Eternal Saber

The one who came was none other than Ye Xuan from the Sword Pavilion.

Uncle Wang’s expression remained unchanged, but there was some tension in his heart.

He was still recovering from a serious injury, so what could Ye Xuan want by coming to his residence unannounced?

It’s said that Ye Xuan’s daughter has a deep relationship with that Chen Tang.

Could it be that Ye Xuan is here to avenge Chen Tang?

However, during the battle in the Capital City six months ago, Ye Xuan also suffered a severe injury and should not have recovered so quickly.

Uncle Wang slowly said, "Brother Ye, you come uninvited, for what purpose?"

"The General need not be overly concerned."

Even in the darkness, Ye Xuan seemed to notice Uncle Wang’s tension and said calmly, "I have come only to deliver a letter for someone."

After speaking, Ye Xuan casually tossed it.

A letter drifted down gently, landing right in front of Uncle Wang.

Uncle Wang picked it up but did not look at it, still remaining vigilant, and asked, "Whose letter, is it worth Marshal Xuan’s personal delivery?"

"Chen Tang’s."

Having said this, Ye Xuan turned and left, quickly disappearing into the night without drawing anyone’s attention.

He’s gone just like that?

Uncle Wang exhaled lightly, feeling somewhat conflicted.

Ye Xuan was straightforward and upright, undoubtedly disdaining such acts of hitting someone when they’re down.

He had underestimated Ye Xuan.

Even though, back then, he had taken the Northern Expedition Army from Ye Xuan, when they met again, Ye Xuan was still quite courteous, calling him ’Brother Wang’.

But just now, Ye Xuan had switched to calling him ’General Wang’.

In the battle in the Capital City, the Sword Pavilion suffered heavy losses, both the Sword Sect and Ye Xuan were seriously injured.

Yet, all the fame and benefits were entirely taken by him.

Ye Xuan’s estrangement from him was only natural.

Still, when he remembered this, an inexplicable irritation surged in his heart.

The battle in the Capital City had abolished Empress Yin, greatly defeated the Profound Celestial Sect, critically weakened the Sword Pavilion, making it no threat to the Nanxia Court, the Drunken Immortal Tower was destroyed, the Jianghu forces split, the Northern Expedition Army and his fame soared like the midday sun, he should have been the biggest winner.

But to his surprise, he suffered a major setback at the Lijiang Inn!

Dealing with a Chen Tang should have been foolproof, who would have thought the Demon Venerable would show up there and intervene!

Whenever he thought of Chen Tang, he couldn’t control his anger and irritability.

The harm inflicted by the Demon Venerable was indeed too great.

To this day, he is still often plagued by heart demons, making it difficult to control his emotions.

Why did Chen Tang write him a letter?

Uncle Wang originally intended to burn the letter without even reading it, to avoid annoyance.

However, thinking that Ye Xuan personally delivered it, curiosity arose in his heart.

In the dark, after contemplating for a long time, he took a deep breath and opened the letter.

It’s just a letter, after all, what harm could it do?

Uncle Wang quickly skimmed through the contents of the letter, deep in thought.

Chen Tang actually wants to join hands with him!

In his heart, he harbored great resentment towards Chen Tang.

But if what’s written in the letter is true, this is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If used well, it might be possible to achieve a decisive victory over Beiqian, establishing unprecedented achievements!

Uncle Wang pondered throughout the night and finally made a decision at dawn.

"Summon Liu Daojian to meet me in the hall."

Uncle Wang instructed his personal attendant outside the door.

Not long after, Liu Daojian arrived from outside the General’s Mansion, entering the hall, only to see Uncle Wang sitting in the main seat, holding a cup of hot tea, lost in thought.

"My lord."

Liu Daojian quickly stepped forward and saluted respectfully.

Uncle Wang said in a deep voice, "Daojian, issue my military order. In five days, the entire army is to prepare weapons and horses, ready the provisions, and leave Jingkou for the river crossing at Jiangbian."

"General, are we just conducting a drill, or..."

Liu Daojian paused, hesitating to ask.

Uncle Wang said, "An internal conflict will occur in Beiqian Capital City. By then, Beiqian will suffer heavy damage and may collapse."

Liu Daojian questioned with doubt, "Where did you receive this news from, my lord? Is it reliable?"

"You needn’t ask further."

Uncle Wang said lightly, "When the time comes, the Northern Expedition Army will act accordingly. If Beiqian remains quiet, the whole army will simply conduct a drill by the river without crossing it."

"But if significant changes truly occur in Beiqian Capital City, we can seize the opportunity to attack Yaozhou and Qingzhou by the river!"

Liu Daojian frowned silently, still feeling something was amiss.

"My lord, Beiqian has at least two Grandmasters of the Transformation Realm in command."

Liu Daojian advised, "One is the Profound Celestial Sect Leader, the other is the Beiqian War God Murong Daoye. Moreover, Yaozhou is the territory of Yuwen Mao, the Grand Commandant of Beiqian, and Qingzhou is a stronghold of the Profound Celestial Sect, said to have a Divine Dragon guarding it."

"Attempting to lay a finger on these two states would be like reaching for the stars."

Uncle Wang smiled slightly, saying, "You need not worry about this matter; by then, those two Grandmasters of the Transformation Realm will be too occupied to care for themselves, perhaps even a Grandmaster will perish in Beiqian!"

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us in Nanxia."

Liu Daojian hesitated internally and said cautiously, "My lord, the Northern Expedition is a matter of great importance. Hastily mobilizing the army now might lead to insufficient preparations, I urge my lord to reconsider."

Uncle Wang’s expression turned colder.

Liu Daojian’s repeated obstruction displeased him, and he showed an impatient look.

"Daojian, I’ve heard you’ve reached First Grade and achieved Grandmaster status."

Uncle Wang suddenly said softly.

"Yes, thanks to your guidance, sir."

Liu Daojian sensed something strange in Uncle Wang’s tone and quickly replied with a smile.

Uncle Wang, without expression, said, "No wonder you’re so bold now, daring to defy my orders."

Liu Daojian’s face changed, and with a thud, he knelt on the ground, kowtowing, "Please calm your anger, sir. Dao Jian wouldn’t dare! Your status is noble, and your subordinate doesn’t want you to take risks. After all, the Northern Expedition Army still needs you for command and oversight."

Uncle Wang snorted coldly, staring at Liu Daojian kneeling on the ground, snorted coldly again, and said, "You better not dare!"

"I am still the Commander of the Northern Expedition Army, it’s not your place to point fingers, just follow orders!"

The battle in the Capital City was precisely due to his strategizing that led to a great defeat of the Profound Celestial Sect while severely weakening Sword Pavilion’s Primordial Qi, causing chaos in the Jianghu.

Not only that, he also dealt with Shen Guobao, who had always been opposing him within the Court.

So what if Xia Daozi is the Prime Minister?

Now he still must show him respect?

If he dares show any disrespect, he could abolish Xia Daozi in a single thought!

After the battle in the Capital City, although Uncle Wang never voiced it, he couldn’t help but feel a bit proud.

Since he had just made a decision, Liu Daojian continued to nag him, causing his displeasure, and thus he warned Liu Daojian.

"Please calm your anger, sir. Your subordinate will attend to it right away!"

Liu Daojian said no more, respectfully bowed and withdrew.

At the General’s Mansion, he still appeared as usual.

Only upon returning to his own residence did Liu Daojian’s expression turn gloomy as he gradually clenched his fists, his gaze flickering.

-----------------

Xiajiang.

At noon, a giant merchant ship floated on the wide river surface.

Although the river water rushed eastwards, the merchant ship remained on the surface, seemingly motionless.

This was a merchant ship of the Nanxia Ship Gang.

Inside the ship sat two people, one of whom was the ’River Overlord,’ Jiang Feng, the Gang Leader.

The other was Chen Tang, who journeyed from Bingzhou, lingered for several days by Qingzhou’s coast before rushing here.

Jiang Feng curiously asked, "You’re looking for several large ships capable of long voyages, carrying thousands of people. Where are you going?"

Chen Tang said, "Celestial Cauldron Continent."

"Not coming back?"

Jiang Feng asked again.

Chen Tang shook his head and said, "Just sending some friends over there, leaving them a way out."

Jiang Feng asked again, "According to you, Beiqian is about to collapse, with heroes rising and taking advantage of the chaos. With your skills and reputation, why don’t you plan to vie for the Divine Land?"

Chen Tang smiled, "I am accustomed to being alone, unwilling to be managed, nor do I want to manage others. I have no interest in that Emperor’s throne."

Jiang Feng clicked his tongue in amazement.

The world, without exception, is irresistibly drawn to that supreme throne, yearning for it.

Many in the Jianghu also long to be the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, the best in the world.

This young man before him, despite his age, possesses remarkable composure and vision, truly rare.

Actually, what Chen Tang mentioned was only one of the reasons.

Regarding the quest for world domination, firstly, he has no such intentions, and secondly, he lacks the capability.

Choosing this path would mean countless people following him into life-and-death struggles.

It could take years, possibly even decades, not knowing how many would lose their lives.

Chen Tang may be able to protect himself, but what about his friends?

Moreover, the situation in Beiqian is too complex.

Even if his combat power now matches that of a Peak Grandmaster, above him stand several Grandmasters of Transformation Realm.

Furthermore, there exists the legendary, extremely mysterious Dao Sect, whereabouts unknown.

Once entangled, it might be hard to extricate himself.

Currently, Divine Land feels like a massive pitch-black vortex, bottomless inside, obscure and profound, hiding unknown horrors.

Chen Tang can only do his best to take these friends away, far from the dark vortex.

Though Celestial Cauldron Continent also experiences conflict and war, it is much more peaceful than Beiqian.

Threats are considerably fewer.

Merely some mystic masters from Donglai Continent, and those reclusive hermits from Hermit Continent, hidden from sight.

Thinking of the hermits, Chen Tang’s mind involuntarily conjured Ah Li’s face.

In Lijiang Inn, Ah Li was severely injured, whereabouts now unknown.

For over half a year, there has been no news.

Chen Tang said, "How much would these big ships cost? Brother Jiang, please calculate for me. I’ll pay the silver taels once I board the ship."

He indeed has little money on him now, but in Daqian Capital City, he possesses countless treasures.

"This matter is easy to handle."

Jiang Feng laughed, "I trust you."

Back at the Martial Arts Assembly, he promised Chen Tang, if anything came up, to seek him out.

"By the way."

Jiang Feng suddenly asked, "Why do you believe Uncle Wang will send troops to help you?"

Chen Tang smiled, shaking his head, "He’s not helping me, but himself. Such an opportunity to achieve greatness, expand territories, he wouldn’t miss out."

After discussing numerous matters with Jiang Feng, finalizing many arrangements, Chen Tang left the ship and leapt into the air.

In mid-air, a golden light streaked by, carrying Chen Tang away, vanishing into the sky’s depths.

Standing at the ship’s bow, Jiang Feng watched the fleeing golden light in awe, secretly admiring.