As dawn broke, the Dragon Capital was teeming with experts, all poised for the counterattack against the Azure Empire. Their auras crackled with anticipation, showing no hesitation in their resolve.
In years past, the Dragon Kingdom had been weak and frequently bullied. Now, presented with an opportunity to strike back, they were determined not to let it slip away. This moment was not merely significant; it represented the future hopes of the Dragon Kingdom.
The Grand Elder, clad in battle armor, stood atop a high platform, gazing at the assembled experts with a solemn expression. "I trust you all understand the purpose of this gathering!"
"We swear to defend the Dragon Kingdom with our lives!"
The generals clasped their fists, their hearts filled with a resolve to die. Their survival in previous battles brought them no relief, only profound self-reproach. So many of their comrades had fallen in those earlier engagements. Thus, they constantly sought vengeance, and now that the opportunity had arrived, they would not falter.
"This counterattack on the Azure Empire is likely a path of certain death!" The Seventh Elder, also in armor, addressed the crowd. "If anyone harbors fear, you are free to withdraw! We will not compel you!"
"Born as people of the Dragon Kingdom, we shall die as its spirit!"
The assembled experts roared, their hearts surging with emotion. They had awaited this counterattack on the Azure Empire for far too long, their suppressed feelings now bursting forth. The elders, too, were moved by the unwavering spirit of their warriors.
"Since you are all so resolute, I shall drink first!" The Grand Elder raised his wine cup and drained it, his eyes reflecting years of hardship. This offensive against the Azure Empire would be fraught with peril, but for the safety of the Dragon Kingdom, they had to strike first.
"Reporting to the Elders, the Dragon Group has been fully assembled!" Han Bing rushed forward, also in battle attire. Now a War King, she commanded the entire Dragon Group with an air of confidence and authority within the Dragon Kingdom.
"All of our City Lords have also assembled!" The Dragon Capital City Lord bowed, followed by a host of figures. These were the lords of various cities, each radiating a powerful aura and a readiness to face death.
Observing the assembled might of the Dragon Kingdom, the Grand Elder felt a sense of satisfaction. The Dragon Kingdom had committed its full strength to this endeavor. Should they fail, utter annihilation would follow, a fact he understood all too well.
Meanwhile, in the mountain ranges not far from the Dragon Capital, the disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect stood firm, their resolve hardened by their recent experiences.
"We are about to march on the Azure Empire. Does anyone among you feel fear?" Lu Fan surveyed the disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect.
"Protecting our homeland is our duty!" a man declared. "Moreover, as disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect, we have long cast aside thoughts of life and death!"
"Give the order, Sect Master! Let us strike at the heart of the Azure Empire and show them that the Dragon Kingdom is not to be trifled with!" The disciples spoke with overwhelming fervor, their current situation leaving them with no room for hesitation.
"Set forth, to the Azure Empire!" Lu Fan's expression was impassive, yet a powerful aura emanated from him. This assault on the Azure Empire must end in victory; failure would spell the doom of the Dragon Kingdom. Lu Fan, who had proposed this offensive, would not allow such a catastrophe to befall his nation.
Before long, numerous experts emerged from within the Dragon Kingdom's borders, advancing with an unstoppable momentum, seemingly with no intention of returning. Their resolve was absolute.
Soon after, at the border of the Azure Empire, an alliance of nations had gathered. Besides the Dragon Kingdom, other countries had arrived to assist in the fight against the Azure Empire. They understood the principle of "lips and teeth" – if the Dragon Kingdom fell, the Azure Empire would undoubtedly advance on their own lands, placing them in grave peril.
Within the Azure Empire, many experts gazed towards the approaching forces with immense displeasure. They could not fathom being subjected to such a challenge. In the past, the Azure Empire had been the most formidable power, utterly unchallenged. Now, this situation was almost unbearable. The Azure Empire had always been the overlord of the nations, and any who dared to provoke them would face dire consequences.
"Grand Elder, they truly do not know their place, daring to provoke us!" The Third Elder spoke, his voice laced with anger. "Should we not teach them a lesson? I can depart with a few elders at once!"
"Do not be careless!" The Grand Elder shook his head. "Do you not recall how that young man, with his own strength, annihilated numerous experts from the Azure City Kingdom? If there are other such formidable individuals in the Dragon Kingdom, it could lead to endless turmoil."
"That young man's strength is indeed considerable, but if he dares to appear, our Sovereign will not let him off easily," the Third Elder stated coldly. The other elders nodded in agreement, their faces etched with fury. Lu Fan had previously killed elders of the Azure Empire, and many of their comrades had fallen by his hand, fueling an unquenchable hatred for him.
Shortly thereafter, at the border of the Azure Empire, the Grand Elder of the Dragon Kingdom stood tall, gazing at his counterpart from the Azure Empire with a fierce glint in his eyes.
"The Dragon Kingdom possesses considerable audacity to engage in such actions!" the Grand Elder of the Azure Empire stated coldly. "Who has given you the courage to dispatch troops and attack my Azure Empire?"
"In the previous campaigns, the Azure Empire pressed us relentlessly. Now that the Dragon Kingdom's strength has greatly increased, we demand justice!" the Grand Elder of the Dragon Kingdom retorted. "Today's battle will decide the victor. Until the Azure Empire is no more, the Dragon Kingdom will not retreat!"
"The Azure Empire will not stand, the Dragon Kingdom will not retreat!"
"The Azure Empire will not stand, the Dragon Kingdom will not retreat!"
"The Azure Empire will not stand, the Dragon Kingdom will not retreat!"
Waves of shouts echoed, carrying with them an overwhelming aura. The Dragon Kingdom's forces were like lions tasting blood, exuding an unparalleled presence. As people of the Dragon Kingdom, they would never forget the deep-seated enmity. In the past, the Azure Empire, in league with other nations, had launched a surprise attack on a Dragon Kingdom stronghold, resulting in the deaths of many of its experts. Now, with a clear debt to settle, how could they bring peace to the fallen spirits if the Azure Empire remained?
Sensing the boundless fighting spirit of the Dragon Kingdom, the Azure Empire's forces became instantly vigilant, and many began to feel a sense of unease. They knew that if a true conflict erupted, the Dragon Kingdom's warriors would fight with all their might. In contrast, the Azure Empire's morale was low, lacking a shared sense of purpose, which could spell significant trouble.
At the Grand Elder's command, numerous powerful warriors from the Dragon Kingdom surged into the Azure Empire's territory, engaging the enemy with an unyielding ferocity. With their current momentum, they were confident of a swift victory against the Azure Empire.