371: Chapter 371 The Humble Prince of Zhenbei

Lin Xiao's head buzzed just hearing this group of people shouting at him. He thought to himself that having high popularity was also a troublesome matter.

Fortunately, the Daoist Sect had considered this and made preparations in advance.

Two Daoist Sect disciples wearing green robes rushed in front of Lin Xiao like the wind, spreading their arms to block the crowd.

Invisibly, two soft yet thick walls of Qi separated the crowd.

"Fellow members of the martial world, the Prince of Zhenbei is an honored guest of our Daoist Sect. Please conduct yourselves with dignity."

Lin Xiao took a look; these two were both disciples of Taoist Master Cangshuzi, one named Bai Hua and the other named Shui Shan.

Like the two disciples guarding the mountain gate, they were likely considered the cream of the crop among the younger generation.

The group of martial artists were clearly not reckless newcomers. Recognizing the identities of these two direct inner-sect disciples, they hurriedly stopped three feet away.

But even across a distance of several meters, the group was already incredibly excited, each stepping forward to recommend themselves.

"Prince, I am Xu Guangfu of the Iron Sword Sect. I have long admired your great name and am willing to serve the Zhenbei Princes Mansion!..."

"Prince, I am Duan Sandao of the Tyrant Blade Sect! I beg you to take me in! I am willing to be a mere foot soldier!"

"Prince, they are all old and useless! Look at me, Lu Yunhao of the Feather Sect, ranked tenth on the prodigy rankings. I will surely become a Grandmaster in the future..."

Listening to the voices that sounded like vendors shouting in a wet market, Lin Xiao couldn't help but frown, feeling somewhat helpless.

He actually understood the mindset of these martial artists.

To put it bluntly, these people of the martial world were commoners whose profession just happened to be martial arts.

For commoners, it wasn't easy to even meet a local governor, let alone have a direct conversation at close range with a powerful prince like him.

If they ran to the Zhenbei Princes Mansion and asked to see him, they would likely be treated as lunatics. Being driven away would be considered light; no one would dare say anything if they were arrested and interrogated as spies.

After all, as a Prince of a Different Surname in Great Gan, standing above tens of thousands and second only to one, was he someone you could just see whenever you wanted?

And now at the Daoist Sect, Lin Xiao was traveling incognito; it wasn't a formal or serious occasion.

By rushing in front of him to show their faces, even if they weren't selected, they could at least see him in person.

And if by some lucky chance they were chosen, wouldn't that be a meteoric rise to success?

Naturally, they didn't want to miss such an opportunity.

Lin Xiao knew that if it weren't for the system, his martial arts would likely be inferior to these people, and he wouldn't have today's achievements.

So, even though he was a bit annoyed, Lin Xiao didn't plan to get angry. After all, who doesn't want to climb higher?

Qin He rushed over at this moment and shouted loudly, "What do you think you're doing!? If you want to join the Prince of Zhenbei, go sign up for the army yourselves! What's the meaning of blocking the Prince!?"

"You two Daoists, is this how your Daoist Sect receives distinguished guests?! Are you even going to let the Prince rest!?"

Bai Hua and Shui Shan also looked panicked.

Their master, Taoist Master Cangshuzi, had given them a strict order: if the Prince was satisfied, everyone would be happy.

If the Prince felt dissatisfied, they would be handed over to Martial Aunt Taoist Xinyizi to be "at her beck and call" for a year.

Taoist Xinyizi was the Old Celestial Master's only female disciple, known as the "Ruthless Divine Doctor."

She poisoned members of the Daoist Sect every few days, poisoning them until they were nearly dead before reviving them. Even her fellow disciples like Taoist Master Cangshuzi and Gou Qizi were not spared.

As soon as Bai Hua and Shui Shan thought of the image of being tortured by Taoist Xinyizi, the veins on their foreheads immediately bulged!

"Back off immediately!!" Bai Hua roared, looking like a cornered rabbit ready to bite.

"If you don't make way, don't blame this poor Daoist for being impolite!" Shui Shan was also giving it his all, not caring about offending people anymore; survival was the priority!

The group of martial artists looked unwilling. Although they wouldn't fear two Daoists if they swarmed up together, this was the Daoist Sect's territory after all, and they didn't dare to go too far.

Just then, Lin Xiao raised his hand and signaled, "Everyone, please calm down and listen to a word from this Prince."

Now at the Earth Immortal Realm and holding a high position, Lin Xiao's voice instantly carried a heart-shaking power that calmed the scene.

"This Prince knows that there are many loyal and righteous people in the martial world with high martial skills and a heart to protect the country and the people."

"But the soldiers of the Zhenbei Army under my command, even the smallest adjutant, have all earned their positions through blood and battle with real blades and spears, exchanging merit for rank."

"If this Prince were to bypass the Zhenbei Army's recruitment office and directly recruit people from the martial world, it would be unfair and, moreover, disrespectful to the soldiers of the Zhenbei Army!"

Everyone present fell into silence. Many people looked at each other and nodded, deeply agreeing.

Lin Xiao then continued, "If you all wish to contribute your efforts to the Northern Border and the people, you can go join the army or participate in the Northern Border Martial Examination in the spring."

"This Prince very much hopes that the heroes of the martial world can serve the country and the people and show their capabilities!"

"This Prince guarantees that as long as you follow the regulations and have true ability, no matter what sect you are from or what your background is, this Prince will appoint talented people without prejudice!"

His words were powerful and resonant, leaving the martial artists thoroughly convinced and their blood boiling with excitement!

"Are your words true, Prince?"

"Nonsense, with a status like the Prince of Zhenbei, would he lie to us?"

"The Northern Border has a martial examination? I'll sign up as soon as I go back!"

"The Prince is right, we have to have military merit to convince others!"

"The Prince is humble and treats scholars with respect. It was we who were offensive. We are ashamed, truly ashamed..."

For a moment, Lin Xiao's image in their hearts became increasingly lofty and grand.

Bai Hua and Shui Shan breathed a sigh of relief, both looking at Lin Xiao with admiration.

No wonder he's a Prince; this breadth of mind, this eloquence...

[Comprehension Ability +71]

Lin Xiao was startled. Oh? An unexpected harvest?

Since returning from Mobei, following the issuance of various government decrees and the effects of New Northern Academy and the Northern Daily, Lin Xiao's Comprehension Ability points had accumulated to 1.13 million.

He was less than two hundred thousand short of being able to advance to the Heaven Immortal Realm.

Although it was already quite fast, Lin Xiao still felt it wasn't enough. After all, after the Heaven Immortal Realm, he would surely need a massive amount of Comprehension Ability points to continue advancing.

Lin Xiao couldn't help but mutter in his heart that with so many martial artists on the Tianwu Continent, he should consider his reputation in the martial world...

It seemed that he really did the right thing coming to the Tianwu Grand Tournament!

The crowd dispersed and left one after another, and the scene finally quieted down.

"Husband's words just now were truly enlightening. I expect that after today, more and more martial artists will come to the Northern Border to join the army."

Xiao Qingxuan had thought Lin Xiao would use his Earth Immortal power to intimidate this group into leaving, but Lin Xiao's actions left her feeling deeply ashamed.

She became even more convinced that Lin Xiao was the one who should rule the world, and that giving up the imperial throne herself was the best choice.

"Yes, the soldiers of the Zhenbei Army should hear this. Husband always keeps them in his heart," Mu Wanying also said movedly.

Qin He, on the other hand, looked ashamed. "Prince, I have sinned. I shouldn't have said those things just now."

He only just realized that his attitude earlier was too arrogant and domineering, like a dog acting powerful on its master's behalf.

What was he? Just a piece of trash who couldn't survive on Blade Mountain and had managed to get some military merit by following the Prince of Zhenbei. Without Lin Xiao, he was nothing!

"You were also just doing your duty and were impatient for a moment. Just be careful next time."

Lin Xiao patted Qin He's shoulder.

Qin He was so moved his nose felt sour. He sighed, "Prince, I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, but I was thinking that when I see my father and grandfather tomorrow, I would show off properly and make all my fellow disciples envious!"

"But now I understand that what I currently possess is not worth mentioning at all!"

Lin Xiao nodded with a smile and said loudly, "You must remember, we are able to live because of those brothers who died on the battlefield. They are the true heroes!"

Qin He felt a jolt go through his whole body, and his eyes grew moist.

The women were also moved by what they heard. Looking at the man's back, their eyes were filled with enchantment.

A person's greatness does not lie in how powerful they are, but in the fact that while being incredibly powerful, they are still so humble...

Lin Xiao didn't pay them any mind; he was using his perception to probe the group of martial artists who hadn't yet walked far away...