Martial Cultivator

Chapter 292: I’m Merely a Pawn

The Lord Warden Commander left Rainwater Commandery, and the specifics of his destination was not quite clear.

In the early morning, Chen Chao met the newly appointed warden of Rainwater Commandery. He was a middle-aged man with a dull expression. After seeing Chen Chao, he greeted him with care. Chen Chao was taken aback, then remembered that even though he had stepped down as the warden of Rainwater Commandery, he was still the Commander of the Left Guard.

This rank was much higher than the official rank of a commandery's warden.

After a brief handover, considering that the surrounding demons had already been dealt with by Yu Xiyi, and the Sublime Bright Mountain was now under the watchful eyes of various major sects, the situation in this area would not become more chaotic than it already was.

After handling everything, Chen Chao awaited the arrival of someone who should have come earlier.

Xu Tong, the vice-chairman of the Heavenly Imperial Institution.

Speaking of this vice-chairman of the Heavenly Imperial Institution, the first time the two met was by the South Lake at the academy. At that time, Chen Chao engaged in a war of words with those academy students by the academy's lakeside. Afterward, aside from Song Lian and others, the Heavenly Imperial Institution came to recruit him.

At that time, the representative was this Vice-Chairman Xu Tong.

As one of the institutions facilitating interactions between the Great Liang Dynasty and foreign cultivators, the Heavenly Imperial Institution was, in a certain sense, more suitable for cultivators to develop cultivation than the warden faction.

When the vice-chairman of the Heavenly Imperial Institution visited Rainwater Commandery previously, Chen Chao had met him once. Now that everything had settled, Chen Chao actually did not feel surprised that this vice-chairman came here again.

Still dressed like a tycoon, Xu Tong chuckled as he said, "Commander Chen seems to have anticipated my arrival?"

Upon entering the Warden Office, Xu Tong took the initiative to speak. This vice-chairman of the Heavenly Imperial Institution, who should be considered a big shot in the Great Liang Dynasty, showed no airs at all. It was like he did not consider himself an important figure.

Chen Chao sat at the table and poured a cup of tea for the vice-chairman, saying calmly, "There are some things that might not be suitable to discuss in the Divine Capital. Why not seize the opportunity to talk before returning to the Divine Capital?"

Xu Tong looked at Chen Chao with a peculiar expression and then lamented, "No wonder the Lord Warden Commander holds you in such high regard. Aside from your talent, your temperament is also a factor. Being so composed at such a young age, you'll indeed be well-suited to become the next Lord Warden Commander. If I had known earlier, I should have used any means necessary back then to snatch you away from Song Lian that fellow."

Chen Chao looked at the steaming tea in his cup and smiled, saying, "The terms that Your Excellency offered at the time were truly insufficient."

Xu Tong shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "When I learned that you went straight to the Warden's Office, I knew we had no chance. How many people in this world can snatch someone from the Lord Warden Commander?"

During this Sublime Bright Mountain incident, the Lord Warden Commander personally took action, killing that Daoist Master Ironcloud. Judging solely from cultivation realm, there was hardly anyone who dared to underestimate him. Moreover, considering his status in the Great Liang Dynasty, even the Heavenly Imperial Institution's chairman found it challenging to compete with him.

Seeing that the young man before him was so composed, and his attempts at probing yielded no results, Xu Tong decided to forgo further pointless words. Instead, he changed the topic, "The matter at Sublime Bright Mountain has concluded. The imperial court displayed its wrath this time, and although we gained a lot, in the long run, it may not be a good thing."

Chen Chao remained silent, he just looked at the steaming mist in front of him.

Xu Tong continued, "His Majesty is not in the Divine Capital right now."

Chen Chao raised his head, looking at Xu Tong with some astonishment as he asked, "Where did His Majesty go?"

His surprise seemed perfectly timed, revealing no hint of a flaw.

Xu Tong stared into Chen Chao's eyes for a long while. After confirming that he did not discover what he wanted to see, he continued, "His Majesty has always wanted to personally lead an expedition. Previously, all officials vehemently dissuaded him, so naturally, His Majesty couldn't escape. However, if he has already departed for the Northern Frontier under the guise of another reason, the officials will be caught off guard, unable to say or do anything."

"However, the Northern Frontier is dangerous, and His Majesty's journey may lead deep into the desolate north."

At the mention of the words "desolate north," a peculiar emotion flashed in Xu Tong's eyes.

To the human race, the thirty thousand miles of the desolate north was a thorn deeply embedded in their hearts. It was a source of pain whenever mentioned.

It was the shame of all humans, left behind by their predecessors. If they could not erase this shame, it would become them who were leaving it behind for future generations.

Chen Chao said softly, "I presume that for someone like His Majesty, venturing deep into the desolate north shouldn't pose any major problems, right?"

He had naturally heard about this matter from the Lord Warden Commander before, but it seemed the Lord Warden Commander had not disclosed all the details. However, when mentioning the Great Liang Emperor, he evidently had great trust in His Majesty. Xu Tong frowned and said, "Thirty thousand miles of desolate north, before reaching the Demon King's Court, countless great demons are lurking like ravening tigers. No matter how formidable His Majesty is, he's just one person. If those demons set their sights on him, can we truly dismiss any concerns? In other words, aside from those great demons, the Demon Emperor still exists. If he encounters His Majesty, the entire balance of power in the world may be rewritten."

On the humans' side, debates about the strongest powerhouse of the current era had never ceased. Some claimed that the current Temple Master of the Infatuation Daoist Temple was the strongest. Others argued that the long-unseen Sword Sect's Sect Master was the strongest, while some say that an old monk hidden in Deercry Monastery was the strongest...

All in all, there were countless claims, but in the end, there was no definitive answer.

However, in the demon race, only the Demon Emperor was the strongest.

If the Demon Emperor could not suppress the various great demons, he could not become the Demon Emperor.

Chen Chao lamented, "Is a storm coming to the Divine Capital now?"

Seeing that Chen Chao finally touched upon the topic he intended to discuss, Xu Tong continued, "If, by any chance, His Majesty were to fall in the desolate north..."

As he spoke, he kept his gaze fixed on Chen Chao.

Chen Chao suddenly frowned, looking at the vice-chairman, and said, "Your Excellency, is it appropriate for you to say such a thing?"

Xu Tong shook his head and said, "Of course, we hope that His Majesty will be safe. However, if something were to happen, the entire Divine Capital would descend into chaos. In other words, would the princes not take any action at this moment?"

In secular dynasties, the relationship within the imperial family was as such. The throne was the one thing everyone could not give up. Few could remain indifferent after knowing they had a chance to sit on that dragon throne.

Chen Chao remained silent for a moment. Before leaving the Divine Capital, the two princes had both attempted to rope him in. At that time, he found it challenging to make a choice. Even though he was stronger now than before, what could he do if the ownership of the throne was to be decided at this moment?

Chen Chao asked in doubt, "What can I do in this matter now?"

Xu Tong said calmly, "Commander Chen is the Commander of the Left Guard, responsible for half of the Divine Capital's defense..."