"All generals, listen to my orders. Tonight will be a sleepless night, and there can be no mistakes."
Linglong spoke, "The main forces have all departed. If any accidents occur within Jiulong City, it will surely cause unrest."
"We swear to defend Jiulong City with our lives!"
Numerous generals responded, not daring to delay even for a moment. They had come to Jiulong City with a resolve to die, and would never let the city fall into peril.
Seeing everyone united in purpose, Linglong was deeply moved. She also gazed out beyond the city, standing on the city walls, appearing heroic and spirited.
"Tonight, we will launch surprise attacks on two cities. Jiulong City should be safe," Lu Fan said. "Why is the Princess so vigilant?"
"While that may be true, a commander must never let their guard down," Princess Linglong stated directly. "The Jiutian Dynasty is no ordinary force; we must be wary."
Lu Fan nodded slightly at her words, agreeing with her assessment. After all, they knew very well that this matter was not trivial, and Princess Linglong's vigilance was entirely justified.
"Princess, why don't you go rest? I will watch over the city walls!" Xiao Qing offered. "If anything happens, I will report it to you."
"No need!"
Princess Linglong waved her hand. Clad in armor, she exuded an air of heroism.
Xiao Qing dared not say more. These were trying times, and no mistakes could be made; he understood this clearly.
"Let me guard the city instead!" Lu Fan said with a smile. "You go rest. If enemy forces approach, I will sense them!"
Linglong still shook her head. "Patriarch Li has left Jiulong City, and I am the commander of Jiulong City. If I leave, and the enemy truly attacks, there will inevitably be great losses. Therefore, I will never leave the city walls!"
Lu Fan felt a moment of helplessness. "If that's the case, then I'll go to sleep!"
With that, Lu Fan, accompanied by Duan Tianya, descended from the city walls and headed towards their rooms. Lu Fan did not take this battle seriously. Perhaps, in Lu Fan's heart, he did not consider the Bailong Dynasty his home.
His only desire now was the Ju Ling Bottle. However, he did have some appreciation for Princess Linglong. This woman, for the sake of protecting her country, had rushed to the battlefield countless times, which was a testament to her character.
As Lu Fan departed, Xiao Qing gave an awkward smile. "Indeed, men are unreliable. Even the驸马 (Imperial Son-in-law) has this attitude."
"Although he is the驸马, he has never participated in any battles and does not understand the dangers involved," Linglong waved her hand. "Besides, it's getting late. You should go to sleep as well."
"That won't do. I must stay by the Princess's side!" Xiao Qing quickly shook his head. "If anything happens to the Princess, I cannot bear the responsibility."
Linglong gave a wry smile. "What could happen to me? You don't need to worry too much. Hurry back."
"As I said, I will not leave even half a step!" Xiao Qing reiterated. "I will not be like the驸马 and leave the Princess here alone."
Lu Fan, having left the city walls, heard these words clearly but paid them little mind. Instead, he looked at Duan Tianya. "If enemy forces truly come, protect the Princess for me!"
"My lord, isn't this your responsibility?" Duan Tianya asked awkwardly. "Besides, protecting the Princess is the驸马's duty."
"There are no experts within Jiulong City. If there is a surprise attack, it will surely be a large group of skilled individuals infiltrating," Lu Fan stated directly. "Will you be the one to deal with them then?"
Duan Tianya immediately fell silent. He lacked such ability. To this day, he was only a first-rank Venerable, while Lu Fan was already infinitely close to third-rank. Such immense power was truly extraordinary.
Upon returning to his room, Lu Fan sat cross-legged, his expression detached.
Meanwhile, on the city walls, Linglong stood tall and heroic. Against the backdrop of the night, a fighting spirit surged within her.
Between the northern and southern cities, Patriarch Li launched a full-scale assault. Countless powerful individuals joined the battle, charging directly into the city. Even with the defensive formations, they could not withstand the enemy's killing intent.
In the blink of an eye, all the soldiers on the city walls were killed. Numerous generals entered the city, secretly rejoicing. They never imagined it would be so easy to breach the city.
As more and more soldiers poured into the city, the conflict on both sides instantly escalated to a fever pitch. Patriarch Li smiled, realizing the benefits of a night raid; it allowed them to catch the enemy off guard and strike them unprepared, rendering any reaction futile.
"All generals, obey my command and follow me into the city!" Patriarch Li gave an order and led his men charging into the city.
Instantly, the sound of hooves echoed as numerous warhorses spread their wings and attacked the city. They carried with them a surging killing intent, and shouts of battle erupted within the city.
Many soldiers of the Jiutian Dynasty perished, utterly defenseless.
In the blink of an eye, the soldiers of the Bailong Dynasty occupied the city. Old Master Li beamed with joy, and a nearby general laughed, "I thought the Jiutian Dynasty was formidable, but it seems they are nothing more than this."
"Old Master, upon our return to the Imperial City, we will surely receive great rewards from the royal family!" the general laughed. "Please do not forget me then."
Patriarch Li confidently replied, "Rest assured, upon our return to the Imperial City, there will be ample rewards for all."
However, before his words had even finished, a surge of sword energy suddenly erupted throughout the entire city. This sword energy swept outwards in all directions. The soldiers present scattered to avoid it, but not a single one survived.
"Not good, it's an ambush!"
Patriarch Li was greatly alarmed. He instantly shot into the sky, his eyes burning with rage. The sword energy from just moments ago had slain numerous powerful figures of the Bailong Dynasty, a fact he could not accept.
Just as he was about to unleash his formidable techniques, a laugh echoed from the void not far away. "This city is equipped with the Mie Tian Formation. By storming in like this, aren't you walking right into a trap!"
"It's you, Grand Tutor Wen of the Jiutian Dynasty!"
Patriarch Li frowned. He had never imagined that Grand Tutor Wen would be involved this time. This was a top figure of the Jiutian Dynasty, with extraordinary cultivation, and he also understood formations. The immense power of this formation was likely also his doing. Su Dan Novel Network
"Patriarch Li, I trust you are well!" Grand Tutor Wen smiled. "It has been 30 years since we last met. I did not expect you to have aged so much. I wonder how your strength has progressed!"
"You dare to scheme and trap me!" Patriarch Li said coldly. "You deliberately allowed us to attack and enter your formation!"