In the headquarters of the Celestial Kingdom, numerous elders wore icy expressions. Yan Cangtian personally led the charge, expecting to annihilate the Dragon Kingdom, but reality proved them wrong. Even Yan Cangtian perished on the extraterritorial battlefield.
The Celestial Kingdom, being the most powerful among many nations, had never suffered such humiliation, fueling their immense fury.
However, they were well aware that dealing with the Dragon Kingdom would likely require the deployment of War Emperor realm experts. War Emperors were scarce even within the Celestial Kingdom.
Under normal circumstances, they would never be dispatched rashly. But the current situation indicated that without War Emperor-level powerhouses, it would be impossible to annex the Dragon Kingdom.
Within the Sea Kingdom, Elder Wuji's face was ashen. Seated in the Elder Pavilion, he was restless. Not only had the Sea Kingdom suffered immense losses this time, but he himself had consumed Lu Fan's pill, making him beholden to Lu Fan henceforth.
This meant the Sea Kingdom could not oppose the Dragon Kingdom. Otherwise, he would be in perpetual fear, his life forfeit if Lu Fan willed it. A dignified elder of the Sea Kingdom had been reduced to such a state.
"Elder Wuji, the Sea Kingdom's experts have suffered heavy losses. The cost this time is immense. How will this matter be explained when the Great Elder and others emerge from seclusion!" an elder inquired.
Other elders nodded in agreement, looking towards Elder Wuji. They had not approved of this battle. Now that it had escalated to this point, Elder Wuji would likely have to provide an explanation.
"I am still in charge of the Sea Kingdom. It's not your place to speak out of turn!" Elder Wuji stated coldly. "It seems you are all hoping for my downfall!"
"Elder Wuji, you misunderstand!" the elders chimed in. "We are acting in the best interests of the Sea Kingdom. If Elder Wuji has misjudged, we have the right to correct it."
"Are you attempting to rebel!" Elder Wuji's face darkened.
"How could we dare!"
The elders chuckled. "It's just that Elder Wuji has consumed that person's pill and is likely being controlled. The affairs of the Sea Kingdom in the future may not be decided by Elder Wuji!"
"You wish to strip me of my command?" Elder Wuji sneered. "If this operation had succeeded, the Sea Kingdom would have seen new developments. Now that it has failed, all the blame is being placed on me. Truly kicking me when I'm down!"
"We are doing this for the sake of the Sea Kingdom!" the elders stated frankly. "We hope Elder Wuji will reconsider!"
Elder Wuji felt a sense of helplessness. Everything he had done was for the Sea Kingdom, yet in the end, he was ostracized by everyone, and now his life was in danger, which chilled him to the bone.
Upon returning to the Dragon Kingdom, the various generals went to the Dragon Capital. The Dragon Kingdom's headquarters had arranged healing zones and invited numerous renowned doctors.
These individuals had been wounded for the sake of the Dragon Kingdom, and the Dragon Kingdom was obligated to exert all its efforts.
On the broadcasts, images were continuously transmitted, showing the Dragon Kingdom's many experts fighting valiantly on the extraterritorial battlefield, igniting the passion of countless youths. However, the brutal scenes also left many with a sense of deep suppression.
Whether in the central plaza or at the hotel entrance, scenes of slaughter on the extraterritorial battlefield were being played, making everyone's blood boil.
The people had believed the Dragon Kingdom would cease to exist, but then a figure appeared, halting everything, saving the Dragon Kingdom's fate with their own flesh and blood.
This person was also hailed as the Dragon Kingdom's guardian deity. In the hearts of the Dragon Kingdom's people, that figure was the god of the Dragon Kingdom, protecting its safety.
On a certain peak in the Dragon Capital, many martial arts experts gathered. They were all undergoing treatment, and numerous citizens came to deliver supplies, their eyes filled with tears.
Through the scenes on the screens, they understood that without these martial arts experts, the Dragon Kingdom would have perished. All of this was deeply etched in their hearts.
In the Dragon Kingdom's headquarters, the Fourth Elder prepared tea and brought it to Lu Fan. Beside him were many other elders, looking at Lu Fan with great affection.
"Lu, my boy, in today's battle, you are the primary contributor!" the Fourth Elder said with a smile. "With your strength, you deserve a title within the Dragon Kingdom! Why not join the Dragon Kingdom? I'll give you my position as the Fourth Elder!"
"Elders, please don't joke!" Lu Fan replied with a smile. "I'm not interested in the position of elder. However, if other nations dare to infringe upon the Dragon Kingdom, I will never agree!"
"Why are you being so polite with me, boy!" the Fourth Elder chided. "With your merits in battle, becoming the leader of the Dragon Kingdom would hardly be an exaggeration!"
"I said long ago that I would not join the Dragon Kingdom!" Lu Fan clasped his hands. "Please, Elders, retract your offer!"
The Fourth Elder looked resigned. If Lu Fan had agreed, he would have abdicated without hesitation, allowing him to enjoy some peace. Unfortunately, Lu Fan did not seem inclined to do so.
"Fourth Elder, let's forget it!" the Seventh Elder said with a smile. "He is now the Dragon Kingdom's guardian deity, how could he possibly care about the position of elder? To be called the Dragon Kingdom's guardian deity is no ordinary feat. Even in ancient times, such a person would have been superior to us!"
"Exactly, exactly!" the Seventh Elder nodded. "If someone else were superior to us, we wouldn't be happy, but for Lu, my boy, it's a different story!"
Lu Fan felt flattered by these words. "Elders, please don't joke. It's just some baseless rumors. I am not a guardian deity. If I truly were, so many martial arts experts of the Dragon Kingdom wouldn't have sacrificed their lives in vain!"
At this point, the elders' brows furrowed. Although the Dragon Kingdom had won this battle, the losses were immense. Numerous powerful individuals had died untimely deaths, which was a major blow to the Dragon Kingdom.
"Now that the Celestial Kingdom has been wounded, they won't let the Dragon Kingdom off!" the Fourth Elder stated. "Everyone should make plans accordingly!"
"Fourth Elder, rest assured, even if we die, we will protect the Dragon Kingdom's peace!" the elders rose in unison. As elders of the Dragon Kingdom, they bore immense responsibility. If the Celestial Kingdom attacked, they would not stand idly by.
The Fourth Elder nodded slightly, still filled with concern. He knew very well that if the Celestial Kingdom truly made a move, it would cause endless turmoil, which would then be the Dragon Kingdom's disaster.
"Elders need not worry!" Lu Fan interjected. "The Celestial Kingdom has been dominant, constantly suppressing the surrounding nations. If an alliance can be formed, there may yet be a chance to fight!"
"Form an alliance?" the Fourth Elder was surprised. "The idea is good, but other nations are quite fearful of the Celestial Kingdom. Why would they easily form an alliance?"
"Elder, there's no need to worry about this. I will personally make a trip in the coming days!" Lu Fan stated solemnly. "As long as the various nations unite, dealing with the Celestial Kingdom will not be so difficult!"
"Lu, my boy, it is the fortune of our Dragon Kingdom that you have such intentions!"
The Fourth Elder nodded slightly. "However, regardless of the outcome, the Dragon Kingdom has achieved victory this time. Starting today, the Dragon Kingdom's headquarters will personally host a celebratory banquet in the Dragon Capital!"
"A celebratory banquet?"
The elders smiled faintly. "It's been a long time since we've held one. We recall them very fondly!"
The many elders burst into laughter. In their youth, they too had fought valiantly on the extraterritorial battlefield, so they were quite familiar with this celebratory banquet.