Chapter 1 The Beginning
Jiuzhou City, located at the northernmost tip of the Heavenly Court Dynasty.
Outside the city, black mist billowed, appearing exceptionally terrifying, causing one to worry that this pervasive black mist would infiltrate the Heavenly Court Dynasty's territory.
"City Lord, what should we do?"
A guard beside him spoke, his expression grave. He could clearly feel the immense terror emanating from this black mist.
"It is likely that the Hell Dynasty will launch a full-scale assault on Jiuzhou City before long!"
City Lord Yunhai stated, "Everyone, be prepared!"
Upon hearing this, many guards felt a surge of worry, yet dared not speak further. This battle could very well be a devastating one for the Heavenly Court Dynasty.
"City Lord, the Northwest Marshal has arrived!"
A voice rang out, and Lu Fan and his entourage descended from the sky. A million-strong army arrived at Jiuzhou City, exuding an unparalleled aura.
"Your subordinate, the City Lord of Jiuzhou, pays respects to the Northwest Marshal!"
City Lord Yunhai clasped his fists, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.
Lu Fan, as the King of the Northwest, was now personally present in Jiuzhou City, a great fortune for the city.
"Jiuzhou City is a vital stronghold of the Heavenly Court. Tonight, it shall be guarded by us!"
Lu Fan declared, "Are there any movements from the Hell Dynasty!"
"Marshal, although the Hell Dynasty has gathered many experts, they have not yet launched an attack!"
City Lord Yunhai replied, "We do not know their intentions!"
"The Hell Dynasty harbors ambitious intentions and will surely lead their generals to attack the Heavenly Court's territory. You cannot afford to be complacent!"
Lu Fan spoke directly, his gaze fixed on the front, where a mass of black fog lay. What was hidden within this black fog remained unknown to all.
"Northwest King, since the Hell Dynasty is not making a move, why don't we strike first!"
Bei Mei's voice echoed, and he strode towards Lu Fan's position.
"Why are you here too!"
Lu Fan expressed slight surprise upon seeing the County Princess of Bei Mei before him, "This is the front line, not a place you should be!"
"As citizens of the Heavenly Court Dynasty, how can we not come!"
County Princess Bei Mei stated directly, "Moreover, as people of the royal city, we must naturally shoulder our responsibilities!"
Lu Fan was touched by these words. Just as County Princess Bei Mei had said, the rise and fall of a nation concerned every common man.
Under the dark and windy night, everyone waited quietly within the city.
In front, there was a vast expanse of black fog. Jiuzhou City could not dispatch troops recklessly; this was Lu Fan's order.
Lu Fan sat cross-legged, spiritual energy slowly circulating around him. He was now a peak Martial Emperor, possessing the strength to contend even with a Saint Emperor.
"Marshal, you should rest early!"
The old eunuch's voice sounded as he slowly approached. Su Dan Novel Network.
"Senior Xue Long, are you experiencing any discomfort accompanying me on this campaign?"
Lu Fan spoke softly, "I have troubled you. You should be in the imperial palace, yet you are now out on campaign!"
"It is my honor to be able to protect the Northwest King!"
Eunuch Xue Long chuckled, "I followed the late emperor and fought against the Hell Dynasty back then. The situation was far more turbulent than this!"
"I suppose I have seen my fair share of grand occasions!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly and slowly retracted his spiritual energy.
"That may be so, but your strength is not what it used to be!"
The old eunuch smiled, "Just now, your aura seemed to have reached the peak of Martial Emperor. You should be able to reach Saint Emperor before long!"
"I hope so!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly and then rose.
"To be recognized by the Heavenly Path and enter the Saint Emperor realm will surely allow you to thrive!"
The old eunuch added.
But suddenly, they distinctly sensed a wisp of energy and all moved towards the city wall.
Concurrently, on the walls of Jiuzhou City, five black energy signatures appeared, surging towards the marshal's banner with an immense aura.
"The Five Ghosts of Hell!"
Eunuch Xue Long's brow furrowed. It seemed the Hell Dynasty intended to make their move ahead of schedule.
"The Five Ghosts of Hell possess Martial Emperor level strength and have countless bloodstains on their hands!"
County Princess Bei Mei stated, "I never expected them to dare intrude into the city gate alone. Truly audacious!"
"I shall go capture them!"
The City Lord of Jiuzhou stepped forward, charging towards the Five Ghosts of Hell, exuding an aura.
This was Jiuzhou City, and they could not allow the people of the Hell Dynasty to act so brazenly, as it would be an insult to them.
"Do not underestimate them!"
Just as Lu Fan was about to speak, the City Lord of Jiuzhou had already stepped out, charging towards the Five Ghosts of Hell with killing intent.
Witnessing this scene, Lu Fan could not help but worry. He knew that the strength of the Five Ghosts of Hell was not low, and confronting them forcefully would be no good.
Boom...
A resounding explosion echoed through the sky. The City Lord of Jiuzhou was sent flying, utterly unable to resist the Five Ghosts of Hell.
"With the combined might of the Five Ghosts, even a peak Martial Emperor might not be able to subdue them!"
Eunuch Xue Long shook his head slightly, feeling a touch of helplessness at the City Lord of Jiuzhou's recklessness.
"Haha, the Heavenly Court Dynasty is nothing more than this!"
Laughter erupted. The Five Ghosts of Hell did not stop, heading directly for the marshal's banner, their greed evident.
"Not good, they are heading for the marshal's banner!"
Bei Mei's expression changed, and she could not help but worry. The marshal's banner represented the army's might. If it were seized by the Hell Dynasty, it would undoubtedly damage the morale of the generals.
The other generals also showed signs of concern, naturally not expecting the Five Ghosts of Hell to appear here and target the marshal's banner.
"Seeking death!"
Lu Fan let out a cold snort, leaping forward. In an instant, he charged towards the Five Ghosts, his eyes filled with a chilling glint.
The Five Ghosts, sensing the shift in the situation, dared not be negligent.
After seizing the marshal's banner, they intended to depart.
A cold smile played on Lu Fan's lips, "Since you have come, leaving will not be so easy!"
As the words fell, Lu Fan used his own strength to forcefully press them under his feet, experiencing no discomfort.
Within Jiuzhou City, the crowd erupted in cheers. With the marshal's banner in Lu Fan's hand, it signified that their military spirit was unbroken.
The Five Ghosts of Hell, being suppressed, had extremely grim expressions.
As the Five Ghosts of Hell, they had always held a deterrent power over the people of the Heavenly Court. However, before Lu Fan, they were utterly insignificant.
Whoosh...
But at that very moment, from the black fog outside Jiuzhou City, a black stream of gas shot out like an arrow, surging towards Lu Fan with immense power.
"Marshal, be careful!"
Everyone shouted in unison, their expressions grave. Clearly, they had not expected someone from the Hell Dynasty to attempt a sneak attack.
Lu Fan's brow furrowed, and he suddenly soared into the sky. The Five Ghosts, seeing the favorable turn of events, seized the opportunity to escape Jiuzhou City.
The City Lord of Jiuzhou was about to dispatch men in pursuit, but Lu Fan waved his hand, "Do not pursue a cornered enemy. They were after the marshal's banner, and there might be an ambush ahead!"
Everyone halted their pursuit, naturally not daring to disobey Lu Fan's words.
"Fortunately, the Marshal's strength is extraordinary, otherwise, this marshal's banner would likely have been lost!"