Crown Prince Yang An

Crown Prince Yang An . . .

Little Rascal's words left everyone in momentary shock. Yang An, a highly ranked immortal, wouldn't even make it into the top ten of the City of Ancient Emperors in this era? And more astonishingly, Qin Wentian had defeated Zi Daoyang, the son of the mighty Violet Emperor?

Not everyone in the room was intimately familiar with Zi Daoyang, given the vastness of the immortal realms and the numerous descendants of immortal kings and emperors. Nonetheless, the name of the Violet Emperor was well-known throughout these realms. The Violet Emperor held a prominent position among immortal emperors, renowned for his mastery of secret arts and immense power. It was almost expected that his son could claim the #1 spot in the Immortal Ascension Rankings.

Yet, Little Rascal's claim that Qin Wentian had defeated Zi Daoyang sounded like an audacious boast.

"The little fellow is becoming quite the entertainer. Such a talent for bragging," a young lady chuckled.

"Brother Qin, your pet is truly intriguing."

"Brother Qin," Yang An turned his attention to Qin Wentian, smiling. "As the #1 ranker in the Immortal Ascension Rankings, you possess remarkable talent, and I believe in your extraordinary abilities. However, I must admit, I'm not familiar with Zi Daoyang. During my time, he secured the #1 position through his supreme combat prowess and mastery of two overwhelming secret arts. If he hadn't left the City of Ancient Emperors, even with your talent, you might still struggle to match up to him."

A subtle smile appeared in Qin Wentian's eyes as he regarded Yang An. It seemed that Yang An had personally witnessed Zi Daoyang's strength and knew the extent of his power.

"Little Rascal likes to boast, especially when he's had a bit too much to drink. Crown Prince, please don't take it to heart," Qin Wentian reassured, patting Little Rascal's head. In response, Little Rascal grabbed more wine cups with its paws and proceeded to drink them all, adopting an even more comically intoxicated appearance.

Qin Wentian's comment prompted Little Rascal to shoot disdainful glances at him before turning its gaze to the other guests.

"Back then, this little one was only ranked at #7. Hmph," Little Rascal retorted, tilting its head and letting out a snort, eliciting laughter from everyone present.

"Brother Qin, your pet's mouth is even more impressive than yours," someone chimed in, sparking even heartier laughter among the group.

"Little fellow, would you like my roc to keep you company and play?" a young lady with a beautiful Crimsonblood Roc asked playfully, her bird emitting sharp screeches as it eyed Little Rascal.

"Yes, yes. That little guy is just too adorable. How about letting our demonic beasts have some fun with it?" Smiles and eager suggestions filled the air.

Little Rascal's eyes gleamed with mischief as it cast a disdainful glance at the approaching demonic beasts, then turned to Qin Wentian. This caused Qin Wentian's eyes to flicker with understanding—these people clearly had malicious intentions. However, Little Rascal had a head full of cunning tricks and genuinely wanted to devour these demonic beasts to bolster its own strength.

"Well, my pet here has its quirks. It loves to boast and even nibble on other demonic beasts, so it's probably best not to play with it. It could get pretty messy if he bites any of your esteemed mounts," Qin Wentian politely declined with a wave of his hand.

"No problem at all. If this little fellow truly has the skill, I don't mind if he takes a few bites of my mount."

"That's right, if it's capable, I wouldn't mind if my mount becomes a snack." The young lady from earlier continued to smile. Her Crimsonblood Roc stared down imperiously at Little Rascal, its eyes filled with provocation. Little Rascal had reverted to his usual tiny size upon arrival, appearing like an ordinary, harmless puppy. No one present was aware of his extraordinary strength, treating him as just a pet.

"Let's revisit that idea later," Qin Wentian replied with a continued shake of his head.

"Haha, let's enjoy some drinks and conversation," Yang An proposed, raising his wine cup. "This time, I'd like to express my gratitude to the brothers and sisters who honored me by attending my banquet. I, Yang, will toast as a gesture of respect."

"Crown Prince, you're too kind. Your successful breakthrough to the immortal foundation realm is truly a cause for celebration. We offer our heartfelt congratulations," the guests responded warmly.

"That's right, the immortal realms are home to countless geniuses. However, the immortal foundation realm serves as a watershed. Even those with exceptional talent find it challenging to breach this threshold. Crown Prince, within just a few short years, you've reached the immortal foundation realm. You must be a chosen one of the heavens, destined for boundless glory. You're in a league of your own, not to be compared to those who remain at the peak of Celestial Phenomenon. Ascending to immortality heralds a fascinating future," someone added, their words laced with thorns, prompting many to cast glances at Qin Wentian.

"Everyone, let's raise our cups," Yang An declared with a wide smile, downing the contents of his wine cup in a single bold gulp.

The gathering of young geniuses sat together, engaged in leisurely conversations, exchanging compliments about each other's strengths. Yet, their glances continually strayed toward Qin Wentian—sharp gazes filled with jealousy and envy. Amidst this gathering of talented nobility, Princess Qing'er had chosen an outsider, and their hearts couldn't help but simmer with envy.

"Brother Qin," the crown prince of the Qi King Manor turned his gaze to Qin Wentian, lifting his wine cup in a toast. Qin Wentian responded with a warm smile and a nod, mirroring the gesture. Yang An continued, "Yesterday, as I emerged from seclusion, I not only heard of Brother Qin's remarkable achievement as the #1 ranker of this era on the Immortal Ascension Rankings, effortlessly defeating numerous elite talents within our royal palace, but I also learned of your special relationship with Princess Qing'er. Truly, envy is a common sentiment among us."

"Crown Prince is too kind," Qin Wentian replied with a humble smile.

"However," Yang An continued, "I also heard that Brother Qin hails from a humble particle world, having climbed the ranks through sheer determination and effort. Such an accomplishment is truly remarkable. However, Brother Qin, do you truly have Princess Qing'er's best interests at heart? Your talent is exceptional, but on the path of cultivation, talent isn't the sole factor. Challenges grow increasingly formidable as you progress. The immortal foundation realm is a formidable barrier, and even more perilous trials await beyond it. I'm sure Brother Qin is acutely aware of this."

Qin Wentian smiled and offered no rebuttal. While Yang An's words held merit, his tone came across as a senior reprimanding a junior. It seemed as if reaching the immortal foundation realm had elevated Yang An's sense of superiority above all the ascendants present.

"Princess Qing'er's safety is of paramount importance. I fear that, with your current strength, Brother Qin, you may be ill-equipped to protect her from imminent dangers. Equally significant is that your lineage and status pale in comparison to hers. Princess Qing'er has forsaken everything, even her reputation, for the sake of her feelings for you. Fortunately, His Majesty's affection for the princess has shielded her from punishment thus far. Therefore, I genuinely believe that, if Brother Qin truly cares for the princess and her well-being, you shouldn't be so self-centered," Yang An continued, speaking with a stern expression as if he genuinely cared for Qing'er. His words were well-crafted, leaving Qin Wentian with little room for rebuttal.

"Hmm... What would the Crown Prince suggest I do?" Qin Wentian asked, a subtle smile on his lips.

"If your love for the princess is genuine, Brother Qin, you should voluntarily distance yourself from her. When you've achieved significant strength in the future, it won't be too late to return," Yang An advised, his wine cup still raised. A hushed silence descended upon the entire banquet, but sly smiles flickered in the eyes of the attendees. The true purpose behind Yang An's grand banquet had finally been revealed.

Within the confines of the royal palace, it was no clandestine matter that Yang An harbored deep admiration for Princess Qing'er. This affection was a well-known fact among those residing within the palace walls.

As the conversation unfolded, Qin Wentian gently lowered his winecup, a cold smirk gracing his lips. "Crown Prince, under what authority do you presume to 'persuade' me?"

With those words, Qin Wentian's piercing gaze returned to Yang An. "The intricacies of my relationship with Qing'er fall beyond the Crown Prince's purview."

Yang An's words were a venomous blend of subtlety and insinuation. If Qin Wentian's love for Qing'er was genuine, he should depart of his own volition. To refuse meant not only a lack of affection but an unquenchable thirst for power and authority—a desire to rise to greatness in a single bound.

"Hehe." Yang An chuckled, seemingly undisturbed by Qin Wentian's words. "I am merely pondering what might be in the best interests of the Princess. If my words have been too direct, I hope Brother Qin won't hold it against me. Allow me to penalize myself with a toast."

With that declaration, Yang An drained his wine cup in a single swallow, showcasing the depth of his conviction.

"Brother Qin, the Crown Prince's counsel is not without merit," another guest chimed in with a smile.

"It's common knowledge that Princess Qing'er is the apple of His Majesty's eye. Marrying her would be an unparalleled stroke of luck. It would be akin to ascending to the heavens in a single step. At that point, irrespective of talent, lineage, or status, Brother Qin would possess it all. Hence, everyone present hopes you'll reconsider. We mean no harm," someone added, seizing the opportunity to rally behind the crown prince's stance.

"Today, I've had the privilege of gaining profound insights from everyone here," Qin Wentian responded. "It appears that you nobles are all vying for Princess Qing'er to enhance your authority and standing. No wonder Qing'er regards all of you with such disdain."

"What exactly are you insinuating?" a voice inquired, dripping with coldness.

"The implication is quite clear," Qin Wentian replied, locking eyes with the questioner.

"Your tongue is as sharp as that beast of yours—utterly vile," another guest remarked.

"It's you who's the vile creature! The members of your clan are nothing but despicable scoundrels!" Little Rascal piped up in its inebriated state, its words slurring.

Narrowing his gaze, the young man retorted, "This vile creature not only lacks intelligence but spews filth as well. It seems to have no understanding of its own impending demise."

"I challenge you," Little Rascal declared, extending its paw to point at the individual who had spoken earlier.

"You must be seeking death," the young man retorted, gesturing for a particularly baleful white tiger to approach. "I'll allow my demonic beast to indulge in some sport with you."

"Little Rascal, what's gotten into you?" Qin Wentian's voice quivered with concern as he instinctively shielded Little Rascal from harm.

"I'm challenging him," Little Rascal replied with a nonchalant shrug, an air of confidence about him.

"Haha, Brother Qin, there's no need to fret. I'll permit my white tiger to engage with your pet," the young man declared, a sly grin playing across his face as he observed Qin Wentian's growing unease.

"Brother Qin, your pet is simply too endearing. Let our demonic beasts have some amusement with it. Besides, my own demonic companion is eager to participate."

"Yes, things are rather dull at the moment. How about we arrange a little sparring match between our demonic beasts? And of course, we can have some fun with Brother Qin's pet while we're at it."

Unbeknownst to them, Qin Wentian was silently plotting his next move. These individuals were masters at flip-flopping their stances. Since they were so eager to have their demonic beasts 'entertain' Little Rascal, he saw no reason not to oblige.

"Alright then, Little Rascal," Qin Wentian sighed dramatically, feigning reluctance. "You may go ahead and enjoy some quality time with these delightful demonic beasts. But please, no biting, okay?"

In response, Little Rascal waddled out onto the public square with an air of nonchalance. "I'll show you all just how amazing I am," he declared confidently.

"What a charming little pup," the onlookers exclaimed, waving their hands. Their demonic beasts began to surround Little Rascal, ostensibly for a playful encounter. The white tiger, however, emanated an overpowering aura, its eyes glittering with a murderous intent that couldn't be concealed. Qin Wentian's gaze fixed on the young man who had initially issued the challenge. He could discern a sinister gleam in the man's eyes, unmistakably conveying a command for the white tiger to eliminate Little Rascal. It was evident that their intentions were far from the innocent 'playtime' they had initially suggested.