"Xu Qingdong greets His Highness the Crown Prince."
Xu Qingdong dropped to one knee.
The other young geniuses were stunned and quickly stopped talking.
"We greet His Highness the Crown Prince."
One by one, the young geniuses knelt on one knee to pay respect.
"No need for such formality. Today, I have come here with only one identity—that of a martial cultivator, to exchange equally with all of you."
Yang Cheng raised his hand.
Everyone stood back up.
After that, they rushed to step forward, each trying to show off in front of Yang Cheng.
This was the Vice-Emperor of Great Zhou, second only to the Emperor himself.
Forget them—even if their fathers were here, they would also strive to curry favor.
And if they could win his appreciation, then they might very well soar to the heavens in a single step.
Of course, everyone remained cautious, careful not to provoke Yang Cheng's displeasure.
This scene deeply stirred Xu Qingxue's heart.
At this moment, she felt she was truly fortunate.
While the others had to rack their brains to earn His Highness's attention, she was already able to stand by his side, doing what little service she could.
Yang Cheng's gaze, however, was already fixed on Hong Xiang.
Ding!
[The host has once again encountered Hong Xiang. This may awaken many memories of the past.]
[Hong Xiang was once a core general under the Heaven's Mandate Emperor, ranked just below Lin Shu, Xu Yanci, and Yang Heng.]
[When the host fled the capital, Hong Xiang led the vanguard. Many later pursuits and ambushes against the host also bore his mark.]
[Please wash away past humiliation, suppress Hong Xiang, and let him taste what the host once endured. This is an achievement mission—the stronger the humiliation Hong Xiang suffers, the higher the achievement points the host will gain.]
[Note: Hong Xiang is a Yin God powerhouse. This mission must not be underestimated.]
[Mission Reward: Fist Dao—Initiation to Perfection.]
"Hong Xiang," Yang Cheng called.
Hong Xiang's heart tightened. He quickly answered, "Your Highness, are you looking for me?"
Earlier, the others had all made efforts to flatter Yang Cheng.
Only Hong Xiang stayed apart, detached from the crowd.
The others hadn't noticed, but Yang Cheng saw it clearly.
That alone confirmed his suspicion—Hong Xiang already had ties with Yang Xiu.
For a small figure like him, Yang Cheng had no intention of wasting too much effort.
So he spoke directly: "Hong Xiang, this palace has a treacherous younger brother. Not long ago he tried to murder me. He failed and fled. Have you heard of this matter?"
Hong Xiang lowered his head, tension written all over his face. "Your Highness, I have heard a little of it."
"So, you have heard something. I had thought you knew nothing of it," Yang Cheng replied.
Hong Xiang's heart gave a heavy thump. A bad premonition filled him.
Around them, the gathered youths all turned their eyes to Hong Xiang.
Every person here was a young elite from a major force. None were fools.
From Yang Cheng's words, and connecting it with the sworn brother Hong Xiang had recently befriended, everyone began to form the same guess.
Then they heard Yang Cheng's cold voice: "Hong Xiang, since you know of this, why do you still befriend my treacherous brother? Do you intend to rebel with him?"
Hong Xiang's face drained of color. He dropped to his knees at once. "Your Highness, surely this is a misunderstanding. With my lowly, insignificant status, how could I possibly know the Sixth Prince, such a great figure?"
Ding!
[Hong Xiang has knelt to the host in public. This is no doubt a great humiliation.]
[This mission's achievement rating has reached Excellent. Reward: Fist Dao—Initiation.]
[Does the host wish to continue the mission or claim the reward?]
Yang Cheng silently chose the former.
Then, his face unreadable, he said, "Hong Xiang, are you saying I have wronged you?"
"This humble one wouldn't dare."
Hong Xiang's posture was submissive, but his voice trembled with strain.
Yang Cheng had no patience for evasions.
Just then, a man rushed in from outside—a middle-aged figure.
At his arrival, all the young geniuses present were startled.
Hong Xiang cried out, "Father!"
That middle-aged man was none other than Hong Tao, head of the Hong family.
Hong Tao shot Hong Xiang a vicious glare, then quickly knelt before Yang Cheng and saluted. "Your servant Hong Tao greets His Highness the Crown Prince."
He was the Tongzhi of Canglan City, a fifth-rank official of Great Zhou.
"Hong Tao, this is your family affair. I expect you to give me an explanation," Yang Cheng said.
"Yes."
Hong Tao wiped cold sweat from his forehead, turned, and barked at his son, "Wretch, confess everything at once!"
"Father, I don't know what I should confess…"
Hong Xiang still tried to argue.
Hong Tao cut him off harshly. "You fool! At this point you're still pretending? That sworn brother of yours is none other than the Sixth Prince, Yang Xiu!"
Hearing this, Hong Xiang lost any last shred of hope and fell silent.
Hong Tao couldn't hold back. He stood and kicked him to the ground. "Wretch, tell us where Yang Xiu is!"
Realizing there was no way to hide it anymore, Hong Xiang said bluntly, "Prince Yang is my sworn brother. I didn't know his identity at first, but since he is my brother, I cannot betray him."
[Hong Xiang was kicked to the ground before everyone, his dignity completely destroyed.]
[Achievement rating has reached Brilliant. Reward: Fist Dao—Great Achievement.]
Yang Cheng chose to continue the mission.
His expression remained calm.
The Hong father and son were not fools.
Hong Tao called his son muddle-headed and explained to everyone that Hong Xiang had sworn brotherhood with Yang Xiu only because he hadn't known Yang Xiu's identity.
Hong Xiang quickly agreed.
The ignorant are not guilty.
That way, Yang Cheng naturally could not convict Hong Xiang simply for becoming Yang Xiu's sworn brother.
Still, Hong Xiang's wit was clearly inferior to his father's.
Or perhaps Yang Xiu's charm was too strong, making Hong Xiang choose him despite the risk.
"Wretch!"
Hong Tao, furious, kicked him again. "You still won't confess? Do you want to drag the whole clan down with you?"
"I…"
Hong Xiang struggled.
"Hong Xiang, since you value loyalty so much, I'll give you a choice," Yang Cheng said. "If you choose to protect your brother, I will punish you and your Hong clan as well. But if you tell the truth, only you will be punished, and your clan will be spared."
Hong Xiang's breathing grew rapid. He wanted to curse Yang Cheng shameless, but he didn't dare.
At that moment, he truly felt the difference in their positions.
With just a word, Yang Cheng could decide not only his fate but also the fate of his clan.
If it were only his own punishment, he would have borne it. But he couldn't let the Hong clan be destroyed because of him.
"I'll speak."
Then Hong Xiang closed his eyes in agony and said, "The Sixth Prince… he's at No. 18, Dingzi Street, in the southern part of the city."
[Hong Xiang was forced by the host to betray Yang Xiu.]
[For him, this humiliation was worse than any other punishment.]
[Host has achieved Legendary rating. Reward: Fist Dao—Perfection.]
"Hong Tao, I'll leave your son to you. Handle him as you see fit."
With that, Yang Cheng ignored Hong Xiang and said to Hu Po, "Take men to No. 18, Dingzi Street, in the southern part of the city."
Hu Po understood immediately. "Yes, Your Highness."