The assembled onlookers exchanged glances, finally lowering their weapons in resignation.
They now had no backing; to resist further would be to court their own demise.
The Nine Heavens Dynasty had exhausted its fate, leaving them with no other recourse.
Not long after, Linglong dispatched the experts of the White Dragon Dynasty to take over the Nine Heavens Dynasty.
The Divine Dragon Hall and many other sects also returned to the White Dragon Dynasty.
After settling matters in the Nine Heavens Dynasty, Linglong and Lu Fan and the others returned to the Imperial City.
The White Dragon Dynasty's territories had expanded, requiring a large number of experts for defense, and they were thus kept busy.
A month later, after the White Dragon Dynasty was on track, Princess Linglong approached Lu Fan.
"Your Highness Consort, all matters within the Dynasty have been settled, and only one task remains unfinished!"
"What task?"
Lu Fan asked with some surprise, "If I can, I will handle it for you!"
"This task, I fear, can only be accomplished by Your Highness Consort!"
Linglong smiled, "Marry me and become the new Emperor of the White Dragon Dynasty!"
The water Lu Fan had just taken in his mouth spurted out: "I think this matter might need some discussion!"
"Why discuss?"
Linglong asked earnestly, "You are my Consort, and my father has only me as a daughter. The new Emperor naturally falls to you!"
"Actually..."
Lu Fan paused, "When I arrived at the Imperial City, my intention was to steal the Spirit Gathering Bottle from the palace, not to become a Consort!"
"I know what you're saying!"
Princess Linglong shook her head, "A long time ago, Steward Li had already reminded me, but that's not important. What's important is that we've been through life and death together, and we will cherish each other in the future!"
"Then do you know for whom I stole the Spirit Gathering Bottle?"
Lu Fan asked again. At this point, it seemed he had nothing left to hide.
Princess Linglong was a good person, and Lu Fan did not wish to hurt her, so he decided to tell her everything.
"I don't need to know!"
Princess Linglong shook her head, "You are my Consort. Whatever you do, you have your own principles!"
Lu Fan stood there, somewhat at a loss, "But I am already married, and I stole the Spirit Gathering Bottle for her!"
"I don't mind!"
Princess Linglong shook her head, "Besides, it's normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines, especially someone as outstanding as you!"
Lu Fan was completely stunned and didn't know how to respond.
"We will marry in three days!"
Princess Linglong smiled, "Once you become the new Emperor, I won't say a word no matter how many women you desire!"
Lu Fan wanted to say more, but unfortunately, Princess Linglong turned and left, giving him no opportunity.
After leaving the courtyard, tears welled up in Princess Linglong's eyes. She didn't care about Lu Fan's past, but his repeated rejections naturally pained her.
"Princess, what's wrong? Did the Consort bully you?"
Xiao Qing asked, "If that's the case, I'll have someone get revenge for you!"
"Don't disturb the Consort!"
Princess Linglong shook her head, "His Highness Consort is cultivating!"
"But..."
Xiao Qing looked helpless, wanting to say something but ultimately not knowing how to.
"You brat, you're always so sentimental!"
Old Man Hong Meng teased, "How do you plan to resolve this?"
"The White Dragon Dynasty never belonged to me!"
Lu Fan said with a bitter smile, "I can't be tied down by the Dynasty!"
"So you mean you're going to abandon it?"
Old Man Hong Meng gave him a look, "Wouldn't that be too heartless!" Su Dan Novel Network
"She is very good, it's just..."
Lu Fan shook his head, "I can't betray Xiao Ke!"
"You blockhead!"
Old Man Hong Meng shook his head, "In the Spirit Realm, having multiple partners is perfectly normal. I'm sure that girl, knowing Princess Linglong's feelings for you, won't say much!"
"I know!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly, "But some things are ultimately not to be forced!"
Seeing Lu Fan's resolute attitude, Old Man Hong Meng did not say much more. Having been nourished by the Spirit Gathering Bottle, he had recovered considerably, and it was only a matter of time before his spiritual sense would greatly increase.
At that point, Old Man Hong Meng might even be able to seize a body himself, thus having a chance at rebirth.
In fact, Old Man Hong Meng could also possess Lu Fan, but he had never considered it. Perhaps this was inherent trust.
Just as Lu Fan had never considered abandoning Old Man Hong Meng.
"Now that you've achieved minor success, isn't it time to think about moving somewhere else?"
Old Man Hong Meng smiled, "Only by constantly growing stronger can you survive in the Spirit Realm!"
"Move somewhere else?"
Lu Fan asked suspiciously, "I've been in the Spirit Realm for so long, and I don't seem to understand it very well!"
"Where you are now is merely the tip of the iceberg of the Spirit Realm!"
Old Man Hong Meng chuckled lightly, "If you step out of this realm, you'll find that you are still insignificant!"
"Insignificant?"
Lu Fan was a little taken aback. While he couldn't be considered incredibly powerful, within the Dynasty, he was definitely a top-tier fighter. Hearing Old Man Hong Meng say this, Lu Fan immediately felt a hint of doubt.
"There are some things I can't say much about!"
Old Man Hong Meng chuckled, "You'll understand when the time comes!"
As night fell, Lu Fan considered for a long time before going to Linglong's residence.
"Consort, why have you come?"
Princess Linglong beamed with joy; this was the first time Lu Fan had sought her out.
"I've come to bid farewell!"
Lu Fan said calmly, "I still wish to venture out and explore!"
"So, you don't want to become the new Emperor?"
Princess Linglong smiled wryly, "After you leave, I'll be left alone to manage this vast Dynasty!"
"With Steward Li here, you will surely be safe!"
Lu Fan said earnestly, "But rest assured, when I have time in the future, I will visit you!"
Princess Linglong was filled with helplessness and finally nodded, "Then be careful in the future. No matter what you encounter, you can always return. The gates of the White Dragon Dynasty are always open for you!"
Lu Fan nodded solemnly, embracing Linglong, "Don't worry, I'm leaving now to improve my cultivation. Once my cultivation is great, I will never let the White Dragon Dynasty be bullied again!"
Princess Linglong nodded solemnly, her heart deeply touched.
After a long while, Lu Fan left the Imperial City. Princess Linglong watched Lu Fan's receding figure, her heart filled with reluctance.
In the Sword Furnace, Chen Banxian and Liu Qianjiao were admiring the moon, looking particularly sweet.
A figure cut through the sky and arrived at the Sword Furnace.
"Why are you here, kid?"
Chen Banxian gave him a look, "Don't you see we're admiring the moon? You're really spoiling the mood!"
"I've come today to thank you, old man!"
Lu Fan said, "Take this Divine Dragon Token!"
"Divine Dragon Token?"
Chen Banxian was surprised, "What do you mean by this, kid? You don't like the Divine Dragon Hall? You don't want to be the Divine Dragon Hall Master? Many people dream of this!"