Chapter 185: Chapter 164: The Giant in the Mausoleum

The nicks on the blade conceal the marks of growth, and the grime on the handle bears witness to hard work and effort.

With gradual polishing, Du Chengfeng increasingly saw the lifetime of this Ring-Headed Saber.

Like that little sword, this Ring-Headed Saber was also crafted by a famous imperial Master Craftsman. Just the exquisite feel alone almost rivals those ominous weapons imbued with Evil Qi— the fact that ordinary iron could reach such a level attests to the craftsman’s skill. Yet, this Treasure Sword was not meant for warriors to bring onto the battlefield.

This Treasure Sword was merely a practice tool for Crown Prince Chen Yu.

The Great Chen dynasty was founded on martial strength, with a culture thoroughly pervading from top to bottom. As the Crown Prince, Chen Yu had to practice martial arts too— even though his childhood experiences had left him with a fear of sharp blades after witnessing terrifying scenes, he still had to train in the martial arts to strengthen himself.

As the Crown Prince of Great Chen, his methods of practicing martial arts naturally differed from ordinary people.

As arranged by his father, the old emperor, the way this Prince practiced martial arts was through direct killing.

Within the vast palace, there would occasionally be eunuchs or palace maids sentenced to death, and during such times, Crown Prince Chen Yu became a secret executioner. No one would have ever suspected that the small figure carrying a knife with a masked face was actually the seemingly innocent Crown Prince— even Chen Yu himself never expected his father would arrange such a role for him.

"Father, I can’t do it."

After having taken the life of a palace servant for the first time, Chen Yu went to the old emperor, feeling incapable of doing such a thing.

He would rather study those mind-numbing scholarly books, than face the bloodstained grounds.

But the old emperor merely shook his head at him.

"Reading books? That’s not important."

The old emperor rested his hand on Crown Prince Chen Yu’s shoulder, slowly walking towards the door.

"For ruling the world, books are the most useless things. When you possess enough power, naturally someone will compile your words and actions into books... No matter how preposterous your sayings are; as long as you’re strong enough, everything you say becomes right."

Saying so, the old emperor once again killed a guard.

The once spotless and bright Ring-Headed Saber was stained with fresh blood yet again, and Crown Prince Chen Yu had grown numb,

"A sword has two edges, it is more agile than a saber, whereas a saber is heftier, more domineering than a sword, and easier to acquire. You must remember the differences between these weapons, as they would be useful to you in the future."

The old emperor instructed Chen Yu.

Crown Prince Chen Yu didn’t understand why he would need such skills, as it was the generals’ duty to fight battles. Be it as Crown Prince, or future Emperor, how could he ever need to handle such tasks personally?

Was there any danger lurking within this Capital City or the palace court?

"Father, is there someone plotting a rebellion?"

Crown Prince Chen Yu looked up at the old emperor.

"Do you need me to go into battle?"

"Rebellion? Those things aren’t important."

The old emperor continued shaking his head.

"If anyone wants to take this throne, let them do so. Since they wish to enjoy the rewards of being emperor, they must bear the costs as well."

"The costs of being emperor?"

Crown Prince Chen Yu looked puzzled.

"What are those costs?"

Faced with Crown Prince Chen Yu’s query, the old emperor simply shook his head, uttering nothing.

The following content became somewhat mundane, mostly about Crown Prince Chen Yu practicing sword techniques with this Ring-Headed Saber— it became evident he preferred the agile sword over the hefty war sabers, resulting in this Ring-Headed Saber being shelved, gathering dust within a year.

Occasionally during his leisure, Chen Yu would come over, glance at this Ring-Headed Saber, reminiscing about past memories.

"Is that all?"

Having come back to his senses, Du Chengfeng grew impatient; he never anticipated the information ending at such a critical moment.

So, what on earth are those costs? Why wouldn’t the old emperor reveal them?

If he merely kept silent, Du Chengfeng could endure it, but watering down a year’s worth of sword practice stories was unbearable.

Thus, an enraged Du Chengfeng turned his gaze to the third sword.

Unlike the previous two weapons clearly crafted for minors, this sword was a proper battle sword. Nonetheless, it appeared overly simple, devoid of any decorations on the hilt and sheath, looking more like the weapon of a Ranger than the sword of an emperor.

"Is this also the sword of the Emperor of Nan Chen?"

Du Chengfeng furrowed his brows, the disparity in style between this sword and the previous ones seemed glaringly vast.

"If it’s placed here, it must surely be related to the Emperor of Nan Chen." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Thinking this, Du Chengfeng drew the sword from its sheath and continued to polish.

Flowers are given to beauties, Treasure Swords to heroes.

And battle swords are naturally gifted to Warriors.

"...Hmm?"

Du Chengfeng suddenly sensed something amiss.

Because this time, within the sword’s memories, he did not see the face of Crown Prince Chen Yu.

Instead, it was the face of the old emperor.

The old emperor received the sword from the hand of the palace Master Craftsman, comforting this old friend, as the Master Craftsman wept bitterly, clutching the emperor’s arm tightly.

Although Du Chengfeng referred to him as the old emperor, judging from his appearance, he seemed merely in his forties— after all, his child was only about ten years old. Yet, this old emperor’s face bore the weariness of someone who had lived far longer than his years. Like now, facing the blacksmith’s grief, he merely sighed softly.

Not even murmuring any words of comfort.

"There’s nothing worth crying over, it’s simply that my end has arrived."

The old emperor shook his head.

"From now on, Yu’Er’s matters are entrusted to you. You must make him strong, strong enough..."

"You will survive!"

Wiping away his tears, the blacksmith gritted his teeth.

"This is the best sword I’ve crafted! You are the most skilled emperor in martial arts, you will survive! You surely will!"

"You don’t understand... Anyways, Yu’Er is entrusted to you."

Saying this, the old emperor left with the sword.

He didn’t bring any entourage, nor any guards; the old emperor carried only this sword and left the Capital City, galloping towards the royal tomb in the mountains.

"What is happening here?"

As an observer, Du Chengfeng was puzzled, unable to fathom the intention behind these actions.

The atmosphere resembled deployment before a battle, yet having the Emperor of Nan Chen personally leading an expedition... and to the royal tomb as the destination.

Could it be something inside the tomb rose from the dead?

"Oh my gosh!"

After the old emperor entered the royal tomb, even as an observer, Du Chengfeng could not refrain from cursing.

Only because the scene was exceedingly exaggerated.

"How was this possible?"

Faced with the enormous, ten-meter-tall terrifying giant in the image, Du Chengfeng was at a loss for words.