"All generals, heed my command. Tonight will be sleepless, and there can be no mistakes."
Linglong spoke, "The main forces have all departed. If any accident occurs within Nine Dragon City, it will surely cause unrest."
"We swear to defend Nine Dragon City with our lives!"
Numerous generals responded, not daring to delay even for a moment. They had come to Nine Dragon City with the resolve to die, and how could they let the city suffer.
Seeing everyone united, Linglong was quite moved. She also looked out beyond the city, standing on the city walls, appearing valiant and heroic.
"With the surprise attack on the two cities tonight, Nine Dragon City should be fine," Lu Fan said. "Why is the Princess so vigilant?"
"While that may be so, a commander must never let their guard down," Princess Linglong stated directly. "The Nine Heavens Dynasty is no ordinary power; we must be cautious."
Lu Fan nodded slightly at her words, finding them quite agreeable. After all, they knew very well that this matter was no small undertaking, and Princess Linglong's vigilance was entirely understandable.
"Princess, why don't you go rest? I'll watch here on the city wall!" Xiao Qing offered. "If anything happens, I will report it to you."
"There's no need!"
Princess Linglong waved her hand. Clad in armor, she exuded a certain heroic aura.
Xiao Qing dared not say more. These were special times, and no mistakes could be made; he understood this clearly.
"Let me stand guard instead!" Lu Fan said with a smile. "You go rest. If enemy forces arrive, I will naturally sense it!"
Linglong still shook her head. "Patriarch Li has left Nine Dragon City. I am the commander of Nine Dragon City. If I leave, and the enemy truly attacks, there will surely be great losses. Therefore, I will never leave the city wall!"
Lu Fan felt a moment of helplessness. "Since that's the case, I'll go to sleep then!"
With that, Lu Fan, along with Duan Tianya, descended the city wall and headed towards their rooms. Lu Fan did not take this war seriously. Perhaps, in Lu Fan's heart, he did not consider the White Dragon Dynasty his home.
All he wanted now was the Spirit Gathering Bottle. However, he did have some affection for Princess Linglong. This woman, in her efforts to protect her country, had rushed to the battlefield many times, which was a testament to her character.
As Lu Fan departed, Xiao Qing gave an awkward smile. "Indeed, men cannot be relied upon, even the驸马 (imperial son-in-law) has this attitude."
"Although he is the驸马, he has never participated in any battles and does not know the dangers involved," Linglong waved her hand. "Besides, it's getting late. You should go to sleep early too."
"That won't do. I must stay by the Princess's side!" Xiao Qing quickly shook his head. "If anything happens to the Princess, I cannot bear the responsibility."
Linglong offered a wry smile. "What could happen to me? You don't need to worry so much. Hurry back."
"As I said, I will not leave even half a step!" Xiao Qing spoke again. "I won't be like the驸马 and abandon the Princess here."
Lu Fan, having left the city wall, heard these words clearly but did not pay them much mind. Instead, he looked at Duan Tianya. "If enemy forces do arrive, protect the Princess for me!"
"My lord, isn't this something you should be doing?" Duan Tianya asked awkwardly. "Besides, protecting the Princess is the驸马's duty."
"There are no masters in Nine Dragon City. If there is a surprise attack, it must be a large group of experts infiltrating," Lu Fan stated directly. "Will you be the one to deal with them then?"
Duan Tianya immediately fell silent. He did not possess such ability. Up to this point, he was merely a first-rank venerable, while Lu Fan was already infinitely close to third-rank. Such powerful strength was extraordinary.
Upon returning to his room, Lu Fan sat cross-legged, his expression appearing indifferent.
On the city wall, Linglong stood tall, appearing valiant and heroic. Against the backdrop of the night, her battle spirit seemed to surge.
Between the north and south cities, Patriarch Li launched a full-scale assault. Countless experts joined the battle, charging directly into the city. Even with the protection of formations, they could not withstand their killing intent.
In the blink of an eye, the soldiers on the city wall were all killed. Many generals entered the city, feeling a sense of secret joy. They never imagined that entering the city would be so easy.
As more and more soldiers poured into the city, the conflict between the two sides instantly reached its peak. Patriarch Li even smiled. The surprise attack tonight had its advantages, allowing them to catch the enemy off guard. Even if the enemy reacted, it would be futile.
"All generals, obey my orders! Follow me into the city!" Patriarch Li commanded, leading his men towards the city.
Instantly, the sound of hooves echoed. Numerous warhorses unfurled their wings and charged into the city, carrying with them a surging killing intent. Shouts of battle erupted within the city.
Many soldiers of the Nine Heavens Dynasty fell victim, with no power to resist.
In the blink of an eye, the soldiers of the White Dragon Dynasty occupied the city. Old Master Li showed his delight, and the generals beside him laughed heartily. "I thought the Nine Heavens Dynasty was very powerful, but now it seems they are nothing more than this."
"Old Master, upon returning to the Imperial City, we will surely receive great rewards from the royal family!" a general exclaimed with a laugh. "When that time comes, Old Master, please don't forget me."
Old Master Li said confidently, "Don't worry, once we return to the Imperial City, there will be rewards for everyone."
Unfortunately, before his words had even fallen, a surge of sword energy erupted throughout the entire city. This powerful sword energy swept outwards in all directions. Numerous soldiers present tried to evade, but not a single one survived.
"Not good, there's an ambush!" Old Master Li exclaimed in shock. He instantly soared into the sky, his eyes filled with rage. The sword energy from just now had slain many experts of the White Dragon Dynasty, something he could not accept.
Just as he was about to unleash his powerful techniques, a voice echoed from the void not far away. "This city has set up the Heaven Annihilation Formation. By barging in like this, aren't you walking right into a trap!"
"It's you, Grand Tutor Wen of the Nine Heavens Dynasty!" Old Master Li frowned. He never expected that the one mobilized this time would be Grand Tutor Wen, a top figure of the Nine Heavens Dynasty. His cultivation was extraordinary, and he also understood formations. This powerful formation force was likely condensed by him.
"Patriarch Li, it has been 30 years since we last met! I didn't expect you to have aged so much. I wonder how much your strength has progressed!" Grand Tutor Wen said with a smile.
"You dare to set a trap for me!" Old Master Li stated coldly. "You deliberately let us attack and enter your formation!"