“This suits me perfectly!”
Emperor Long rejoiced, believing that with the Zhao family’s involvement, quelling the Nine Heavens Dynasty would be no trouble.
Steward Li stood by, a smile gracing his lips. He knew the Li family patriarch had only agreed because he was coerced by the imperial family.
After leaving the palace, the Li family patriarch turned to Steward Li, “Is this truly something our Li family would do?”
“Absolutely true!”
Steward Li chuckled, “The imperial family’s intelligence network is vast; there would be no mistakes!”
The Li family patriarch clasped his fists and then departed the imperial palace. He had never doubted the imperial family’s methods. If his guess was correct, this matter was indeed deeply intertwined with the Li family.
Filled with immense anger, the Li family patriarch returned to his family and summoned numerous Li family disciples.
“Patriarch, has something major occurred?”
A clansman inquired. Ever since entering the palace, the Li family patriarch had worn such an expression, causing them to worry.
“The assassination of the驸马 was carried out by someone from the Li family!”
Old Master Li declared coldly, “Who was the mastermind behind this, confess now!”
The hall fell silent, the news unbelievable, even coming from Old Master Li’s lips.
“Do I need to repeat myself?”
Old Master Li’s face was ashen. The humiliation he suffered in the palace was unbearable.
“Grandfather, it was me!”
Li Guang stepped forward, his eyes filled with helplessness. He had never imagined the imperial family would uncover this.
“Foolish, so foolish!”
Old Master Li shook his head, “Assassinating the 驸马, do you know how grave such a crime is!”
“Among the three great families, the Li family has always been perceived as the weaker one. If we could seize this opportunity to bring down the Zhao family, we could solidify our Li family’s foundation!” Li Guang clasped his fists, “My actions were all for the survival of the Li family!”
“Now that the truth is out, do you know that our Li family faces annihilation!” The Li family patriarch’s expression was glacial.
The Li family members were shocked and even more so, fearful. If the imperial family sought retribution, they would surely be implicated, leading to endless troubles.
“One person’s actions, one person bears the consequence!”
Li Guang stated directly, “I will go and face Emperor Long now. If he spares the Li family, I will atone with my death!”
“You are worthless before the imperial court!”
The Li family patriarch waved his hand and then looked at an elder, “Summon all the Li family’s experts. I will personally lead the campaign to the border!”
The Li family members were surprised. It was likely the imperial family’s threat that compelled the patriarch to go to the border.
“If the Li family leads the army, it will surely harm the Li family’s interests!”
An elder voiced his opinion, filled with righteous indignation.
“If the Li family does not march, our dynasty may be nearing its end!”
Old Master Li’s expression was indifferent, laced with immense regret, but he was powerless.
“It’s all my fault. If I hadn’t been so headstrong, the Li family wouldn’t be in this situation!” Li Guang spoke, filled with self-recrimination.
At that moment, an alarm bell rang throughout the imperial city, and everyone looked towards the palace, unaware of what had happened.
Lu Fan and Linglong were in the imperial garden when they heard the bell and both looked towards the main hall.
“Why is that sound occurring? Has something happened?”
Lu Fan asked, sounding quite perplexed, unsure of what had transpired.
“The alarm bell rings only when there is war!” Linglong’s expression turned serious. She donned her armor and hurried towards the main hall.
Throughout the imperial city, the common people were in commotion, unaware of the cause. However, this alarm bell had not been heard for many years, and its ringing now surely signaled disaster.
On the training grounds, many ministers stood erect. Old Master Li, clad in armor, stood amongst them, exuding a powerful aura, surrounded by countless Li family experts.
“The Nine Heavens Dynasty has invaded our territory. How should you respond?”
Emperor Long sat on his throne, his icy voice echoing across the training grounds.
“War!”
“War!”
“War!”
Waves of shouts erupted, seemingly endless, carrying immense presence.
Linglong also joined the ranks, appearing valiant and extraordinary.
With surging war spirit, Emperor Long emerged from the hall and stepped onto the training grounds. He bowed to the many generals, “The White Dragon Dynasty entrusts its fate to you!”
“Your Majesty, rest assured, we will not fail in our mission!”
The generals shouted in unison, their words carrying powerful conviction.
Emperor Long was quite satisfied. He then looked at the Li family patriarch, “This time, you will personally lead the army. Ensure the safety of the Princess and the 驸马!”
“This old servant would die before allowing the 驸马 and the Princess to suffer even a single strand of harm!” The Li family patriarch quickly clasped his fists.
Lu Fan stood by, bewildered. He hadn’t agreed to go to the border, yet Emperor Long had included him.
“Don’t worry, although the Nine Heavens Dynasty has many experts, I will protect you!”
Linglong comforted him, “After all, I have extensive experience on the battlefield!”
“I think it’s better not to,”
Lu Fan shook his head, “However, I never said I was going to the border. Why is my name on the list?”
“I go to every war!”
Linglong explained, “If I go, you must go too. You are the reigning 驸马 after all!”
Lu Fan wore a bitter expression. Being a 驸马 was truly not easy; not only was he nearly assassinated, but now he had to go to the battlefield.
“What, you are unwilling?”
Linglong frowned and asked Lu Fan.
“Of course not. How could I be unwilling to campaign alongside the Princess!” Lu Fan quickly shook his head.
Shortly after, the army was ready, preparing to march to the border.
The forces mobilized were all experts. Ordinary generals could fly and traverse the earth, while the powerful among them could even destroy heaven and earth.
As time passed, figures ascended into the sky, departing the imperial city for the border battlefield.
Not only the Li family but also the Zhao and Lin families dispatched numerous experts.
If these families stood by idly during the dynasty’s time of need, how could they maintain their standing in the White Dragon Dynasty in the future.
“Sir, do we really have to go to the battlefield?”
In an inn, Lu Fan was packing his belongings. Duan Tianya asked repeatedly.
“The situation is urgent, I have no choice!”
Lu Fan gave a wry smile. He had not wanted to go, but his name had been called. If he stayed, it would surely cause trouble.
At that point, forgetting about stealing the Gathering Spirit Bottle, whether he could even enter the imperial palace would be a question.
“Princess, why hasn’t the 驸马 arrived yet? Could he have run away?”
Xiao Qing asked doubtfully, her curiosity piqued. Lu Fan had been gone for so long that she couldn’t help but suspect.
“He wouldn’t, he’s not that kind of person!”
Linglong shook her head, her gaze earnest. She seemed to understand Lu Fan quite well.
“After these few days together, the Princess seems to have gained a lot of confidence in the 驸马!” Xiao Qing smiled, a hint of teasing in her tone.
Linglong shot her a glare, “You little girl, you’re getting bolder and bolder. You even dare to mock me!”
Just as they were bantering, Lu Fan arrived, with Duan Tianya by his side.
“You’re finally here. Let’s go!” Linglong said with a light smile, “Once we reach the battlefield, everything will be according to my arrangements!”