Unaware of the sisters' thoughts, Tianlin turned to the angry but unmoving Zhen Tian Douluo, his voice cold. "What, not going to seek revenge? Then get out of the way. This is no longer Clear Sky Sect's business."
"Tianlin—no, I should call you 'Your Grace' now. Your Grace, please, if you're here to save Yang Wudi, you can take him and go. No one will stop you. But please don't hurt anyone else!" Meng Shenji and the two others pleaded.
Tianlin had once been their academy's pride. They truly didn't want to be his enemy.
Seeing them speak up, Tianlin put away his arrogance and respectfully said, "Elders, you are my seniors and have always looked after me. There's no need for formality. Since you've asked, I'll respect your request. But I'm not just taking Yang Wudi; I'm also taking the Shui sisters, Dean Shui Qingwu, and anyone from the Elemental Academy who wishes to follow. If you agree, I promise not to harm anyone else."
The three elders were relieved by Tianlin's humility—he'd become a Titled Douluo, yet hadn't changed. He was domineering to his enemies, but polite to friends.
"Tianlin, do you realize Shui Bing'er is now the crown princess, and this news has spread across the continent? If you take her away, what will become of the empire's dignity? How will the crown prince face anyone?" Meng Shenji lamented.
"Dignity? You'd sacrifice a girl's entire life for such a thing? Elder, you know what kind of person Xue Beng is. The rumors about him and Shui Bing'er being in love—surely you know the truth."
"It's a setup. They're counting on Shui Bing'er's family not daring to offend the royal family, so they spread rumors to force her into the marriage." Tianlin bluntly exposed the royal family's scheme.
Such schemes work only if no one dares to resist, but Tianlin was both strong and fearless.
The three elders fell silent. Of course they knew the truth. Unlike Xue Beng and Xue Xing, they cared about their reputation and couldn't refute Tianlin.
"Tianlin, you're speaking nonsense! Bing'er and I are destined for each other. She agreed willingly!" Xue Beng yelled back. He could not back down now—if Shui Bing'er was taken away, his reputation as crown prince would be ruined.
Tianlin looked at Xue Beng and activated the Eye of Judgment—two black words appeared above Xue Beng's head.
Black, just below red in the evil ranking. When Xue Beng was a playboy, he committed all kinds of crimes; now as crown prince, he'd overturned all of Xue Qinghe's policies and set up new ones favoring the nobles, causing countless commoners to suffer. He deserved his reputation.
This man deserved to die!
Just then, Shui Bing'er ran to Tianlin, bowed and said, "Your Grace, please don't fight anymore. This is the second time you've saved me. Even if you came mainly for Senior Yang, I'm deeply grateful. But I'm not worth you starting a war with the empire. Please, just take Yang Wudi and leave."
"Second time?" Tianlin was surprised. Had he saved her before?
Seeing his confusion, Shui Bing'er's gaze dimmed—he'd already forgotten that during the academy tournament, he'd saved her from Xie Yue.
At this moment, Tianlin noticed Shui Bing'er's name was blue. How many people had this girl helped in her life?
Feeling his gaze, Shui Bing'er was a little embarrassed. Shui Yue'er wasn't satisfied and chirped, "Hey, Your Grace, staring at my sister is rude! I'm pretty too—why don't you look at me?"
Shui Yue'er's name was green—she'd done many good deeds as well, though she was more lively. Tianlin smiled, "My apologies. You're a kind and pretty girl too."
As the Lord of Asura, judgment wasn't just about punishing evil, but also rewarding good. Shui Bing'er didn't deserve to be humiliated by Xue Beng.
"Shui Bing'er, you're wrong. I'm helping you not because of Senior Yang, but because of you. It's my duty." Tianlin hadn't inherited the God of Asura's position yet, but he was ready to take up the responsibility.
"That brat is flirting! I'll have to tell his parents so he doesn't betray Rongrong!" Gu Rong grumbled in the shadows. "Saying he's helping just because of a girl? That's flirting!"
He couldn't beat Tianlin anymore, but there were still two people in the world Tianlin could never beat: Jun Tianhai and Mo Lan. He'd go report this.
"Tianlin, you already have Ning Rongrong, and now you're seducing my wife? That's too much!" Clearly, others misunderstood too, especially Xue Beng, who was furious.
Tianlin couldn't be bothered to explain. The angrier Xue Beng got, the better.
"Shui Bing'er, just answer me one question: are you willingly marrying Xue Beng? If yes, I'll leave right now. If not, stand behind me. I'll take responsibility for your family and friends—no one will hurt them." Tianlin looked at her, hoping for her heartfelt answer.
Shui Bing'er hesitated, unsure if she should speak her mind.
Seeing her indecision, Shui Yue'er urged, "Sis, what are you waiting for? I don't want to stay here! If we have to follow someone, why not this handsome Your Grace? I don't want that sleazy Xue Beng as a brother-in-law."
"Your Grace brother? What a weird title! Rongrong does that too. And Shui Yue'er, aren't I younger than you?" Tianlin said helplessly.
Shui Yue'er tapped her lips, "Uh! Then Your Grace little brother?"
"That's weird too."
"Sigh, Your Grace little brother is so much trouble. He's super strong but still a kid inside."
Seeing her sister and Tianlin bantering like siblings, Shui Bing'er laughed. This lightheartedness was what she truly wanted after so much pressure living in the empire.
No longer hesitating, she turned and declared loudly, "I have never liked Prince Xue Beng. The rumors of our love were meant to force me into marriage. Prince Xue Xing even sent the royal knights to surround my house for a month! Today, with everyone as witness, I, Shui Bing'er, swear never to marry Xue Beng!"