Chapter 827: Secret Realm Wild Man

"That dragon-like creature that appeared just now was terrifying," said the Crown Prince. "I heard it especially likes to eat plump people, so of course, I had to run. But somehow, I encountered all sorts of ferocious beasts along the way. Linglong, I never want to leave you again. They all lied to me; only by your side is truly safe."

Everyone present had peculiar expressions. This Crown Prince truly was a lost cause.

At this point, Gao Ying could no longer stand it. He coughed and stepped forward to explain, "When we saw you trapped by the Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon, we couldn't get in to help. So we decided to quickly return and call for reinforcements."

Every person present was an elite from a major family, so they naturally understood the true intention. Saying they went to fetch reinforcements was merely a way to save face. However, they also understood this approach; had they been in the same situation, most would likely have prioritized protecting the Crown Prince and leaving first.

"By the way, what about that Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon...?" Pei You asked curiously. His gaze suddenly landed on the enormous dragon corpse not far away, and he froze in astonishment.

Zhao Xi burst out laughing, "You didn't see Sir Zu's heroic prowess just now, as he single-handedly fought the Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon. He then leaped into the deep pool and forcefully killed it."

Meng Pan immediately added, "It was also largely thanks to the Crown Princess's help; otherwise, it would have been quite difficult for Sir Zu to kill a ninth-grade fierce beast on his own."

Zhao Xi's breath hitched. He silently cursed Meng Pan as a sycophant and secretly regretted his own oversight. "My big mouth! Why didn't I think of that? I absolutely must not offend the Crown Princess."

The surrounding people, led by Liu Xian, began to excitedly chatter, describing the recent battle. Despite their injuries and the bloodstains still on their faces, every one of them was highly excited.

"He killed a ninth-grade fierce beast?" Gao Ying and Pei You gazed at Zu An in shock. They knew the Crown Princess's cultivation level was still inferior to theirs, and they themselves would be mere fodder in front of a ninth-grade fierce beast. Thus, it was highly probable that Zu An had single-handedly dealt with the Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon. What an incredible feat!

From this day forward, the capital would gain a new peerless genius. No one would ever again dismiss his previous achievements as mere luck. At that point, all the major families would surely extend an olive branch to him.

"Hmm, I heard the Chu family has already severed ties with him. I'll go back and ask my uncle to find a suitable young lady within our family to propose to him," Gao Ying mused. However, he soon became troubled. The two most beautiful women of the Liu family had already been chosen for the palace, and the others seemed a bit too young.

Pei You likewise pondered, "Which young lady in the Pei family is of marriageable age? Hmm, he seemed to have asked me about Xiao Man before. In terms of both appearance and talent, Xiao Man is no less than Chu Chuyan; she would be quite suitable. However, I seem to recall hearing that my uncle arranged a marriage for her. I should go back and inquire about the situation thoroughly."

Meanwhile, Liu Xian mused that upon returning to the capital, he would invite Zu An to Tianxian Residence and introduce him to several courtesans. While their beauty might not compare to Young Miss Chu's, when it came to understanding and serving men, those noble young ladies couldn't hold a candle to them. As the saying goes, the three strongest bonds in life are sharing a classroom, fighting side-by-side, and... hahaha, I'm an absolute genius!

While others were contemplating how to win him over, Zu An was checking the injuries on Pu Duandiao and Jiao Sigun. As the Crown Prince's personal bodyguards, they had sustained numerous wounds, but fortunately, none were fatal. However, many other guards weren't so fortunate. He took a rough count and observed that of the nearly twenty Eastern Palace guards who had previously stayed with the Crown Prince, fewer than ten remained. It was likely that the others had perished in the jaws of those fierce beasts.

He took out the wound medicine Chu Youzhao had prepared for him, applied it to their injuries, and then inquired, "Since you departed, why did you return?"

Pu Duandiao offered a wry smile, "I don't know why, but our luck was simply terrible. We were careful enough when we left, especially after our previous experience of stumbling into a beast's lair. Yet, for some reason, despite our efforts to specifically avoid them this time, we still ran into them."

"It's truly uncanny. These fierce beasts in the mountains don't seem normal," Jiao Sigun added. "Not only is their strength generally higher than what was reported, but they also aren't staying in their own territories; they're rampaging everywhere. We were chased into a corner, so we had no choice but to run this way, hoping we could use the Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon's intimidating aura to deter those pale giant wolves."

Pu Duandiao explained, "Brother Zu, we genuinely wanted to help just now, but..." He discreetly glanced in the direction of the Crown Prince and the others, his words trailing off.

Zu An patted his shoulder. "Don't dwell on it. I understand your predicament; you were in an impossible situation."

The two brothers then turned their worry into joy. "Brother Zu, you are truly amazing! To think you can even kill a ninth-grade fierce beast."

Zu An smiled faintly. "It was merely good fortune, and also thanks to the scions of the various families who fought valiantly, helping me to shoulder the burden."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding young noble scions felt a warmth spread through their hearts. Their gazes towards Zu An were filled with gratitude. "Sir Zu is handsome and speaks so charmingly; we absolutely adore him."

Zu An told them to rest well, then approached Bi Linglong. "How is the inventory coming along?"

Upon seeing him at that moment, Bi Linglong's expression became somewhat unnatural, but in front of so many people, she couldn't reveal anything. She quickly replied, "After the fierce battle with the Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon just now, we suffered significant losses. One-third of our people died on the spot, another third were severely wounded, and the remaining individuals also sustained injuries to varying degrees."

Meng Pan said nonchalantly, "Crown Princess, you needn't worry. Everyone who embarked on this mission represents their family's honor, and each individual came with the resolve to die in battle. Furthermore, no matter what, we ultimately completed the grand examination, and it involved a ninth-grade beast. Prince Qi will certainly have nothing to say."

Zhao Xi also chuckled, "Exactly. After this outing, the Crown Prince's position as heir apparent will be unshakeable. Allow me to congratulate the Crown Princess in advance on her future role as empress regent."

Had she heard such words before, Bi Linglong would have been quite delighted, as that was her long-held dream. But now, upon hearing them, her first reaction was to nervously glance at Zu An, then quickly respond, "Such words should not be spoken carelessly; they are somewhat presumptuous."

Zhao Xi chuckled, "You're right, then I shall offer my congratulations in the future."

Bi Linglong, wishing to steer away from the topic, quickly said, "Quickly extract the Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon's tendons. We should return and report our mission. This mountain is rife with danger; it's best to leave as soon as possible."

Such a massive dragon corpse was not practical for transport; there's no way Zu An could carry it the entire way back.

"The Crown Princess is still more thoughtful, unlike some who become conceited with a little success," Meng Pan remarked with a sarcastic undertone.

Zhao Xi retorted angrily, "Just speak your mind; why are you looking at me?"

Meng Pan rolled his eyes. "My eyes are on my face. I can look at whoever I want. What business is it of yours?"

Bi Linglong felt a headache coming on. These two livewires; try to go one day without them arguing.

Soon, warriors from the various families went to extract the dragon's tendons. Just then, a group of wildlings suddenly rushed out.

"Jili guagua!"

"Abuchacha!"

"Gai gai jia?"

Each person in the group was naked from the waist up, wearing skirts made of animal hides around their lower bodies. Their bodies were painted with striped patterns in various colors, and their heads were adorned with feathers and various types of flowers. Seeing these people holding knives, swords, and bows and arrows, the warriors from each family immediately felt as though they were facing a formidable enemy.

"Protect the Crown Prince and Crown Princess!"

Zu An was utterly perplexed. "Are there indigenous wildlings in this secret realm?"

Bi Linglong also looked bewildered. "I don't know either. According to intelligence gathered over all these years, there's been no mention of people residing in this secret realm."

At this moment, a tall man who appeared to be a leader stepped out from the group of wildlings. He leaped directly onto the Sky-Measuring Azure Moon Dragon's head, pointed at it, and clumsily stated, "This one... ours... you... leave!"

At this moment, Liu Xian suddenly rubbed his eyes, leaned forward to get a closer look at the figure, and then burst out laughing. "Well, well, if it isn't Guard Consort Wei from Prince Qi's manor! When did you become a wildling?"

The moment these words were uttered, everyone present's expression changed drastically.