Blade Serpent couldn't contain his surprise and blurted out, "Y-you are the Seventh Prince Wang Jian!"

It was Wang Jian's first encounter with Blade Serpent, but the latter, as well as Lord Sheng, had no trouble recognizing his royal status.

After all, the portraits of the important personalities in the Everlasting Mystic Empire were well-known among the major sects and clan heads.

The appearance of all members of the Royal Family was imprinted in their memory.

"That's correct," Wang Jian responded.

Blade Serpent spoke with a sneer, "Seventh Prince, it seems that your earlier attack charred seven disciples of the Jade Serpent Sect. Do you care to explain the reason for this?"

Wang Jian appeared nonchalant as he responded, "It was a matter of justice. They were bullying a young woman. I couldn't stand idly by and watch."

Blade Serpent's frustration was evident in his voice as he asked, "Are you now choosing to side with the Jin Clan?"

Wang Jian shrugged casually, "I'm not taking any sides. I'm merely upholding justice."

Blade Serpent's anger flared at the prince's nonchalant attitude and bellowed, "I will make you pay the prince for your actions!"

Ignoring Lord Sheng, Blade Serpent charged towards Wang Jian and Chen Yiyan while radiating powerful qi.

Lord Sheng's expression was wrought with anxiety as he attempted to spring into action to protect Wang Jian. But as he activated his movement technique, his injuries from the earlier battle flared up, causing him to cough up a mouthful of blood.

His eyes filled with despair as he looked at his daughter, who was still in danger. Lord Sheng feared that Blade Serpent would succeed in killing his daughter this time!

As Lord Sheng was consumed by regret, a sudden turn of events took place that left everyone stunned.

Blade Serpent lunged towards Wang Jian, but before he could reach him, Wang Jian took a swift step forward and struck his chest with a fierce palm strike.

The impact was so forceful that it sent Blade Serpent reeling backward, engulfed in a fiery inferno.

"Waah! Giyah! Get these flames off me!"

Blade Serpent's scream echoed through the hall as the flames consumed his body at an alarming speed. He flailed about wildly, desperately trying to shake off the fiery embrace.

Despite his efforts, the flames clung to him relentlessly, and he could feel his skin blister and crack under their scorching heat.

Panic set in, and he summoned all his energy to erect a barrier of qi, shielding himself from the blaze.

But it was too late. Wang Jian had already acted.

With lightning speed, Wang Jian stepped forward and extended his index fingers towards Blade Serpent.

Suddenly, a beam of pure flame, imbued with the essence of the Laws of Flame, shot forth from Wang Jian's fingertips, piercing Blade Serpent's skull and ending his life instantly.

The beam that pierced through Blade Serpent's head was none other than the Beam of Destruction, infused with the fiery powers of the Laws of Flame.

Wang Jian's voice thundered through the air as Blade Serpent's lifeless body fell to the ground.

"Your leader is no more. If any of the Jade Serpent Sect's disciples are left, leave now or face the same fate!"

The surviving disciples of the Jade Serpent Sect were dumbstruck by Wang Jian's bold declaration, while the remaining members of the Jin Clan were reinvigorated with newfound hope.

They believed they had been saved from the jaws of death.

Numerous experts from the Jade Serpent Sect were seen retreating from the Jin Clan's territory, in the aftermath of the fierce battle that had taken place.

Meanwhile, Lord Sheng approached Wang Jian with a mix of gratitude and wariness in his expression.

Although deeply thankful for Wang Jian's timely intervention and rescue of his clan, Lord Sheng couldn't help but harbor suspicions about the seventh prince's motives.

It was common knowledge that the Jin Clan owed allegiance to the influential faction of Second Princess Wang Ying.

Given this fact, Lord Sheng couldn't help but ponder why the seventh prince would take a bold step against the infamously formidable Jade Serpent Sect to save the Jin Clan.

Lord Sheng couldn't shake off the unsettling feeling that Wang Jian's true intent behind this move was to force the Jin Clan into submission and pledge their allegiance to him.

But such a notion was beyond the realm of possibility for Lord Sheng, and he refused to entertain such a thought.

In the meantime, Chen Yiyan had already approached Jin Meixiang and asked her with a gentle smile, "Are you alright?"

As Jin Meixiang gazed at Chen Yiyan, she was surprised to see a woman with a striking presence, with long, jet-black hair cascading down her back and warm brown pupils that exuded kindness.

As she drew closer to Jin Meixiang, Chen Yiyan's refined demeanor and pure aura were evident, hinting at her status as an heir of noble lineage.

Meanwhile, Chen Yiyan's observant eyes scanned Jin Meixiang's form, taking in every curve and detail. Her mind couldn't help but compliment the woman's beautiful and poised appearance.

"…Indeed, we owe it all to you two. I'm not sure how to thank you enough for your enormous aid," Jin Meixiang responded elatedly.

She turned to Wang Jian and expressed her gratitude, "I cannot thank you enough, your highness."

Wang Jian shrugged modestly and replied, "No need to thank me. I was simply strolling around Jinhua City with Yiyan when we heard the commotion and decided to investigate it."

As Lord Sheng approached, he bowed deeply and spoke in a formal tone, "I, Jin Sheng, express my deepest gratitude for your highness's heroic actions today. The Jin Clan will forever be in your debt."

Wang Jian waved his hand dismissively, replying, "It was just a stroke of luck. The real credit goes to my companion, Chen Yiyan. Without her, I would have missed this opportunity to help."

Chen Yiyan, who had been quietly standing by, blushed at the unexpected praise. Lord Sheng turned towards her, offering his thanks with a sincere expression.

"I'm just glad we could save someone," she replied modestly.

Lord Sheng glanced at Wang Jian with a cautious expression and asked, "Your Highness, although I am extremely grateful for your assistance, I can't help but wonder why you would help us and risk offending the Jade Serpent Sect?"

Wang Jian shrugged nonchalantly and replied, "I simply wanted to build a relationship with your clan and perhaps have my second sister owe me a favor."

Lord Sheng visibly relaxed and a grateful smile spread across his face.

"I understand, Your Highness," he said, "Please come inside and let me offer you a few cups of wine to express our gratitude... cough, cough…"

Suddenly, Lord Sheng was seized by a fit of coughing and he coughed up blood, staining the ground.

"Father!" Jin Meixiang quickly rushed forward to support her father.

Observing Lord Sheng's state, Wang Jian swiftly retrieved a healing pellet from his Spatial Ring, a Profound Wound Healing Pill to be precise.

"Take this pill. It is capable of healing almost all injuries on your body, including your internal injuries," Wang Jian offered.

His statement was sincere, as he had received these pills from Xie Zhiwei before departing for the Windhaven Kingdom.

Lord Sheng was hesitant to take the pill, despite recognizing its aroma as that of the highly valued Profound Wound Healing Pill.

He was surprised that Wang Jian would offer such a rare and precious item.

As Lord Sheng was considering whether to take the pill or not, his daughter Jin Meixiang suddenly took the pill from Wang Jian's hand and placed it in her father's mouth without hesitation.

As the Profound Wound Healing Pill made its way into his stomach, Lord Sheng experienced a pleasant sensation as a soothing energy coursed through his body.

His wounds were slowly beginning to heal, and Lord Sheng couldn't contain his relief, a smile spreading across his face.

Lord Sheng couldn't help but remark, "It appears that I owe you yet another favor, Your Highness."

Wang Jian, with a slight grin, replied, "In exchange, I would like to experience the highest quality wine that your clan has to offer."

Lord Sheng responded with a confident smile, "It will undoubtedly be the most exquisite and potent wine of your life."

The group made their way into the mansion's dining hall where Lord Sheng presented Wang Jian and Chen Yiyan with the finest wine from their cellar. As they toasted a few cups, Lord Sheng's expression grew pensive.

"Your Highness, please excuse me now. I must check on the rest of our members," he said.

"Of course, don't let us keep you from your duties," Wang Jian replied with a nod.

Lord Sheng then turned to his daughter, Jin Meixiang, and said, "Keep His Highness company."

Jin Meixiang smiled and replied, "Don't worry, Father. I'll make sure His Highness feels at home."

As Lord Sheng left the dining hall, the remaining trio continued to converse. They exchanged pleasantries and introduced themselves to each other.

After a while, Wang Jian's tone became serious and he turned to Jin Meixiang, "Meixiang, can you enlighten us a bit about the Jin Clan? As per my knowledge, it should have been difficult for the Jade Serpent Clan to cause so much destruction to your clan. Why was there only one King Realm expert, your father, present to defend your clan?"