This scoundrel is a bit of a swordsman.

Everyone ignored Xiao Xingchen. Even those from the Wilderness and the Northern Region paid him no heed. In their eyes, this young man was like an ant. This was only because he was in the public eye in Yong'an City; elsewhere, if he dared to block their way, he would have been slashed to death long ago.

In that short period of time, Xiao Xingchen, who had been immersed in the changes in his body, had undergone a tremendous transformation. He looked at the broken sword in his hand with astonishment. As his divine embryo took shape, he had completely gained control of the broken sword, and a connection had been formed in the darkness, as if it were his own arm, always by his side.

His body was already filled with a violent power, which he could unleash at any time if he so desired.

Is this what it feels like to be a sword immortal? He couldn't help but ask himself. No wonder the people of this world could fly and teleport. In his chest, he could feel something new, something that made him feel invincible.

Just as he was savoring the changes within his body, a voice interrupted his thoughts, causing him to suddenly open his eyes.

"I want that woman,"

Wu Xie's voice echoed outside the city, and everyone followed his finger to look at the unfortunate fellow. Since Wu Xie could say who he was taking away, it meant that Zhan Aotian had agreed to the request.

Trading a woman for the chance to reclaim three thousand miles of lost territory—this deal doesn't seem like a bad one at all.

Upon recognizing the woman Wu Xie was pointing to, the first to erupt in fury was Lan Beitang, who was none other than Daji, who was standing beside him.

Zhan Aotian was also taken aback, only then realizing that there was such a beautiful woman dressed in simple clothes here.

Daji was dressed in simple clothes, looking like a peasant woman. Although some observant people had already noticed her, she wasn't particularly conspicuous in the crowd. But now, when Wu Xie pointed her out, she instantly attracted everyone's attention.

"is her?"

Many people recognized the woman as the wife of the dazed boy in the center of the arena. The Fourth Prince clenched his fists, making for the first time a decision that defied the Emperor.

The rescue operation involves not only saving the suspected illegitimate son of the late empress, but also saving this woman as well.

"This person will not do. He is someone I have taken a liking to. How can I let you take him away? Where would I put my face then?"

The fourth prince's fleshy, ball-like figure descended from the sky, crashing onto the open ground with a loud thud, landing right in front of Daji.

Upon hearing this, Daji smiled slightly and looked at Wu Xie with a playful expression. Then she looked at Xiao Xingchen again. The divine embryo has been formed, so he should have heard it, right?

"Someone's trying to steal your woman," Daji's voice mocked in Xiao Xingchen's mind, full of wicked humor.

Xiao Xingchen had already heard it, but he pretended to be still not fully awake. This reckless fool was courting death, daring to set his sights on Daji. He was prepared to watch the show, but Daji immediately saw through his act.

"Why do I sense a hint of schadenfreude in your response?" he asked.

"The sword is complete. Don't you want to test its power? Don't you want to see why the first level of heaven is considered different for immortals and mortals? Don't give me any face, just kill him."

Daji's seductive voice continued to entice him, which made Xiao Xingchen chuckle. Daji really was someone who loved to stir up trouble.

Xiao Xingchen slowly turned around. The broken sword in his hand had disappeared, but he could summon it back at any time. It has to be said, Daji had struck a chord with him; he was now eager to test this newly acquired power.

He had obtained what the previous eight transmigrators had not so easily, so why wouldn't he want to measure the difference between immortals and mortals that Daji had mentioned?

The Fourth Prince's appearance surprised everyone, and his denial only reinforced Wu Xie's conviction that he wanted to take this woman away.

"Zhan Aotian, it seems your words don't carry much weight in Yong'an. Even a prince can contradict you?" Wu Xie's mocking voice rang out, drawing laughter from the generals of the desolate wilderness.

The decision of the Great Qian War Commander was overturned by a prince, and in front of so many people no less! This was disrespectful to the War Commander, even if the other party was a prince.

"Fourth Prince, you mustn't be foolish. This is the War Commander's decision. You shall leave immediately."

The Right Chancellor quickly intervened, saying that if there were any thoughts, they could be discussed privately, but to publicly humiliate the War Marshal was to humiliate the entire Great Qian Dynasty. The War Marshal's position was held too high; he absolutely could not be humiliated because of a woman.

Zhan Aotian's face also turned cold, and he asked sharply.

"You're the Fourth Prince? This woman is related to you?"

"It doesn't matter,"

"Then why did you come out to stop it?"

"I can't stand it,"

This answer was a direct slap in Zhan Aotian's face, and the accompanying soldiers were all enraged, their eyes filled with murderous intent as they looked at the Fourth Prince.

The Fourth Prince wasn't going to tolerate this. With the goodwill he'd built up, even if he made a mistake here, he wouldn't face serious punishment; at most, he'd be confined. He was used to this level of punishment, and immediately launched into a tirade.

"If you want to see, then look up at those big characters on the city gate. Damn it, this is Yong'an. If you want to fight, go back to the Northern Region. If you're in Yong'an, you have to abide by Yong'an's rules. The War Marshal's achievements are unparalleled, but don't forget your responsibilities. The War Marshal's Mansion is there to protect the people of Daqian, not for you to use them as bargaining chips."

"And you lot, do you really think my Great Qian is made of clay? You dare to act recklessly under the walls of my Great Qian capital? Do you believe I can order you all to be wiped out right here? Don't you even understand the principle that a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake? Bah!"

It must be said that fat people naturally possess a sense of approachability; honesty and cuteness are synonymous with them. This led to the people suddenly bursting into applause after the Fourth Prince finished speaking.

"Alright, Fourth Prince is right. This is Yong'an. You dare to come to Yong'an and steal our women? Do you agree to that?"

"Damn, I've wanted to get rid of them for ages. One word from the prince, and we've buried them right here!"

"We can't beat them,"

"So what if we can't beat them? We outnumber them."

. . .

These few simple words ignited the passion of the people. Only then did some realize, "Yes, this is Yong'an, and behind us is Emperor Wu."

Even if the War General has unparalleled achievements, isn't it a bit much for him to act like he's the best in the world here?

Moreover, some unruly barbarians are running rampant in Yong'an. Where does that leave their dignity?

Amidst such public outcry, Zhan Aotian's face turned completely green, and he coldly said,

"Fourth Prince, do you know what you're doing? Are you willing to abandon the entire country for a woman who has nothing to do with you?"

The fourth prince frowned. Was this an attempt to pressure him with the concept of righteousness?

Seeing that the external enemy had not yet been defeated and infighting had begun among his own people, the Left Chancellor finally could no longer sit idly by.

"Gentlemen, listen to me. We are facing an external enemy now, not the time for internal strife. Your Highness, please consider the greater good."

"Prime Minister, how...how could you do this?" The Fourth Prince couldn't believe it; the Left Prime Minister had actually sided with the War General, which filled him with bewilderment.

The man on the left shook his head at him, making a cryptic gesture only they understood, and then gave the Fourth Prince a hand signal. This gesture silenced the Fourth Prince, who was still trying to argue, rendering him unable to utter a single word.

"Hmph, since the prince has no objections, then so be it. Wu Xie, you win. This woman is yours."

Zhan Shuai's decisive blow, his merciless voice booming in everyone's ears, forcefully silencing the voices of those present.

"Haha, okay, I won. This woman is mine. This is the agreement between Manghuang and Daqian. I hope you will keep your word."

Wu Xie revealed a triumphant smile, staring at Daji again, his eyes filled with desire.

"Alright, then..." Zhan Shuai was about to wave his hand when Xiao Xingchen's voice slowly drifted in.

"Hey guys, you're stealing my woman right in front of me. You're making me lose face, you know?"

Stars seemed to shimmer in Xiao Xingchen's eyes, and with each step he took, a weight of pressure fell upon the shoulders of everyone present.

Everyone present felt a sudden weight on their shoulders, especially the warhorses, which suddenly neighed, their limbs trembling as if they couldn't bear the strain.

"It's him?"

Amidst the surrounding surprise and doubt, Daji smiled happily. The sword, as it should be, is unstoppable, capable of cleaving the heavens and shattering the earth. Let everything begin in Yong'an!