237: The End of the Way

[PS: Many thanks to yesterday's dear reader for the reminder. The beginning of Chapter 235 has been revised. The immortal transformation grass was given to Ye Baixi, and the immortal foundation building pills was returned.

Thank you, dear reader, for yesterday. I forgot to check.]

Third Prince's Residence, Martial Arts Training Ground.

Upon hearing the news, Third Prince Qi Yue sliced the Profound Iron Dummy in front of him into two halves with a single saber strike, sparks flying everywhere.

"Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince? He's not worthy!"

His chest heaved, and his eyes surged with hostility. "An unknown wild boy, relying on some underhanded tricks, dares to call himself an Imperial Tutor? Father Emperor is truly senile!"

A trusted general beside him whispered, "Your Highness, His Majesty's decision is likely final. Should we..."

"Final what final!" Third Prince Qi Yue rudely interrupted. "This prince refuses to believe that this empire can be handed over to a mere girl! Go, send word to Imperial Mother. This prince also wants to request an imperial decree from Father Emperor, to have that Chen Yuan teach this prince military strategy and swordsmanship! If he teaches well, then so be it. If he doesn't... Hmph!"

A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, clearly indicating that his intention was not genuine study.

Fourth Prince's Residence, secret chamber.

Fourth Prince Qi Yan appeared much calmer than his two elder brothers, though his fingertips unconsciously tapped the table, producing a regular, soft sound.

Although his maternal uncle, Prime Minister Li, was suspended for investigation, his years of cultivated connections and intelligence network were still active.

"Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, not bowing to the monarch."

Fourth Prince Qi Yan murmured, repeating the words, a cold arc forming at the corner of his mouth. "What an honor, what a status. Father Emperor is putting Chen Yuan on the hot seat. However, to be put there also means he indeed has the value to be roasted."

The aide whispered, "Your Highness, should we also..."

"Of course."

Fourth Prince Qi Yan interrupted him, his smile unchanged.

"Such an Imperial Tutor, if he can become this prince's teacher, even if only in name, it would be a huge boost to this prince's prestige.

Moreover, only by interacting more can one understand his true depth, and then prescribe the right remedy. Go prepare a generous gift, no, prepare three different generous gifts. This prince will personally go to request an audience with Father Emperor and beg to become his disciple."

Over the next two days, Second Prince Qi Hong, Third Prince Qi Yue, and Fourth Prince Qi Yan, either alone or by using the opportunity to pay respects to the Empress, all presented the same request to Emperor Qi Beichen:

They implored Father Emperor to show mercy and allow them to also take Teacher Chen Yuan as their master, to listen to his teachings and learn the Dao of governance or the art of protecting the nation.

However, Emperor Qi Beichen's attitude was exceptionally clear and consistent.

Facing Second Prince Qi Hong's admiration for the worthy, he calmly said, "Teacher Chen is already toiling to instruct Princess. Moreover, there is no second method of teaching; only with focus can one achieve success. Since you have leisure, Hong'er, you might as well read more sagely texts and manage the matters at hand."

The implied warning made Second Prince Qi Hong break out in a cold sweat.

Regarding Third Prince Qi Yue's request for guidance, conveyed through the Empress, Emperor Qi Beichen's Face immediately turned cold in the Empress's palace:

"Teacher Chen cultivates the Grand Dao of Swordsmanship, which emphasizes a benevolent heart and wise discernment. Yue'er's temperament still needs tempering; his hostility has not faded, making it difficult for him to grasp Teacher Chen's true meaning, and it might even lead to discord. Do not mention this matter again."

He showed no Face to the Empress or Third Prince Qi Yue.

For Fourth Prince Qi Yan's personally presented petition to become a disciple, which cited classics and expressed sincere emotion, Emperor Qi Beichen merely set it aside after reading it. Looking at this most cunning son, he spoke earnestly but with an undeniable tone:

"Yan'er, your nimble mind is a good thing. But too much is as bad as too little. Teacher Chen is a pure-hearted person and should not be embroiled in too many disputes. You should assist Prime Minister diligently—now it's Minister Li—and simply carry out the tasks assigned to you."

This directly blocked Fourth Prince Qi Yan's intentions.

After repeated rejections, the three princes, though outwardly respectful in accepting the imperial decree, smashed countless vessels upon returning to their residences, their expressions growing uglier than the last.

They fully understood that Father Emperor's mind was made up; Chen Yuan's reputation would only, and exclusively, stand behind Princess Qi Lingling.

This made them feel an unprecedented sense of crisis.

On this day, the sky was clear and bright.

In the East Market of the Imperial City, people flowed like a river.

Suddenly, three grey-robed figures appeared out of thin air like ghosts at the busiest intersection.

They wore pure black masks, revealing only three pairs of icy, indifferent eyes.

Without a word, all three raised their hands simultaneously.

From one person's palm, black flames erupted, instantly igniting the surrounding shops and pavilions. These flames could even scorch and melt bluestone slabs, and cries of agony rose all around;

Another flicked a finger, and countless grey Qi needles shot out. Pedestrians and patrolling soldiers on the street, anyone touched by the Qi needles, regardless of their cultivation Realm, instantly stiffened and fell to the ground, their life force rapidly draining away;

The last person merely stomped their foot, and the ground of the entire street rippled like waves, buildings collapsed, and the earth caved into pits.

"What Prodigies dare to offend the Imperial City!"

A furious roar, like a clap of thunder, resounded. The Imperial City Garrison Commander, a fierce general whose cultivation had reached the Sixth Revolution Tribulation Transcension, clad in heavy armor, transformed into a golden streak and shot from the distant military manor. A Coiling Dragon Golden Spear in his hand, carrying the might to tear space, pierced directly towards the black-clad individual releasing black fire.

However, facing a powerful enemy two minor Realms higher, the three black-clad individuals showed not an ounce of fear.

Their figures flickered, their steps peculiar, and they instantly formed a triangular Formation.

Then, they attacked simultaneously, three divine rainbows shooting forth.

The Sixth Revolution Tribulation Transcension commander's spear pierced into the Formation, yet it felt like striking a balloon—soft and yielding, but impenetrable.

The three divine rainbows arrived, instantly sending him flying.

He grunted, retreating continuously, his Face filled with shock and uncertainty.

These three black-clad individuals, only at the Fourth Revolution Tribulation Transcension, could actually withstand him, a Sixth Revolution expert, by joining forces.

"Activate the Imperial City Grand Formation! Suppress them!"

The commander roared, simultaneously issuing the highest level of alarm.

The Formation eyes throughout the Imperial City lit up, and the immense power of the Formation began to gather.

Just then, a majestic imperial aura, like heavenly might, descended!

Emperor Qi Beichen's true body had already appeared above the East Market.

His expression was stern, his gaze like lightning sweeping over the three black-clad figures: "Rats, you seek death!"

He did not immediately attack, but an invisible Domain had already enveloped them, and space began to solidify, aiming to completely lock them down.

The three black-clad individuals looked up at Emperor Qi Beichen, who stood suspended in the air. Their indifferent eyes still showed no emotional fluctuations.

The leader suddenly threw out a black shuttle-shaped Magic Treasure.

The Magic Treasure exploded, transforming into a dense, ink-like black smoke that instantly spread. This black smoke could even obscure vision and Divine Sense.

"Trying to escape?"

Emperor Qi Beichen snorted coldly, grasping at the Void Realm.

A giant golden Dragon claw then reached for the black smoke, intending to crush that entire space along with it.

However, the black smoke dissipated extremely quickly.

The Dragon claw descended, only crushing the ruins of half a street.

The three black-clad individuals had vanished without a trace, their aura disappearing as if they had never been there.

Even Emperor Qi Beichen's personal intervention couldn't stop them!

Within the Imperial City, chaos reigned, and people were filled with panic.

Emperor Qi Beichen hovered in the air, his Face grim. His Divine Sense instantly covered the entire city, but he could no longer find any trace of the three individuals.

But then, something even more unexpected happened.

Inside the Tranquility Heart Garden,

Chen Yuan, who was guiding Princess Qi Lingling in swordsmanship, seemed to sense something and slowly turned around.

In the courtyard, space rippled like a water curtain.

Three shadowy figures silently emerged.

It was precisely the three who had mysteriously vanished after causing chaos in the East Market!

They had taken advantage of the confusion to directly infiltrate the Imperial Palace, appearing right before Chen Yuan.

Princess Qi Lingling was startled, instinctively clutching her wooden sword and standing beside Chen Yuan.

Chen Yuan, however, remained calm, even raising a hand to signal Princess Qi Lingling not to be nervous.

He observed these three uninvited guests with their strange auras.

The leading black-clad figure's gaze fell upon Chen Yuan, and his indifferent eyes seemed to brighten slightly.

He flipped his wrist, and a peculiar-looking invitation, with dark golden edges, appeared in his hand.

On the cover of the invitation, ancient seal script was etched: "Doomsday Dao Court."