C20 He Would Not Cry Until He Saw the Coffin

The Crown Prince had already instructed that securing the leadership of the Tiger Army was crucial. With Jiang Daochen defeated, all hopes rested on Ling Zechuan.

Even though Ling Zechuan knew he was no match for Chen Dutian, surrendering in front of everyone would bring disgrace to the Ling family, and the Crown Prince wouldn't easily forgive him.

"Really? Jiang Daochen couldn't withstand even one move from me. How long do you think you can last?" Chen Dutian sneered, as energy began to flow rapidly through his veins, and a pale white light flickered on his right hand.

Ling Zechuan couldn't afford to be careless. He hurriedly thrust his longsword, hoping to seize the initiative. The skill he had honed was of low grade, even inferior to Jiang Daochen's.

Yet, as the longsword pierced forward, a humming sound resonated through the air, and waves of energy rippled toward Chen Dutian like a spreading tide...

"Ding!"

Chen Dutian didn't employ any skill this time. He stood calmly, showing no intention of dodging. As the ripples reached him, he gently raised his right hand and effortlessly struck forward.

After a crisp sound, Ling Zechuan was stunned to find his longsword caught between Chen Dutian's two fingers.

The fluctuating energy dissipated into the air...

"Ling Zechuan really doesn't know his limits, does he? Even Jiang Daochen lost to Chen Dutian, so isn't he just setting himself up for failure?"

"With the strength of the Fifth Heaven in the Spirit Convergence realm, he couldn't even scratch Chen Dutian, even when he struck first. Ling Zechuan is still too weak!"

"When did Chen Dutian, that so-called failure, become so strong? Was he hiding his true power all along?"

"You better watch your words. Just the other day, Lee Huai'en insulted Mr. Chen and was killed with a single sword strike right in front of the Crimson Moon's entrance. Not even Wang Yuntian could save him. Do you have a death wish too?"

Everyone stared in shock at the two figures on the stage. Ling Zechuan's eyes were bloodshot as he tried to pull back his longsword with all his might. His left hand shot out, aiming a fierce palm strike at Chen Dutian.

But to his surprise, Chen Dutian seemed ready for it. He shifted sideways with an almost ghostly grace, and Ling Zechuan felt his longsword tremble uncontrollably in his grip.

"Crack!"

The longsword shattered into pieces, and Ling Zechuan was knocked back several yards by a surge of energy emanating from Chen Dutian. He tasted blood in his throat and suddenly coughed up a mouthful.

"Still not giving up?" Chen Dutian asked, appearing in front of Ling Zechuan in a flash.

"Never!" Ling Zechuan snarled, his fists glowing with a bright white light as he swung them fiercely at Chen Dutian.

"You really don't know when to quit, do you?" Chen Dutian smirked coldly, catching Ling Zechuan's wrist with ease. With a slight squeeze of his fingers, Chen Dutian leaped up, driving his knee hard into Ling Zechuan's chest.

The difference in their strength was too great. Even without using any special skills, Chen Dutian could easily defeat Ling Zechuan. With a muffled groan, Ling Zechuan's body flew backward, landing heavily off the platform. He coughed up a few mouthfuls of blood before passing out.

Chen Dutian dusted off his clothes and slowly turned around, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered noble heirs. He declared loudly, "If anyone else has a problem, step up to the platform!"

The vast courtyard of Cloudwatch Palace fell silent. The noble heirs lowered their heads, avoiding Chen Dutian's piercing gaze. Even Wang Yuntian, standing below the platform, was pale and trembling with anxiety.

Though Yan Chen sat calmly on the throne, his heart was filled with murderous intent. Wang Xuanyang gave a slight cough and signaled the Minister of Rituals, who shivered before hurriedly announcing, "The martial competition is over. Chen Dutian, the Lord Protector's Heir, is victorious. He is awarded a thousand gold pieces, the skill 'Heaven and Earth Blade Technique,' and the title of Commander of the Tiger Army!"

A servant dressed in fine attire descended the steps, carefully holding a wooden tray. He respectfully presented an ancient, yellowed book to Chen Dutian.

Chen Dutian glanced at it briefly, without bowing in gratitude, and confidently addressed Yan Chen on the steps, "Your Majesty, my father is leading troops in battle. Thanks to your grace, I have resided in the capital and now hold the position of commander of the Tiger Army. I cannot accept this martial skill. I hope you will allow me to return to the House of Protector daily."

In the history of the Phethia Dynasty, Chen Dutian was the first to make such a request of the emperor in front of so many people.

As a reading partner to the prince, leaving the capital without the emperor's permission was not allowed. However, today, Chen Dutian had won the martial competition and sought to exchange the martial skill of the "Heaven and Earth Blade Technique" with Yan Chen.

"How dare you, Chen Dutian! Just because you won the martial competition doesn't mean you can make demands of the emperor!" Wang Xuanyang exclaimed, slamming his hand on the table before standing up.

"Grand Preceptor, I am not making demands of the emperor. As a son, I should serve my parents at home. Besides, as the commander of the Tiger Army, should I not train them outside the capital?" Chen Dutian stood tall, defending his position.

Wang Xuanyang was about to challenge Chen Dutian further, but Yan Chen waved his hand and turned to Yan Beichen, asking, "Do you agree with Chen Dutian's request?"

“Your Majesty, with the Lord Protector away on campaign, Mr. Chen wishes to fulfill his filial duties at home, and I naturally agreed!” Yan Beichen stepped forward, bowing as he spoke.

Yan Chen gave his second son a long, thoughtful look before nodding slightly and addressing Chen Dutian, “In recognition of your filial piety, I grant your request! However, if you return to the House of Protector, you must relinquish your position as leader of the Tiger Army.”

With his father commanding the formidable Red Banner Army, Chen Dutian had little interest in the mere leadership of the Tiger Army.

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your graciousness. I willingly resign from my post as leader of the Tiger Army!”

“Very well! This talisman is a gift from me to you. Though you are no longer the leader of the Tiger Army, this will allow you free passage into the royal city, as a token of my appreciation.”

A well-dressed attendant took the talisman from Yan Chen and respectfully presented it to Chen Dutian.

Chen Dutian was momentarily puzzled by Yan Chen’s gesture but gratefully accepted the talisman.

As the martial competition concluded, evening had fallen. A group of attendants dressed in royal attire brought tables to the square, lighting lanterns as they set up. The full moon began to rise, and several elegantly dressed maidservants arrived, serving the evening meal.