Chapter 223: The Blocker

Rod Er's home has his wife and three children.

Two boys and a girl, very lively and active.

At first they were still wary of the arriving Yu Lin, but after a short while they were playing together.

Yu Lin, under the guise of candy, gave Rod Er a Refining Body Pill, counting as payment for his rent.

He will continue to stay at Rod Er's house for a long time, awaiting the coming war.

Today ends just like that.

In the afternoon of the next day.

"Ares, let's go."

Rod Er changed into a very proper outfit, turned his head toward Yu Lin, who was playing with his own children, and said something.

"Hmm." Yu Lin also got up and followed him out of the house.

Just as Rod Er was about to leave, he turned back and said a sentence to his wife:

"No need to cook our meals tonight; you eat by yourselves."

He has a hunch that recommending Yu Lin to the king will surely earn him an invitation to a royal banquet!

It is said that the royal banquet serves all kinds of rare and precious ingredients, even those eaten by the Gods... the taste is extraordinarily wonderful!

Thinking of that.

Rod Er couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva, especially after having tasted Yu Lin's cooking before, which deepened his appreciation of gourmet food.

He is even more looking forward to it now!

Yu Lin, however, set his gaze on the scenery on either side of the street.

He didn't see any clergy today, perhaps because of yesterday's clash; they went elsewhere, abandoning this place for now.

They marched onward.

After walking for over twenty minutes, the two finally arrived in front of the Royal Palace.

The Royal Palace towers at the highest point of the city, its roof blanketed with deep snow.

Its architecture is rugged and majestic; beneath the eaves are finely carved Northern Europe motifs, and a massive stone statue stands there.

Carrying a long spear, one‑eyed, it must be Aoding.

The palace gates are made of heavy oak, studded with rivets.

Four bear‑skin‑clad guards stand at the entrance, each wielding a long axe, eyes sharp as hawks.

Rod Er stepped forward and said respectfully:

"I am Rod Er, bringing the Divine Favored Ares to have an audience with His Majesty."

The guard captain examined Yu Lin closely before nodding:

"Enter."

He signaled a page: "Take them to the front hall."

The page bowed and obeyed, leading the two through the grand archway.

Inside, the palace is spacious and bright; exquisite tapestries hang on the walls, depicting the War of the Gods and heroic legends.

The floor is covered with a bear‑skin carpet, and torches crackle on bronze lanterns.

At this moment, Ha La Er is resting in the Qin Gong.

He leans on a lounge chair lined with snow‑bear skin, enjoying a rare moment of tranquility.

Until a page comes in to report: "My king, Rod has arrived."

Ha La Er slowly opened his eyes. He had already heard Rod Er's report this morning, and now said lightly:

"Send them to the front hall."

The page nodded and withdrew.

Ha La Er rose and carefully tidied his appearance.

He does not know whether the Divine Favored Rod mentioned is real, but as king his bearing must not be tarnished.

A moment later, Yu Lin met the legendary Blue Tooth King in the front hall.

Ha La Er is about fifty years old, tall and robust, with meticulously trimmed golden beard, the ends bound with silver rings.

He wears a silver crown, a deep‑blue beast‑skin cloak, and a long sword at his waist studded with gems.

Most striking are his sharp eyes, as if they can see into people's hearts.

Time has etched wrinkles on his face, yet they add to his majesty.

As he walks slowly, each step carries regal bearing, involuntarily inspiring awe.

"Rod Er," Ha La Er's voice is deep and powerful:

"Is this the Divine Favored you spoke of?"

His gaze falls on Yu Lin, full of scrutiny and curiosity.

When his mouth opens, his teeth are indeed blue.

Rod Er immediately replies: "Yes, he is Ares."

"He possesses countless incredible abilities!"

"He can............"

"Your words don't count," Ha La Er interrupts Rod Er, saying:

"I need to see with my own eyes."

Rod Er turns back, signaling Yu Lin to demonstrate his abilities.

Yu Lin lifts his hand and points; a distant pottery jar goes "Bang!" and explodes outright.

But the next moment, the exploded jar reverts to its original state!

Seeing this scene, Halaer's face instantly showed a smile, and he said with a laugh: 'Good, good, good!'

"Indeed, it's an ability like a Divine Miracle!"

"Then."

He stopped smiling and asked in a deep voice: 'What official position do you want?'

"Divine Favored Ares."

"I don't need an official position now." Yu Lin smiled slightly: "I want to participate in the upcoming battle; assign me the most dangerous position."

"Ideally, a group of ten where nine would die."

"Only after I achieve victory will I be qualified to ask for anything else."

Upon hearing that, Halaer smiled again, and his smile grew even wider: "No wonder you are favored by the gods."

"This courage truly impresses me!"

He certainly liked Yu Lin's words, after all, at present he hasn't yet realized, like he will later, what consequences focusing solely on martial prowess will bring.

Now that such a brave person, who will be extremely beneficial to the upcoming war, has appeared, he is naturally delighted.

"Good!" He waved his hand and promised:

"When the war ends, I promise you, you may choose any official position!"

"Of course, except for my Royal Throne."

"Would you be willing to stay tonight and have dinner with me? Coincidentally, my hunting party brought back some fresh ingredients."

He looked at Yu Lin and extended the dinner invitation.

Yu Lin thought it over, felt it wouldn't be bad to try, and nodded:

"Then thank you for the hospitality."

"No need, well, Rod Er, you can come along too." Halaer saw Rod Er's eager expression and simply, as he wished, brought him along as well.

Rod Er, upon hearing that, immediately performed a salute and said: "Thank you for your favor!"

Afterwards.

Halaer then had the attendants take the two to rest aside, while he turned and returned to the Qin Gong, ordering the attendants to prepare the banquet.

By the way, he notified the city's dignitaries and nobles to come attend.

Give Yu Lin a full sense of respect.

After the banquet ended, the time was already around nine o'clock.

Rod Er and Yu Lin walked down the street, he rubbed his round belly, yet he was saying:

"Ares, the food at this banquet isn't as good as what you cook!"

"Even what the king eats isn't as good as what I eat, hahaha!"

"When will I get to eat your cooking again?"

Yu Lin shrugged: "It depends on my mood."

"I..........."

Before he could finish speaking, a figure suddenly walked out from the alley beside the street, blocking their path.

Yu Lin raised an eyebrow at the masked person before him and asked: "Anything the matter?"

"You summoned me over, then ask if I have any business?"