"Now that the many powerful figures of the Nine Heavens Dynasty have departed, it is time for us to return to court and report!"
Li Family Head said with a smile, "This matter can finally come to a conclusion!"
"Patriarch Li will surely be highly regarded upon your return to court."
Princess Linglong smiled, "Defeating the Nine Heavens Dynasty this time makes you a great contributor to our White Dragon Dynasty!"
"You flatter me, Princess!"
The Li Family Head quickly cupped his fists, his face beaming with joy. As Princess Linglong had said, he would be greatly rewarded upon their return, and more importantly, the Li family would no longer be implicated.
Previously, to frame the Zhao family, Li Guang had sent people to intercept the驸马 (Imperial Son-in-law). The royal family was extremely displeased with this incident. Now, with the great contribution of the Li family, they could atone for their past misdeeds.
"Upon returning to the Imperial City, I hope the Princess will speak favorably of us!" the Li Family Head said, cupping his fists.
"The Li family are veterans of three dynasties; there is no need for my favor," Princess Linglong smiled. "Moreover, this matter has been resolved. Upon returning to the Imperial City, your family can await commendations."
The Li Family Head's smile instantly widened, quite pleased with this outcome. This expedition had actually strengthened the Li family considerably. At the very least, their authority in the court would be further enhanced in the future.
Upon returning to Jiulong City, everyone celebrated with wine. Jiulong City was filled with joy. With the major task accomplished, they were to return to the capital, which was what they most desired.
"Patriarch Li, I'll toast you!"
Princess Linglong cupped her fists and smiled, "Those who fight for the country deserve respect, especially a veteran of three dynasties like Patriarch Li who personally led the charge. It truly makes me feel ashamed!"
The Li Family Head chuckled awkwardly, then slowly raised his wine cup. However, he felt a bit embarrassed. He knew what Princess Linglong had implied. If he hadn't offended the royal family, the Li family would not have been so eager to dispatch troops.
"Indeed, I also deeply respect the Li family!"
Lu Fan raised his wine cup, a smile on his face. "To deal with the Nine Heavens Dynasty, many of the Li family's experts were almost put in peril, facing constant danger."
"Thank you for your praise, Princess and Imperial Son-in-law!" The Li Family Head quickly raised his wine cup and drank it all in one go, appearing somewhat emotional.
By repelling the Nine Heavens Dynasty, the Li family had made a great contribution. Upon their return to the Imperial City, their confidence would soar, even subtly surpassing the other two great families. This was a tremendous boon for the Li family.
"Imperial Son-in-law, you are the primary contributor to repelling the Nine Heavens Dynasty!"
Li Guang stood up, raising his wine cup. "I'll toast you, Brother Li!" Su Dan Novel Network
"Thank you for your praise, Brother Li!"
Lu Fan drank it down in one gulp, a smile on his face. He was unaware that Li Guang was behind the assassination attempt on him that day, otherwise, he would not have been so casual.
After everyone had toasted, they began to feast heartily. The victory over the Nine Heavens Dynasty served as a deterrent to the White Dragon Dynasty. It was likely that after this incident, the Nine Heavens Dynasty would no longer dare to act recklessly.
When the banquet concluded, Lu Fan went to the city wall and sat there, enjoying the evening breeze. He gazed into the distance under the moonlight, entering a state of serene contemplation.
"We owe a great deal to you this time. If you hadn't played such a crucial role, we would have surely ended in failure, and the entire White Dragon Dynasty would have been in turmoil!" Princess Linglong approached Lu Fan.
"Please don't say such kind words; I'm not accustomed to them," Lu Fan smiled faintly. "Besides, I am also a member of the White Dragon Dynasty. This is what I should do."
"While that may be true, I still want to thank you!" Princess Linglong spoke again, gazing at the distant moonlight. "Let's get married when we return!"
"Ah?"
Lu Fan was slightly taken aback, his face instantly flushing with embarrassment. He hadn't expected Princess Linglong to say this.
"What, you're unwilling?" Princess Linglong asked again.
"How could that be!"
Lu Fan shook his head. "I am to be the Imperial Son-in-law and marry the Princess. Isn't that as it should be?"
"That's good then." Princess Linglong smiled. "I thought you were unwilling. If that were the case, I would never force you. After all, I am Princess Linglong of the White Dragon Dynasty, and countless people wish to marry me. I don't lack you!"
"The Princess speaks wisely!" Lu Fan nodded slightly, a smile on his face.
Princess Linglong pouted. "You are about to marry me, so why are you so indifferent to me? Do you perhaps have someone else in your heart?"
"Princess Linglong, you are likely overthinking things!"
Lu Fan waved his hand. "Since I am to become the Imperial Son-in-law, how could I have someone else in my heart?"
Seeing Lu Fan's calm demeanor, Princess Linglong was even more surprised. For some reason, she felt that Lu Fan didn't care about her, which made her feel somewhat dejected.
Lu Fan left the city wall, while Princess Linglong remained in place, feeling a inexplicable melancholy.
"Princess, it's getting late. You should go back and rest!"
Xiao Qing ran over, holding a large coat.
"Xiao Qing, what do you think the Imperial Son-in-law is thinking?" Princess Linglong asked. "Does he not like me?"
"Your Highness, you were never like this before," Xiao Qing said with a smile. "The former Princess Linglong never cared whether others liked her; she only cared about whether she was willing."
"But he is the exception!" Princess Linglong shook her head, her expression becoming serious.
Xiao Qing stood by, a look of helplessness on her face. Princess Linglong's deep concern indicated she had truly fallen for Lu Fan. If this were the case, it would become Princess Linglong's weakness.
Upon returning to his room, Lu Fan tidied himself up and then sat down cross-legged. Duan Tianya walked in. "I overheard your conversation with Princess Linglong just now. If I'm not mistaken, this Princess Linglong seems to have deep feelings for you!"
"I don't want to deceive her, but to obtain the Spirit Gathering Bottle, I have no choice but to become the Imperial Son-in-law," Lu Fan said with a wry smile. "Once I get the Spirit Gathering Bottle, I will leave the royal family."
"You say it so easily, Master. I'm afraid you'll be reluctant to leave then!" Duan Tianya teased.
"Ultimately, she and I are not on the same path!" Lu Fan shook his head.
"Master, you needn't worry. In the entire Spirit Realm, it's quite normal for a man to have several wives and concubines," Duan Tianya said with a light laugh. "Moreover, Master is a peerless prodigy and will become extraordinary in the future."
"You don't need to say more!" Lu Fan waved his hand, his expression indifferent. He understood some things clearly.
Duan Tianya left helplessly, not daring to say more.
Meanwhile, on a hillside not far from Jiulong City, Bai Long stood with many attendants.
"Young Master, he has now made a great contribution. Upon returning to the Imperial City, he will surely be favored by the Dragon Emperor," Elder Tian said.