"I still believe the Hell Dynasty cannot win!" Lu Fan said with a smile. "At least in my opinion, the Heavenly Dynasty will not be defeated!"
"Your 'impossible' is merely what you believe!"
Bei Cheng said coldly, "But one day you will find that this world is not as you imagine!"
"Young Master, we should leave! Otherwise, if the Heavenly Emperor discovers us, we won't be able to get away!" Hei Lian Shizhe cupped his fists, his expression grave.
Bei Cheng nodded slightly, smiled at Lu Fan, and then stepped into the air. He carried a powerful aura, making it impossible for ordinary people to pursue him.
Watching this scene, Lu Fan's eyes gradually sharpened. He hadn't expected things to turn out this way, and it had caught him off guard.
"What exactly is going on!"
Grand Tutor Wen arrived, his eyes gleaming with insight. He hadn't expected such unrest to break out within the imperial capital.
Lu Fan ignored him and headed straight for the imperial palace. The event had already occurred, and there was little he could say.
Not long after, within the imperial palace, the Heavenly Emperor stood tall, his expression far from pleasant. He had received the news that Prince Bei Cheng had defected and was a member of the Hell Dynasty. This news struck him like lightning, making it difficult to accept.
Ever since the First Prince had fallen from grace, he had placed all his hopes on Bei Cheng. But he had never imagined that his most prized son would be a person of the Hell Dynasty, his blood flowing with the blood of the Hell Dynasty.
"Northwest King, has that unfilial son left?" the Heavenly Emperor asked.
"Yes, he has fled the imperial capital and likely reached the Hell Dynasty by now!" Lu Fan cupped his fists. "Congratulations to the Heavenly Emperor, the hidden culprits have been identified, and you no longer need to worry about them!"
The Heavenly Emperor, however, shook his head. "The situation has developed beyond my control. I never imagined Bei Cheng would do such a thing!"
"What's done is done, the Heavenly Emperor need not dwell on it. The most important thing now is to face the offensive from the Hell Dynasty. This all-out attack by the Hell Dynasty will undoubtedly be a great shock to the entire Heavenly Dynasty!" Lu Fan said with a serious expression.
"While that may be true, our Heavenly Dynasty has many powerful experts, so why should we fear them!"
The Heavenly Emperor's expression was indifferent, with a hint of coldness.
Lu Fan nodded slightly after these words and said no more.
A few days later, news arrived from the borders of the Heavenly Dynasty: the army of the Hell Dynasty was approaching, their momentum majestic, seeming to intend to devour the entire Heavenly Dynasty. Even the River of Darkness had suddenly dried up, as if all of this had been premeditated.
In the imperial court, civil and military officials were trembling with worry. They understood all too well what this meant. The conflict between the two dynasties would inevitably lead to bloodshed, which would not be beneficial for them.
"With the two dynasties at war, someone must lead the army!"
The Heavenly Emperor spoke, his eyes sharp. "Who among you is willing to take command?"
At these words, everyone present fell silent. They understood what it meant to lead the army – it could mean facing fierce battles against numerous experts of the Hell Dynasty, or even facing assassination attempts by their forces. This was a high-risk profession, especially during wartime.
"What, our Heavenly Dynasty is filled with talented individuals, yet no one is willing to lead?" The Heavenly Emperor's gaze grew stern as he looked at everyone, a hint of displeasure in his eyes.
At his words, no one spoke. They all began to retreat, appearing worried that the Heavenly Emperor might select them.
"Northwest King, you are deeply favored by the Heavenly Emperor. You are likely the most suitable to lead this campaign!"
The Grand Tutor said with a faint smile, appearing to harbor ill intentions.
"If it is possible, I am naturally willing to share the Heavenly Emperor's worries!" Lu Fan cupped his fists slightly, his expression indifferent. "However, this matter of leading the army is not so simple. Is the Heavenly Emperor willing to let me lead?"
"Northwest King, if you are willing, this Emperor will be overjoyed!" the Heavenly Emperor stated directly, his expression earnest, as if all of this were insignificant in his eyes.
Faced with these words, Lu Fan cupped his fists again and said, "Since the Heavenly Emperor has spoken, I will personally lead the army to campaign against the Hell Dynasty!"
The many ministers breathed a collective sigh of relief. It was best that someone stepped forward. From then on, they would no longer fear assassination by the people of the Hell Dynasty and could remain safely in their positions.
"Northwest King, your courage is extraordinary, and your spirit is grand. You are the fortune of our Heavenly Dynasty!" the Heavenly Emperor laughed heartily. "Since that is the case, the Linglong Treasure Pagoda shall be entrusted to your care. I hope you can exterminate the forces of the Hell Dynasty on the battlefield and return victorious!"
Holding the Linglong Treasure Pagoda in his hand, Lu Fan felt a surge of emotion. He knew very well that this was an ancient divine artifact, and the Heavenly Emperor's entrustment of it to him showed his trust.
"Rest assured, Heavenly Emperor, I will not disappoint the Heavenly Dynasty!" Lu Fan cupped his fists once more, his demeanor solemn.
"The Linglong Treasure Pagoda, they've actually activated the Linglong Treasure Pagoda!"
Many people present exchanged glances. They knew very well what the Linglong Treasure Pagoda represented – it was the supreme authority.
"The Northwest King displays quite the imposing demeanor, but I hope he returns victorious this time!"
The Grand Tutor smiled, his eyes carrying a hint of indifference, as if Lu Fan's actions were akin to seeking death.
He knew very well that war between dynasties was extremely perilous for the commanding general. Without immense strength, one could easily be eliminated by the opposing experts, which would then affect the dynasty. They had never doubted this point.
However, Lu Fan did not take these concerns to heart, his expression remaining indifferent, as if all of this were insignificant in his eyes.
After a considerable time, Lu Fan returned to the Northwest King's mansion. After making preparations, he prepared to head to the borders of the Heavenly Dynasty to lead the army in a life-and-death struggle against the experts of the Hell Dynasty.
Throughout the entire Heavenly Dynasty, the people were gripped by panic and fear. They knew very well what this meant: the war between the two dynasties would cause endless turmoil, and it was they, the common people, who would inevitably suffer.
However, they were powerless to resist any of this and could only bear it in silence. As for who would emerge victorious or defeated, it remained unknown. But such a powerful confrontation in the Heavenly Realm would undoubtedly bring about endless disaster.