"If that's the case, then no wonder!"
Princess Linglong forced a smile. "The imperial family is fraught with danger. Leaving is of no use to him. I don't blame him!"
"Princess, rest assured. Even if the enemy reaches the imperial city, Xiao Qing will never abandon you!" Xiao Qing said repeatedly.
Princess Linglong smiled, but her worry persisted. Several days had passed since Emperor Long personally led the expedition, yet there was no news.
If it weren't for her duty to defend the imperial city, she would have gone long ago.
Half a month flew by. Inside the underground palace, Lu Fan's figure shot up into the sky. The spring also surged with spiritual energy, seemingly inexhaustible, converging towards Lu Fan.
After continuously absorbing the spiritual energy, Lu Fan stood steadily in the grand hall. His expression was indifferent, and the aura emanating from him was more than ten times stronger than before. From his aura alone, it was evident that Lu Fan had reached an extremely high realm.
"Venerable? Is this the kind of power it is?"
Lu Fan muttered, his eyes showing some emotion. He had now broken through to the Spiritual Venerable realm, officially entering the ranks of the powerful. Now, if he wished, he could probably slay ordinary venerables with a mere thought.
At this very moment, within Heavenly Immortal City, numerous experts had gathered. Outside the city walls, the ground was littered with corpses. The White Tiger and many generals of the Nine Heavens Dynasty had converged, reaching Heavenly Immortal City. It was likely that they would soon march directly into the imperial city.
However, Emperor Long was stationed in Heavenly Immortal City, and the two sides were in a standoff, maintaining a stalemate.
"My Lord, the three armies have now converged. This battle is likely a fight to the death," said the head of the Li family, looking towards the outside of Heavenly Immortal City with a solemn expression. Gazing at the million-strong army before him, he knew this battle was no trivial matter.
"Since it is the final decisive battle, let all the warriors eat and drink their fill tonight," Emperor Long declared. "Tomorrow's battle will decide the victor. If my White Dragon Dynasty wins, we will strike directly at the heart of the enemy and take the Nine Heavens Dynasty!"
"We obey your command, my Lord, and will fight to the death!" the head of the Li family quickly cupped his fists.
At this moment, a soldier, holding a bamboo tube, arrived at the hall. "Reporting to Your Majesty, this is a letter from the enemy. We do not know its meaning."
"Burn it!" the head of the Li family said coldly. "Do not let them disturb our minds."
"Wait!"
Emperor Long waved his hand and ordered the bamboo slip to be brought over. Inside the slip was a letter, bearing the signature of the White Tiger.
"The White Dragon Dynasty's momentum has waned. If you abdicate your throne, you can avoid disaster! And you won't have to sacrifice countless civilians!"
Reading these words, Emperor Long let out a cold laugh, showing utter disdain. He knew exactly what the White Tiger was thinking.
"My Lord, what does the letter say?" the head of the Lin family asked eagerly, looking somewhat surprised.
"It asks me to abdicate."
Emperor Long chuckled coldly. "This White Tiger is even worse than his father. Such an unfilial descendant should not be allowed to live."
"He knows not the immensity of heaven and earth. When the decisive battle comes tomorrow, I will personally take his head!"
The head of the Li family's expression was cold. He was loyal to the imperial family and was naturally displeased with these words.
As night fell, the entire Heavenly Immortal City was filled with generals drinking and feasting, enjoying themselves heartily. Tomorrow was the decisive battle, and who knew how many would survive. Therefore, all they could do now was to maintain a good mindset.
Meanwhile, within the imperial city, Princess Linglong was extremely anxious. The situation at Heavenly Immortal City was tense, and she could not leave. Naturally, she was very worried.
"Princess, news has arrived from Heavenly Immortal City that tomorrow is the decisive battle!" Xiao Qing walked over. "My Lord has instructed you to guard the imperial city well and not allow any mishaps."
"I understand!" Princess Linglong nodded slightly, but her worry intensified. She knew very well that this matter was not trivial. Any slight carelessness could lead to endless trouble.
"Strengthen the defenses. The Imperial Guards within the imperial city must be extra vigilant tonight!" Princess Linglong reminded.
On the eve of the decisive battle, the rear must not have any problems, otherwise, it would surely disrupt morale, which would be troublesome.
"Princess, rest assured, I have already made arrangements!" Xiao Qing nodded slightly. "I hope nothing happens tonight."
As they were talking, outside the imperial city, a sudden shout of killing erupted, mixed with a chaotic crowd and many black-clothed experts.
"Not good, the Nine Heavens Dynasty wants to seize the imperial city!" Princess Linglong exclaimed in alarm. "Quickly summon the Golden Armored Guard and have them protect the imperial city!"
Instantly, the entire imperial palace was filled with the Golden Armored Guard protecting Princess Linglong, remaining extremely vigilant.
"Experts from the Nine Heavens Dynasty have infiltrated the imperial city. They must be planning to seize it. Anyone who enters the city will be killed without mercy!" Princess Linglong commanded.
"Your subordinates obey the Princess's orders!" The Golden Armored Guard cupped their fists, not daring to delay in the slightest, and immediately charged towards the black-clothed figures with a resolve to die.
At the same time, more and more black-clothed figures surged within the imperial city. These black-clothed figures were extremely powerful, each capable of soaring through the air, at least at the Spiritual King realm, and some even at the Spiritual Emperor realm.
Facing so many powerful individuals, the entire imperial city was instantly thrown into turmoil. Cries of pain from the common people echoed through the streets. Many experts within the imperial city also joined the fray, fighting against these invaders.
In an instant, the imperial city descended into utter chaos. Princess Linglong, clad in armor and exuding immense power, charged towards the black-clothed figures, filled with rage. She would not tolerate anyone who dared to harm the citizens of the White Dragon Dynasty.
"If I'm not mistaken, you must be Princess Linglong!" At this moment, a figure blocked Princess Linglong's path, with a significant look.
"Who are you?" Princess Linglong frowned. "If you know what's good for you, leave, or don't blame the ruthlessness of my White Dragon Dynasty."
"I am Prince Shangguan of the Nine Heavens Dynasty." Prince Shangguan sneered. "Tonight's surprise attack on the imperial city is aimed at seizing it, preventing Emperor Long from coordinating his forces. This way, we can control everything!"
"You dream!" Princess Linglong said coldly. "With me guarding the imperial city, I will never let you succeed."
"There aren't many strong individuals left in the imperial city. I presume they are all in Heavenly Immortal City," Prince Shangguan sneered. "Heaven truly favors me. This way, we can successfully seize the imperial city, and by then, the White Dragon Dynasty will be completely annihilated."
"I will never allow such a thing to happen!" Princess Linglong's expression was cold, filled with immense anger.
"Whether you allow it or not is not for you to decide!" Prince Shangguan smiled faintly, revealing a cold glint in his eyes, and a constant surge of killing intent.