After a brief silence, Qin Yan spoke first. "Hello. I'm Qin Yan. I heard you were looking for me. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Young Hero Qin Yan, greetings," Tie Kuangtu said, quickly standing to introduce himself and the princess. "I am Tie Kuangtu of the Radiant Empire. Beside me is our Empire's Third Princess, Long Vivi. We left in such a rush last time that we haven't yet properly thanked you for saving our lives. Please forgive our intrusion today."
Tie Kuangtu then turned to Vivi. "Little Vivi, this is the young hero. He is the one who slew the Demon King and rescued us."
"Hello, my name is Long Vivi, the Third Princess of the Radiant Empire," she said, stepping forward with a graceful bow. Her voice was sincere and gentle, her manner poised and elegant. "Thank you for saving Uncle Tie and the others."
"Hello. I'm no hero. Just call me Qin Yan," he replied flatly, offering nothing more.
Vivi was not offended by his curtness. She produced a magnificent Diamond Black Gold Card and motioned for her attendants to carry out a heavy, exquisitely crafted black chest. Inside were clearly items of immense value, accompanied by a piece of parchment that looked like a legal contract.
While the villagers looked on in confusion, Vivi began to explain. "This is a Diamond Black Gold Card of the highest specification from the United Empire. It contains 100 million gold coins, usable at any bank across the continent.
There is also an attribute-less holy sword and a deed to a ducal fief. On behalf of the Empire, I thank you for your aid. Please accept these gifts as a token of our gratitude for killing the demon and saving our lives."
A collective gasp swept through the room. The weight of these gifts was staggering. 100 million gold coins! An average family spent only about thirty gold coins a year. Then there was the deed to a ducal fief they were essentially gifting him an entire territory.
Most precious of all was the holy sword. Sacred Artifacts were few and far between on the continent, held only by the most elite powerhouses. Their value could not be measured by mere money; they were priceless treasures.
This was a massive tribute. It was clear the United Empire was sparing no expense.
Qin Yan remained unmoved by the reactions around him. He had zero interest in these things. "No need," he said, refusing the offer. "It was a coincidence. I wasn't specifically trying to save them; that thing was just looking for a way to die. There is no need for any thanks."
"Be that as it may, perhaps it was fate," Tie Kuangtu persisted. "The fact remains that you rescued us. It is only right that we come to repay the favor."
"Yes, Mr. Qin Yan, please accept them," Vivi added.
"I said no need," Qin Yan repeated, his voice tinged with impatience. He understood the principle of being beholden to those whose gifts you accept. If he took these things, he wouldn't be able to just stand by if they ran into trouble later.
Besides, he truly wasn't interested. Quietly increasing his strength was his only priority.
"Well... alright then." Seeing his firm resistance, the two tactfully dropped the subject to avoid causing offense. They returned to their seats, looking somewhat dejected.
"Actually, Mr. Qin Yan, we have another purpose," Vivi continued, revealing their true goal. "We would like to invite you to join the knight order of the Imperial Allied Forces as a Guest Elder. You would enjoy the same rights and treatment as a Paladin."
"No, I refuse," Qin Yan said, offering a polite but firm rejection. "I'm a lazy person and I don't like constraints. That life isn't for me, and we aren't from the same world."
"It's not like that, Mr. Qin Yan," Vivi explained hurriedly, hoping he would reconsider. "Joining as a Guest Elder wouldn't restrict your freedom. You would simply hold the title, and we would only hope for your assistance during times of dire crisis."
"No need," Qin Yan said again.
"Mr. Qin Yan..." Vivi started to plead, but Tie Kuangtu pulled her back. He shook his head slowly, signaling her to stop. If she continued, she might actually make him angry, and then the trip would be a total loss.
Realizing she had overstepped, Vivi quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Mr. Qin Yan. That is truly a pity. However, if you ever change your mind, our door is always open."
"It's fine," Qin Yan said dismissively. Vivi felt the wall he had put between them, a distance that kept everyone at arm's length. She tactfully abandoned the topic, though she felt a deep sense of regret.
Born into the Imperial family, she had her own pride and confidence. She had arrived with full certainty that she would succeed, as nothing in her life had ever been beyond her reach until now. For the first time, she felt the sting of failure and a sense of helplessness. It was a strange, unsettling feeling.
Qin Yan's calm voice left the hall in a bizarre silence, broken only by the faint sounds of people breathing.
"Mr. Qin Yan, tell me," Tie Kuangtu said suddenly, shifting the topic to break the tension. "Have you ever heard of the Number One Under Heaven Magic and Martial Arts Assembly?"
The villagers immediately began to whisper among themselves. "What? The Number One Under Heaven Magic and Martial Arts Assembly?"
"Is it the legendary one?"
A villager asked aloud, clearly having heard of it before.
"I haven't. Is it some kind of special event? Is it famous?" Qin Yan asked, curious about their excitement.
"It's incredible!" Luo Fei shouted excitedly to Dashan. "The strongest warriors from the entire continent participate! It's going to be so cool! I want to join! It'll be so much fun, right, Dashan?"
"Mm," the honest Dashan replied with a heavy nod. Though he didn't show much on the outside, his heart was already racing. They both yearned to fight against the continent's strongest.
"That's the one," Tie Kuangtu said. He was surprised Qin Yan didn't know about it, given its fame, but he didn't pry. "Since you're interested, I'll explain it to you."
"Go ahead," Qin Yan said. He wasn't particularly interested, but he didn't mind listening.
Tie Kuangtu began his explanation. Qin Yan remained impassive throughout, but the children around him listened with rapt attention.
Based on Tie Kuangtu and Vivi's description, Qin Yan realized this assembly was quite similar to the Tenkaichi Budokai from the Dragon Ball world. It was a gathering of the continent's masters to compete in martial arts, though with a few differences.
The Number One Under Heaven Magic and Martial Arts Assembly was established about three hundred years ago as a joint venture by all the empires on the continent.
The goal was to filter out the top geniuses so the United Empire could provide them with resources to grow quickly. It was essentially a fast-track system to produce powerhouses to resist the invasions of the Demon Race.
Over the centuries, those who made a name for themselves at the assembly went on to achieve immortal greatness. The champion not only earned the title of "Strongest Under Heaven" but also received massive rewards and high-ranking positions within the Empire.
There were age limits: participants had to be at least 12 and no older than 36. It was a true convergence of the younger generation's elite.
According to the rules, the Demon Race was banned from participating, but all other races were welcome. Weapons were allowed, but external powers were strictly forbidden.
Furthermore, killing an opponent resulted in immediate disqualification. Attacking the audience also carried a disqualification penalty and a lifetime ban from the assembly.
By the time Tie Kuangtu finished his explanation, a significant amount of time had passed.
The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon. Tie Kuangtu suggested they head back immediately, even skipping dinner. This surprised the Village Chief and the others, who hadn't expected them to leave so soon.
"Well then, we shall take our leave. I hope to see you all at the Number One Under Heaven Magic and Martial Arts Assembly in three years," Tie Kuangtu said to Qin Yan and the others.
"We'll see," Qin Yan replied indifferently.
Suddenly, Vivi stepped forward. She kept her head down, her small hands nervously twisting the fabric of her dress. "Uncle Tie... can I stay here for a while?"
"What?!" Tie Kuangtu exclaimed.
The others were just as shocked. The room fell into a stunned silence as everyone stared at the high and mighty Imperial Princess. They couldn't believe what they had just heard. A princess wanting to live alone in a remote, harsh mountain village? It sounded like a joke.
"If they can stay here, why can't I?" Vivi asked, her voice rising with a hint of anger.
"Your Highness, your status is different. You cannot stay here," the guards pleaded.
"What's different? We're all flesh and blood with two eyes and two ears. How is it different?" Vivi snapped impatiently. She put on a fierce expression and threatened them. "It's decided! Don't say another word, or I'll have Father chop off your heads when you get back!"
The guards trembled and fell silent.
Tie Kuangtu hadn't expected such resolve from the pampered princess. He looked at her with newfound respect; it seemed she had truly grown up.
"Fine. If Vivi wants to stay, let her stay." After some thought, Tie Kuangtu surprisingly agreed. This might be a massive opportunity for her.
As he spoke, Tie Kuangtu glanced toward Qin Yan. Their eyes met, and Tie Kuangtu quickly looked away with an awkward, guilty grin. He was staying because Qin Yan was there. He knew exactly how terrifying Qin Yan's strength was a bottomless abyss that likely had no equal in this world.
"But, Sir Knight, we won't be able to explain this when we get back. We'll be punished," the guards said, their faces pale.
"It's fine. Let the Princess stay. I will take full responsibility for the consequences," Tie Kuangtu said firmly, his word final.
"Well... alright then." The guards looked at each other helplessly. Since the Earth Knight and Grand Swordsman had spoken, they had no choice but to obey.
"Yay! That's great! Hehe, you're the best, Uncle Tie!" Vivi cheered, jumping for joy like a little wood elf.
"You silly girl," Tie Kuangtu said, shaking his head. Among the royals, he was closest to her, and he had always been protective of her.
"Vivi, come here for a moment," Tie Kuangtu said, beckoning her.
Vivi hurried over. Tie Kuangtu pulled her aside, turning his back to the crowd. He whispered into her ear, "Vivi, I've agreed to let you stay, but only for one year. No matter what happens, you must return to the Empire after that. Understood?"
"Mm-hmm!" Vivi thought about it and nodded vigorously.
"Also, stay close to these people, especially Qin Yan. Otherwise, I can't guarantee your safety. I've seen that if these villagers are in danger, Qin Yan won't just sit by. We can't come here whenever we want without annoying him, so staying by their side is the only way to be safe. Do you understand?"
"Mm-hmm," Vivi listened intently to every word, not missing a single detail. She nodded seriously in agreement.
"Most importantly, those kids who are about your age... they claim they were just ordinary people a few months ago. Yet, in such a short time, they've reached a level of strength comparable to yours, an Imperial Princess.
That shows just how terrifying Qin Yan is. Try to ask him for guidance whenever you can. Let him point you in the right direction for your cultivation. But don't be overbearing; know your place.
Remember every word he says and think about it carefully. If he gives you even a pointer or two, it will serve you for a lifetime. This is a massive opportunity. If you can grasp it, you will hold your destiny in your own hands." Tie Kuangtu's face was grave as he delivered this final, most important instruction.
"I know, Uncle Tie. Thank you," Vivi said. She felt the warmth of his genuine concern and the effort he had made to give her this chance. Her eyes grew moist, and she balled her fists. As a member of the royal family, she was often at the mercy of others.
Only by becoming strong could she control her own fate. She knew this was the turning point. She would engrave Tie Kuangtu's words into her heart and vowed not to disappoint him the next time they met.
"Don't thank me. Just take care of yourself." Seeing that she understood, Tie Kuangtu said nothing more. The rest was up to Vivi's own hard work.
"Haha! Alright, alright! Since it's settled and we have nothing else to do, we won't disturb you any longer. Farewell!"
Having adjusted his mindset, Tie Kuangtu gave a final goodbye to everyone.
As Vivi watched with teary eyes, the Imperial procession slowly departed.
"If you're that sad, you can still chase after them," Qin Yan said, appearing at her side. He had overheard Tie Kuangtu's words and was now trying to goad the girl into leaving so she wouldn't bother him.
"I said I'm staying, and I won't go back on my word. I'm not leaving," the little girl said, startled by his sudden appearance but quickly regaining her composure. She looked at him with eyes full of determination.
Qin Yan was slightly surprised, but that was all. Since she was staying, he didn't say anything else and simply turned to leave.
Qin Yan stood on the roof, looking into the distance as the villagers watched the departing Imperial party. Their trip could be called a success or a failure depending on how you looked at it. Regardless of how they had arrived, they were going back now only their ranks were short by one person.
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