Chapter 276 : Killing the Enemy
Chapter 276: Killing the Enemy
“Just you, a pretty boy, think you can be mentioned in the same breath as me?”
Wang Jinhu sized up Chen Ming, his gaze brimming with a murderous aura so intense it seemed almost tangible, chilling to the bone.
Chen Ming’s heart tightened. This man likely cultivated some kind of secret art, or his cultivation method was uniquely special, to be able to emit such a deadly aura.
It also meant he had killed many, with an abundance of combat experience.
Chen Ming stared back at him, his expression calm. “What do you intend?”
Wang Jinhu patted the broad-backed saber in his hand and said, “Duel me. Let me weigh your worth and see if you're qualified to have your name mentioned alongside mine.”
“Very well. You set the time.”
This was the inner court of the imperial palace—naturally, they couldn't fight here. They’d have to arrange a separate time and place.
Seeing how readily Chen Ming agreed, Wang Jinhu didn’t press the matter further and found a seat to sit down.
Chen Ming also returned to his own seat.
Beside him, Gu Zhengshan frowned and scolded in a low voice, “How could you agree? You've only just stepped into Second Grade—how can you be his match? Don’t forget…”
“Shut up.”
Chen Ming cast him a glance, the cold gleam in his eyes sending a chill down Gu Zhengshan’s spine. It was the pressure from a higher realm.
Coldly, he said, “It’s not your place to dictate my actions.”
Gu Zhengshan clenched his teeth. Beneath the table, his hand tightened into a fist, then relaxed moments later. Hatred brewed in his heart—once this was over, he’d make sure this brat paid the price.
Finally, Chen Ming had a bit of peace.
After a while, there was a stir in the side hall. “Look, it’s the Peerless Young Master.”
In came a nobleman of striking appearance—his looks rivaled even Xia Mudan disguised as the “Peerless Young Master.”
Chen Ming studied him closely. The man’s face was like sculpted jade, with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, exuding a noble air—a true gentleman of elegance and grace.
Could this be another woman?
He muttered to himself.
This “Peerless Young Master” bore the surname Duan. As for his given name, no one knew. He was famed for four arts—swordsmanship, saber technique, music, and wine. Not only was he immensely powerful, but his reputation among the people far exceeded the other two.
He was practically a celebrity among the common folk.
Judging by his entrance, it was like a celebrity “street snap” from Earth—seemingly casual, yet every gesture was meticulously choreographed.
Four identical-looking beautiful maids accompanied him, each holding a different item:
A sword.
A saber.
A zither.
And a wine jar.
Just from that, one could tell how flamboyant this man was.
Of course, everyone seated in this side hall was male.
The women were naturally in another hall.
Among the crowd, many clearly disapproved of this “Peerless Young Master.”
Chen Ming heard several snorts of disdain. Who knew what they were thinking of him?
After sitting down, the “Peerless Young Master” said something to the sword-holding maid, who then walked over to Chen Ming. “Are you the Seventh Lang of the Duke of Jingguo’s Residence?”
“I am,” Chen Ming replied.
The maid said, “My young master said that if your performance tonight is too poor, refrain from claiming to be his equal ever again.”
With that, she gave a slight curtsey and turned to leave.
Chen Ming found it rather amusing. After all his time wandering the martial world, he never expected the most concerned with reputation to be these scions of noble families.
First Wang Jinhu, now the Peerless Young Master—both came specifically to warn him.
The last one—would they be the same?
A while later, the final young master appeared.
This “lady young master” wore a black robe in male attire, her curvy figure boldly outlined—clearly not trying to hide her identity as a woman.
Her name was Ling Qingying. As a woman, she stood shoulder to shoulder with the other two, collectively known as the Three Young Masters, simply because her conduct and demeanor were wholly unlike that of ordinary women.
This was evident in her walking into a hall filled solely with men. She completely regarded herself as one of them.
In Great Jin, women could inherit noble titles—so long as they had the strength.
Her family held a hereditary dukedom, and a few years ago, she had been named heir. In the future, she would succeed the title and become a female duke.
As Ling Qingying entered the hall, her gaze swept the crowd, and suddenly, she raised a hand.
Chen Ming instantly felt a fierce sword intent surge toward him, transforming into a sky full of starlight before his eyes, dazzling and mesmerizing.
He lifted his hand and gently pointed at one of the stars.
In that moment, the starlight vanished completely.
Ling Qingying had already lowered her hand and, after giving him a glance, sat down in a nearby seat.
This woman was truly bold—she dared to strike even inside the palace.
Chen Ming caught a glimpse of a red-cloaked officer outside the hall flashing by. He thought to himself: This Ling Qingying’s status must be extraordinary for the guards to turn a blind eye.
It seemed the rumors were true. The Empress Dowager was said to be fond of this young lady, summoning her to the palace on multiple occasions.
And so, the three most outstanding scions among the noble families of the capital had all appeared. Who was stronger—tonight would reveal the truth.
—
Finally, night fell.
Led by the palace eunuchs, Chen Ming and the others entered the main hall.
The main hall of Qianyuan Hall was massive—larger than a football field. Over a thousand people were seated on the left and right. The central section belonged to the royal family.
“Long live His Majesty!”
Everyone present paid homage to the supreme ruler seated high upon the throne.
Then, they bowed to the veil behind the Dragon Throne. “Greetings, Empress Dowager!”
Chen Ming finally saw the emperor’s true appearance. He was refined in manner and well-maintained—looked to be in his early thirties. Seated on the Dragon Throne, he exuded natural majesty.
As for the Empress Dowager behind the veil, only a graceful silhouette could be vaguely seen.
Seated beside the emperor was the empress—not a peerless beauty, but her demeanor was gentle and reserved. However, her complexion looked poor.
Likely due to recent court matters regarding calls to depose her.
Beside her were two imperial consorts—both stunning, each with their own charm.
Flanking the emperor were the royal clan members. They were here only to spectate. The Night Banquet of the Ghost Festival was held for the nobles, not for the royal family.
Chen Ming spotted Xia Mudan at a glance—among the crowd, she stood out like a crane among chickens, a natural leading lady, the focus wherever she went.
She also glanced at him, her expression composed.
When their eyes met, Chen Ming quickly looked away. In such a setting, staring at the emperor’s future consort would be improper.
Then, an old eunuch beside the emperor stepped forward and said a few formal words in a sharp, shrill voice—mostly about the unity of officials and ensuring the Great Jin dynasty would last forever.
Chen Ming paid little attention, his thoughts instead focused on the power struggle between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor.
Great Jin’s political system was intriguing—neither the Empress Dowager nor the Empress hailed from notable families. In fact, no one had heard of them having any relatives at all.
It was as if they were orphans.
Of course, that was impossible. It could only mean their backgrounds were shrouded in mystery—so secretive they could not be revealed.
There was likely some hidden truth behind it.
The emperor was not the Empress Dowager’s biological son. Under normal circumstances, unless she used him as a puppet, she wouldn’t be able to suppress him.
Yet, currently in Great Jin, the Empress Dowager’s faction clearly held the upper hand over the emperor’s.
There was only one explanation—she possessed overwhelming power.
As Chen Ming pondered this, the eunuch finally reached the main point. “...According to the decree set by the Founding Emperor, on the Night of the Ghost Festival, noble sons and descendants of high officials may enter the Tower of Merits for trials. The top ten in earned merit shall receive a spot in the secret realm. The top five shall be granted a place in the Immortal Estate. Those wishing to participate, please step forward.”
Finally!
But… what was this Tower of Merits?
Chen Ming was puzzled. No one from the Gu Family had told him how the trials worked during the Night Banquet.
He had assumed it would be some kind of arena battle. Apparently, it wasn’t.
Just then, Gu Haochuan beside him whispered, “Seventh Lang, go on. Just do your best.”
“Yes.”
Chen Ming stood and walked to the center.
In the end, nearly a hundred people stood in the center of the hall.
He was a bit taken aback. No wonder the Great Jin court could dominate the realm. Everyone present was at least Third Grade. There were even quite a few at Second Grade.
And these were only nobles and descendants of high officials—not even counting the Six Doors Authority or the royal clan.
Such power could easily crush any other force.
The emperor waited a moment. Seeing no more step forward, he said, “My dear subjects, slay your enemies well and return victorious.”
With a wave of his hand—
A beam of white light enveloped the hundred-plus participants, instantly transporting them all away.
—
“Where is this place?”
Chen Ming blinked, finding himself in a strange realm. He cautiously surveyed his surroundings—varied terrain, with mountains, rivers, and forests.
Was this… a secret realm?
Just as the thought occurred, danger prickled in his mind. Without hesitation, he activated his movement technique and vanished.
Whoosh!
An arrow struck the spot where he had just stood, its fletching still trembling.
Chen Ming landed atop a large tree and looked toward the direction the arrow came from—he could vaguely see numerous figures in the woods.
“Good movement technique!”
A tall general in black armor emerged from the forest, followed by a dozen armored soldiers.
These men were clearly elite troops.
Only, their armor’s style was unfamiliar—not of Great Jin.
The general shouted, “Men, time to kill the enemy. For the glory of Great Wei!”
“For the glory of Great Wei!”
The soldiers echoed loudly, then charged toward Chen Ming with murderous momentum.
Great Wei?
Great Wei had long been destroyed.
Chen Ming scoffed inwardly and didn’t engage them head-on. In a flash, he vanished once more.