C20 Don't Cry Until You See the Coffin

Moreover, Crown Prince Yan Nantian had already given strict orders to secure the command of the Tiger Army. With Jiang Daochen defeated, all eyes were on Ling Zechuan to succeed.

Despite knowing he was outmatched by Chen Dutian, Ling Zechuan couldn't afford to concede defeat publicly. Such an act would disgrace the entire Ling Family, and the Crown Prince would certainly not overlook his failure.

"Really? Jiang Daochen couldn't withstand a single move from me. How long do you think you'll last?" Chen Dutian said with a sneer, as spiritual energy coursed through his meridians, his right hand glowing with a pale white light.

Ling Zechuan, on high alert, lunged with his sword, aiming to strike first. His skill, however, was of low grade, even less effective than Jiang Daochen's.

As the longsword pierced the air, a buzzing resonated around them, and waves of spiritual energy rippled toward Chen Dutian...

"Ding!"

Chen Dutian, without using any skill, stood calmly in place, making no attempt to evade. As the ripples approached, he simply lifted his right hand and gently swatted them away.

With a crisp sound, Ling Zechuan was stunned to see his longsword caught between Chen Dutian's fingers, and the pulsating spiritual energy vanished into thin air...

"Ling Zechuan really overestimates himself. After Jiang Daochen's defeat to Chen Dutian, isn't this just self-degradation?"

"With the strength of the Fifth Heaven of the Spirit Convergence Realm and still, he couldn't even graze Chen Dutian's hair with the first strike. Ling Zechuan is far too weak!"

"When did Chen Dutian become so powerful? Has he been concealing his true strength all along?"

"Watch your words. Just a few days ago, Lee Huai'en was killed by Mr. Chen for his insults, right at the entrance of the Crimson Moon. Not even Wang Yuntian could save him. Do you also wish to shorten your lifespan?"

The crowd was dumbfounded, watching the two combatants on the platform. Ling Zechuan, eyes blazing with fury, tried to wrestle his longsword free, then abruptly reached out with his left hand and delivered a fierce palm strike towards Chen Dutian.

Unexpectedly, Chen Dutian was well-prepared. With a ghost-like sidestep, he moved swiftly out of the way. Ling Zechuan's longsword in his grasp began to tremble uncontrollably.

"Crack!"

The longsword shattered into pieces. Ling Zechuan was sent flying back several meters by a burst of Spiritual Qi emanating from Chen Dutian's body, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Still not ready to concede?" Chen Dutian swayed and instantly appeared before Ling Zechuan.

"Don't even dream of it!" Ling Zechuan roared through gritted teeth, his fists glowing with a pearly light as he furiously struck at Chen Dutian.

"You won't cry until you see the coffin, will you?" A cold smile played on Chen Dutian's lips as he caught Ling Zechuan's wrist with a raised hand.

With a slight squeeze of his fingers, Chen Dutian leaped up, his knee crashing heavily into Ling Zechuan's chest.

The disparity in their strength was vast. Without even deploying a skill, Chen Dutian could easily defeat Ling Zechuan.

Following a muffled grunt, Ling Zechuan was sent flying, crashing down off the stage. After spitting out more blood, he fell unconscious.

Chen Dutian dusted off his clothes and turned around, his piercing gaze sweeping over the crowd of officials' sons. He declared loudly, "If anyone else objects, step up to the stage now!"

The vast Cloudwatch Palace Plaza fell deathly silent, the officials' sons bowing their heads, unwilling to meet Chen Dutian's intense stare. Wang Yuntian, standing at the base of the stage, was visibly pale and shaking.

Yan Chen remained stoic on his throne, though his heart seethed with rage. Wang Xuanyang gave a subtle cough, catching the dazed Minister of Rituals' attention with a glance. Xu Hansheng, trembling, hastily announced, "The martial competition is concluded. Lord Protector's Heir, Chen Dutian, is victorious. He is awarded a thousand gold coins, the 'Universe Saber Technique' skill, and the title of Commander of the Tiger Army!"

A eunuch clad in embroidered garments descended the steps, holding a sandalwood tray. With great reverence, he presented an aged tome to Chen Dutian. Chen Dutian merely gave it a cursory glance and, without bowing in gratitude, addressed Yan Chen from the staircase with a clear voice, "Your Majesty, as my father leads his troops into battle, I have been graced by your generosity to reside within the Imperial City. Now appointed as the Tiger Army Commander, I must humbly decline this martial skill. I beseech you to allow me the honor of returning to the House of Protector daily!"

Chen Dutian was the first since the founding of the Phethia Dynasty to make such a request before the Emperor and his court. A reading partner is not permitted to depart the Imperial City without the Emperor's consent. Yet, having secured the top rank in the martial competition, Chen Dutian sought to exchange the Universe Saber Technique for this concession from Yan Chen.

"How presumptuous, Chen Dutian! To make demands of the Emperor – do not assume that winning the martial competition entitles you to act with impunity!" Wang Xuanyang, upon noticing Yan Chen's prolonged silence, slammed his hand on the table and rose to his feet in indignation.

"Grand Preceptor, I am not imposing conditions upon His Majesty. As a dutiful son, it is my obligation to serve my parents. Moreover, as the Tiger Army Commander, is it not impractical to train the army within the city walls?" Chen Dutian stood firm and defended his position.

Wang Xuanyang was poised to further challenge Chen Dutian, but Yan Chen gestured for silence and turned to Yan Beichen, inquiring, "What say you to Chen Dutian's request?"

"Father, with the Lord Protector engaged in campaign, Mr. Chen's wish to fulfill his filial duties at home is understandable. I wholeheartedly concur," Yan Beichen replied, bowing respectfully.

Yan Chen regarded his second son intently before nodding slightly and addressing Chen Dutian, "In light of your profound filial piety, I shall grant your request. However, should you return to the House of Protector, you must relinquish your command of the Tiger Army."

Chen Dutian's father commanded the mighty Red Banner Army, so the position of a Tiger Army commander held little appeal for him.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your magnanimity. I willingly relinquish my command of the Tiger Army!"

"Very well! Accept this talisman as a token of my esteem. Though you will no longer lead the Tiger Army, this talisman grants you the privilege of unfettered access to the Imperial City. Consider it a token of my appreciation."

A eunuch clad in brocade took the talisman from Yan Chen's grasp and descended the steps briskly, presenting it to Chen Dutian with utmost respect.

Chen Dutian paused, momentarily puzzled by Yan Chen's gesture, but nonetheless accepted the talisman with heartfelt thanks.

As the martial competition concluded and dusk approached, a procession of eunuchs in palace attire brought forth a table to the square. They arranged it before the onlookers, illuminating the scene with bright lanterns as the moon began its ascent. An entourage of elegantly attired maidservants also arrived, ready to serve the evening meal in the square.