"Prime Minister Chu, this is too much. Ten consecutive games, can't you let me win even one?"
Chu Chen's performance truly made the Old God of War feel utterly humiliated.
Chu Chen, however, felt somewhat wronged.
"Old God of War, that's not fair. You yourself asked me not to hold back, and I also believe that if I were to go easy on you, it would be an insult to you."
The Old God of War, upon hearing this, stood up indignantly.
"Very well, Prime Minister Chu. Since you won't go easy on me, then tomorrow, when we spar again, you just wait and see."
"I will definitely put in my full effort to fight you then."
"I will absolutely not hold back, and I will do my best to help you improve your strength."
"However, Prime Minister Chu, you might have to endure some hardship then. You should prepare yourself mentally for that."
Hearing this, Chu Chen said with a wry smile, "That's natural. But please, Old God of War, go easy on me. With your current cultivation, I am no match for you."
Chu Chen quickly pleaded for mercy, but the Old God of War angrily flicked his sleeves.
"What was your attitude when I begged you earlier? And now you want to beg me? It's too late. Tell you what."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
With that, the Old God of War immediately left, led by a servant to the guest quarters.
Watching the disappearing figure of the Old God of War, Chu Chen breathed a slight sigh of relief.
In truth, the reason he had dominated the Old God of War so thoroughly on the chessboard this time was entirely deliberate.
If he hadn't done so, the Old God of War might have still held back during their sparring sessions.
Then, his battles with the Old God of War would have been meaningless.
Thinking of the battle a few days later, Chu Chen couldn't help but feel nervous.
The scenarios he had simulated in the system still left him with lingering fear.
Putting aside the help the Old God of War would provide, Chu Chen knew he had to work hard to improve himself.
In any matter, relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself.
Only one can truly help oneself.
He had originally thought that at his current level, he could rest easy, at least in control of his own destiny.
But now, it seemed that all of that had become a distant dream.
The stronger he became, the more he realized how many powerful individuals there were in this world.
He was now eager to improve his strength, as only then could he alleviate the sense of urgency within him.
For an entire night, Chu Chen cultivated, neglecting food and sleep.
Upon exiting his cultivation, Chu Chen moved his mind and retrieved the Ascending Dragon Pill from the system.
Looking at the perfectly round, high-quality pill, Chu Chen's heart filled with joy.
This pill could help him increase his combat power, and he was sure it would keep him safe.
However, Chu Chen's ambitions did not stop there. If this pill could be avoided, it would be best to save it, as using it would require three days of rest, during which Chu Chen would be extremely vulnerable. Anyone could take advantage of his weakness. Chu Chen did not want to remain in a state where he couldn't control his own destiny.
For the next four days, Chu Chen, apart from attending court, essentially remained secluded. He either sparred with the Old God of War or played chess.
The Old God of War's temper had significantly mellowed compared to before. Through continuous games with Chu Chen, the Old God of War felt his chess skills had improved considerably.
However, every time he played against Chu Chen, he was still utterly defeated.
Whenever he felt frustrated, he would drag Chu Chen into a fight, and each time, Chu Chen would be left in a sorry state.
But Chu Chen's combat power and cultivation were also rapidly improving through these battles, which was a pleasant surprise for him.
One day, after a fight with the Old God of War, Chu Chen was drenched in sweat, his spiritual energy scattered. However, the smile on his face was brighter than before.
"Thank you, Old God of War, for accompanying me tirelessly these past few days to improve my combat strength. My power has undergone a drastic transformation compared to before."
Huo Qing, upon hearing this, sneered, "Prime Minister Chu, do you really think I was helping you get stronger? If you hadn't trounced me so badly on the chessboard, do you think I would have bothered with you?"
Hearing this, Chu Chen couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile. "Old God of War, you misunderstand. All of this was to deliberately provoke you. Otherwise, if you had held back when fighting me, wouldn't I have made no progress at all?"
Huo Qing became even more enraged. "You scoundrel! Not only did you defeat me on the chessboard, but you also completely outmaneuvered me in our fights. I want to fight you another three hundred rounds to show you my might."
Chu Chen waved his hand and said with a smile, "Old God of War, we probably can't fight today. I have to attend court shortly to discuss state affairs with Her Majesty the Empress."
The Old God of War sneered, "So what? You went to court before and still fought me when you returned. Go quickly and come back quickly, I'll be waiting for you."
Chu Chen, however, took hold of the Old God of War's sleeve and said with a smile, "Old God of War, you came here at my request, and it was also the Empress who invited you. Why don't you come with me to meet some of the court officials? You haven't been to court in a long time, and many of them have changed. Come with me and get acquainted."
Huo Qing immediately shook off his hand. "I've already retired. Why are you still dragging me around? What use is it for me to know them? I'll wait for you at your residence."
Chu Chen calmly said, "Old God of War, you are here to help me as entrusted, and it was the Empress who requested it."
Huo Qing nodded. "That's right, the Empress did ask me to come, but she didn't say I had to stay with you all the time."
A faint smile played on Chu Chen's lips. "So what? The Empress asked you to protect me. If something were to happen to me during this period, who do you think the Empress would blame?"
Huo Qing froze, completely stunned. Chu Chen continued with a smile, "News from the Xiongnu must have already reached them. The experts sent by the Xiongnu Chieftain are definitely on their way."
"Perhaps they have already arrived at the Imperial City, or even on their way to the palace. It's possible that around the next corner, I'll be struck down by the waiting Xiongnu assassins within a few moves, my corpse lying in the street."
The Old God of War shook his head and scoffed, "That's impossible. Even if the Xiongnu experts are foolish, they wouldn't act on the road like this."
Chu Chen could only sigh. "Since the Old God of War is adamant about not going, then so be it. I'll go by myself."
Half an hour later, Chu Chen, having bathed and changed, left the Prime Minister's mansion and headed straight for the imperial court.
The journey was uneventful, but as he was about to enter the palace, a familiar voice called out from behind him.