Eternal Saber-Chapter 261 - 46: Bird in a Cage

Nearly half a year had passed, and Tan Wujiu seemed like a different person.

His face had become much thinner, his cheekbones protruding, and his beard unkempt, as if it had never been trimmed or groomed.

This was a far cry from the stern, astute, and meticulous Captain Tan of the Cyan Dragon Bureau in Wu’an County.

So much so that Chen Tang did not recognize him at first glance.

"So it was Lord Tan."

A trace of mockery flashed in Chen Tang’s eyes as he said, "It seems Lord Tan has been promoted, congratulations."

Tan Wujiu replied, "You still remember me."

"Unforgettable."

Chen Tang replied indifferently.

He did not harbor much hatred for Tan Wujiu, more of a grudge, like an unresolved issue.

Cai was not killed by Tan Wujiu.

But after all, Tan Wujiu was present at the scene back then.

If not for him blocking Cai Yin, Song Wood would not have succeeded.

Back in Wu’an County, Chen Tang killed Observatory Master Song Wood with a single slash.

But he did not touch Tan Wujiu.

Firstly, the gap in their strengths was too great; he simply couldn’t kill him.

Secondly, even if given the chance, he couldn’t say for sure if he would kill Tan Wujiu.

Because he knew the past between Cai and Tan Wujiu.

Cai was once rescued by Tan Wujiu from a pile of corpses.

Cai was able to become a Guard Captain in the Cyan Dragon Bureau with Tan Wujiu’s care and appreciation over the years.

Cai, when selecting members for the Cyan Dragon Guard, would specifically pay attention to those from poor backgrounds with no connections.

Tan Wujiu never said much about it.

Cai and Tan Wujiu had been like mentor and friend for years.

Perhaps, Tan Wujiu wasn’t a villain.

He just resented Tan Wujiu’s obedience to the Profound Celestial Sect.

He resented Tan Wujiu’s cowardice even more.

But later, the more he understood about the Profound Celestial Sect, the more he realized its terror!

The entire upper echelons of the Cyan Dragon Bureau were already taking orders from the Profound Celestial Sect.

Now, taking advantage of the solar eclipse phenomenon, even the Emperor had to compromise.

Under such overwhelming pressure, how could Tan Wujiu dare to resist?

After all, not everyone is like him, unburdened and alone.

"Lord Tan, do you know him?"

Yang Mingban, feeling a stir in his heart, joked, "If he’s an old acquaintance, maybe it’s better to let the brothers handle it."

"Indeed, for such a small matter, why trouble Lord Tan to take action?"

The other three captains chimed in in agreement.

This Chen Tang was already like a bird in a cage, meat on a chopping board.

Who wouldn’t be tempted by such an opportunity to gain merit?

Moreover, it was under the watchful eyes of many Mystic Masters.

Tan Wujiu, expressionless, said, "Once Tan takes action, there will be no holding back."

Yang Mingban jokingly said, "Lord Tan, your sword has been unused for some time, won’t it rust?"

"A quick test will tell."

Tan Wujiu replied calmly.

Tu Yang lifted the curtain, listening to the conversation of Tan Wujiu and the others, sneering inwardly.

These Cyan Dragon Guards wanted to steal his credit!

This merit was already in his pocket.

As he knew, Chen Tang had offended at least two marshals and an elder in the Capital City, and even the sect leader was quite critical of him.

As long as they captured this person alive and escorted him to the capital, he could surely gain great fame within the Profound Celestial Sect!

In the future, he might even have the opportunity to be transferred to the Capital City and become part of a certain elder or protector’s entourage.

Thinking of this, Tu Yang remained outwardly composed but was inwardly ablaze with excitement.

He stood atop the carriage, pinched a sword formula, and pointed forward!

Swoosh!

From the carriage behind him, two flying swords shot out, transforming into two streaks of white light, flashing swiftly towards Chen Tang!

A Foundation Establishment Realm Mystic Master could control two flying swords.

With more caution, one could be used for attack, the other for defense.

However, at the moment, with numerous Profound Celestial martial artists and Cyan Dragon Guards protecting him, he needn’t worry about safety issues.

In order to capture Chen Tang as quickly as possible and monopolize the credit,

Tu Yang immediately dispatched the two flying swords!

Meanwhile, with his hand gesture changing, he activated a mystic skill!

On the long street, the air became unbearably hot.

Whoosh!

In the blink of an eye, behind Chen Tang, a towering wall of flames several feet high appeared, blocking his way!

With the cooperation of the two flying swords and the mystic skill, Tu Yang unleashed everything without reservation, aiming to capture Chen Tang instantly!

Chen Tang’s expression grew solemn.

Although the soldiers ahead numbered only about five hundred, they were from Qingzhou City, and their overall strength was a tier above Longpan County’s.

Someone like Tan Wujiu, as a Marshal of the Cyan Dragon Bureau, would need to reach the Third Grade Meridian Passage Realm to qualify!

And the Observatory Master of Qingzhou City was typically at Foundation Establishment Realm Perfection, akin to Kong Cong’s level.

Back then, in the Capital City Imperial Palace, Kong Cong couldn’t withstand ten strikes from him.

Primarily because Chen Tang seized the initiative, and when he struck, he was already close to Kong Cong.

With the assistance of the Lion’s Roar Technique and the Divine Light Slash, he was able to slay Kong Cong.

If it were a normal confrontation, given the techniques of Kong Cong and Tu Yang, with their manipulation of two flying swords and mystic skills, Chen Tang might not have been able to get close.

Let alone cut them down.

In a moment’s thought, Chen Tang turned and prepared to evade Qingzhou City’s soldiers.

But the moment he turned, he heard an unusual wind sound behind him.

The flying swords were coming!

A Mystic Master in Foundation Establishment Realm Perfection controlling flying swords was incredibly fast.

Back at Hailing Hall, Chen Tang, in the Divine Illumination state wielding the Burning Wood Saber, could block even Kong Cong’s flying swords!

If Chen Tang continued running forward, he would certainly be unable to escape the pursuit of the flying swords.

After all, no matter how fast his body technique was, it couldn’t be faster than the speed of flying swords.

Chen Tang didn’t even have time to look back, merely relied on his hearing to discern the position, sidestepped to avoid one of the flying swords, and then, turning abruptly, slashed back!

The second flying sword was already upon him.

Clang!

The Eternal saber struck heavily against the flying sword.

The clash of blade and sword sparked a flurry of sparks!

Chen Tang’s whole body shook.

The slash on Tu Yang’s flying sword felt immensely resistant.

It was completely different from slicing through a flying sword of a Qi Condensation Realm alchemist.

Nonetheless, Tu Yang’s flying sword broke with the sound!

Chen Tang’s spirits soared.

With the ’Eternal’ treasure saber to aid him, his chances of escaping Longpan City increased.

Seeing this, Tu Yang’s expression immediately turned sour.

This flying sword, which he had nurtured for decades and embodied his entire cultivation and primordial qi, was now severed by a single slash from Chen Tang; how could he not feel heartache?

Chen Tang turned and fled again, only to see a wall of flames rise abruptly ahead, cutting off his retreat!

Simultaneously, Tu Yang’s first flying sword turned around and shot swiftly at him!

Chen Tang swung his saber to slash again!

This time, under Tu Yang’s control, the flying sword had become much more cunning and did not clash directly with Chen Tang’s ’Eternal’, twisting its blade to avoid the ’Eternal’ blade.

With a flash of cold light, the flying sword coiled around, wound tightly along the blade of the Eternal like a clever serpent, seemingly sticking to the blade and biting towards Chen Tang’s wrist!

"Hmm?"

Chen Tang’s expression changed.

The use of flying swords to such an extent was indeed beyond comprehension.

Fortunately, he had just severed one of Tu Yang’s flying swords.

Otherwise, under the offensive of two flying swords, it would have been difficult for him to escape unharmed.

Now, deeply surrounded, the time for One Breath Divine Illumination was extremely precious.

Every moment could be life-saving.

Unless absolutely necessary, Chen Tang wouldn’t activate the ability of One Breath Divine Illumination.