Seeming to sense Ying Wuqing’s sharp gaze, Prince Tai asked in surprise.
"I wouldn’t say we’ve had issues, just some minor conflicts. But I didn’t expect the Fourth Prince to hold such a grudge."
Ling Chen furrowed his brows slightly. He hadn’t expected Xiao Muyu to be right—this Fourth Prince really was a petty individual, enough to harbor resentment over their encounter in Wucheng.
"Then you should be careful," Prince Tai advised, seemingly out of genuine concern. "Our Fourth Prince holds grudges like no other among the princes. He may try to trip you up during this hunt."
"Thank you for the warning."
Ling Chen found the situation somewhat vexing, but he had no choice. If Ying Wuqing insisted on provoking him, he would have to fight back and teach him a lesson.
"The competition appears to be strong this time."
Ling Chen scanned his opponents. Indeed, as Xiao Muyu had said, the young talents from distinguished aristocratic families and second or third-rate Sects were not to be underestimated. At a glance, there were at least five young powerhouses who had reached the Martial Master Realm.
"Yes, the Crown Prince is the most powerful within the Imperial Clan. His Invincible King Fist is an unparalleled technique exclusive to the royal family. The Fourth Prince is next in line after him."
Prince Tai analyzed the situation for Ling Chen and then shifted his gaze elsewhere, towards two young men who looked quite impressive.
"Those two are disciples of the Fire Blade Sect and the Golden Shark Gang, Ouyang Ming and Zhang Zhenwu. They are also opponents worth noting." After a pause, Prince Tai’s gaze shifted towards Xiao Muyu’s location. "Last but not least, there’s your fellow sect member. He’s a formidable adversary."
Ling Chen nodded. Xiao Muyu had reached the Martial Artist First Layer some time ago and was nothing like the half-baked Yun Tianhe. Xiao Muyu had most likely reached the peak of the first realm by now.
As for the Crown Prince, he seems rather dominant, possibly even stronger.
The drill ground was crowded, and Ling Chen soon decided to close his eyes and meditate in his seat. Despite the ongoing buzz for over an hour, there was still no sign of the hunt commencing.
"Isn’t the scheduled time approaching? Why hasn’t it started yet?" Ling Chen opened his eyes and asked in surprise.
"His Majesty mentioned that a special guest is still on their way," Prince Tai explained, glancing towards the Emperor of Wind Country.
Surprise surged in Ling Chen’s eyes. Who could it be that even the Emperor addresses as a special guest? Their status must be extraordinary.
Moreover, Ling Chen observed that he wasn’t the only one; other participants were also growing impatient from the prolonged wait, clearly dissatisfied with the delay.
Just then, Prince Tai suddenly looked towards the distance. Following his gaze, Ling Chen saw two unblemished white horses kicking up clouds of dust as they galloped swiftly towards them.
"Sorry to have kept you all waiting."
A familiar, light voice echoed through the drill ground. Ling Chen looked up suddenly, an unsettling feeling emerging in his heart.
When he caught sight of the figure on horseback, he couldn’t help but sigh. Man proposes, God disposes. What was meant to come has come.
This "special guest" was none other than Xu Ruoyan, whom Ling Chen had thought hadn’t followed. Accompanying her was Elder Lv Meng.
Xu Ruoyan’s arrival sent a shockwave through the field. The charming smile she revealed while speaking particularly captured everyone’s attention, making many young men’s eyes light up.
Ling Chen could clearly sense the surrounding contestants becoming fired up; the atmosphere was noticeably different than before.
"Now things are getting interesting," Prince Tai said, stroking his beard and smiling. "It seems these young men want to use this hunt to showcase their abilities and make a good impression on Young Master Xu."
Ling Chen remained silent. Even I have no idea why Xu Ruoyan has come.
"Distinguished guests, please take your seats."
The arrival of Xu Ruoyan and Lv Meng prompted the Emperor of Wind Country to personally greet them. After all, Xu Ruoyan was the young palace master of the Sky Void Palace, the Number One Major Sect of the Righteous Martial World. Even an Emperor’s status paled in comparison.
When dealing with Sects, secular powers often found themselves in a subordinate position, compelled to defer to the Sects’ authority.
A single word from the major first-rate Sects could decide the fate of a nation, even the Emperor’s surname.
If I still held my previous status, even the Emperor would have to treat me with great deference, much like Xu Ruoyan. But now that I’m no longer the Young Sect Master of the Divine Intent Sect, I naturally don’t receive such treatment.
But Xu Ruoyan’s father, Xu Feihong, was different. He wielded actual power in the Sky Void Palace. Even a Grand Master powerhouse like Lv Meng had become Xu Ruoyan’s exclusive bodyguard. One could only imagine the significant influence Xu Feihong, the Palace Master, held within the Sky Void Palace.
Ying Wuqing’s eyes lit up, his gaze growing considerably more fervent. So she’s the jewel of the Sky Void Palace!
"What, Fourth Brother, do you know Miss Xu?" the Crown Prince asked, looking surprised.
Ying Wuqing’s gaze never left Xu Ruoyan. Then, his expression suddenly changed. "Wait, isn’t Miss Xu engaged to Ling Chen?"
"It seems so," the Crown Prince said after a moment’s thought, then nodded.
"Damn it! So the kid was telling the truth!" Jealousy flared in Ying Wuqing’s eyes. I thought Ling Chen was just spouting nonsense! I can’t believe there’s actually such a connection between them! That scoundrel! How could such an peerless beauty be snatched away by that damn kid first?!
"However, Fourth Brother, don’t be too upset," the Crown Prince said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "I’ve heard that Miss Xu herself is extremely unhappy about this engagement. It might have been called off a long time ago. You might still have a chance."
Ying Wuqing’s expression returned to normal, and he let out a cold laugh. "I was just thinking, how could someone as precious as Miss Xu ever stoop to be with such a down-and-out fellow? Only a descendant of emperors like myself is worthy of Miss Xu’s noble status."
At this, the Crown Prince just gave a knowing chuckle. His gaze flickered over to Ling Chen in the distance. If we’re truly talking about imperial lineage, Ling Chen is probably more fitting than anyone. The Supreme Sky Feather is the true sovereign of the Martial World; compared to him, what does an emperor of a mere country amount to?