Xu Lang stood there, dumbfounded.
His mind replayed the Prince’s words earlier.
If it were his beloved companions committing crimes, would he act like Cao Zhengying, sparing them due to sentiment, choosing to prevent and conceal rather than bring them to justice?
He asked himself.
He would!
Because those innocent citizens who died have no relation to him, they’re neither family nor friends.
Whereas his beloved companions are all very important people to him.
But!
The Prince’s words: A true hero serves the nation and its people.
Since he set foot in the Martial Arts world and became famous, from a Young Hero to a Great Hero respected by all, he had grown accustomed to being addressed everywhere as Great Hero Xu.
It had long become second nature.
He had never reflected on whether he truly deserved the title of Great Hero.
Thinking about it now, he doesn’t deserve these two words.
The term Great Hero is not so superficial; it carries so much meaning...
Shen Hanshu also remained lost in thought for a long time.
Clearly, he was pondering the same issue as Xu Lang.
Do they truly deserve to be called Great Heroes?
Tianmiao remained silent, quietly eating her meal.
Just now, the Prince had already exhibited the momentum and determination of a future Emperor.
While Xu Lang and Shen Hanshu, perhaps, were experiencing their true transformation at this moment.
Transforming into legendary heroes recorded in history.
After a good while, Xu Lang and Shen Hanshu finally came to their senses, exchanging a glance, both reading each other’s thoughts in their eyes.
"It seems we’ve been shallow. Ashamed, really." Xu Lang sighed and slowly sat down.
"Ashamed to bear the title of Great Hero." Shen Hanshu sighed as well.
"It’s not too late." Tianmiao smiled, "You still have a long journey ahead, and you’ve done well before; you’ll only get better in the future."
Xu Lang and Shen Hanshu were momentarily stunned, then smiled, both standing to bow to Tianmiao: "Thank you."
Only the two of them knew what they were thankful for.
"Sit and eat. Dong Xiao will see the Prince off." Tianmiao nodded.
"Thanks, Boss Tian." Xu Lang and Shen Hanshu sat down again.
"Just now, the Prince’s aura suddenly grew so strong, it startled me." Xu Lang exclaimed as he sat down, "I always thought the Prince was just a playful child. But now I think that might be wrong."
"The balance between the Martial Arts world and the court still needs someone to maintain it. Keeping a good relationship with the Prince has no downside." Tianmiao directly reminded them.
"Indeed, the Prince has quite a good impression of us martial artists. I hope this incident doesn’t leave him with any hard feelings." Shen Hanshu said.
"Boss Tian, will you go to see the Martial Arts tournament?" Xu Lang continued eating as he asked.
"Probably should go. After all, I do enjoy the excitement." Tianmiao nodded.
"In a few days, Xiangyang City will become lively. Every Martial Arts tournament, the inns in Xiangyang City are always packed." Speaking of the tournament, Xu Lang seemed rather excited. He enjoyed the hustle and bustle too, and many of his friends from the martial world would come. Gathering friends from all over the country is his greatest joy, and he plans to drink with them till they’re thoroughly drunk.
"That means I can make a profit." Tianmiao said with a smile.
"Hm?" Xu Lang blinked.
"After all, you two are my living signboards." Tianmiao gave a mysterious smile, "This time should ensure business for thirty years."
Xu Lang: "..."
Shen Hanshu: "..."