Qin Yu simply panicked earlier, that was why he had blurted out the fact that Duan Ling Tian had only ascended less than five years ago. Otherwise, he would not have done it. After all, revealing that fact would only bring more harm than good to Duan Ling Tian.

Upon hearing Qin Yu’s words, although King Qin and the Third Prince still felt a bit skeptical, they nodded before sweeping their gazes at the people in the surroundings.

Apart from the guests in the VIP seat who hardly suffered, most of the people in the general seat who came from the 16 counties barely survived.

The Third Prince stepped forward and said apologetically, “Ladies and gentlemen, King Qin’s Mansion did not expect a disaster like that to happen today. We’d like to offer our apologies…”

“Your Grace, the Third prince, is being too polite.”

Seeing the second-in-command of King Qin’s Mansion personally apologizing, many people from the big sects and clans in the territories of King Qin’s Mansion waved their hands dismissively.

“Today’s accident was not something King Qin’s Mansion could’ve expected nor was it something the mansion would’ve liked to see happen. For these reasons, there’s no need for you to apologize.”

“Right. Third prince, today’s accident is all because of the Compassionate Celestial Traveler Sect’s powerhouse. It’s understandable that King Qin’s Mansion couldn’t intervene. After all, the sect is even more powerful than a high-rank Celestial Kingdom!”

“Third Prince, do you know what’s the cultivation base of that powerhouse from the Compassionate Celestial Traveler Sect?”

“She’s a… Celestial Duke, right?”

Based on their words, it was clear they did not blame King Qin’s Mansion for the incident today. In fact, it seemed like they were more curious about how powerful the old lady was and her cultivation base.

Faced with everyone’s questions and expectant expressions, the Third Prince sighed and somewhat helplessly said, “That senior is a core elder of the Compassionate Celestial Traveler Sect… She’s, indeed, a Celestial Duke.”

Celestial Duke!

As soon as the Third Prince’s words died out, the entire place fell silent. Although many of them had speculated the old lady was a Celestial Duke, to have it confirmed was a different story. After they regained their senses, some of them inhaled sharply and some gulped audibly.

Those from the big sects and clans in the territories of King Qin’s Mansion discussed among themselves excitedly. To them, being able to see a Celestial Duke in action was something to brag about.

“So, she’s really a Celestial Duke from the Compassionate Celestial Traveler Sect!”

“It’s been over 100 years since a Celestial Duke made an appearance in King Qin’s Mansion, right?”

“This trip to the mansion isn’t a waste after all. To think we would encounter a Celestial Duke during the Martial Competition of the 16 Counties!”

Someone chuckled. “Wait until we return. I’m going to tell everyone I saw a Celestial Duke in action. I bet many people are going to feel envious and regret not coming.”

Seeing this scene, the Third Prince stared blankly at them for a moment before he finally cleared his throat to get their attention. He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, King Qin’s Mansion has a few matters to attend to. If any of you prefer to rest for a few days in King’s City, please let us know, and we’ll make arrangements for it. If you plan to leave now, I’ll see you off King’s City.”

Someone laughed before saying, “Third Prince, I’m in a hurry to return to my sect so I won’t be staying. There’s no need to trouble yourself to see us off.”

Many people echoed this person’s words as laughter rang in the air. Soon after, many figures flew up into the sky, swiftly leaving King Qin’s Mansion.

“Third Prince, I’m also in a hurry to return… Farewell!”

“Farewell, Third Prince!”

It did not take long before most people had left. Seeing a Celestial Duke in action made these members of big sects and clans excited to return so they could recount what happened.

Soon after, the only people left in the ruins were the members of King Qin’s Mansion and his subordinates from the 16 counties.

King Qin looked at the 15 County Governors and the Revered Elders, two inner-estate elders, and elders from Nine Specters City before he said solemnly, “Today’s accident was surely not this King’s will. Each county has suffered a great loss. For this reason, apart from the previously promised reward for the top ten participants of the Martial Competition of the 16 Counties, I will also bestow a mediocre Great Overarching Pill to each county.”

Upon hearing his words, the people from the 16 counties who had dejected expressions on their faces brightened up immediately. Their eyes shone, and their breathing began to quicken in excitement.

Since the people from the 16 counties were the direct subordinates of King Qin’s Mansion, it was easy to deal with them via the carrot-stick approach.

After making temporary arrangements for them to stay in the guest rooms in King Qin’s Mansion, King Qin and the Third Prince led Qin Yu to the central main hall of the mansion.

The central main hall of King Qin’s Mansion was exceptional with dazzling decorations and displays, causing Qin Yu, who came here for the first time, to fall into a momentary daze. When had he ever seen such an extravagant hall?

“Yu’er, there are only three of us here now. No matter what you have to say, you can speak without any hesitation here,” the Third Prince said to Qin Yu.

Although King Qin remained silent, he nodded along when the Third Prince spoke, clearly showing Qin Yu his approval and encouraging him to speak.

Qin Yu nodded slightly before he recounted everything he knew about Duan Ling Tian without concealing anything. At this point, he knew he could not conceal anything. Otherwise, his uncles would only suspect him even more.

After hearing Qin Yu’s words, King Qin and the Third Prince exchanged a glance and could see the shock and incredulity in each other’s eyes. If they did not hear this from Qin Yu, they would have a hard time believing it. How was it possible that someone who had just ascended less than five years ago and was not even 100 years old capable of such astonishing feats?

“Based on your words, it’s probable that Duan Ling Tian had an extremely fortuitous encounter in the mundane realm. This also explains why and how he possesses a Shadow Void Escaping Talisman that has to be inscribed by a Celestial King, at least,” the Third Prince said.

“Duan Ling Tian’s future is boundless. Qin’er, it’s your good fortune for being able to become his friend,” King Qin said as he looked at Qin Yu.

Although King Qin and the Third Prince still felt Qin Yu’s words were outrageous, they no longer doubted him. After all, it would take little to no effort to verify Qin Yu’s story. They had no reason to believe he was lying. Moreover, he had also encouraged them to verify his words.

Qin Yu said worriedly, “Currently, I’m only worried if he’ll be caught by that powerhouse from the Compassionate Celestial Traveler Sect. It’s unlikely for him to have a second Shadow Void Escaping Talisman, right?” Although Duan Ling Tian had managed to escape from right under the nose of the powerhouse from the Compassionate Celestial Traveler Sect, he still could not help but worry about Duan Ling Tian.

“Don’t worry,” the Third Prince patted Qin Yu’s shoulder and said with a smile, “The Shadow Void Escaping Talisman is a Celestial Talisman that has to be inscribed by a Celestial King, at least. These talismans aren’t simple. Once it’s activated, it would carry the person a million miles away. Apart from that, it would leave traces of users in many directions to mislead the pursuers. For this reason, there’s no need for you to feel worried.”

Qin Yu nodded slightly. “I feel assured hearing this.” After a brief pause, Qin Yu’s eyes flashed as though he had just recalled something. “Eldest uncle, third uncle, what’s the real objective of the Martial Competition of the 16 Counties? You’re not letting them return just like that after deciding on the top ten participants, right?”

“Of course, not.” The Third prince shook his head and smiled. “Yu’er, do you really think King Qin’s Mansion has prepared such generous rewards without any rhyme or reason?”

Qin Yu asked curiously, “Then, what’s the reason?”

…

A million miles away from King Qin’s Mansion, on a desolate mountain.

“What’s this place?”

A wretched-looking purple-clad young man flew out of the mountain as he surveyed his surroundings. His robes were incredibly tattered as though he had just escaped from some big battle. However, this did not detract from his handsome appearance and exceptional bearing. This young man was none other than Duan Ling Tian who had just escaped from King Qin’s Mansion under the nose of the powerhouse from the Compassionate Celestial Traveler Sect’s expert.

Duan Ling Tian lamented to himself when he thought about the Shadow Void Escaping Talisman he had just used, “My life-saving measure is gone. Until I’m able to obtain another Shadow Void Escaping Talisman, I absolutely can’t put myself in such a dangerous situation again.”