However, Ye Luo could not stop.

At this moment, despite the thousands of Imperial Guards surrounding the Demon Spirit from the Demon Clan, only one person could truly launch an attack.

If this Demon Spirit charged in any arbitrary direction and Ye Luo failed to stop it, in no time, corpses would pile like mountains, for even the Imperial Guards were powerless against it!

Thankfully, the Imperial Guards were highly efficient, and the appearance of the odd Demon Spirit in the Imperial Capital had already spread far and wide.

In fact, holographic projections were displayed in multiple locations, broadcasting the Demon Spirit’s movements live!

This was orchestrated by the Demon Clan. Their goal was undoubtedly to use the Demon Spirit to incite panic in the Great Tang Imperial Capital!

Yet unfortunately for them, events did not unfold as they had envisioned.

What the people saw instead was Ye Luo’s heroic performance.

...

"Wow, the Ninth Prince is so handsome! Risking everything to protect everyone!"

"Yes, yes! I’m in love! I’m in love! I adore the Ninth Prince!"

A group of women chatted incessantly, their eyes fixed on Ye Luo as though stars sparkled within them, their excitement evident!

"When I grow up, I want to become a warrior for the Ninth Prince. I want to protect him!"

A young boy said resolutely, his gaze firm as he continued his family’s martial arts training.

Though still in training, his determination was unwavering; Ye Luo’s actions had thoroughly captivated him, igniting in him a singular desire to serve Ye Luo!

Similar scenes were unfolding not just in the Imperial Capital, but throughout the entire Great Tang Empire.

The Demon Clan’s plan to destabilize the Great Tang Empire’s morale by unleashing chaos with the Demon Spirit had unexpectedly turned into a promotional campaign for Ye Luo!

The Demon Clan had spent a tremendous amount of resources to broadcast the Demon Spirit’s rampage across the Great Tang Empire. However, instead of showcasing the havoc, they ended up broadcasting Ye Luo’s relentless stand against the Demon Spirit!

In the Empire, a monarchy at its core, the Imperial Family represented everything to the common people. The Emperor was the ultimate existence, and the Prince, beyond question, was the dragon among men—their sole idol!

To Ye Luo, what he was doing might not seem remarkable, merely fulfilling his duty and not even doing it exceptionally well; but to the people of the Great Tang Empire, nothing could be further from the truth!

In their eyes, all they saw was Ye Luo giving his all to protect them!

Whether nobility or commoners, the people of the Great Tang Empire shared a central belief—to serve the Imperial Family and the Empire!

And now, Ye Luo had become their shared idol!

...

Ye Luo’s complexion was somewhat pale—from exhaustion!

The Demon Spirit had grown to hundreds of meters in size. Just to intercept its directional shift, Ye Luo had to sprint hundreds of meters each time.

Don’t be deceived by the seemingly trivial distance of hundreds of meters; maintaining such constant full-speed movement is something few could endure!

Moreover, the Demon Spirit’s directional changes were unpredictable, giving no prior signal to Ye Luo. He had to remain extraordinarily alert at all times!

Furthermore, Ye Luo’s Earth Fire attacks, repeatedly deployed and immensely taxing, were another drain on his stamina!

Despite his pale complexion, Ye Luo gritted his teeth and persevered, for he understood that only he could control the Demon Spirit at present.

As all of Ye Luo’s focus honed in on the Demon Spirit, he failed to notice the expressions in the surrounding Imperial Guards’ eyes—filled not only with admiration but also a blend of pity and frustration!

Even Yun Liancheng silently observed Ye Luo, his fists clenched tightly!

In their hearts, they believed their role was to protect Ye Luo, yet now it was Ye Luo defending them. This realization stirred something deep inside them!

"Your Highness, the Artifact Refiners have arrived!"

Suddenly, several figures approached from the distance as an Imperial Guard shouted recklessly, unable to restrain his voice.

By protocol, he was unqualified to convey such news directly; it should have been relayed by the Commander to Ye Luo. Yet at this moment, the Imperial Guard could no longer concern himself with such details—all he wanted was for Ye Luo to receive reinforcements and get some rest!

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Two figures soared into the air—it was two Colonels of the Imperial Guards.

With impressive speed, they instantly rushed toward the arriving Artifact Refiners.

"Hurry up! Move faster, will you!"

The Colonels shouted urgently, their emotions clearly bottled up for a long time!

These Artifact Refiners were Imperial Family elites, acting upon the Emperor’s behest. As soon as they received news, they sprang into action without delay—as loyal subjects of the Emperor.

Thus, there was no need for the Colonels to rush them; the Artifact Refiners themselves were fully focused and efficient!

Seeing the newcomers arrive, Ye Luo wasted no time with formalities and shouted, "Quick! Surround the Demon Spirit from all sides, use your Elixir Fire, and treat it like you’re refining an artifact—burn it alive with flames!"

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Immediately, the Artifact Refiners began diligently executing Ye Luo’s orders!

However, these individuals were merely Artifact Refiners—their Elixir Fire paled in comparison to Ye Luo’s Earth Fire. Despite their combined efforts, their attacks proved far less effective than Ye Luo’s alone!

Suddenly!

A slightly immature voice rang out: "Your Highness, this humble commoner offers his assistance!"

From the crowd emerged a child, no older than ten!

Indeed—a child! A mere apprentice in artifact refining!

The boy’s parents, standing in the crowd, gazed at him with eyes full of encouragement!

Originally, the boy had just been visiting his parents when he encountered the unfolding events!

Ye Luo’s unwavering efforts, his ceaselessly darting figure, had profoundly moved the hearts of the people.

After all, human hearts are not made of stone. Furthermore, Ye Luo, a prince of royal blood, had disregarded his own safety to protect ordinary folk!

This deep emotional impact had both galvanized and rendered the people speechless with awe.

This family chose to express their gratitude and admiration for Ye Luo uniquely—through action.

A child!

A boy yet to condense even a single Qi Cyclone, who had merely learned artifact refining for a few days, capable of producing only a faint spark of flame—nonetheless, he stepped forward fearlessly toward Ye Luo!

"Your Highness, we are here to assist you!"

Suddenly, more figures emerged from the crowd.

Many were at merely the first or second stages of the Qi Cyclone Realm, and some hadn’t even condensed their Qi Cyclones yet. Judging by their attire, they came from all walks of life—academy students, tavern workers, small merchants!

Yet they shared one common trait—the ability to generate flame power!

"Your Highness..."

"Your Highness..."

"Prince Your Highness..."

One after another, calls echoed out as individuals stepped forward—men and women, old and young alike!