Mountain Patrol Military Officer

The Martial Temple sent me to the Divine Capital to burn incense for thirty minutes!

Do they wish to protect me amidst this turmoil?

I don't believe it!

Chen Yuan always believed there was no such thing as a free favor in this world, except from one's own mother. All the talk of appreciating his demon-slaying merits was nothing but trivial trickery for children to him, having witnessed the darkness of the Court. When the Ten Evils broke through the pass earlier, the Martial Temple sent people to negotiate, but then disappeared completely.

Their appearance now must have another purpose!

He never shied away from assuming the worst in others, fearing he might be charmed to the Divine Capital only to be ambushed later.

Chen Yuan squinted, the golden gleam in his eyes like a golden snake flicking its tongue. He didn't accept the dharma decree from Xu Liang, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, just looked at him without speaking.

The prolonged silence made Xu Liang feel as if a mountain weighed on his shoulders, his hands inadvertently growing stiff, the composed demeanor slowly stripping away, and beads of sweat forming densely on his forehead.

Finally unable to withstand the suffocating atmosphere, his eyelids twitched and he couldn't help but speak to break the silence,

"General, is there any doubt you have?"

Chen Yuan's eyelids lifted slightly as he stared at him, speaking slowly,

"Since the Martial Temple sent you to deliver the decree, you should lay it all on the line for me. What exactly is the Martial Temple's intention?"

"Do you think I would believe the meaning written in the decree? I am currently walking on the razor's edge, and those important people in the Martial Temple would risk opposing the court to help me? We are neither kin nor acquaintances, and I certainly am not fortunate enough to know anyone there."

"Haha, perhaps it's just an excuse to trick me to the Divine Capital for a public beheading to serve as a warning to all?"

As Chen Yuan spoke, he let out a cold laugh devoid of any true amusement.

These words startled Xu Liang, cold sweat immediately bursting forth.

He realized that the person opposite him was extremely distrustful of the Court, having been branded with a rebellious label, he could explode into violence at any moment.

Though the intelligence they gathered in Shu indicated that this Chen Longhu had achieved unparalleled merits in demon-slaying and securing Shu, there was no true sign of rebellion, yet they understood his ruthless ways. He was a principal who would kill without hesitation,

Crushing those who offended him or refused to obey orders through various brutal means, a truly ruthless and dominant figure!

He empathized with Gou Yue earlier, knowing if his answer could not alleviate Chen Longhu's suspicion, even as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, there would be no favorable outcome for him.

His pupils slightly constricted as he clutched the dharma decree in one hand, cupping his hands with a tinge of anger in his voice, he said deeply:

"The Martial Temple would never commit such a disgraceful act!"

"If such a thing truly spread, the Martial Temple's foundation as Daqian's establishment would immediately collapse."

"This humble official dares to speak boldly!"

Saying this, the Vice Minister faced Chen Yuan, his voice powerful and resonant, "If the Martial Temple truly wished to kill the General, it would not be so complicated, someone else would take the lead."

When Xu Liang said this, it was with sincerity.

Seeing him so "bold," Chen Yuan was not angry, his slightly squinted eyes relaxed, arching up as he chuckled,

"No need for anger, Junior Minister!"

"The Martial Temple is the highest temple under heaven, naturally with sky-reaching abilities. It is indeed a good thing for this general to receive such attention, though this general hails from a remote place, muddy from the battlefield. Having also slain the Patrol Angel, I must be more cautious."

Listening to the Dragon Tiger Middle Lang General, who oversaw countless life-and-death powers, speak so modestly, Xu Liang did not ease up one bit, but instead felt Chen Yuan to be even more dangerous.

Like a Demon King that devours without spitting out bones.

At this moment, he felt a slight illusion, wondering if this person truly harbored rebellious intentions!

He couldn't help but ease his tone,

"This matter is indeed problematic, the Court is furious, but the Martial Temple receives Daqian earthly incense. Though Shu is far away, they are aware of many things, knowing of the General's feats in Shu, hence this dharma decree."

"Summoning the General to the Divine Capital is naturally intended to mediate and negotiate!"

"Regarding merits and faults, I occupy a minor position as Vice Minister, naturally unqualified to judge, but I imagine the True Monarchs of the Martial Temple, with divine eyes watching heaven and earth, know full well."

"I hope the General understands!"

"I do want to know, what is the thought of our Daqian's Emperor?" Chen Yuan's gaze suddenly deepened.

Xu Shaoqing heard the person not calling the Emperor by a holy name, his eyelid twitched slightly, then lowered his voice, only saying,

"This time the three of us entered Shu, another one is the Lamp Master Eunuch from beside Emperor Wu, but I preside over the matter."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yuan immediately burst into laughter, shaking the golden hall with a thunderous roar, even making Xu Liang dizzy and disoriented.

Later, Xu Liang merely felt his hand lighten, the dharma decree vanished, immediately afterwards the scene before him changed abruptly, returning him to the Heavenly Patrol Hall's main hall.

The other two were still there, looking at Chen Yuan and Xu Liang with surprise at their sudden presence in the hall, their eyes flickering.

At this time, Chen Yuan shouted loudly towards the outside of the hall,

"Guards!"

As soon as he said this, outside the hall, the sound of swords drawing suddenly rose, the clash of armor echoing endlessly, roaring like a thousand troops rushing in.

The formation startled the three inside the hall.

Yet Chen Yuan inside the hall smiled upon seeing it, pretending to scold,

"Stand down, do not disturb my distinguished guests!"

"Order a feast, have Commander Pei and various Colonels come, I wish to host a banquet for the two esteemed guests!"

It was two, not three.

"Xu Shaoqing, Gou Jiancha Envoy, I am happy today, you two must accompany me heartily!"

Saying this, he laughed heartily and took the lead towards the outside of the hall.

Xu Liang and Gou Yue hesitated, their gazes involuntarily turning to the always ignored and sidelined "Lamp Master"!

At this time, the Lamp Master Eunuch's face flushed red, almost steaming, this unprecedented humiliation since being assigned beside His Majesty, incensed his reason, he represented the Heavenly Family's face, how could he suffer such indignity, he sharply reprimanded,

"What boldness!"

"Chen Yuan, how dare you ignore our family like this, our family represents the Heavenly Family, you...."

Before he finished speaking, Chen Yuan, nearly at the hall's door, suddenly turned back. His pale gold eyes full of ferocity.

"Boom!"

"Ah!"

A miserable scream followed, only to see the Lamp Master Eunuch violently thrown backward, his four-clawed python pattern robe from his chest shredding with a hiss, coughing blood to the ground, his makeup-covered face twisted in agony.

Chen Yuan smirked without true warmth, "Who does this servant belong to among you two, being so rude, I'd just like to give a little punishment."

Gou Yue dared not speak, Xu Liang frowned, a flash of helplessness in his eyes, he knew this Dragon Tiger General was pretending, but had to play along, whispering:

"General, calm down, this is the Lamp Master from beside His Majesty, ordered to come to Shu."

"Oh, a mere Heavenly Pass Tao Fruit, I thought he was your servant, neither male nor female, I heard in the Divine Capital many noble and flamboyant households prefer such, thought you both might have a unique taste."

Xu Liang and Gou Yue's faces darkened at the comment, goosebumps rising unconsciously.

"Since he is also a guest, I should entertain him, but having accidentally injured him, I suppose he can't attend the banquet for now."

"Military Adviser Gao!"

"Here I am!" Gao Yu appeared, cupping his fist.

Chen Yuan looked at the eunuch lying in the hall, propping himself upright, his face twisted with pain and a mix of anger and fear, and said expressionlessly:

"Have the soldiers take this eunuch down for proper entertainment!"