Chapter Eighty: The Emperor of Great Chu

“Hm? Your father was taken? I know nothing about it. Young man, don’t misunderstand—I've been in seclusion lately, so I’m unaware of what’s happened at the Tang Royal Mansion. Could you tell me who your father is?” Seeing Chu Han’s furious expression, Tang Tianchi realized the matter was far from simple and quickly spoke up.

“Heh, you should be quite familiar with my father—Tang Hao. Don’t pretend you know nothing. Without your orders as head of the family, Tang Yuan wouldn’t dare do such a thing even if he had ten times the courage. There’s nothing left to say. Prepare to die.”

Chu Han understood the opponent’s strength was around the seventh or eighth palace of the Dao Palace, but he did not retreat—his current strength was such that even a master at the peak of Dao Palace would not frighten him.

He appeared before Tang Tianchi in a flash, moving so quickly that Tang Tianchi barely had time to react before Chu Han’s fist, wind howling around it, struck him head-on, displaying immense power.

Tang Tianchi dared not be careless; he raised his hands to block the attack, but underestimated Chu Han’s strength. The full force of one hundred thirty thousand pounds hammered into him, sending him flying through the air in a backward somersault before crashing to the ground and spitting blood.

He stared at Chu Han in shock—Chu Han looked barely twenty, yet his strength was the greatest Tang Tianchi had ever seen. To possess such terrifying power at such a young age—compared to Chu Han, the genius Tang Feng seemed almost insignificant.

“Young man, don’t be rash. Hao Uncle was taken by Tang Yuan? I truly had no idea. I’ll release Hao Uncle at once.”

Tang Tianchi clutched his chest and spoke loudly, and Chu Han, just about to attack, paused. “Fine. My father should be imprisoned in your family’s dungeon. Release him immediately.”

Tang Tianchi dared not delay and quickly gave orders. The general from before received them and headed toward the dungeon.

The dungeon lay behind the inner courtyard, some distance away. When Chu Han destroyed the Tang Royal Mansion earlier, the dungeon remained untouched—he had been careful, after all, since Tang Hao was still imprisoned there. If the dungeon had been destroyed, Tang Hao’s fate would have been dire.

Soon, Tang Hao arrived, supported by the general. Seeing his father’s battered, bloodied appearance, Chu Han’s rage burned anew. He hurried forward and took his father from the general.

“Father, are you alright? I’ve come to rescue you.” Chu Han asked softly. He had vowed not to let his father be harmed again, yet had failed once more—self-reproach weighed upon him.

“Han’er, I’m fine. Are you hurt? You’re too reckless—how could you take on the Tang Royal Mansion?”

Finishing his words, Tang Hao saw the ruined mansion, staring in disbelief at Chu Han’s dust-covered figure. “Han’er, was this your doing?”

“Yes, Father. Rest now. Young Lord, please look after my father for me. I’m off to avenge you.” Chu Han nodded, then called out behind him, knowing the Young Lord was hiding nearby, waiting for the right moment.

As expected, the Young Lord rushed over with his men, took Tang Hao from Chu Han, and gave him a firm, reassuring look—he would stand by Chu Han, no matter what.

Chu Han understood, returning the grateful nod, then turned and gazed coldly at Tang Tianchi.

“Hao Uncle, when did you return? How did you end up like this?” Tang Tianchi was shocked to see Tang Hao, wanting to reminisce, but faced only Chu Han’s aggression.

Seeing Tang Hao gravely injured, Chu Han lost all reason. Lightning crackled around him, growing thicker, as he charged forward to attack again. Just then, the soldiers parted, opening a path, and a figure dressed as a young eunuch emerged, shouting in a shrill voice: “The Emperor has arrived!”

Hearing this, Chu Han paused but refrained from striking, turning instead toward the eunuch. Tang Tianchi, about to speak, saw the eunuch and hastily knelt, followed by the Young Lord and his men. Only Chu Han remained standing.

A moment later, a splendid yellow palanquin appeared, the curtains drawn aside to reveal a man in dragon robes—the Emperor of Great Chu, Emperor Night Tianming.

Beside him stood Night Rain, who immediately noticed Chu Han’s battered appearance and hurried over, worried. “Chu Han, are you hurt? How did it come to this?”

Chu Han waved her off, indicating he was fine, then turned a cold gaze on the Emperor, waiting to see his response. If the Emperor sided with the Tang Royal Mansion, Chu Han would not hesitate to rebel.

“Chu Han, isn't it enough? You’ve rescued your father. Let it go.” The Emperor approached, speaking gently to Chu Han. Yet, standing before him, Chu Han felt a pressure—not one of strength, but of status. This was the Emperor, and that very pressure showed Chu Han that he was no ordinary man.

“Tang Tianchi, your Tang Royal Mansion once slandered Tang Hao, and now you seek his life. Clearly, I have granted you too much power. From today, surrender your military authority and return home to reflect upon your actions.”

The Emperor strode to Tang Tianchi, speaking with absolute authority. Tang Tianchi dared not protest, acquiescing, though resentment simmered within—after all, Chu Han had caused chaos, yet the Emperor punished him instead.

“Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but I cannot give you face this time. The Tang Royal Mansion has gone too far—had I not arrived in time, my father would be dead. Tang Tianchi must die.”

Chu Han clasped his fists toward the Emperor and snorted coldly, preparing to attack Tang Tianchi. At that moment, a slender hand caught his wrist, stopping him.

Chu Han turned to see, and to his surprise, it was Duanmu Meng’er, long unseen, now appearing here.

“What are you doing here?” Chu Han asked coldly.

“I’ve come to investigate a major matter—the Tang Royal Mansion is involved. I advise you to hold back; the Tang Royal Mansion is not as simple as you think. I know you fear nothing, but you must consider Tang Hao. You can’t always be at his side,” Duanmu Meng’er spoke softly, and Chu Han fell into contemplation.

He knew Duanmu Meng’er would not exaggerate. Clearly, the Tang Royal Mansion was more complex than it seemed, and she was right—destroying the mansion was simple, but if it was backed by other powers, Tang Hao’s safety would be threatened.

He could not protect his father every hour of every day. If the enemy found an opening, regret would follow for a lifetime.

“Tang Tianchi, don’t be resentful. You may not know what your Tang Royal Mansion has done, but I can tell you—your faith in it is misplaced; it is filthier than you could ever imagine.”

Duanmu Meng’er snorted coldly and walked up to Tang Tianchi, recounting in detail what had happened to Tang Hao, as well as the recent deeds of Tang Feng and Tang Yuan, explaining why Chu Han had erupted in fury.

Tang Tianchi was stunned—he knew none of this. He had only recently become head of the family, focusing on his cultivation and neglecting the clan’s affairs. He never imagined such events could have occurred.