Embers of Sword

Chapter 555 Twenty-Four Hours (Part 1)

The wind blows, leaves fall, and the world is still.

Two days ago, as the Da Chu treasure ship sailed away from the imperial city, amidst the clamor, no one noticed a thin, sickly man dressed in an old blue robe silently climbing onto the city wall to watch the treasure ship depart.

The wind howled as the treasure ship soared into the sky and sped southward, disappearing from sight.

A strong wind billowed, causing the man's robe to flutter.

"Sir, what brings you here?"

Jiang Qihu quickly climbed onto the city wall and hurriedly helped him up.

These past few days, the gentleman has been publicly announcing that he is seriously ill and has declined to see visitors.

At such a time, how could one easily leave the library?

"I... am fine."

Chen Jingxuan smiled and waved his hand, indicating that Jiang Qihu did not need to be helped.

Say it.

He gazed at the large ship disappearing into the clouds in the distance, smiled with some regret, and asked, "Wasn't it said that we would depart at 9:00 AM...? Why are we half an hour earlier?"

"This southward expedition is a grand undertaking, and all the holy lands and aristocratic families have made preparations. Therefore, the Imperial City Guard's pre-departure inspection was faster than expected, and the departure was brought forward."

Jiang Qihu scratched his head: "Sir, did you come here specifically to see Brother Xie?"

"……Um."

Chen Jingxuan gave a soft "hmm," and then smiled and said, "I've come to see you too."

"I?"

Jiang Qihu was taken aback.

He chuckled and said, "If you want to see me, sir, it's not difficult... Just send a message, and I'll be there in half an incense stick's time. After all, the capital city is only so big."

"Jiang Qihu".

Chen Jingxuan, quite unusually, uttered Jiang Qihu's full name.

Jiang Qihu, fully armored, quickly suppressed his smile and stood up straight.

"The position of head of the Imperial City Guard is the culmination of many years of hard work by the library."

Chen Jingxuan said slowly, "From now on, you must hold onto this position firmly and never let anyone find any fault with you."

"……gentlemen?"

Jiang Qihu didn't quite understand the meaning behind Chen Jingxuan's words.

Yuan Jimo has not shown up for many days.

The events that happened in Qujiang recently... have already spread among the senior management of Da Chu.

The position of head of the Imperial City Guard still appears to be undecided on the surface.

But in reality, it has already fallen on Jiang Qihu's shoulders.

"if……"

Chen Jingxuan lowered his eyes and paused for a long time.

He said slowly, "If something bad happens and you temporarily lose this position... it's not a big deal. Grandpa Jiang and I both have high hopes for you. The head and second-in-command of the Imperial City Guard are just fleeting clouds... nothing more than fleeting clouds..."

"Sir, what do you want to say?"

A faint unease welled up in Jiang Qihu's heart.

He rarely saw his master like this.

What's going on?
"I need to... leave the capital."

Chen Jingxuan placed his hands on the cold city wall, gazed at the distant sky where the smoke and clouds had dispersed, and said softly, "I wanted to meet with that Xie guy one last time before I left... but now it seems I'm a bit too late."

Jiang Qihu pursed his lips.

In his view, this campaign to eliminate demons in southern Xinjiang was nothing more than a formality.

The families of various holy sites have devoted their efforts to this cause.

Later, the Martial Emperor Yang Shen and the Immortal Wu Zhe were there to support them.

In addition, the three chieftains, who were experts in the terrain of southern Xinjiang, led the way.

With favorable timing, location, and popular support, how could they possibly fail to win?
Jiang Qihu wasn't the only one with this idea.

But judging from what you're saying now, it seems like if we miss this meeting, we'll have to wait a long time to see each other again...

"Sir...where are you going?"

Jiang Qihu's expression turned serious: "I can temporarily resign from my post in the Imperial City Guard to accompany you."

"Nonsense?"

Chen Jingxuan laughed and scolded, "What did you just say... and you've already forgotten?"

"This disciple is foolish and cannot understand the implication, Master." Jiang Qihu shook his head and said, word by word, "What head seat, second seat... Jiang Qihu doesn't care. Jiang Qihu only cares about you, Master. If it can keep you safe and sound, everything is fine. I'll do anything!"

"idiot."

Chen Jingxuan remained silent for a moment.

He said slowly, "Master Tang has encountered some trouble. My departure from the capital this time... is to resolve these troubles."

"You're going to the Taoist sect?!"

Jiang Qihu's eyes lit up.

He had sensed it long ago; something was wrong with Master Tang!

It must be that the Taoist sect has misunderstood you, sir... These past few days, Jiang Qihu has kept this matter to himself. He knows that you, sir, will definitely take action and will not stand idly by.

really!

really! !
"Hmm... I'm planning to go to the Daoist sect."

Chen Jingxuan smiled.

"Sir, let me accompany you!"

Jiang Qihu pounded his chest excitedly, his voice ringing out: "Those old fogies of the Daoist sect are so old-fashioned and stubborn... Master Tang and you are a match made in heaven, a perfect couple. How dare they object? If these old bastards dare to utter a single word of dissent, I will lead the Imperial City Guard cavalry and teach them a lesson!"

"..."

Chen Jingxuan remained silent, only smiling as he looked at Jiang Qihu in front of him.

This silly tiger hasn't changed at all over the years.

"and many more."

"Is this... not a good idea?"

After a brief silence on the city wall, Jiang Qihu realized something was wrong.

The Taoist sect has a close relationship with the royal family of Da Chu.

As the head of the Imperial City Guard, I led my iron cavalry into the main sect of the Daoist sect. On a whim, I caused a great disturbance. At first glance, I seemed to have had a good time, but when it came to settling accounts afterward, it would only bring trouble to my teacher and the Jiang family.

"Stay here and make the best of it."

Chen Jingxuan did not blame him, but simply said something gently.

He then reached out and patted Jiang Qihu on the shoulder.

Snap.

Jiang Qihu's expression turned strange—

The thin, frail man in the blue robe in front of him, who looked as if he would fall over if the wind blew him down, simply patted him lightly. But the slap felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, pressing down on him, the Yin God Venerable, so that he could neither lift his hand nor move his feet. He could only stand in place like a wooden or stone sculpture, unable to move.

"……gentlemen?"

Jiang Qihu couldn't hide the shock in his eyes.

What level of supernatural power is this?
People only know that Chen Jingxuan was a master strategist, but they don't know that this owner of the bookstore was also exceptionally gifted in cultivation.

Xie and Chen were two unparalleled talents, and their reputations were well-deserved.

"Okay."

"Remember what I just said: stay in the capital and do what you're supposed to do..."

Chen Jingxuan patiently tidied Jiang Qihu's appearance, while gently wiping away the dust accumulated on his shoulder armor with his palm.

He speaks slowly, yet gives people an extremely strong sense of security.

As if he was there.

Even if the sky falls, it's not a big deal.

"gentlemen……"

A strange, knife-like feeling welled up in Jiang Qihu's heart. He stared fixedly at the man in the blue robe in front of him and said hoarsely, "Will we ever see each other again?"

Do not know why.

He looked at Chen Jingxuan as if he were looking at Xie Xuanyi ten years ago.

Some partings in this world, once you look back, become farewells forever.

"of course."

Chen Jingxuan was taken aback upon hearing this.

He continued his work, finally smoothing out the wrinkles in Jiang Qihu's collar hidden under his armor.

Chen Jingxuan smiled and said, "All partings in this world will eventually lead to reunions."

……

……

(PS: 1. Sorry everyone, but I'm giving you a heads-up. The following chapters are very important and also very difficult to write. This part about "Twenty-Four Hours" will probably be written in many, many chapters. However, these seemingly unrelated plot points will eventually be resolved, so I hope you can be patient. 2. There will be another update tomorrow during the day.)
(End of this chapter)