The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

Finally, Tan Lin sheathed his sword with clean and swift movements. He turned around, his gaze sharp, and stared directly at Xiao Jinyan, who was slowly walking towards him.

Xiao Jinyan stepped forward, a gentle yet firm smile on his face, and said, "It seems that General Tan has fully recovered his strength. This is truly a cause for celebration."

Upon hearing this, Tan Lin bowed slightly and said in a deep and powerful voice, "Thanks to the care you have given me, Your Highness, my health has almost fully recovered. I am deeply grateful."

Xiao Jinyan gently patted Tan Lin's shoulder, his eyes flashing with a challenging light: "Alright, since that's the case, then let this young master experience the unparalleled martial arts of you, 'Fire God Steed'!"

Tan Lin smiled faintly: "I'd be honored to accept your offer."

Xiao Jinyan's gaze lingered on Wang Xuanyu for a moment before he said, "Xuanyu, draw your sword and experience General Tan's swordsmanship."

"Yes, Commander."

Before he could finish speaking, Wang Xuanyu had already drawn his long sword from his waist, a flash of cold light.

Seeing this, Tan Lin did not hesitate. He gripped his long sword tightly with both hands, lowered his body, and planted his feet firmly on the ground, assuming a fighting stance that combined offense and defense, like an unshakable mountain.

Suddenly, Wang Xuanyu sprang up like a wild horse, raising a cloud of dust as his long sword whistled through the air and cleaved towards Tanlin with the force of a thunderbolt.

However, Tan Lin remained completely still in the face of this overwhelming attack, his hands crossed in front of his chest, his eyes revealing an extraordinary composure and calmness.

Just as Wang Xuanyu's blade was about to touch Tan Lin's body, he lightly slid his left foot, his figure flashing like a ghost, easily dodging this fatal attack.

Wang Xuanyu's attack missed, but his offensive didn't stop. His longsword drew a graceful arc in the air as he slashed at Tan Lin again. This time, Tan Lin's right foot slipped, and his figure flashed like a phantom, dodging Wang Xuanyu's attack once more. In both exchanges, Tan Lin appeared to be in complete control, as if he were toying with his opponent.

Seeing this, Wang Xuanyu roared and swung his longsword again, this time with all his might, the blade flashing. However, Tan Lin did not back down. He gripped his longsword tightly with both hands and swung it fiercely to meet Wang Xuanyu's blade.

With a loud clang, the two blades clashed, sparks flying. Wang Xuanyu was so struck by the immense force that he staggered back several steps, his face pale, and his hand holding the blade trembling.

This scene shocked Xiao Jinyan; he had never seen Tan Lin's combat prowess so astonishing.

At this moment, Wang Xuanyu paused, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. He raised his now slightly heavy broadsword again and slashed it down at Tan Lin with a whooshing sound. A flash of cold light, the blade like a dragon.

Tan Lin, however, neither dodged nor flinched. Instead, he charged forward two large steps, as agile and swift as a cheetah hunting its prey. With a light flick of his blade, he drew a graceful arc in the air. With a loud clang, the blade in Wang Xuanyu's hand snapped in two, like rotten wood meeting a sharp axe.

Taking advantage of the momentum, Tan Lin swung his knife and pressed down quickly and accurately, pressing it against Wang Xuanyu's neck in the blink of an eye. The icy touch made Wang Xuanyu tremble all over, and his forehead was instantly covered with fine beads of sweat.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Jinyan was stunned. He couldn't help but think that Wang Xuanyu was already one of the most capable generals in his faction. He could withstand dozens of moves from Li Yuerui, but he was completely humiliated by Tan Lin.

Tan Lin, nicknamed "Fire God Steed," is said to be the most powerful general in the Song Dynasty, and he truly lives up to his reputation. There's also Han Xiu, the "Northern Spear King"—though I haven't witnessed his fighting prowess, he must be a formidable figure.

It seems that the Crown Prince's generals are a hidden force, and these people should be carefully cultivated. Crown Princess He Qiongying is undoubtedly a crucial figure; in critical moments, she is the most powerful trump card, and she must be well taken care of.

Then, Xiao Jinyan strode over, his eyes full of admiration and respect: "General, you are truly a fierce warrior of our time. Such martial arts are rarely seen in this world!"

Upon hearing this, Tan Lin slowly sheathed his blade and sighed, "It's a pity that as a wanted criminal of the imperial court, I possess great martial arts skills but have no way to serve my country and can only eke out a living."

Xiao Jinyan patted Tan Lin on the shoulder and said, "Why do you say you have no way to serve your country? If you are willing, General, you can go to Pengcheng to seek refuge with my father. He has been fighting against the Northern Wei for many years and will surely appreciate your talent."

Upon hearing this, Tan Lin hesitated for a moment, then smiled bitterly and said, "But as a wanted criminal, can I even leave Jiankang City?"

Xiao Jin said firmly, "It's alright. Tomorrow, I will personally escort the general out of the city and ensure his safety."

A hint of gratitude flashed in Tan Lin's eyes. He clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness."

The next morning, as the sky was just beginning to lighten, frost and dew still clung to the branches, shimmering with a crystalline light.

Xiao Jinyan and Guan Lingxuan sat side by side in the ornately decorated carriage, with Tan Lin sitting opposite them. Outside the carriage window, a gentle morning breeze carried a hint of early spring chill. Their purpose in traveling was to escort Tan Lin out of the city.

Luo Chuan was driving the carriage. He gently flicked his whip, and the horse's hooves clattered on the bluestone road, as if playing the prelude to this farewell.

As the carriage drew closer to the gates of Jiankang City, a strange tension seemed to rise in the air.

Tan Lin, the usually brave and fearless general, seemed somewhat flustered at this moment. His eyes kept glancing out the window, and his fingers were gently rubbing the hem of his clothes.

Seeing this, Guan Lingxuan said softly, "General Tan, rest assured, although there will be some twists and turns on this journey, it will definitely go smoothly."

However, at that moment, a commotion suddenly arose outside the carriage, a mixture of the rapid clatter of horses' hooves and the clamor of a crowd. The carriage was forced to stop at the city gate, as if blocked by an unseen force.

Tan Lin's expression changed, and he quickly shrank behind the carriage seat, holding his breath and not daring to make a sound. The atmosphere inside the carriage instantly froze, and only their rapid breathing could be heard.

Xiao Jinyan frowned, slowly got up, lifted the carriage curtain, and strode out.

At the city gate, a squad of soldiers clad in iron armor and wielding long spears stood ready, firmly blocking the carriage's path. The leading officer, with a stern face and sharp, hawk-like eyes, stared directly at Xiao Jinyan.

Faced with this sudden obstruction, Xiao Jinyan was filled with rage, his voice carrying an undeniable authority: "Are you all blind? How dare you block my carriage!"

Upon hearing this, the leading officer was taken aback at first, then carefully examined Xiao Jinyan. After a moment, he cupped his hands in salute, his tone carrying a hint of awe: "So you are the Commander of the Central Guard. I am Jing Chen, a subordinate general under General Xue Wenyi of Ningyuan. Please forgive my rudeness, Commander."

“So it’s General Jing,” Xiao Jinyan said with an undeniable air of authority. “Have your men move aside and let my carriage leave the city. Don’t spoil my enjoyment.”