Volume One – The Outskirts of the Chen Kingdom, The Rebellious Marquis’s Immortal Path Chapter 30: Continuing the Temptation

It was nothing more than a small squad from the Kingdom of Chen; neither Cai Shan nor Zheng Liao had ever been of any concern to him. As for why Zheng Ze had been surrounded, in their eyes it was simply because Zheng Ze was incompetent.

But just as Cai Shan thought everything was about to fall into place, that it would be easily accomplished, he was suddenly confronted by a life-and-death crisis.

From the narrow mountain path, two forces of a thousand men each launched a surprise attack, catching them completely off guard. In mere moments, their casualties were heavy, revealing the overwhelming strength of the enemy forces—far beyond anything they had imagined.

Yet even then, Cai Shan had not reached the depths of despair and fear. As someone who had reached the Innate Realm, he was confident that even if his troops were annihilated, he could deal a severe blow to the enemy single-handedly and escape unharmed. Such was the confidence that came with being an Innate Realm cultivator.

Reality, however, struck him a harsh blow. Among the enemy forces, there was a master not inferior to himself, and astonishingly, it was a young boy.

This utterly overturned his understanding; he simply could not fathom how the other had trained to reach such heights at such a tender age.

“Who are you?” Cai Shan asked, his expression grave, eyes fixed on the youth, Xue Han, standing atop the tree canopy.

“Is a name really so important? Do you experts always ask this before a duel?” Xue Han replied with a smile, showing no trace of nervousness.

“Hmph…” Cai Shan, anger mounting, retorted coldly, “At the very least, I want to know whom I am killing.”

Xue Han remained unperturbed, calmly replying, “Kill me?”

“Second brother, hurry up! If you don’t make a move, I will,” Jing Zhe urged impatiently, rubbing his fists and eager to join the fray.

Cai Shan’s gaze sharpened as he glanced at Jing Zhe, startled to sense another formidable presence, not weaker than his own—and once again, it was a youth.

Xue Han shrugged helplessly. “Alright, then.”

With that, Xue Han leaped from the branches, swiftly attacking.

Cai Shan’s eyes widened in fear, but years of battle experience enabled him to react quickly, raising his blade to block.

The clash of sword and saber rang out, the sound of metal echoing far.

“Such strength!” Cai Shan felt a heavy force from the opponent’s sword, and a chilling aura crept up from his saber. Shuddering, he quickly deflected Xue Han’s blade.

Knowing the enemy’s power, Cai Shan spun around to flee.

Xue Han was momentarily surprised; he hadn’t expected his opponent to attempt escape so soon. But Xue Han would not let him succeed. “You can’t escape. My third brother has said, we must annihilate your lot. So you’d best resign yourself.”

Xue Han’s speed was astonishing. In the blink of an eye, he caught up with Cai Shan. The Sword of Winter danced, its strikes falling like snowflakes.

Cai Shan could sense the murderous intent within the blade, and was forced to fight once more.

“Who are you people? The Kingdom of Chen doesn’t have anyone like you!” Cai Shan shouted angrily as he fought. Not even the greater Kingdom of Zheng had produced such heroic youths.

“That’s just your own assumption,” Xue Han replied disdainfully.

“Damn you!” Cai Shan, entangled by Xue Han, found escape nearly impossible. Frustrated, his anger surged. Turning, he launched an attack at Xue Han, knowing that only by fighting could he carve out a path through blood.

The two raced through the mountain forest, blades clashing, severing flowers and trees, even splitting rocks.

With a sharp thrust, Xue Han’s sword slashed across Cai Shan’s chest, sending him flying, blood soaking his garments.

Cai Shan struggled to rise, his face pale as death. Physical weakness and mental pressure overwhelmed him with panic, his mind reeling.

“Nothing more than this,” Xue Han remarked calmly. “My third brother said not to let anyone escape, so you may go now.”

“Third brother? Who is he? Why are you against my Kingdom of Zheng?” Cai Shan roared weakly.

Xue Han scoffed, “My third brother is the rebel Marquis of Chen, Chen Yu. You tell me—why should we oppose Zheng?”

“No… impossible… the Kingdom of Chen…” Cai Shan could not believe it, crying out.

“There’s nothing impossible about it. Die now.” Xue Han’s sword fell coldly.

“No… you can’t kill me. My master is the national advisor of Chen, you—”

Cai Shan’s words were cut short as his head rolled from his shoulders.

“You were a bit slow!” Jing Zhe complained sourly upon Xue Han’s return. In contrast, Li Ke, Tian Ying, and the others gazed at Xue Han with admiration.

Xue Han paid them no mind, laughing, “Let’s go! Time to join up with third brother.”

“Mm, once these matters are settled, we can begin our plan,” Jing Zhe said, full of anticipation.

“It won’t be long now,” Xue Han replied, his face also yearning.

…

On the mountain above, Chen Yu and his companions had witnessed the entire battle. Zheng Ze was so shocked he could barely speak, his mind drifting, whispering to himself: dead… dead…

Chen Yu stretched lazily and patted Zheng Ze’s shoulder. “Your Highness, let’s go.”

“Go… where?” Zheng Ze was still in a daze, confused.

Chen Yu smiled confidently. “To join up with them, of course.”

Still stunned, Zheng Ze hurried after him, his expression shifting between gloom and brightness. At last, he could not help but ask, “Marquis, what is it you want me to do?”

This time, Chen Yu did not evade the question, openly smiling, “Your Highness, I wonder—how much interest do you have in the throne of Zheng?”

Zheng Ze’s face twitched, staring at Chen Yu, as if trying to see through his true intentions. In truth, he wasn’t the only one; even Xia You and the others were startled. Now they understood—Chen Yu intended to help Zheng Ze become emperor of Zheng.

Though Zheng Ze longed for it, and his heart surged with excitement, he quickly calmed himself, shaking his head. “Marquis, though your strength is impressive, my Kingdom of Zheng is not as simple as you imagine. Besides, my second brother’s skill and power far exceed my own. I…”

“Haha… You are quite right,” Chen Yu laughed. “I have investigated your family; your second brother is indeed a talent. But if he were to die here—would you, Zheng Ze, have the confidence to claim the throne?”

Zheng Ze stared wide-eyed, “You… you want to deal with my second brother?”

“Oh? Are you reluctant, Your Highness? Or do you have no interest in the throne?” Chen Yu teased him.

Zheng Ze looked at Chen Yu, and in his heart hope and greed ignited, every cell in his body stirring with excitement. Yet doubt lingered: Can he truly make it happen?