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He drastically underestimated his role, but he refused to disclose the details of his travels. Through random encounters entirely beyond his control, he eventually ended up deep within Chenyuan. There, he did nothing particularly noteworthy except share so human tactics and war strategies with the beasts. He drastically underestimated his role, but he refused to disclose the details of his travels. Through random encounters entirely beyond his control, he eventually ended up deep within Chenyuan. There, he did nothing particularly noteworthy except share so human tactics and war strategies with the beasts. He drastically underestimated his role, but he refused to disclose the details of his travels.
"You are a fascinating person. To think you unintentionally disrupted the Divine Domain and taught beasts human tactics—it truly seems like a coincidence," Xiao Ye remarked, his face alight with eagerness. Yan Xiaobao smiled in response without elaborating on what he had done, but his lack of reply did not seem to irritate the Third Prince; instead, the prince sat quietly, as if deep in thought. After a brief silence, Xiao Ye let out a long sigh, rubbing his forehead with one hand. "I know you’re friends with Deng Wu and Wang Julong. I know they both traveled with you for so ti," the Third Prince began, fixing his gaze on Yan Xiaobao. "You and I both know they’re hostile toward because of what I did to their families," he continued. Yan Xiaobao couldn’t help but nod in acknowledgnt. It was a fact—one they both were well aware of. This was a topic they had politely avoided in their previous conversations, but now that the prince himself brought it up, it both surprised and perplexed Yan Xiaobao. He wondered what the prince’s true intention was.
"I need you to understand that the way I acted was not because I disliked their families, but because they broke the law. The punishnt I imposed on them was the penalty for treason," he continued. "You yourself were part of the battle at Liluo City. You, like , know that the Deng and Wang families fought alongside the Rong Family and their supporters." The prince pressed on, his expression pained. "Although Deng Wu and Wang Julong both fought for the Rong Family, they were the only two who did so. According to the laws of our kingdom, when pardoning is considered, only two individuals should be shown rcy."
"I understand that the loss of their entire families was an unforeseen blow to them, but as a prince of the kingdom, I must ensure that the law is upheld. If I were to overlook such acts, what kind of prince would I be? If I forgave two treasonous families, who’s to say it wouldn’t happen again? Should I forgive assassins simply because their families oppose killing? Tragically, I see it as impossible. If there’s one thing I must ensure, it is the stability of my kingdom, and to achieve that, I must remain steadfast in matters of law."
Hearing his explanation, Yan Xiaobao felt deeply repulsed as he listened to the prince. Upholding the law was necessary, yes, but in this case, the punishnt could absolutely have been limited to the cultivators who participated in the battle at Liluo City. That alone could have easily sufficed. But the Third Prince was far from satisfied. Instead, he killed all the children, won, elders, and servants. Everyone associated with the Deng or Wang families had been slaughtered. Even those who had no connection to the rebellion lost their lives under the prince’s orders. This fact alone was enough for Yan Xiaobao to have long since judged the prince’s character. Though he appeared sincere, the excuses—likely effective on nobility—would never change Yan Xiaobao’s opinion. Still,
with his grievances and reflections swirling, the young man pretended to deliberate as though grappling with an internal conflict. "I understand your point of view," he said slowly, a pained expression on his face, "but I’m deeply saddened by the loss my two friends experienced. I worry that it’s impossible for them to see things from your perspective." His face was etched with distress, a frown creasing his forehead, his eyes trembling slightly. Anyone observing him would instantly realize he was contemplating sothing of great importance. Watching the troubled young man before him, Xiao Ye’s smile only grew.
The Third Prince clasped his hands tightly, wearing an apologetic expression as he looked at Yan Xiaobao. "Don’t dwell on it too much," he said with a shake of his head and a faint smile. "I understand if you bla for this. It was a difficult decision, but one I had to make. Even if the citizens and others see as a cold-blooded killer," he continued, his sharp eyes carefully studying Yan Xiaobao’s reaction.
It was easy to discern what the prince was attempting, but his actions were ineffective at mitigating Yan Xiaobao’s reproach. The prince’s words were flawless, and his deanor befitted that of a law-abiding prince—one even willing to cast himself as the villain if it ant defending the law. While Yan Xiaobao’s opinion of the Third Prince remained unchanged, he could see how others might be convinced. At the mont, his face wore an expression of confusion and discontent. Seeing Yan Xiaobao’s expression, the prince imdiately shook his head, spreading his arms to appear inviting and magnanimous.
"Don’t dwell on it," Xiao Ye repeated as he stood, patting Yan Xiaobao on the shoulder. "No need to worry. Think it over at ho, and you’re always welco to co back and talk with . It’s been so long since I’ve had a calm and casual conversation about life. I spend all my ti managing matters of the kingdom, so this has been a wonderful experience for ," he said, signaling the end of their discussion. Yan Xiaobao instantly understood he was being dismissed. A weight settled over him as he stood, forcing a smile for the prince. "Thank you for taking the ti to speak with this humble adventurer," he said, bowing respectfully. "I may take you up on your offer in the future," he added. "I truly enjoyed today, and it’s given much to reflect upon," he concluded as the prince nodded approvingly. With a clap of his hands, a servant suddenly erged from the shadows of the forest. The servant bowed deeply to both Yan Xiaobao and Xiao Yue, displaying profound respect. Watching the servant, it was hard not to worry whether he might discuss the information overheard in the garden. Noticing the stern look on his guest’s face, Xiao Yue swiftly shook his head. "Don’t concern yourself about my servant!" he said quickly. "My personal servants are all mute—they can neither read nor write. They wouldn’t dare disclose anything about what happens here. They know all too well the penalty for doing such a thing," the prince said with a smile, as if what he described was the most natural thing in the world.
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