Volume One – The Frontier of the State of Chen, The Rebellious Marquis’s Path to Immortality Chapter 29: Tempting Zheng Ze

Zheng Ze and his companions emerged anxiously from the forest. The sight of those black-armored cavalry, lined up in perfect order, made them acutely aware of the cold intent gleaming at the tips of the arrows. Should they make the slightest suspicious move, they would certainly be riddled with arrows in an instant.

Their gazes came to rest on Chen Yu’s face, and their shock deepened, struck by his youth: was this young man truly the commander of these fearsome cavalry?

“You…” Zheng Ze swallowed nervously, his voice tentative.

Chen Yu offered a slight smile. “Allow me to introduce myself first—Chen Yu, the Rebel Marquis of the Chen Kingdom.”

“Rebel Marquis?” Zheng Ze and his men were taken aback, racking their brains to recall such a figure. But it was clear none had ever heard of him.

Zheng Ze had no time to dwell on it further. He looked at Chen Yu, anxiety etched deep on his face, and asked, “You said you’re willing to spare me. Is that truly so?”

Chen Yu chuckled. “Of course. And there’s an even greater fortune awaiting you.”

He beckoned Zheng Ze forward with a gesture.

With his fate resting in Chen Yu’s hands, Zheng Ze dared not resist, uncertain of Chen Yu’s intentions. Fear gripping his heart, he stepped closer.

Before Zheng Ze could speak, Chen Yu asked, “Are these guards truly loyal to you?”

Zheng Ze hesitated, uncertain of the purpose behind the question, but replied truthfully, “They serve my second royal brother.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Chen Yu’s smile widened as he gave a slight wave.

The black-armored cavalry instantly understood. Without hesitation, they released their arrows. Zheng Ze’s guards fell where they stood, dead before they could react.

The sudden turn of events terrified Zheng Ze, who collapsed to the ground, limbs trembling uncontrollably, murmuring, “Don’t kill me… don’t kill me…”

At this moment, Chen Yu was nothing short of a living King of Hell in Zheng Ze’s eyes—a man who could smile as he slaughtered.

“Your Highness, there’s no need to be afraid. As I said, not only will I spare you, I’ll help you achieve unimaginable wealth and glory.” Chen Yu smiled as he helped Zheng Ze to his feet. Yet to Zheng Ze, it felt as if Chen Yu were slicing into his very flesh.

“Come, Your Highness, let us first enjoy a performance together,” Chen Yu invited.

With his wits scattered by fear, Zheng Ze dared not refuse and could only follow helplessly in Chen Yu’s wake.

Before long, they reached a lofty peak, from which the landscape below was laid bare before them.

Atop the mountain, Chen Yu was at ease, a striking contrast to Zheng Ze’s nervousness.

“Haha, Your Highness needn’t be so tense. As I said, no harm will come to you,” Chen Yu said with a laugh. “Come, I have some wine here—let it calm your nerves.”

Though a notorious glutton and drunkard, Zheng Ze didn’t believe Chen Yu would go to such lengths merely to poison him. He took several large gulps, and the fear in his heart eased somewhat. Emboldened by the drink, he asked, “May I ask, Marquis, what do you intend to do with me?”

“No rush,” Chen Yu replied confidently. “Let us first watch a fine show. Afterward, we can talk. I believe you’ll be quite pleased.”

Zheng Ze’s confusion only deepened. The northern frontier of the Chen Kingdom was in dire peril—how could this marquis remain so calm? Did he intend to defect to him, perhaps?

The idea didn’t seem impossible. If so, this formidable unit of black-armored cavalry would become his own. That would certainly tip the balance against Zheng Liao.

His fear dissipated by half, replaced by a rising excitement.

As Zheng Ze was lost in his fantasies, Chen Yu’s voice drew him back to reality.

“They’re coming!”

“What’s coming?” Before Zheng Ze could react, he followed Chen Yu’s gaze and saw a thousand cavalrymen galloping their way. He leapt up in excitement. “That’s my second brother’s guard!”

But as soon as the words left his mouth, a chill ran down his spine—he remembered he was still a prisoner. Stealing a glance at Chen Yu, he saw no change in the man’s expression and felt somewhat reassured.

“So it’s only Zheng Liao’s guards?” Chen Yu said, sounding disappointed. “A pity. He didn’t come himself.”

“My second brother is attacking the northern frontier right now—he couldn’t possibly come to my rescue in person,” Zheng Ze explained.

“Yes, the royal family is ever cold,” Chen Yu said lightly. “No matter. We’ll just have to use other methods.”

By now, Zheng Liao’s guards had entered a narrow mountain pass, and even from Chen Yu’s vantage point, it was hard to see what was happening within. Still, Zheng Ze noticed the grass and shrubs around the path swaying strangely.

The next moment, he sensed a murderous aura rushing from the pass. Alarmed, he cried out, “An ambush!”

Instinctively, Zheng Ze glanced at Chen Yu. So this was the trump card? This was the show he was meant to witness.

The battle in the mountain pass was over quickly, and silence soon returned. But just as Zheng Ze thought it was finished, a figure burst out of the pass, retreating in haste.

Zheng Ze peered intently, then shouted in astonishment, “That—that’s my second brother’s advisor, Cai Shan!”

“Cai Shan? Who is that?” Even Chen Yu was surprised by the man’s skill, and he inquired further.

“He’s a renowned master in the martial world, possessing the cultivation of the Innate Realm,” Zheng Ze replied, regaining his composure. “Marquis, it seems your plan may not go as you wish.”

Hearing that the man was of the Innate Realm, Xia You was even more alarmed. Such a figure could fight a hundred first-rate warriors alone.

Only Chen Yu remained unperturbed, his interest piqued. “Oh? The Innate Realm? That’s intriguing. If he falls here, it will be as if Zheng Liao lost an arm. Hah! I was disappointed Zheng Liao himself didn’t come, but this isn’t bad either.”

“But Marquis, that’s the Innate Realm!” Zheng Ze stressed, as if afraid Chen Yu didn’t grasp the gravity.

“Haha, it’s only the Innate Realm. Don’t worry, there’s someone to deal with him,” Chen Yu said dismissively. “All we need do is watch.”

Zheng Ze frowned, but soon realized he was being foolish.

“If Cai Shan wipes them all out, I’ll be free. What need have I to worry for him?”

“Of course, if even Cai Shan is defeated… no, that’s impossible.”

But in the very next instant, Zheng Ze was utterly stunned. As Cai Shan retreated, a flash of sword light followed, slashing down upon him.

Only then did Zheng Ze realize that Cai Shan hadn’t withdrawn of his own accord—he’d been forced back.