CHAPTER 505: CHAPTER 505 : (EXTRA) THE DETHRONED CROWN PRINCE (5)

The crowd erupted in a loud cheer.

"The participants have entered the arena!" the High Priest announced. "Only the strongest one may approach the Lion Queen and beg for his favor! Herewith, the selection of the Lion King begins!"

Xie Jianshen leaned against his makeshift throne and watched the lions deliver rounds and rounds of bloody fight.

Despite his high rank, Jiang Rufeng found himself on equal footing with the other lion contenders. Here, in the arena of courtship combat, only strength and resilience dictated the victor. No deference was offered, no titles held sway, just the primal roar of competition for the fair maiden’s hand.

While all lions fought valiantly in a raw, uncoordinated display of dominance, the omega prince couldn’t tear his gaze from Jiang Rufeng.

The Shuiran Palace Master was not one who liked flashy displays. Every movement of his was calculated, a whisper-quiet predator conserving his strength.

Yet, his opponents learned a harsh lesson with every swipe. Anyone who dared to stand between him and victory felt the full brunt of his lethal efficiency.

The raw, unadulterated brutality of the fight, devoid of the usual elegance of cultivated arts, sent a primal thrill coursing through Xie Jianshen.

It was a stark contrast to the orchestrated battles he was accustomed to watching, yet it ignited a hidden fire of excitement within him.

After the initial chaos subsided, Jiang Rufeng only had one more contender to beat.

Jiang Rufeng, his maw slick with blood, met the gaze of his opponent. A silent dance began, a wary circle with both predators locked in a battle of wills.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Even Xie Jianshen, enthralled, found himself leaning closer, unable to tear his gaze from the two magnificent beasts.

The air crackled with anticipation, cold sweat prickling the skin of every spectator. The wait stretched, each heartbeat echoing in the sudden hush. Finally, the challenger, his patience exhausted, launched himself forward in a daring pounce.

The crowd held their breath as the other lion hung suspended, a monstrous claw poised over Jiang Rufeng’s form. But in a heartbeat, the tide turned. A blur of golden fur slammed into the challenger’s flank, sending him sprawling with a bone-jarring thud.

A cacophony of cheers erupted from the sides of the arena.

Chants of "Palace Master Jiang! Palace Master Jiang!" and "Xu Yangdao! Xu Yangdao!" echoed through the center of the city, each name carrying the fervent hopes of its supporters.

Xie Jianshen, unfamiliar with Xu Yangdao, felt a flicker of uncertainty when he thought about cheering for Jiang Rufeng.

Silence felt like the natural choice, yet the raw energy coursing through the crowd was beyond infectious. Hesitantly, a single cheer escaped his lips, soon followed by another. "Jiang Rufeng! Jiang Rufeng!"

After what felt like an eternity, Jiang Rufeng emerged victorious. His opponent lay on the arena floor, unconscious from the last blow he received.

"The Lion King has been chosen!" The High Priest boomed, his voice echoing through the jubilant crowd. "Let the victor pay homage to his queen!"

Amidst the roar of the crowd, a young girl, her face alight with pride, approached Jiang Rufeng.

She held aloft a tray adorned with a breathtaking bouquet of Lion’s Roar flowers, their golden petals resembling a cluster of miniature suns. In a swift, fluid motion, Jiang Rufeng snatched the bouquet in his powerful maw. With a final, impressive leap, he cleared the distance between the arena floor and the palanquin where Xie Jianshen sat.

The pair of golden eyes locked onto Xie Jianshen’s pair of obsidian eyes for a heartbeat before Jiang Rufeng pushed forward and laid the bouquet of flowers in Xie Jianshen’s lap.

Xie Jianshen took the bouquet into his hands and stared at the mighty lion before him, unsure what to do.

"Your Highness, please encourage the Lion King!" One of the two maids standing behind him whispered.

"Encourage him how?" Xie Jianshen asked.

"A single pat, a single caress, anything counts!" The other maid nodded fervently.

Xie Jianshen gingerly reached out to pat Jiang Rufeng awkwardly on the head.

The crowd exploded into a booming cheer.

"The Lion Queen has accepted the Lion King’s token of affection!"

"May the Lion King and Queen live happily ever after!"

Xie Jianshen’s lips fell open in surprise.

He didn’t just accidentally commit himself to Jiang Rufeng in an unconventional wedding ceremony, did he?

Jiang Rufeng the lion did not seem to share Xie Jianshen’s distress. Sprawled contentedly at Xie Jianshen’s s feet, the lion basked in the afterglow of victory. The rhythmic sway of the palanquin lulled him into a state of lazy satisfaction as they journeyed back to Shuiran Palace.

Xie Jianshen was allowed to keep the crown of glittering jewels as a souvenir. He was holding onto it in a daze when Jiang Rufeng re-emerged from the depths of the palace, having changed into a clean set of clothes. His face and neck were marred with bloody scratches from his recent battles.

"Did you enjoy the parade, Prince Xie?" The palace master asked with a toothy grin.

"Hmph," Xie Jianshen scoffed. "It was alright."

"I hope to see you again next year, and the years after."

"..."

Xie Jianshen pursed his lips. Why would he want to partake in that ridiculous event again?

Although, the crown and the bouquet of Lion’s Roar flowers were not shabby at all.

With Jiang Rufeng’s help, the omega prince climbed into the cloud carriage with his chaperone. The latter looked like she could use at least several days of rest after being surrounded by ruddy lions in uncharted territory.

"Prince Xie," Jiang Rufeng held onto Xie Jianshen’s hand even after he was safely tucked inside the cloud carriage. "I will be waiting for an answer to my wedding proposal."

The palace master’s touch lingered for a moment, a reverent kiss pressed against Xie Jianshen’s knuckles before he reluctantly released the omega’s hand.

Xie Jianshen remained silent. He retracted his hand and clutched it to his chest. His face was a mask of conflicting emotions, a mix of reluctant acceptance and simmering indignation.