Chapter 58 You Are the True Darling of the Heavens

"Congratulations to Father for slaying demons and adding another glorious triumph to your legacy!" Lin Tianjiao said with a joyful expression.

"Father killed the Demon King Jiang Chen, causing the demon army's morale to collapse into a rout. Father holds the utmost merit in this battle, and your son once again congratulates Father!"

Seeing Lin Zhengyang walking over in a staggered manner, Lin Tianjiao hurriedly rushed out of Jiayuguan Pass, followed closely by a large group of generals and high-level martial artists.

Everyone looked at Lin Zhengyang with gazes full of gratitude and respect.

Indeed, slaying the Demon King Jiang Chen was achievement enough to claim the highest honor.

However, Lin Zhengyang knew very well in his heart that there must have been other reasons for Jiang Chen's death.

"Father, come inside the pass and rest! I've already had someone prepare a bed for you."

"Mm." Lin Zhengyang nodded wearily. "I'll rest first. If anything comes up later, call me."

"Don't worry, Father! I'll keep watch right here, and I'll contact you immediately if there's any situation!" Lin Tianjiao's voice involuntarily raised a notch. The mere thought that his father had actually withstood the siege of seven demon kings and furiously slain Jiang Chen filled him with intense pride, making his voice much louder than usual.

Subsequent events proved that after Lin Zhengyang went to rest, everyone's attitude toward Lin Tianjiao became even more respectful.

"A tiger begets no dog. I saw Young Master Tianjiao fighting personally on the great plain; he truly possesses your father's heroic spirit."

"The Martial King's Estate of the Lin family is extraordinary indeed. Young Master Tianjiao deserves any praise."

Listening to these words, the corners of Lin Tianjiao's mouth curled upward involuntarily.

Then, thinking of his elder brother—who had initially been the most dazzling figure on the battlefield, but had retreated into the Great Wall and remained inactive ever since the demon kings appeared—and contrasting that with how everyone was now praising him without a single person mentioning Lin Yin, he felt an even greater sense of physical and mental gratification.

Do you regret it, Lin Yin? Do you regret leaving the Lin family's Martial King's Estate and leaving Father?

What a pity. Now, you are no longer qualified to bask in even a shred of your father's glory.

In high spirits, Lin Tianjiao waved a hand grandly: "In a few days, the Lin family's Martial King's Estate will surely host a grand banquet to celebrate my father's achievements. You must all come, my uncles; you have all been our comrades-in-arms today."

"Haha, absolutely, absolutely."

"Then let us congratulate you in advance on a successful victory banquet."

"Since Young Master Tianjiao has spoken, even if we have to travel a thousand miles, we will rush there."

The atmosphere here was extremely lively.

Suddenly, however, a wave of chill struck, accompanied by the low, rumbling sound of hooves.

A group of elite cavalry clad in snow-white armor rode past. At the lead was Xiao Ruoyu, returning drenched in blood. Sitting astride her warhorse, Xiao Ruoyu lowered her gaze to sweep a glance at Lin Tianjiao. The indifferent chill deep within her eyes instantly sobered Lin Tianjiao, reminding him of a certain fact: the Prince of Northern Suppression, Xiao Chen, was dead!

In an instant, Lin Tianjiao was filled with overwhelming regret. He wanted to open his mouth to explain, but though his lips moved a few times, not a single word came out.

"Young Master Lin truly is in high spirits, meeting with such joyous occasions." Xiao Ruoyu dropped those indifferent words, then withdrew her gaze, never looking at Lin Tianjiao again.

By this time, everyone else had also realized something was wrong.

Although the battle was won, the Prince of Northern Suppression, Xiao Chen, was dead.

Furthermore, the Prince of Northern Suppression and Martial King Lin had planned a marital alliance, and rumor had it that the betrothed pair were none other than Lin Tianjiao and Xiao Ruoyu.

Good grief, the man's father just died, yet here you are proclaiming you're going to throw a victory banquet...

The looks people gave Lin Tianjiao began to grow complicated.

"Miss Xiao, please listen to my explanation..." Lin Tianjiao finally couldn't help but speak up.

Yet Xiao Ruoyu left only the view of her retreating back, until she faded into the distance and disappeared.

...

"Uncle Xiao Chen, I've heard about you many times."

Beside the city wall under the bloody setting sun, a sword blade was embedded in the brickwork. Lin Yin pried hard, loosening all the nearby bricks and stones. Then, he gently picked up Xiao Chen, who was covered in blood, limp and powerless, grabbed a rope, and climbed up the city wall with Xiao Chen.

"I'm taking Uncle Chen home. We'll be able to go back soon."

Lin Yin muttered continuously, as if he believed this could awaken Xiao Chen.

"An almighty figure like Uncle Chen, how could you die here so early?"

"Coming all this way from thousands of miles to help me—no matter the reason, I am very grateful to you. So could you please give me a chance to express that gratitude?"

"I've long heard that the snowy nights in Northern Suppression City are extremely beautiful, and I've always wanted to see them. How wonderful it would be if Uncle Chen could take me around. The whole world would know that the Prince of Northern Suppression acted as a tour guide for me just once—I'd have so much face. Do me this favor, Uncle Chen."

Lin Yin could feel that Xiao Chen's aura at this moment was no different from that of a dead man.

Yet he still clung to a sliver of illusion, hoping that perhaps some cultivation technique or medicinal pill could snatch someone back from death's door.

Lin Yin finally climbed to the top of the city wall, his hands gripping the edge. As he pulled himself up, the first thing he saw was a pair of slender legs encased in white combat boots.

Looking further up, it was Xiao Ruoyu in her snow-white armor, looking at him with complex eyes.

In the setting sun, this was the first direct encounter between Lin Yin and Xiao Ruoyu. Xiao Ruoyu waved her hand, and an iron cavalryman of Northern Suppression drove a carriage over. In silence, Lin Yin placed Xiao Chen inside the carriage compartment. The doors closed. Xiao Ruoyu did not speak, and Lin Yin said nothing either, the two of them simply gazing quietly at each other.

Taking off her glove, a hand as white and tender as mutton-fat jade reached out.

Lin Yin lowered his gaze for two seconds, gently extended his hand, and the two shook hands.

"Thank you..." Xiao Ruoyu murmured in a hoarse voice.

Lin Yin smiled faintly and said nothing.

"The snowy nights in Northern Suppression City are indeed very beautiful," Xiao Ruoyu said softly. "If my father truly never wakes up, please come to Northern Suppression City, and I will be your tour guide."

So all those rambling things he had muttered to himself had been heard by her after all.

Lin Yin smiled gently: "He will wake up. By then, both of you can be my tour guides."

Xiao Ruoyu smiled, carrying a trace of gentleness like a pale flower, coupled with a trace of despair.

"He will wake up," Xiao Ruoyu said, as if comforting herself.

"Are you heading straight back to Northern Suppression City now?"

"Yes."

Before parting, Xiao Ruoyu suddenly turned her head.

"Lin Yin."

"I heard the sound of magnetic electricity passing through the battlefield."

"And I also saw your figure walking out of the Great Wall's mechanical mechanisms."

"You are truly the chosen favorite of the heavens. I wish you a smooth path ahead, bright and boundless."

Hearing these words, Lin Yin chuckled in amusement. He smiled as he watched Xiao Ruoyu gradually recede into the distance.

He chanted inwardly: "May the snowy nights in Northern Suppression City be beautiful enough that the Prince of Northern Suppression cannot bear to leave, and that you do not lose your father."

The battlefield was cleared for a full day and night.

On the third day, various factions gradually arrived, including the Human King Xiao Wanli.

The Human King sent people to investigate the entire course and details of the battle on site, ultimately confirming that the victory truly began when Lin Zhengyang slew the Demon King Jiang Chen.

Following that, a grand commendation ceremony commenced, attended by countless ordinary citizens of Tianhe City and representatives from various factions.

First, the Human King expressed his prayers and blessings for the Prince of Northern Suppression, Xiao Chen.

Then came the commendation of all participating martial artists and the mourning of those who died in battle.

Next were the announcements of reward and pension policies.

Finally came the most crucial part: the hero of the battle, Lin Zhengyang.