Eternal Saber-Chapter 239 - 24: Trusted the Wrong Person

When Chen Tang ran over here, countless strategies flashed in his mind.

The eclipse phenomenon had eventually dissipated.

He could completely take advantage of Yuan Qingshan’s status as the reincarnation of Buddha to concoct a story, claiming that Yuan Qingshan used the power of Buddha to drive away the evil spirits, allowing the world to see the light again.

Magic can only be defeated by magic.

Like Wang Anshi in the past who spoke of the "Three Concerns," not fearing natural changes, not following ancestral ways, not regarding people’s words, Chen Tang had already prepared a draft in his mind.

If all else failed, he could go up and start an argument, stirring up the situation.

But when he actually reached the Sacrificial Altar, Chen Tang realized he was somewhat naive.

Wang Anshi could speak of the "Three Concerns" because he had the Emperor’s support.

But here, royal authority was clearly suppressed.

Moreover, he was just a young man in his teens, without any prestige in explaining celestial phenomena.

Even if the Emperor conferred him the titles of Lion-Tiger Arhat and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, his influence was far inferior to that of the Profound Celestial Sect.

The Profound Celestial Sect held all interpretive authority concerning celestial phenomena, symbolizing absolute authority.

If he stepped forward, attempting to use magic to defeat magic, it was merely wishful thinking.

If he dared to say that he does not fear natural changes, does not follow ancestral ways... just these two points might lead to him being drowned by the contempt of officials and civilians alike.

More importantly, these tricks were vulnerable before the absolute power of the Profound Celestial Sect Leader!

Just recently, when the Profound Celestial Sect Leader glanced over, Chen Tang even had a foreboding feeling.

As soon as he dared to step forward and argue, the Profound Celestial Sect Leader would undoubtedly seize the opportunity, under the guise of ominous celestial phenomena, to kill him!

Yuan Qingshan was the Emperor; unless the Profound Celestial Sect disregarded its reputation, it wouldn’t bear the charge of regicide.

Yuan Qingmo was Prince Wei, also a member of the Royal Family.

But Chen Tang came from lowly origins, possessing only two empty titles.

The Profound Celestial Sect Leader would have no compunction about killing him!

Taking a step back, even if the Profound Celestial Sect Leader wanted to act against Yuan Qingshan, he would have to bypass Murong Daoye.

But when it came to dealing with him, Murong Daoye would definitely not step in.

Chen Tang sensed a hint of unusual danger, stood outside the Sacrificial Altar, lowered his brows, and remained silent.

The Profound Celestial Sect Leader withdrew his gaze with a hint of disappointment.

This young man had a reckless temperament, disregarded propriety, and a very sharp spirit. His methods, such as crippling Zhou Shuang and killing Kong Cong, were evident.

By rights, he should have been unable to restrain himself and jumped out to argue for the Emperor.

He leveraged the eclipse phenomenon, and the trend was set, just in time to seize the opportunity to kill him, teach the Emperor a lesson, and sever his arm!

Unexpectedly, this young man held back.

Yuan Qingshan said in a deep voice, "After all, the eclipse has dissipated. Heaven has mercy, I confess my sins in blood, perhaps Heaven has already calmed its anger, and the State Preceptor should not anger others."

"Your Holiness should take care of himself."

The Profound Celestial Sect Leader flicked his robe sleeve and walked away on air.

Two women in black and red robes followed behind him.

These two were the two major Protectors of the Profound Celestial Sect, their status second only to the Sect Leader.

Yuan Qingshan said a few more words, appeasing the officials, allowing them to disperse one by one.

After the officials dispersed, only the Du Clan, Yuan Qingmo, Yuan Qingmu, and Chen Tang walking over remained at the Sacrificial Altar.

Yuan Qingshan let out a light breath, his body swayed, nearly falling.

He had just written the self-condemnation edict, expending considerable Qi and Blood, and mental energy.

Yuan Qingshan merely braced himself in front of the officials, not daring to show weakness.

"Qingshan!"

The Du Clan quickly stepped forward to support him, gently wiping the large beads of sweat off Yuan Qingshan’s forehead, her expression worried and somewhat distressed as she asked, "How are you, are you alright?"

"I’m fine, don’t worry."

Yuan Qingshan smiled at the Du Clan.

"Brother!"

"Royal Brother."

Yuan Qingmu and Yuan Qingmo also came to the Sacrificial Altar, their faces full of concern.

When Yuan Qingshan saw Chen Tang also arriving, he couldn’t help but reveal a bitter smile, softly murmuring, "Could this really be fate?"

At this moment, Yuan Qingshan’s confidence wavered, and he began to doubt himself.

"This is not fate at all."

Chen Tang said, "The solar eclipse can be seen in Nanxia, in the Cold Domain, and in the Barbarian Land. The world isn’t limited to Qian Country, and you’re not the ruler of all under heaven. Even if the ruler has lost virtue, why is it not their problem over there?"

"Indeed!"

Yuan Qingshan’s eyes lit up.

The eclipse phenomenon, an ominous celestial event, throughout history, always pointed directly at the ruler.

But within this lies the biggest flaw: the world isn’t restricted to Qian Country.

Next, this point could be publicized, minimizing the impact of the incident!

"Let’s go!"

Yuan Qingshan, his spirit greatly lifted, said, "Let’s return and discuss, and come up with a way to spread this explanation throughout the Capital City and across all states of Qian Country."

The Du Clan supported Yuan Qingshan as they headed towards the sleeping palace.

Chen Tang watched Yuan Qingshan’s retreating figure, remaining silent.

In reality, he wasn’t optimistic about the aftermath of this incident.

Recalling what the Profound Celestial Sect Leader had just said, perhaps this celestial event was merely a pretext for the Profound Celestial Sect’s counterattack.

The real crisis was yet to come!

...

Grand General’s Mansion.

Murong Daoye returned from the Sacrificial Altar and headed straight to the secret chamber in the rear courtyard.

"Did something happen?"

Qin Xi guessed that something big had happened outside upon seeing Murong Daoye’s expression.

Murong Daoye said in a deep voice, "You didn’t go out to see today, you missed a big event. The eclipse phenomenon, reappearing in the Divine Land!"

"Oh?"

Qin Xi’s expression shifted, a hint of light flashing in his eyes.

After pondering for a moment, Qin Xi slowly said, "The Emperor is in danger!"

Murong Daoye recounted the events at the Sacrificial Altar from beginning to end, saying, "His Holiness reacted quickly, managing to avert the crisis temporarily and drag the matter out."

"It’s useless."

Qin Xi shook his head, "How could the Profound Celestial Sect miss this opportunity? Divine retribution will undoubtedly descend, and when it does, the Emperor will be in great trouble!"

Murong Daoye asked, "Do you believe in the misfortune of eclipses?"

"Does the elder believe?"

Qin Xi replied with a smile, asking instead.

Murong Daoye said, "Throughout history, records show that the appearance of an eclipse is followed by various upheavals—droughts, floods, epidemics, or wars—catastrophes never cease."

"I originally didn’t believe it, but it happens every time, which seems more than coincidental."

Qin Xi chuckled.

Unexpectedly, despite War God Murong’s cultivation, his understanding of this matter has its limitations.

Qin Xi said calmly, "This is not coincidental, nor is it fate. Instead, every time an eclipse appears, someone uses it as an opportunity to cause chaos. The celestial event is just a pretext; people are the root of the disorder!"

Murong Daoye sighed, "So, the Emperor might not survive this calamity."

"Do you regret for him?"

Qin Xi asked.

Murong Daoye nodded, "He is a good Emperor, promising in youth, empathetic to the people, like..."

Here, Murong Daoye paused before saying, "Like your father."

Qin Xi said, "But you won’t save him."

Murong Daoye was silent.

Saving Yuan Qingshan would only lead to a conflict with the Yuwen Family and the Profound Celestial Sect, prematurely depleting the Murong Family’s strength.

"What a pity, the Emperor personally visited your mansion, asking you to step out, entrusting you with important tasks, yet at the crucial moment, you abandon him. He indeed is very much like my father..."

Here, Qin Xi paused, a hint of mockery in his eyes, before slowly saying, "They both trusted the wrong people."

Murong Daoye said nothing and left with a wave of his sleeve.