"If that's the case, then I can't blame him!"
Princess Linglong forced a bitter smile. "The imperial family is fraught with danger. My leaving is of no use anyway. I don't blame him!"
"Princess, rest assured. Even if the enemy reaches the imperial city, Xiao Qing will never abandon you!" Xiao Qing said repeatedly.
Princess Linglong smiled, but her worry remained. Several days had passed since the Dragon Emperor personally led the expedition, yet no news had arrived.
If not for her duty to defend the imperial city, she would have gone herself long ago.
Half a month flew by. In the underground palace, Lu Fan's figure shot upwards. The spring also gushed with spiritual energy, appearing continuous and converging towards Lu Fan.
After continuously absorbing the spiritual energy, Lu Fan stood firmly in the great hall, his expression indifferent. The aura emanating from him was more than ten times stronger than before. From his aura, it was evident that Lu Fan had reached an extremely high realm.
"Venerable? Is this the strength?"
Lu Fan muttered, his eyes showing some emotion. He had now broken through to the Spirit Venerable realm, officially entering the ranks of the strong. Now, as long as he wished, he could probably kill ordinary venerables with a mere thought.
At this very moment, within Tianxian City, numerous experts had gathered. Outside the city walls, the ground was littered with corpses. The White Tiger had rendezvoused with many generals of the Nine Heavens Dynasty, and they had reached Tianxian City. It was likely that they would be able to march directly into the imperial city before long.
However, within Tianxian City, the Dragon Emperor was stationed. Under the stalemate between the two sides, the situation was at a standstill.
"My lord, the three armies have now converged. This battle is likely a battle to the death."
The Li family head spoke, looking towards the outside of Tianxian City with a grave expression. Gazing at the million-strong army ahead, he knew that this battle was no small matter.
"Since it is the final decisive battle, tonight let the warriors eat and drink their fill," the Dragon Emperor said. "Tomorrow's battle will decide victory or defeat. If my White Dragon Dynasty wins, we will strike directly at the heart of the enemy and take the Nine Heavens Dynasty!"
"We obey your command, my lord, and will fight to the death!" The Li family head quickly cupped his fists.
At this moment, a soldier holding a bamboo tube arrived at the hall. "Reporting to Your Majesty, this is a letter from the enemy. We do not know its meaning."
"Burn it!" The Li family head said coldly. "Do not let them disturb your state of mind."
"Wait!"
The Dragon Emperor waved his hand and ordered the bamboo slip to be brought over. Inside the bamboo slip was a letter, penned by the White Tiger himself.
"The White Dragon Dynasty's power is waning. As long as you abdicate the throne, you can avoid disaster! And you will not have to sacrifice numerous civilians!"
Reading these words, the Dragon Emperor let out a cold laugh, utterly dismissive. How could he not see through the White Tiger's intentions?
"My lord, what did the letter say?"
The Lin family head quickly asked, looking rather surprised.
"It asks me to abdicate the throne."
The Dragon Emperor laughed coldly. "This White Tiger is even worse than his father. Such an unfilial descendant cannot be allowed to remain in this world."
"He doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth! When the decisive battle comes tomorrow, I will personally take his head!"
The Li family head's expression was cold. He was loyal to the imperial family and naturally felt quite displeased by these words.
As the night grew dark and the wind howled, in Tianxian City, many generals were drinking and feasting, reveling in old friendships. Tomorrow was the decisive battle. Who knew how many would survive, but it was impossible for anyone to guarantee. Therefore, all they could do now was maintain a good mindset.
At the same time, within the imperial city, Princess Linglong was extremely anxious. The situation at Tianxian City was tense, and she could not leave the imperial city. Naturally, she was very worried.
"Princess, news has arrived from Tianxian City. Tomorrow is the decisive battle!"
Xiao Qing walked over. "My lord has instructed you to guard the imperial city well and ensure no mistakes are made."
"I understand!"
Princess Linglong nodded slightly, but her worry deepened. She knew very well that this matter was not trivial. A single mistake could lead to endless trouble.
"Strengthen the defenses. The Imperial Guards within the imperial city must be even more vigilant tonight!" Princess Linglong reminded.
On the eve of the decisive battle, the rear could not afford any incidents, otherwise, it would surely disrupt the morale of the army, and that would be troublesome.
"Princess, rest assured, I have already made the arrangements!" Xiao Qing nodded slightly. "I hope nothing happens tonight."
Just as they were conversing, outside the imperial city, there was suddenly a clamor of shouts. Among them were a mix of people, including many black-clad experts.
"This is bad, the Nine Heavens Dynasty wants to seize the imperial city!"
Princess Linglong exclaimed in alarm. "Quickly summon the Golden Armored Guard and have them protect the imperial city!"
In an instant, throughout the imperial palace, the Golden Armored Guard surrounded Princess Linglong, becoming extremely vigilant.
"Experts from the Nine Heavens Dynasty have infiltrated the imperial city. They must be intending to seize the imperial city. Anyone who enters will be killed without mercy!" Princess Linglong commanded.
"Your subordinate obeys the Princess's orders!"
The Golden Armored Guard cupped their fists, not daring to delay in the slightest, and instantly charged towards the black-clothed figures, carrying a resolve to die.
At the same time, throughout the imperial city, more and more black-clothed figures were moving. These black-clothed figures were extremely powerful, each capable of traversing the air, at least being at the Spirit King realm, and some were even at the Spirit Emperor realm.
Facing so many experts, the entire imperial city was instantly thrown into turmoil. Cries of agony from the common people echoed in the streets. Many experts within the imperial city also joined the fray, fighting against these invaders.
In an instant, the imperial city descended into utter chaos. Princess Linglong, clad in armor, exuded an overwhelming aura as she charged towards the black-clothed figures, filled with anger. She would never tolerate those who dared to harm the citizens of the White Dragon Dynasty.
"If I'm not mistaken, you must be Princess Linglong!"
Just then, a figure blocked Princess Linglong's path, his expression full of meaning.
"Who are you?" Princess Linglong frowned. "If you know what's good for you, leave. Otherwise, do not blame the White Dragon Dynasty for its ruthlessness."
"I am Prince Shangguan of the Nine Heavens Dynasty."
Prince Shangguan sneered. "Tonight's night raid on the imperial city is aimed at seizing it, thereby preventing the Dragon Emperor from coordinating his forces. This way, we will be able to control everything!"
"You dare not!"
Princess Linglong said coldly. "With me guarding the imperial city, I will never let you succeed."
"There are not many strong individuals left in the entire imperial city. It is likely they are all in Tianxian City," Prince Shangguan sneered. "Heaven indeed helps me. This way, we will be able to successfully seize the imperial city, and at that time, the White Dragon Dynasty will be completely annihilated."
"I will never allow such a thing to happen!" Princess Linglong's expression was cold, filled with immense fury.
"Whether you allow it or not is not for you to decide!" Prince Shangguan smiled faintly, a cold glint appearing in his eyes, a killing intent constantly surging.