The Prince of Badong had yet to recover from his shock. He drew a deep breath, his eyes still somewhat vacant, and muttered to himself:
"Fucking hell, what an eye-opener... today, I finally learned what it means for talent to stand unrivaled..." (Talent that stood alone.)
Whatever had crossed his mind, the instant those words left his mouth, his dazed expression and lingering fear abruptly vanished! His brows shot up, and a fire seemed to flare from the depths of his pupils!
He pointed at Wang Yang, his eyes shining:
"Wang Yang, you're a fierce one! You've won me over!"
Ha Jiyang gave the prince a shallow bow:
"Fierce or not, a single word from you would still force me to take my own life. So however fierce Wang Yang may be, he cannot outmatch Your Highness. You've won me over, too."
The Prince of Badong froze for a moment, then burst into laughter that shook the hall.
"Look at you! Couldn't you tell I was joking? Just a bit of teasing! How could I really make you kill yourself? I couldn't bear to lose you!"
The Badong Tiger laughed like a smiling tiger, his face a picture of sincerity.
Wang Yang also laughed with "carefree abandon":
"I knew Your Highness couldn't bear to lose me! But while we can joke about trifles like life and death, that reward you mentioned earlier..."
The Prince of Badong immediately assumed an intensely serious expression:
"You'll have it! Of course you will! Attendants-"
Tao Rui suddenly interrupted:
"A moment, Your Highness."
The Prince of Badong frowned:
"You're not convinced?"
Unhurried, Tao Rui bowed, his voice steady:
"Young Master Wang possesses dazzling talent and magnificent vision. I would not dare deny it. But Your Highness said earlier that anyone could try to humble his