it was Zhiwei!

Madam Su gently held Zhiwei’s small hand, showing great affection for her.

Chen Tang shifted his gaze.

On the two rows of chairs below Madam Su, the first seat on the left was occupied by Langya Pavilion Master Shen Yuanlin.

Opposite him was a man in a mysterious robe, handsome and upright, his eyes clear as stars. Even while sitting, his posture was straight, exuding an imposing and majestic aura!

Ye Xuan of the Sword Pavilion!

At this moment, Ye Xuan, who had been sitting still, slightly turned his head, his gaze cutting through the layers of people and landing instantly on Chen Tang!

Chen Tang was startled.

In that moment, he felt as if he had been completely seen through, with no secrets.

At the same time, Ye Xuan nodded slightly.

Before Chen Tang could respond, the other had already withdrawn his gaze.

Chen Tang was a bit stunned.

Was the legendary Marshal Xuan just greeting him?

Not likely.

Probably a misperception.

Just then, a change occurred in the martial arts arena!