Chapter 488: Regicide
Chapter 488: Regicide
On stage, the Shepherdess finally arrived at the Royal Court and confronted the noblewoman, played by an actress. The two then engaged in a formal duel beneath the Royal Court.
By this stage, everyone in the box and the theater's security was on edge.
The fight between two Third Limit Combat Solvers, even if restricted to the theater stage and with prior preparation, was not something to be taken lightly.
Not to mention, both were wearing armor, and any object casually splashed or thrown during the battle could injure those in the box. The audience members were all people of status, and any injury would be considered a serious incident.
On stage, the Shepherdess and the noblewoman fought fiercely. Even without the simulated collapsing walls, the clashing of lances and the clatter of armor alone conveyed the intensity of their struggle.
The audience could clearly sense that these two were engaged in a life-or-death battle.
At this moment, the theater's interdimensional connector adjusted the combat frequency for the two, allowing the audience to witness the entire process.
The battle between Third Limit Combat Solvers was usually unseen by ordinary people, but this fight was worth the ticket price alone.
However, all the Third Limit Combat Solvers responsible for security closely monitored every move of the two below, fearing even the slightest mishap.
The song's melody also intensified, complementing the escalating tension.
The dramatic effect was at its peak.
Chen Chuan still couldn't understand the meaning within the song, but as the music reverberated through the sky, he felt as if the melody was driving a particular emotion to its climax.
The Shepherdess, or rather, the armored figure's movements became faster and more intense, and their battle was so tense it was hard to breathe.
After three minutes of combat, the Shepherdess thrust her lance into the noblewoman's chest. The noblewoman seemed shocked and knelt on the stage.
At this moment, the music abruptly paused.
Chen Chuan sensed that the noblewoman's emotions were genuine, not acted, but all the audience was immersed in the plot, unaware of any abnormalities.
He stood up from his seat, and at that moment, many excited audience members who were deeply immersed in the performance also stood and applauded, clearly satisfied with the plot's development.
The Shepherdess drew her rusty sword, pointing it towards the sky. The majestic and passionate melody resumed, surging like an ocean tide.
The audience responded with even more enthusiastic applause, but the show wasn't over yet; there was still the final act to come.
The true ending of the story was unknown, as the location had become a ruin. In the version circulating in the West, the Shepherdess cleared the Knight's name, and the King immediately bestowed titles upon her and the Knight, making them Royal Lords. The Shepherdess also found a cure for the Knight, and they left together at the end.
However, in the East, another version has been passed down for generations—the Battle of Regicide. The King sent the Royal Swordsman to recruit the exhausted Shepherdess, but she refused.
The King must pay the price!
The Shepherdess discarded her broken lance and drew her rusty sword, slaying both the Royal Swordsman and the King!
On stage, she raised her longsword towards the light, then slowly lowered it, pointing it forward—a gesture of defiance against royalty.
The musical chapter reached its climax, with grand harmonies, like crashing waves and pouring rain.
Chen Chuan glanced at the direction of the sword, wondering if it was a coincidence that it pointed directly at the Full President.
He looked back at Chen Bitong, who was also observing him. Chen Chuan realized that Chen Bitong had already identified the issue or was aware of the problem beforehand and had intentionally kept him there to let him save the Full President.
This seemed like a repayment for the previous guidance given to Xiao Jin, and he knew that Chen Bitong had the capability to handle the situation.
However, this move might also have been a way to show allegiance, and by saving the Full President, it could lead to certain speculations. But as someone entrusted with a mission, Chen Chuan wasn't concerned about overt actions.
He turned his gaze to the armored figure, and as the music resonated with the emotions in the hall, he felt the intense field fluctuations, gradually intensifying.
As the musical climax peaked, the armored figure suddenly leaped from the original position and soared towards the Full President, her sword pointing straight ahead.
Chen Chuan quickly assessed the situation. After slaying the noblewoman, the Shepherdess reached her peak, empowered by the Divine Song, surpassing the expected strength in normal circumstances. Blocking such an attack head-on would be challenging.
Chen Bitong might have anticipated this and planned to intervene if Chen Chuan missed something.
While you might be physically stronger, this isn't solely about brute force. The root cause is an anomaly, so you can just watch from the sidelines.
Chen Chuan fixed his gaze forward, his mind intensely focused. He slightly lowered his stance, and with a loud boom, he stepped out of the box, unsheathing the Xuejun Sword from its scabbard.
Two figures moved towards each other high above the theater, and just as they were about to collide, Chen Chuan spun in mid-air, and the Xuejun Sword pierced through the helmet's gap.
At that moment, a powerful illusion appeared on the second me, but his gaze remained unwavering. The hidden intent within the long knife in his hand stirred, as if absorbing something from it. He paid it no mind and suddenly raised his hand.
The helmet was flung high into the air, as if cut by his blade. His platinum hair fluttered in the wind, and the actress playing the shepherdess blinked in confusion.
Chen Chuan swiftly passed by her, landing steadily. He stood directly under the stage lights, and with a light wave of his long knife, a piercing sound reverberated through the air.
The actor, seemingly interrupted mid-jump, fell from mid-air and landed on the ground with a thud, half-kneeling. A moment later, the helmet also clattered to the ground behind him in the aisle.
The audience watched in astonishment. The events that had just transpired were too swift for them to comprehend; they wondered if this was an additional scene or some other unforeseen twist.
The security personnel in the private boxes reacted swiftly, quickly moving to the front and using their bodies to shield the employers at the back. They gazed at the scene below with seriousness.
Tan Zhi and the other two were left dumbfounded. They hadn't expected Chen Chuan to encounter someone outside, thinking he might have met a superior or friend. But in the blink of an eye, he was facing off against the actress playing the shepherdess.
Chen Chuan glanced at the fallen helmet on the ground, confirming his assessment. This armor had affected the actor's consciousness, and perhaps the latter still believed they were immersed in the play. However, this indicated that the anomaly required a vessel to manifest its power.
This made things simple.
He raised his sword, holding the hilt forward and lowering his center of gravity. Then, with a step forward, his figure flickered, and for a moment, the signals in the field seemed to blur, as if unable to fully convey his movements.
In an instant, he arrived before the "Shepherdess," and with a swift strike, his rusty sword was raised to block the blow. But with a clang, the rusty sword was cleaved in two by his blade. The sword continued its descent, landing on the actor's forehead.
However, the sword's edge didn't leave a scratch. The light and precise force of his Qi penetrated, causing the actor's movements to freeze. Chen Chuan maintained his stance, holding the sword with both hands.
The "Shepherdess" paused for a moment, and the tattered armor she wore suddenly split open, piece by piece, falling to the ground. Finally, she loosened her grip, and the broken sword dropped to the floor, and she herself collapsed, unconscious.
Only then did Chen Chuan slowly sheathe his sword and straighten up. This armor needed a vessel; without a physical body to inhabit, it would be rendered useless.
Of course, the most crucial aspect was that he had defeated the Shepherdess in a frontal assault.
Drawing from his experience in dispelling urban legend anomalies, he believed this was the key. By defeating his opponent, the play's ending had been altered.
At this moment, he looked up and saw that the danger had passed. The security personnel above had moved aside, and the Full President had stepped forward to observe the situation. Chen Bitong appeared on the other side and nodded at him.
The Full President seemed to have anticipated this, and he spoke to the interdimensional connector, "Assistant Bao, you handle this matter."
Bao Yun, the assistant director of the Security Department, promptly stepped forward and addressed the audience, "Ladies and gentlemen, you are all aware of the unique nature of the Divine Song. Sometimes, it can influence the actors, and we have informed you in advance.
After careful consideration, we believe that we shouldn't let a minor issue spoil the entire experience. We have made comprehensive arrangements to ensure your safety. This actor... Captain Chen, with his distinguished service in the field, is here to ensure your well-being.
Although we couldn't witness the smooth conclusion of the play, I personally feel a bit regretful."
"No, I don't feel regretful," the Full President addressed the audience. "This 'Shepherdess' displayed the aura of a king-slayer with that single strike. It's the most impressive performance I've seen."
He then turned to Chen Chuan, "And Captain Chen, thank you for your assistance and restraint, ensuring the actor didn't suffer any serious harm. I express my gratitude on her behalf."
As he spoke, he lightly clapped his hands, and the officials in the private boxes immediately followed suit. The applause spread throughout the theater, creating a thunderous sound.
Medical personnel swiftly entered the scene and carried the unconscious actress from the aisle.
Chen Chuan glanced at the Full President and Chen Bitong above, then at the clapping audience in the boxes and around him. He calmly retracted his gaze and, amidst the resounding applause, walked out along the central aisle.
Soon, he reached the upper level and returned to the private box. Chen Bitong handed him the Xuejun Sword, and he accepted it, saying, "Thank you, Teacher Chen."
Chen Bitong replied, "During this rest day, I'll be stationed at the training class. Captain Chen, if you have time, please come and find me."
Chen Chuan nodded, "I will." After a pause, he looked at Chen Bitong, "Teacher Chen, may I ask the true reason behind this play?"
Chen Bitong fell silent for a moment before responding, "You may."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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