Chapter 196: Chapter 175: Deep Within the Imperial Tomb

The next morning, the young emperor with a clear and naive face held the grand ceremony to appoint the Grand Tutor.

The civil and military officials couldn’t quite figure out what was happening. After all, the Great Chen never made a fuss over such appointments before. Was it possible that their Emperor was flaunting his power before them? Was he showing off how mighty this Grand Tutor was, bragging about how sharp this hidden secret sword truly was?

The officials did not know, but Emperor Chen Yu was fully aware.

Not only Chen Yu knew, but even Du Chengfeng knew.

Sure enough, shortly after the tedious ceremony concluded, Du Chengfeng was asked by Chen Yu to stay behind, told that there was an important matter at hand.

"Since Grand Tutor has been appointed, it’s time to receive the Divine Soldiers to protect the nation and stabilize the land."

The young emperor maintained his amiable demeanor, appearing as though anyone could deceive him.

Just like now, if Du Chengfeng, who had great skills, took the so-called national Divine Soldiers and fled, what could the Southern Chen do?

Anyone could seem to gain some benefit from this young emperor, at least it looked that way.

But Du Chengfeng knew the real show was about to begin.

"Then let’s go to the royal tomb together to receive the Divine Soldiers," the young emperor suggested with a smile.

Du Chengfeng also smiled.

As expected, he knew this would happen; otherwise, why would the young emperor summon him specifically from Yizhou?

Just like weapons have things they want to do, people also have their own desires and things they want to achieve. Previously, he might have been misled by the young emperor like those civil and military officials, but now he knew the emperor’s true intentions.

The title of Grand Tutor, the so-called Divine Soldiers, all the benefits offered by the young emperor were merely to send him into the royal tomb, sacrificing him for the royal family.

However, for Du Chengfeng, it didn’t matter.

After all, the place he wanted to go was also the royal tomb.

"But wait a moment, I need to get something."

Claiming thus, Du Chengfeng rode back to his quarters to grab a packet of snacks.

This action caught Chen Yu’s attention.

"Grand Tutor, what’s this all about?"

"I like sweets," Du Chengfeng replied offhandedly.

In truth, he preferred savory flavors, but there was no need to share this with the young emperor.

Both harbored private concerns, causing their progress to slow. Fortunately, the royal tomb wasn’t far, practically just outside the city.

As he looked at the massive tomb in front of him and the mountain behind it, Du Chengfeng suddenly thought of the old man Ruan from Ziyang Mountain.

The old man Ruan, transformed into a monster, was overwhelming and invincible, utterly beyond his capability to contend with.

So what about this time?

"What’s the matter, Grand Tutor?"

"Nothing."

Shaking his head, Du Chengfeng led his horse and with his snacks, walked slowly into the royal tomb.

Though Du Chengfeng brought many weapons, incongruous with ceremony, at this moment, Chen Yu and Du Chengfeng shared a subtle, mutual understanding.

They both knew what the other wanted.

The dark passage seemed interminable, almost endless, but for Du Chengfeng, it didn’t matter. It wasn’t strictly his first time entering such a place.

Only the last time it wasn’t him; it was the former emperor’s sword.

But there’s not much of a difference: whether it was him or the sword, the ultimate purpose was to bleed the monster inside the tomb. Indeed, bleeding a monster who is immune to knives and swords, that even the Deadly Weapon couldn’t cut through, was truly a challenge.

So Du Chengfeng brought plenty of weapons this time.

Though the blunt Rectangular Sword was confirmed useless for bleeding, among the other weapons, there should be some capable of the task.

"Come on,"

Du Chengfeng patted the Heavy Great Saber strapped to his back.

"Come on,"

Du Chengfeng then patted the Overlord Halberd wrapped in cloth.

First, try with the saber. If it couldn’t work, then use the halberd. If neither worked, then he’d need to come up with some unconventional method—perhaps finding a way like Sun Wukong in the tales, slipping into the giant’s mouth to stab him and cause gum bleeding or stomach bleeding.

Whatever the case, as long as the goal was determined, there’s always a way to overcome difficulties.

The deeper they went, the darker the passage became; even the torches along the walls were only partially lit. Clearly, it had been a long time since anyone had been here, nor anyone to replace the torches.

Du Chengfeng could understand why this situation occurred. With the known dangers within this royal tomb, it was naturally unsuitable for anyone to regularly clean it. A single misstep could cost them their life.

"So if someone really lived in such a place, it would probably be quite lonely."

Du Chengfeng couldn’t help but sigh.

Yet immediately after, he frowned.

What kind of joke was this? He came to take action, to bleed the giant. Once the fight started, life and death may be decided.

Why did he suddenly start empathizing with the giant dwelling deep within the tomb?

"It’s the emotions; my emotions have been influenced!"

Du Chengfeng keenly noticed this change.

In the past, he might not have detected such a subtle shift, but after handling many weapons, especially the Overlord Halberd, Du Chengfeng had become sensitive to these subtle psychological changes. The vague loneliness he felt reminded him of the arrogance the Overlord Halberd instilled in him.

"Living in such an environment for long might actually erode one’s mind with solitude, leading to suicide."

Feeling the omnipresent atmosphere, Du Chengfeng quickly came to a conclusion.

If the Overlord Halberd’s side effect was making one overly showy, arrogant until they crash and burn, the effect of this strange atmosphere was to drive one into solitude, towards depression, until a sullen end.

"A halo of depression?"

Du Chengfeng was flabbergasted, never having imagined such an attack method.

But he wasn’t without means of coping. When he grasped the hilt of his Heavy Great Saber, warm light enveloped him.

With a saber in hand, he was not alone; naturally, there would be no solitude or depression.

However, what left Du Chengfeng most stunned was yet to come.

"Why are you here?"

Deep within the royal tomb, Du Chengfeng stood dumbfounded as he saw the Burly Man munching on snacks.

"Why are you here?"

Mid-bite of a sweet treat, the Burly Man looked at Du Chengfeng wielding the great saber, truly puzzled.