"War!"
"War!"
"War!"
Inside Tianxian City, the soldiers, upon hearing the news, let out earth-shattering roars, as if this command was what they had most eagerly awaited.
Listening to the fervent cheers, tears welled up in the Dragon Emperor's eyes, filled with self-reproach. If only he were strong enough, would this day have come to pass?
After much deliberation, everyone dispersed, with only a small contingent remaining to guard the city. The rest retired to nearby areas for rest.
The sky was filled with countless stars, casting a soft glow over the entirety of Tianxian City.
On the city walls, Princess Linglong, facing the evening breeze, gazed up at the starry sky, her heart stirred.
Following this battle, the entire Tianxian City had been permeated with a palpable sense of killing intent. However, as the fighting ceased, this aura gradually dissipated.
"You're not resting this late; aren't you tired?"
Lu Fan appeared, his figure materializing on the city walls.
"You haven't rested either!"
Princess Linglong smiled, "However, I must thank the驸马 for this battle. If not for you, the White Dragon Dynasty would likely be in peril!"
"You're just teasing me!"
Lu Fan chuckled, "But speaking of which, I'm advocating for an offensive against the Nine Heavens Dynasty. What do you think?"
"Naturally, it's an excellent idea!"
Princess Linglong nodded, "For years, the Nine Heavens Dynasty has been casting a covetous eye upon us, treating the White Dragon Dynasty with utter disregard. Now that a prime opportunity has presented itself, how can we let it slip away so easily!"
"Precisely!"
Lu Fan agreed, "That's what I think as well. The Nine Heavens Dynasty is so arrogant. If we don't make them pay a price, other dynasties will surely believe the White Dragon Dynasty to be easily bullied. In that case, it would be extremely detrimental to the White Dragon Dynasty!"
"I understand all of this, of course!"
Princess Linglong smiled and walked closer to Lu Fan, "Therefore, no matter what decision you make, I will support you!"
Lu Fan was slightly taken aback. Princess Linglong's sudden proximity allowed him to catch a faint scent of her perfume.
"Ahem, if there's nothing else, I'll be retiring for the night!" Lu Fan coughed lightly, preparing to depart.
"Lu Fan, after this battle is concluded, let us get married!"
Princess Linglong spoke, "You are a man with whom I can entrust my life!"
Lu Fan froze, his expression shifting. In truth, his heart had already decided that once the affairs of the White Dragon Dynasty were settled, he would leave on his own.
While Princess Linglong was indeed remarkable, in Lu Fan's heart, there was only one person, and no room for anyone else.
"What is it? You are unwilling?" Princess Linglong blinked in surprise.
"Your Highness is overthinking!"
Lu Fan said with a light smile, "It's best for you to get some rest."
With that, Lu Fan turned and left, his expression becoming complicated.
On the city walls, Princess Linglong paused slightly, looking rather perplexed. She could sense that Lu Fan did not seem to have a strong interest in her.
"Princess, what's wrong?"
Xiao Qing approached, looking somewhat surprised. "We won the battle; you should be happy. Why the long face?"
"Xiao Qing, does the驸马 dislike me?"
Princess Linglong said with a touch of grievance, "Have I done something wrong that makes the驸马 act like this?"
"Your Highness, what nonsense are you speaking!"
Xiao Qing quickly replied, "How could the驸马 dislike you? So many people wish to have you! If the驸马 truly didn't care for you, then you could find someone even better!"
"No, I only want him!"
Princess Linglong began to cry. She had never felt so heartbroken. Previously, she had always been carefree, believing that Lu Fan was hers and no one could take him away. But today, she realized that things were not as she had imagined.
"Princess, don't worry. The驸马 must like you!"
Xiao Qing said repeatedly, "If not, why would the驸马 fight so hard for the White Dragon Dynasty? All of this is for the Princess!"
"Really?"
A hint of emotion flickered in her eyes, and Princess Linglong's spirits immediately lifted. She truly liked Lu Fan, and naturally, she was quite excited.
"Of course, it's true. The驸马 must be sincere towards the Princess!" Xiao Qing nodded.
Princess Linglong calmed her emotions, feeling much more cheerful after Xiao Qing's comfort.
As Lu Fan descended the city walls, he saw Liu Qianjiao approaching him, her presence exuding a certain charm.
"I was looking for you everywhere, and I didn't expect you to be here!"
"What does the Valley Master need me for?"
Lu Fan asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"You want the people of the Divine Dragon Hall to go to the Nine Heavens Dynasty?" Liu Qianjiao frowned. "He doesn't know about this matter. If he finds out, you might be in danger!"
"That old man is quite decent!"
Lu Fan shrugged, "He probably won't do anything to me!"
"You might not know, but the Nine Heavens Dynasty has deep foundations. If we truly go to deal with them, the experts of the Divine Dragon Hall might not be able to return unscathed!"
Liu Qianjiao stated plainly, "These experts are the culmination of his life's efforts!"
"Is the Valley Master heartbroken?"
Lu Fan smiled, "No wonder there are rumors of your close relationship with the Master of the Divine Dragon Hall. Seeing you today, it seems to be true!"
"Stop your banter. I'm talking about important matters!"
Liu Qianjiao said seriously, "The Nine Heavens Dynasty has profound roots. You must be fully prepared!"
"Thank you for the reminder, Valley Master!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly, "But since I have chosen to act, there is no turning back!"
Liu Qianjiao frowned. She knew Lu Fan's personality and felt a sense of helplessness. She could clearly see the current situation.
"Do you truly want many experts to accompany you to their deaths?"
"That's an inaccurate statement!"
Lu Fan shook his head, "The Nine Heavens Dynasty is already at the end of its rope. With the Divine Dragon Hall joining the White Dragon Dynasty now, it's like adding wings to a tiger. This is the best time!"
"Within the Nine Heavens Dynasty, there are many sects. If you intend to deal with them, those sects will never stand by and do nothing!"
Liu Qianjiao said directly, "At that time, even with the protection of the Divine Dragon Hall, you might not be able to escape unscathed!"
"How could I not know what the Valley Master is saying!"
Lu Fan chuckled, "But if the White Dragon Dynasty does not retaliate, where will its authority be in the future!"
Liu Qianjiao stood rooted to the spot, at a loss for words. However, she was certain that this expedition to the Nine Heavens Dynasty was a wrong choice.
"Alright, Valley Master, you don't need to say any more!"
Lu Fan waved his hand, "This battle requires the Nine Heavens Dynasty to pay a price!"
"Foolish!"
Liu Qianjiao shook her head, feeling incredibly helpless. If she weren't Lu Fan's opponent, she might have even knocked him out.
Dealing with the Nine Heavens Dynasty was not that simple, and she was very clear about this.
"If I'm not mistaken, you must have gone to see the Dragon Emperor!"
Lu Fan stated directly, "The Dragon Emperor did not approve of your suggestion, which is why you came to discuss it with me!"
"Correct!"
Liu Qianjiao nodded, "I simply don't want you all to be irredeemably doomed. If that happens, wouldn't it be tragic!"