Among the hundred nations, the Dragon Country stood at the forefront, not only leading them but also holding a significant historical legacy. In ancient times, only those with immense presence and influence could bear the title of Dynasty. Without such a powerful aura, the name "Dynasty" would be undeserved. Now, the Dragon Country was poised to enter this esteemed realm, on the cusp of achieving its most glorious historical achievement.
Leaving behind many seasoned experts to maintain order, the Grand Elder and Lu Fan returned to the Dragon Country. After several days of recuperation at the Dragon Country headquarters, Lu Fan made his way to the Dragon Country conference room.
Inside the conference room, many elders, their faces beaming with smiles, rose to greet Lu Fan upon his arrival. "Young Lu, now that the Dragon Country leads the hundred nations and enjoys the support of all, we plan to hold the ascension ceremony three days from now, officially renaming it the Dragon Dynasty!"
"Since the elders share this vision, let it proceed as planned!" Lu Fan replied with a smile.
"So, you agree? The establishment of the Dragon Dynasty requires a ruler. Young Lu, your contributions have been immense; without you, perhaps..." the Grand Elder chuckled lightly.
"What do you mean by that, Grand Elder?" Lu Fan frowned slightly. "You're not suggesting I become the ruler of this Dynasty, are you? If that's the case, I cannot agree!"
"This position is rightfully yours. No one else is capable of holding it! After all, your merits are the greatest, and with your strength, becoming the ruler of the Dragon Dynasty is most fitting!" the Grand Elder stated directly.
"Indeed, we elders are all in agreement!" the Third Elder chimed in. "Young Lu, you needn't worry too much. If it weren't for you, the Dragon Country would have been annihilated long ago. How could it achieve such brilliance now? I believe the Dragon Dynasty ascension ceremony in three days is entirely feasible!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly. "However, regarding the matter of me becoming the ruler of the Dragon Country, let's just forget about it!"
After saying this, Lu Fan prepared to leave, looking somewhat disheveled. He had only intended to visit the conference room but found himself cornered by the elders, leaving him feeling bewildered.
"Within the entire Dragon Country, no one else is qualified to be the Dragon Country's leader besides you!" the Grand Elder insisted. "For the sake of the Dragon Country's peace, we hope Young Lu can bear this burden. Consider it a plea from us old folks!"
The other elders also turned their gaze to Lu Fan, their expressions solemn. While they greatly desired Lu Fan to govern the Dragon Country, they understood his hesitation.
"Elders, please do not put me in a difficult position. My intentions lie elsewhere!" Lu Fan reiterated. "If the elders are insistent, then you are deliberately making things difficult for me, and how can I proceed?"
"Becoming the ruler of the Dragon Dynasty will grant you supreme authority and the blessing of national destiny, greatly enhancing your strength! With that, you will become a true powerhouse and step into higher realms!" the Grand Elder explained earnestly.
"Becoming the ruler of the Dragon Country grants the blessing of national destiny?" Lu Fan showed a flicker of interest. He urgently needed power. After all, both the Ghost Hall and the Canglong Academy had countless experts, and with his current strength, he was still insignificant before these two behemoths.
"Young Lu, how could we possibly harm you!" the Seventh Elder stated solemnly. "Your becoming the ruler of the Dragon Dynasty will surely see your strength advance further. With the blessing of national destiny, you will be better able to protect the Dragon Country!"
"But..." Lu Fan said helplessly, "I truly do not wish to become the ruler of the Dragon Country! Nor do I have the inclination to manage these affairs. The elders should know this!"
"You are the most suitable candidate!" the Grand Elder said with a serious expression. "Apart from you, I doubt anyone else possesses this qualification!"
"That's right, the Grand Elder speaks the truth!" Many elders nodded in agreement. Lu Fan was indeed the people's choice. Hearing this, Lu Fan's expression shifted slightly. He hadn't expected the elders to be so earnest and to place such high hopes on him.
"Is there no better way?" Lu Fan asked with a helpless, almost resigned look. He had many other things to attend to. He also knew that becoming the Dragon Country's ruler meant shouldering responsibilities, which was precisely why he was so resistant.
"Since Young Lu has difficulties, we will not force you!" the Grand Elder stated directly. "However, a country cannot be without a leader for a day. Previously, the Dragon Country had no ruler because there was no suitable candidate. Now, Young Lu, you have made tremendous contributions to the Dragon Country and should rightfully be its ruler. Since you are unwilling to be the official ruler, how about serving as the acting ruler?"
"Acting ruler?" Lu Fan's expression changed slightly. He wasn't sure how to respond. He knew very well that there was little difference between being the acting ruler and the official ruler, but it would place less pressure on him.
"We have already compromised. If you do not agree, we will kneel here until you do!" the Seventh Elder declared, and the other elders followed suit, their expressions earnest. He knew that without Lu Fan, the entire Dragon Country would cease to exist.
"Elders, please do not do this!" Lu Fan hurriedly knelt down as well, his face filled with alarm. These elders were all formidable figures who had fought on the frontier, having rendered outstanding service to the Dragon Country. How could Lu Fan accept their bow?
"Young Lu, if you agree, we will rise!" the Seventh Elder said. "If you refuse, we will remain kneeling."
"Young Lu, the Seventh Elder has said as much. If you still disagree, wouldn't that be going too far!" the Ninth Elder interjected. "Regardless, we are all older than you. Can you really make us kneel indefinitely? It would reflect poorly on us if word got out."
"Exactly, exactly!" the other elders nodded in unison, their gazes fixed on Lu Fan, as if their kneeling was Lu Fan's fault.
Looking at these cunning old strategists, Lu Fan couldn't help but let out a wry smile. "Since the elders are so determined, I will comply with your wishes and become the acting ruler of the Dragon Dynasty. However, I must state upfront that I will only be the acting ruler, not the true ruler!"
"Then it's a deal!" the Grand Elder nodded slightly, his face breaking into a joyous smile. He was quite satisfied with Lu Fan becoming the acting ruler. At least the position of ruler would not be vacant. More importantly, Lu Fan was undeniably the most fitting candidate.
Meanwhile, outside the Dragon Country, numerous nations had dispatched envoys, eager to attend the Dragon Dynasty's ascension ceremony. This promotion was bound to be historic. Among the hundred nations, only the Dragon Country possessed the strength to ascend to the status of a Dynasty, a height that the Cangqiong Country had always aspired to reach but ultimately failed, suffering a bitter defeat at the hands of the Dragon Country.
Within the Dragon Country, many people had hung lanterns and decorations, their faces alight with smiles.