Chapter 101: The Great Hunt Concludes – Lin Qi’an Takes the Crown!

    The Seven Stars Dragon Spring Sword pierced through Xiao Chen’s chest, and the divine thunder and fire spread across his body with terrifying speed.

    “Argh... No! My body, no!!” Xiao Chen’s agonizing screams were like nails scraping against glass, unbearably sharp and piercing. Gradually, the screams subsided until they disappeared completely.

    His body disintegrated, and the withered branches within him slowly turned to ash. Finally, there was silence.

    “Is he dead?”

    “Wait... he might still resurrect.”

    “Let’s wait and see.”

    No one dared to speak loudly, all holding their breath as they watched the pile of ash. At any moment, these ashes could come back to life! After all, this was a being even the Sword Emperor couldn’t kill, so how could the Prince?

    A moment passed. Then another. Half an hour went by. The pile of ash remained still, and when the wind blew, it scattered into the air, disappearing completely.

    “He’s dead! The demon is truly dead!”

    “My heavens, the Prince killed the demon! The Prince did it!”

    “All hail the Prince! Hahaha!”

    Like a stone dropping into a pond, waves of excitement surged through the crowd. Everyone erupted in celebration! The Prince had succeeded where even Saints and the Sword Emperor had failed—he had slain the demon. Could there be anything more exhilarating than this?

    Cheering waves echoed across the plains, and countless passionate, admiring gazes fell upon the white-clad figure. At that moment, the Prince was nothing less than a god in the eyes of Beiyang’s people.

    “This boy...” Lin Weixuan couldn’t help but chuckle. It seemed his son had inherited the method of defeating the demon from the Thunder Emperor’s legacy—what fortunate timing.

    Even Mu Qingzhu smiled and shook her head. She had never expected her son to shine so brightly. Like all mothers, she simply hoped for his safety, but seeing him stand in such glory now brought an undeniable warmth to her heart.

    “Wow! Someday, I’ll be just like Brother, even more impressive than him!” Lin Hongyu clenched her little fists in determination.

    “Hongyu, didn’t you say you wanted to be like your father before?” Mu Qingzhu asked with a smile.

    “At Father’s age, was he as powerful as Brother?”

    Lin Weixuan: ...

    As the crowd continued their cheers, one person remained silent—Ye Yun. He stared into the sky, his fingernails digging deeply into his palms. The plan to kill Lin Qi’an had failed, Xiao Chen was dead, and he had lost the trust of the princess. He had never faced such a devastating setback.

    “Brother Xiao, I swear on my life, I will avenge you!” Ye Yun vowed silently, his heart seething with anger. “And as for you, Princess, one day you’ll willingly be mine!”

    Meanwhile, Zhao Yunji, dressed in a golden gown, stood still, her eyes flickering with a mixture of emotions. If Lin Qi’an were still her fiance?, she would probably be happy to witness this scene. Yet now, her feelings were much more complicated, even tinged with a faint pain.

    Regret began to creep into her heart. If I had stopped him when he wanted to annul the engagement, would he have softened?

    Shaking her head quickly, Zhao Yunji smiled bitterly. No, she thought. How could I, Zhao Yunji, lower myself like a young girl for another man?

    “Brother Lin is truly incredible!” Zhao Qingmeng praised, her words overflowing with admiration and clearly indicating their closeness. Hearing this, Zhao Yunji felt her chest tighten, nearly to the point of spitting blood in frustration.

    “The Prince is so handsome...”

    “Finally, Xiao Chen has been brought to justice!” Purple Lianyou and Ran Yuwei both sighed in relief, sincerely happy for Lin Qi’an.

    “Relay this Emperor’s decree! In celebration of my son’s victory in the Great Hunt, Tianjian City will celebrate for three days. Everyone may indulge in the festivities!”

    The Sword Emperor’s high-profile celebration signaled the official end of the Great Hunt. Various sects and factions came forward to offer their congratulations to Lin Qi’an and to bid farewell.

    “Congratulations to the Crown Prince on claiming victory! Your radiance truly makes you the number one in all of Canglan Dao Domain!”

    At this moment, the people from Yunmo Dao Palace also arrived. Saintess Mo Shuiqiu of Yunmo Dao Palace gave a slight bow and softly said, “Congratulations, Your Highness, on your victory. The cultural gathering will be held in half a month. You are always welcome to visit Yunmo Dao Palace as an honored guest.”

    Her cheeks flushed slightly—this was the first time she had ever personally invited a man.

    “Very well. I’ll come to enjoy the event,” Lin Qi’an replied.

    Hearing his positive response, the people of Yunmo Dao Palace were overjoyed, and many envious gazes were cast their way.

    “The Crown Prince is attending Yunmo Dao Palace’s cultural gathering?”

    “Oh? That’s interesting! I hear many refined and elegant fairies who love poetry, chess, and painting will be attending.”

    “Indeed. Saintess of Yunmo Dao Palace has had a love for books and painting since childhood. She exudes a scholarly aura.”

    “Not to mention the peerless beauty Qinglian Fairy, ranked third on the list of celestial beauties, a disciple of the Sage of Calligraphy, as graceful as a lotus.”

    “Hah, I want to see the excitement too!”

    “You lowly commoners think you’re worthy of attending the gathering? Wake up! Invitations are limited, and the Crown Prince is a special guest. Do you have keys to the event?”

    The topic sparked a lively discussion among the crowd. Gradually, the various sects and factions began to disperse, each returning to their own homes and lands.

    “Sister, now that the Great Hunt is over, are you heading back to Tai’an City?”

    “Yes, aren’t you returning?” Zhao Yunji frowned.

    “Oh, when you return, make sure to inform Father that I’m very happy here in Tianjian City and plan to stay a little longer. I won’t be going back for now.”

    “You...” Seeing her younger sister’s delighted expression, Zhao Yunji grew even more frustrated.

    “Tianjian City is having a grand celebration. I suppose I’ll stay a few more days as well.”

    “Tsk, Sister, your skin is thick!”

    That night, the entire city of Tianjian was alight with celebration, lanterns illuminating the streets. Lin Qi’an drank deep into the night, his body reeking of alcohol as he was helped back to his chambers by several maids.

    “You may all leave. I’m fine.”

    “Yes, Your Highness.”

    “Ran Yuwei, stay.”

    “Huh? Me?” Ran Yuwei blinked in confusion, unsure of what to do.

    Su Xueni whispered in her ear, “Congratulations, Sister. Be sure to serve His Highness well.”

    Outside, Zi Lianyou mumbled, “I was clearly here first... wuwuwu...”

    He killed the Fated Protagonist, then bedded the Protagonist’s destined woman. Was there anything more satisfying than this?