Chapter 17: Opening the Dragon Gate

The old poison master was dumbfounded. “Madman… a complete madman! If this gets out to other countries, Chu will lose all face. And then you’ll face relentless retaliation. You’re insane!”

Chen Nan sneered. “The other day, I fought two Dragon Knights in the imperial palace. It looked easy, but it was incredibly dangerous. I gambled my life to defend Chu’s dignity. And what was the result?”

The old poison master said, “The emperor did mishandle this. Bestowing Nalan Ruoshui to someone else right after you rendered such great service—it truly is disheartening.”

Chen Nan replied, “Even you find it disheartening. Do you think I can just swallow this? The only ones in the capital I truly worry about are the ranked cultivators in the Qishi Mansion. If I can temporarily neutralize them, my burden will be much lighter.”

The old poison master said, “When you first entered the Qishi Mansion, you seemed so honest. In just a few days, you’ve become a completely different person—not only with this terrifying cultivation, but also this insane recklessness. What rotten luck, running into you!” He sighed and continued, “To repay my debt to you, I’ll add some ‘seasoning’ to the kitchen today. It’ll take effect around noon tomorrow.”

“Perverted old man, thank you so much.”

“Sigh. I’ve lived in the capital for years. I really hate to leave. So, lad, what’s your plan? After you cause chaos at the Sima residence, where will you flee with Nalan Ruoshui?”

“I don’t know yet. As long as I escape Chu.”

“You fool! If you flee to a vassal state of Chu, you’ll still be hunted down. Let me point you in a good direction. Have you heard of Free City?”

Chen Nan found the name familiar. After thinking back, he recalled it. Over the past month, he had read countless books in the royal library. While his knowledge of the continent’s geography wasn’t precise, he had a general idea.

When the Immortal Fantasy Continent and the Magical Fantasy Continent were connected, their border rose into an unbroken chain of towering mountains, leaving hundreds of thousands of miles uninhabited. In these vast, desolate mountains, though human traces were rare, vicious beasts and birds were everywhere. Here dwelled not only Western dragons and ancient giants, but also countless unheard-of powerful demonic beasts, and even legendary spirits and monsters.

Later, as ties between East and West grew closer, people braved countless dangers and finally carved out a path connecting the two continents through the mountains. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, a massive war erupted between East and West. This road became a road of war, flowing with rivers of blood, littered with countless bones, burying innumerable heroic souls.

After the war ended, the road lay abandoned for a long time before gradually reopening. Because the journey was long and perilous, inns slowly appeared along the route for travelers to rest and resupply. As traffic between East and West increased, some places grew into villages. After thousands of years of development, a prosperous city emerged along this road: Free City.

Free City did not belong to any nation. It was an independent city. Due to its unique geographical position as the most important hub connecting East and West, its prosperity rivaled that of Chu’s capital, Pingyang.

Free City was also known as the City of Sin. As an independent city not controlled by any kingdom, many wanted criminals from across the continent fled here, making it a mixed bag. However, those who fled here dared not run amok, for the city housed many powerful experts who kept the unruly in check. Thus, though Free City was called the City of Sin, crimes were rare. All residents had to abide by the city’s laws.

Though merely a single city, the City of Sin harbored many powerful cultivators in seclusion, fostering a strong culture of martial practice. Additionally, it was home to the continent-renowned Divine Wind Academy, which boasted a history as long as Free City’s, dating back a thousand years. Few academies on the continent could rival it. Generation after generation, Divine Wind Academy produced peerless experts.

For all these reasons, Free City was famous across the continent, a shining pearl among its great cities.

Recalling this in an instant, Chen Nan now understood what kind of place Free City was.

“I know of it. It truly is a good place.”

The old poison master said, “More than that—it’s paradise. You have no idea how prosperous it is. Gambling dens, pleasure quarters… Ah, I miss it so much. It’s been ten years since I last set foot there.”

Chen Nan said, “You lecherous old man. Your beard is white, yet you still have those dirty thoughts.”

“Because I have a young heart, hehe…” The old poison master chuckled smugly. “Do you know? Gold is everywhere in Free City. If you’re skilled, money comes fast. You can hunt powerful magical beasts in the nearby mountains and sell their valuable magic crystals for a fortune. Or you can work as a bounty hunter, capturing wanted criminals for high rewards… But if you flee there, you’d better keep a low profile. After all, you’ll be a fugitive yourself.”

Chen Nan knew that magical beasts originated from the original Magical Fantasy Continent. They were born with the ability to cast magic. Low-level beasts could only perform simple spells—snow rabbits could only spit ice arrows, fire foxes could only breathe flames. Only high-level magical beasts could unleash powerful magic, like thunder beasts summoning lightning. All magical beasts had a magic crystal core inside them. The higher the beast’s rank, the more precious its core. Magic crystals were essential materials for mages studying magic, making them extremely expensive.

The old poison master wore a lecherous grin. “Free City is full of beauties, especially the female students at Divine Wind Academy. They’re the cream of the crop.”

Chen Nan cursed under his breath, “You perverted old man, utterly shameless.”

The old poison master rambled on, “Very few regular students can enter Divine Wind Academy because its requirements are strict—only young experts who have reached the ranked level can enroll. But there are plenty of irregular students. Since Divine Wind Academy is famous across the continent, many nobles and royalty from various countries pull strings to send their children there. Running into a prince or princess there is perfectly normal. Just imagine—so exciting! So many princesses, duchesses, noble ladies… If I could get in, I’d be in heaven!”

Chen Nan smacked the old poison master hard on the head. “You old lecher! Focus on the matter at hand.”

The old poison master deflated like a punctured balloon, his face sour. “Fine. I’ll add the ‘seasoning’ to the kitchen soon, then flee the capital tonight. I won’t say goodbye when I leave. I hope to see you in Free City.”

“Perverted old man, thank you!” Chen Nan turned and walked out.

As night fell, the old poison master fled the capital.

A bright moon hung high in the sky. Bathed in the moonlight, Chen Nan felt a serene calm in his heart. He was ready for battle.

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Dawn. When the first ray of sunlight streamed into the room, Chen Nan opened his eyes. After washing up, he sat cross-legged to meditate and regulate his breathing.

All the talents of the Qishi Mansion had received invitations from the Sima residence. After breakfast, they headed over one after another.

Once the Qishi Mansion was empty, Chen Nan leaped to his feet. He had adjusted to peak condition. With the Houyi Bow on his back and a long saber at his waist, he strode out.

The capital of Chu was bustling. The streets were crowded with traffic, shops lined both sides, and the cries of vendors filled the air.

Today was the wedding day of Sima Lingkong, son of General Sima Changfeng, and Nalan Ruoshui, daughter of Left Chancellor Nalan Wencheng. Both Sima Changfeng and Nalan Wencheng held the highest ministerial positions. Having also invited the Chu emperor to attend the wedding, the patrols on the streets today were several times heavier than usual.

Chen Nan hadn’t gone far down the noisy street when a squad of soldiers carrying spears stopped him.

“Halt! Who are you? Why are you carrying a blade in public?”

“I am Chen Nan.”

The soldier who spoke turned to look at his companions. “Chen Nan? Why does that sound so familiar…”

One of the soldiers said, “Could he be the Guardian of the Nation Talent who defeated the Dragon Knight?”

“That’s right.” To dismiss them quickly, Chen Nan pointed at the ground. With a shiiing, a golden sword qi shot out, blasting a deep hole in the earth.

“Ah! The legendary golden sword qi… It really is Lord Guardian!” The soldiers exclaimed and hastily bowed.

Chen Nan waved his hand. “Rise. I’m going to attend Sima Lingkong’s wedding. Leave one man to guide me; the rest may continue your patrol.”

With a soldier leading the way, no one stopped Chen Nan again. When they reached the Sima residence, Chen Nan dismissed the soldier.

The Sima residence was grand and imposing, with lofty walls. The vermilion gate was plastered with large “Double Happiness” characters. Flanking the gate were two mighty stone lions carved from white marble. Carriages and horses crowded the entrance, with a constant stream of guests coming and going. Everyone entering was distinguished—mostly elites of the capital.

Chen Nan watched quietly from a short distance away. He didn’t move until the emperor’s arrival, when he slipped into a nearby alley. All the civil and military officials attending the wedding came out to greet the sovereign, Chu Han. The spectacle was staggering, with shouts of “Long live the emperor!” ringing out endlessly before finally subsiding.

About half an hour later, the streets erupted with the clamor of drums and music. The bridal procession had returned. Sima Lingkong sat astride a tall horse, draped in red wedding attire, his face beaming with pride and satisfaction.

The procession was spectacular. There were no fewer than a hundred musicians alone, and the attendants and guards numbered over a thousand. Around the bride Nalan Ruoshui’s sedan chair were nearly a hundred warriors—clearly highly skilled experts. The security was airtight.

As the procession neared the Sima residence, a dark green flying dragon suddenly burst out from within. It circled above Sima Lingkong, letting out a long cry, then unfurled a red banner bearing four large characters: “A Hundred Years of Harmony.”

The crowd on the street erupted.

“Look! A dragon…”

“A hundred years of harmony!”

“May Dragon Knight Sir Sima and the talented Miss Nalan enjoy a hundred years of harmony!”

---

Firecrackers exploded, and music played at the Sima residence.

Sima Lingkong’s spirits soared. He waved toward the sky, and the dragon flew back into the compound.

The wedding had already reached a climax before officially beginning.

After the bridal procession entered the Sima residence, the noise at the gate subsided.

Chen Nan emerged from the alley. Listening to the drums, music, and cheers from within, he sneered coldly.

Sima Lingkong’s words from two days ago echoed in his ears: “In two days, Ruoshui will marry me. The groom isn’t you, hehe… You must come to my wedding! Oh, and feel free to crash the bridal chamber, hehe.”

“Since I’ve already decided to raise hell, what am I hesitating for?” With that thought, Chen Nan took the Houyi Bow from his back.

The guards outside the Sima residence had already noticed him. “Who are you? Why are you carrying weapons here?”

Ignoring them, Chen Nan drew a feathered arrow from his quiver and nocked it to the bowstring.

The guards started to advance, but the pitch-black Houyi Bow suddenly erupted with a dazzling golden light. An awe-inspiring aura radiated from Chen Nan. Trembling with fear, the guards involuntarily retreated a dozen paces.

Inside the Sima residence, Sima Lingkong and Nalan Ruoshui were about to perform the wedding ceremony in the main hall. But at that moment, nearly everyone felt a powerful sense of unease.

“First bow to Heaven and Earth…”

Rumble…

The officiant’s voice had barely faded when the sound of wind and thunder suddenly filled the air. The crowd in the hall was astonished.

Chen Nan gently released the bowstring. The feathered arrow, propelled by the Houyi Bow, transformed into a streak of golden light and shot forward.

The towering gate tower of the Sima residence was pierced clean through by the golden arrow. With a thunderous roar, it collapsed.

The golden arrow flew five or six meters above the ground, unable to harm people directly, but buildings suffered terribly. Like a golden dragon rampaging through the estate, it dragged a long golden afterimage, tearing through structure after structure. Wherever the golden light passed, it carved out “dragon gates” in its wake.

When the golden arrow shot through the main hall, everyone was stunned. It passed over the emperor’s head and through the wall, leaving a terrifying “dragon gate” in its wake.

“Protect His Majesty!”

Chaos erupted in the hall.

Emperor Chu Han was badly frightened, his face pale. The empress clutched his hand, also panicking.

Eldest Princess Chu Yue shouted, “Everyone, stay calm!” She shielded the emperor.

Little Princess Chu Yu said, “It’s Chen Nan. It must be that scoundrel Chen Nan.”

By now, everyone who had witnessed the battle at the imperial palace realized it—this was indeed an arrow from the Houyi Bow. It could only be Chen Nan.

“Hahaha…” A long laugh rang out from outside the Sima residence.