The Emperor’s Welcome and Chu Qingcheng’s Favorability?

"Master, based on our analysis, Lin Yang is no ordinary individual. He has powerful protectors guarding him. If we attempt to kill him ourselves, I fear our fate will mirror that of the three Xue Changkong brothers."

"Therefore, I propose we pay a hefty price and hire assassins from Qianyu Pavilion to eliminate him."

After Xue Wuji finished speaking, the Great Elder, Xue Hai, immediately stood up and addressed him respectfully.

Qianyu Pavilion is the most formidable assassination organization on the Tianhuang Continent. This organization boasts that no one is beyond their reach—even an immortal can be killed, provided the price is right.

"I've considered this, but you're all aware of Qianyu Pavilion's exorbitant fees," Xue Wuji replied, his gaze shifting as he looked around at the group.

His meaning was clear: if they wanted to survive, everyone would need to contribute funds to hire the assassins.

The corners of Xue Hai's and the other elders' mouths twitched. While they cursed Xue Wuji inwardly for being a cunning old fox, they still bowed and said, "Master, what are you saying? The sect is facing a life-and-death crisis. Naturally, we won't hold anything back."

Indeed, if this were any other matter, Xue Wuji wouldn't have been able to extract a single coin from them. But now, with their lives on the line, no one dared to object.

Soon, enough spirit stones were gathered.

"One million low-grade spirit stones should suffice to buy that brat's life," Xue Wuji declared, waving his hand and collecting all the spirit stones into a storage ring with a satisfied expression.

Spirit stones are essential cultivation resources for practitioners on the Tianhuang Continent and also serve as a common currency. Mined like ore, they are categorized by quality based on the amount of spiritual energy they contain: top-grade, high-grade, medium-grade, and low-grade.

The conversion rate between grades is one to one hundred. For example, one top-grade spirit stone equals one hundred high-grade spirit stones, one thousand medium-grade spirit stones, or ten thousand low-grade spirit stones.

The fact that the Demonic Heaven Sect was willing to spend nearly three years' worth of their budget—one million low-grade spirit stones—to assassinate Lin Yang spoke volumes about their determination.

In the blink of an eye, another day passed. After seven days of travel, Lin Yang and his Divine Guards arrived a hundred miles outside Tianqi City around noon.

Gazing at the towering city walls in the distance, Lin Yang felt a wave of nostalgia.

In his previous life, he had spent over twenty years in this city—until his sister's Supreme Bone awakened and the Lin family was destroyed. After avenging their great tragedy, he had left with his sister, Lin Qingyao, never to return until his ascension to the immortal realm.

Seeing the city again now filled him with a sense of déjà vu.

"It's time to settle accounts with those despicable villains from the past," Lin Yang thought, a calm but terrifying resolve flashing in his eyes.

"What's wrong? Feeling sentimental after being away for just over a month?" His second uncle, Lin Batian, rode up on his warhorse and smiled at him.

"Just a little. I almost didn't make it back," Lin Yang replied, touching the tip of his nose.

"Enough of that nonsense. Let's move. The emperor and the old man are waiting for us in Tianqi City," Lin Batian said, rolling his eyes before ordering the army to slow its advance.

"Brother Lin Yang!"

At that moment, from a heavily guarded carriage, the young Lin Qingyao pulled back the curtain and waved her tiny hands at him.

She seemed to be declaring to everyone that Lin Yang was her brother and hers alone.

The little girl's heart was pure. She knew how extraordinary her brother was and couldn't help but feel secretly proud.

"My glory should be shared with you," Lin Yang murmured to himself before riding his large yellow ox to the front of the carriage.

"My dear Miss Lin, would you like to abandon your luxurious carriage and ride this humble ox with me?" Lin Yang asked, looking up at the elfin-like girl with a gentle smile.

"Really? Can I?" Lin Qingyao asked softly.

"Of course. If you're willing, I'd even pluck the stars from the sky for you," Lin Yang replied earnestly.

"Yes! Yao'er is willing. As long as I can be with Brother Lin Yang, I'll do anything," the little girl exclaimed, her tiny frame leaping into Lin Yang's arms as she nodded eagerly.

Being close to Lin Yang filled her heart with sweetness, and her smile radiated pure joy.

"Remember, after we see Grandpa, Brother Lin Yang will take you to buy candied haws—two sticks," Lin Qingyao said, tilting her head seriously.

"Got it. Not only will I buy you candied haws, but I'll also take you to watch shadow plays and listen to storytelling. How does that sound?" Lin Yang replied, affectionately ruffling her hair.

"Yay! Brother Lin Yang is the best!" Lin Qingyao squealed with delight.

And so, an unusual scene unfolded before the mighty Divine Guards: the God of War, Lin Yang, rode a dirt-covered yellow ox, chatting and laughing with his sister.

This sight left Emperor Chu Tianhen and old man Lin Wushuang, who had been waiting on the city walls, utterly stunned.

"What is that little rascal doing?" Lin Wushuang muttered, his mouth twitching as he glared with his tiger-like eyes.

Upon returning to the capital as the God of War and Major General of the Divine Guards, Lin Yang had chosen to ride a humble ox instead of a majestic warhorse.

"Haha, Old General, calm down. The young general is only seventeen. It's natural for him to be a bit playful at times," the prime minister and other officials friendly with the Marquis of Zhenbei chimed in, trying to soothe him.

"Humph. Some might think their military achievements make them above respecting His Majesty's authority," one official sneered.

"Indeed. On such a grand occasion, with His Majesty present, some people act recklessly, disregarding etiquette. Their intentions are questionable," another added, led by Lu Yuan, the Marquis of Zhennan.

Compared to Lin Yang, the younger generation in their families paled in comparison, leaving them with nothing but jealousy.

"Why say such things? The young general's actions are simply human nature. Who hasn't been mischievous in their youth?" the Seventh Prince, Chu Jiuxiao, interjected calmly, his gaze sweeping over his uncle, the Grand Tutor, and the others.

If not for their royal connections, why would such parasites still be tolerated?

The Grand Tutor and the others turned pale, their expressions sour as if they'd swallowed a fly. But they dared not retort, for Chu Jiuxiao was not only a prince but also the emperor's most trusted brother.

"Enough. Today is a joyous occasion. I won't tolerate any inappropriate remarks," Emperor Chu Tianhen declared, his voice cold as he descended the city wall. "Everyone, follow me to welcome our returning heroes."

"As Your Majesty commands!" the officials chorused, knowing better than to provoke further displeasure.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The gates of Tianqi City slowly opened, and the drawbridge lowered. Thousands of guards lined up neatly to escort the emperor and his ministers.

Yet, even this couldn't contain the people's enthusiasm for Lin Yang. Following the Imperial Guards, thousands of citizens poured out of the city, cheering and welcoming him.

On the other side, the hundreds of thousands of Divine Guards were stationed in a military camp outside the city, with only a few hundred elite soldiers accompanying Lin Yang into Tianqi City.

After all, the city couldn't accommodate such a massive force, and the royal family wouldn't feel at ease with so many Divine Guards entering.

But even this small contingent exuded an aura of battlefield experience that far surpassed the city's Royal Guards.

"We welcome the Major General's triumphant return!" the crowd shouted, kneeling spontaneously.

The emperor's personal welcome, the people's adoration, and the triumphant return from battle—it was a moment of unparalleled glory.

But for Lin Yang, the Nine Nether Demon Emperor who had once shaken the immortal realm, this was but a small spectacle. His eyes remained calm, unfazed.

In contrast, the timid Lin Qingyao buried her face in Lin Yang's chest, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the scene.

"Don't be afraid. Brother's here," Lin Yang whispered, holding her gently as he dismounted the ox.

"Lord Lin, welcome back to the imperial capital. On behalf of the people of the Yongyao Dynasty, I thank you for your immense contributions," Emperor Chu Tianhen said, stepping forward to shake Lin Yang's hand.

"Apologies, but I need to hold my sister. My hands are occupied," Lin Yang replied coolly, nodding slightly to the emperor.

For anyone else, shaking hands with the emperor would be the honor of a lifetime. But for Lin Yang, protecting his sister took precedence. Moreover, if the emperor hadn't turned a blind eye in his past life, the Lin family's tragedy might have been averted. Thus, he felt no obligation to show undue respect.

"Of course. I understand the bond between siblings," Chu Tianhen said, forcing a smile.

Ding! Congratulations, host. You've gained 1,000 favorability points from Chu Qingcheng. Would you like to draw the lottery now?

As Lin Yang acknowledged the emperor, the system's voice echoed in his mind.

Lin Yang was momentarily stunned. According to his memories, Chu Qingcheng should have been aloof at this point, seeking to break off their engagement. How could she possibly have such a high favorability toward him—1,000 points, no less?