Chapter 54 Victory

Jack's declaration of defeat set off an uncontrollable chain reaction among the onlookers.

"I never knew His Highness was so cool!" one exclaimed in disbelief.

"He is simply unstoppable!" another cried out, his eyes wide with amazement.

"What an incredible display of skill!" a third chimed in, unable to contain his excitement.

"Jack was defeated? That too... by His Highness? This is simply unthinkable! The unbelievable has happened! All hail his Highness, the Crown Prince of Frost!" Vikhilk exclaimed in shock and joy.

Unlike most members of the Frost Clan, he had inherited his looks from his mother, who was the princess of a distant desert planet. His golden eyes and brown hair marked him as an outsider among his people, but his status as a member of the clan remained unchallenged.

He wore an assortment of gold amulets and jewelry, giving him an air of extravagance.

"His Highness won because his comprehension of the Frost of Breath technique is better than Jack's," Ylva remarked, his expression serious.

"How deep is his comprehension of the technique?" Annika asked, curious about the man who might end up as her future husband if the elder of the clan stopped interfering.

"I bet you will be surprised to know. The last move he showed can only be used by a cultivator that has mastered the third level of the Frost Breath Technique." Ylva replied.

"What? Are you saying he reached the third level at such a young age? That's unheard of! His comprehension of the Breath of Frost Technique is better than the elders of the clan!" Vikhilk exclaimed in disbelief.

"But how is it possible?" Annika wondered aloud. "It took ten years for the Patriarch to learn it, and he holds the record for the fastest person to comprehend it."

"You are overlooking one important fact," Ylva pointed out. "It can't be displayed by a cultivator below the seventh level of the Soul Manifestation Stage. His Highness is only 16 years old and still hasn't undergone awakening, yet he is already in the advanced stage of the first cultivation realm. That's the most impressive aspect about him."

Vikhilk laughed heartily. "Hahaha! His Highness had been acting like a pig all this time to eat the tiger."

"Cousin, it seems that you have found yourself a true gem," Ylva teased Annika.

Annika blushed and chuckled nervously. "I'm not so sure about that. I feel like I may be biting off more than I can chew," she replied shyly.

"Don't be nervous, my dear. A reserved beauty like you is a rare find. His Highness will surely not disagree with the marriage proposal," Ylva reassured her with a warm smile.

Vikhilk interjected, "And with a talent like his, he will undoubtedly become a powerful figure in the future. You will have a bright future together!"

Annika blushed, feeling both excited and nervous about the prospect of marrying someone as talented as the Crown Prince. Who didn't like a strong and reliable partner? And it seemed that fate was bringing her to the perfect man.

"And if His Highness declines your marriage proposal, and you find yourself without better options, you can always come to me," Vikhilk joked, winking playfully at Annika.

"I've already told you, Vikhilk, that I only see you as a brother. Love cannot bloom between us," Annika said sharply.

Meanwhile, the onlookers continued to discuss the amazing display of skill they had just witnessed. They were all in awe of the Crown Prince's mastery of the Frost of Breath technique and his incredible talent at such a young age. They knew that he would undoubtedly become a powerful figure in the future and lead their clan to greatness.

"I have been wrong about him all this time. He isn't a spoiled apple in a basket of fresh fruit. He is a remarkable young man, a dragon among men," one of the instructors said with admiration.

"Yes, he is a true genius," another added.

Meanwhile, the members of the Ice Household rushed forward to assist Jack, helping him to his feet and preparing to depart.

"Wait!" Evan called out, halting their progress.

"Why are you stopping us? What do you want?"

"You have lost the battle, and it's time to pay the price," Evan replied.

"Can't that wait until he's recovered?" one of the Ice Household members interjected.

ραпdα nᴏνa| сom "Stay out of this. I started this mess, and I'll finish it myself," Jack snapped at them.

Evan thought: Hmm? He does have some redeeming points. I guess I will be able to change his ways after beating him up a few more times.

Turning his gaze back to Evan, Jack asked, "Your Highness, what do you want me to do?"

"It's nothing too strenuous. I just want you to sincerely apologize for your words," Evan replied coolly.

Jack let out a heavy sigh and hung his head, feeling a sharp pang of regret for his earlier actions. He knew he had made a mistake, and it weighed heavily on his conscience.

"Your Highness, I am truly sorry for my insolence and disrespect. I shouldn't have insulted you or the patriarch. I deeply regret my actions. Please forgive me," Jack said, his words slow and deliberate.

Evan's expression remained stern as he listened to Jack's apology.

"I appreciate your apology, Jack, but I need you to mean it. Can you say it again, but this time with more sincerity?" Evan demanded firmly.

Jack's eyes burned with seething hatred as he stared into Evan's cold gaze. He knew that this was Evan's chance to set an example and prove his dominance and that the unlucky sacrifice he had chosen to do so was none other than himself.

Despite the bitter taste in his mouth, he knew he had no choice but to submit himself to this sacred duel of obedience.

Defeat in this duel meant yielding to the victor's demands, no matter how unpleasant they may be.

If he refused, he would face the ultimate punishment of expulsion from the Frost Clan and, with it, banishment from the Empire's Capital itself.