Chapter 15: Royalty’s Interests Come First

After the battle at the imperial palace, Chen Nan became famous throughout Chu. Before long, news spread rapidly across the continent. Most cultivators learned that there was a young man in Chu who had bent his bow and shot down a heavenly dragon. Chen Nan became renowned overnight.

In the days that followed, the Qishi Mansion saw a constant stream of visitors. Military officers and martial experts from the army all came to pay their respects to Chen Nan. Quite a few even came to propose marriage on behalf of their daughters.

After Chen Nan’s decisive defeat of the Dragon Knight, the status of the Qishi Mansion rose once more. Every talent was held in greater esteem, and the fervor for cultivation swept through Chu.

Inside the Chu imperial palace, Emperor Chu Han and the eldest princess, Chu Yue, were engaged in a private discussion.

Chu Han asked, “Have those three Dragon Knights departed for Tianyang?”

Chu Yue replied, “Yes. They are currently on their way back.”

Chu Han sighed. “All three are outstanding young talents, rare geniuses. It’s a pity they aren’t citizens of Chu. We absolutely cannot allow them to return safely. Otherwise, twenty years from now, Tianyang may gain three supreme experts.”

Chu Yue smiled. “Father’s concerns are well-founded. I have already dispatched a messenger pigeon. By the time they reach Tianyang’s border, they will meet their end.”

Chu Han nodded. “They are all gravely wounded. That matter is simple enough. But the issue with Chen Nan is far more troublesome.”

Chu Yue furrowed her delicate brows. “Father, was it perhaps a bit hasty to betroth Nalan Ruoshui to Sima Lingkong on the eve of the birthday banquet? If Chen Nan learns of this, he will surely harbor resentment.”

Chu Han said, “I thought he could only draw the Houyi Bow. Who would have guessed he was also a third-rank martial artist who had achieved the realm of releasing sword qi externally?”

Chu Yue responded, “Yesterday, I consulted the senior talents of the Qishi Mansion. They said Chen Nan has exceptional potential. Given time, he may even surpass Senior Zhuge Chengfeng.”

Chu Han sighed again. “In a few days, Sima Lingkong’s wedding will take place. If Chen Nan cannot bear the blow, things could turn dire. He might rebel against Great Chu and pledge allegiance to another kingdom. If that happens, Chu will not only lose a rare talent but also invite ridicule from other nations.”

Chu Yue suggested, “Perhaps we should reclaim the Houyi Bow immediately. If he truly turns against Chu and takes the bow with him, the consequences would be disastrous.”

Chu Han shook his head. “No. Doing so would be equivalent to forcing him into rebellion. Let us wait until this storm passes. I doubt any major upheaval will occur.”

Chu Yue considered this and said, “Father’s decision is not unreasonable. Though his potential is extraordinary, he is ultimately just a cultivator. He cannot compare to a powerful, established noble family.”

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Before long, the Chu emperor dispatched emissaries to the Qishi Mansion to bestow rewards upon Chen Nan: fifty thousand gold coins, a hundred bolts of silk, and the title “Guardian of the Nation Talent.” This was an immense honor. Talents were already esteemed, and adding the prefix “Guardian of the Nation” elevated his status even further.

All the other talents offered their congratulations. The old poison master joked, “Lad, you’re something else. One spear strike, one staff smash, and one arrow—and you’ve earned yourself the title ‘Guardian of the Nation.’ Truly impressive!”

The old witch pushed through the crowd and said to Chen Nan, “Young man, I need to warn you. If you ever travel to the Western Continent, you must be careful. The black dragon you shot and killed in the imperial training ground was the mount of the Western Dragon Knight, Old Ghost Jason. Jason is eccentric, dislikes socializing, and has few friends. But he cherished that black dragon as his own life. Now that you’ve slain it, that old fiend will eventually come looking for you.”

Chen Nan nodded. He had already suspected that the black dragon was not the young Dragon Knight’s own mount.

For several days, Chen Nan basked in glory. This only deepened the jealousy and hatred of the severely wounded Sima Lingkong. Although Sima had also received generous rewards, they fell short of Chen Nan’s. In a fit of rage, he moved out of the Qishi Mansion and returned home to recuperate.

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Five days after the battle at the imperial palace, a shocking piece of news reached Chen Nan’s ears.

“The emperor has decreed the marriage of Sima Lingkong and Nalan Ruoshui. The wedding date is set for five days from now…”

When Chen Nan heard this from the old poison master, his expression changed drastically, and his mind became a tangled mess. He had thought that even if the emperor did not betroth Nalan Ruoshui to him, he would at least delay her marriage to Sima Lingkong, putting the matter off for some time before making a decision.

Yet reality proved otherwise.

He had rendered such great merit to the royal family, yet they had not considered his feelings in the slightest. They had made their decision so quickly—this was something he had never anticipated.

A fierce light flickered in Chen Nan’s eyes, and a violent aura began to emerge from his face.

The old poison master was startled. “Lad, what’s wrong with you…?”

“Ah——!” Chen Nan let out a roar. The sound waves reverberated like rolling thunder across the Qishi Mansion, audible for ten li in every direction.

His hair stood on end with rage, his face twisted in fury. Golden light blazed from his body, the surging radiance burning like raging flames.

Frightened, the old poison master fled from Chen Nan’s room into the courtyard.

Shiiing!

A golden sword qi pierced through the roof.

Shiiing!

Shiiing!

Countless beams of sword qi burst through the walls, dazzling and brilliant. They crisscrossed and slashed through the air like lightning. Amidst a thunderous rumble, the entire building collapsed.

Chen Nan stood atop the rubble, silent for a long time.

The old poison master cautiously approached. “Chen Nan… are you alright?”

Chen Nan suppressed the fury in his heart, and his expression gradually calmed.

“Sigh. It would be a lie to say I’m fine. I never imagined the emperor would treat me this way.”

The old poison master said, “Five days ago, when the emperor granted you the title ‘Guardian of the Nation’ but said nothing about Nalan Ruoshui, the implication was already quite clear…”

Just then, the other talents of the Qishi Mansion filed into Chen Nan’s courtyard. Seeing the pile of rubble, they were not surprised. They knew why Chen Nan was angry. They had long been aware of the entanglement between Chen Nan, Nalan Ruoshui, and Sima Lingkong. Hearing that the emperor had betrothed Nalan Ruoshui to Sima Lingkong, many felt indignant on Chen Nan’s behalf.

“Sigh. Chen Nan just rendered great service to Chu, yet this is how he is repaid…”

“Life is seldom as we wish—nine times out of ten, things go awry…”

“Young man, try to see the brighter side…”

One after another, they tried to console Chen Nan.

Chu Yue had also received the report. She frowned slightly. “Let’s hope he doesn’t cause any trouble.”