"Our strongholds are besieged; if we scatter our forces, it will only be counterproductive!" Lu Fan stated. "Although many Grandmasters have been deployed by Dragon Country, the three major nations have joined forces, and their Grandmasters are likely not few in number!"
"However, Desperate Ridge is likely heavily ambushed!" Long Aotian said gravely. "For Lord Lu to go alone would surely be exceptionally perilous!"
"Trust me!"
Lu Fan's expression was earnest. "I will bring the three elders back safely!"
Long Aotian wanted to say more, but ultimately didn't know how to express it. Lu Fan had already made up his mind, and further words from them would be of no use.
After Lu Fan left, Han Bing spoke, "Captain, what should we do now?"
"Reinforce the strongholds without delay!"
Long Aotian stated directly, "If the strongholds are captured, Dragon Country will be in grave peril!"
"But Lord Lu..." Han Bing was slightly worried. "After all, Desperate Ridge is where the three major nations have jointly laid an ambush!"
"Lord Lu must have some confidence in his plan!" Long Aotian said. "At Medicine King Valley, Lord Lu displayed his strength; he may not be in danger!"
Han Bing was somewhat helpless. With Long Aotian speaking this way, he naturally didn't dare to say more, but he was extremely worried about Lu Fan.
Desperate Ridge was ambushed by experts from various nations. Lu Fan going alone would surely put his life at risk.
"Beidou, lead everyone to reinforce the strongholds. There must be no mistakes!"
Long Aotian's voice was firm and powerful. This matter was not trivial; any slight misstep could lead to disaster at the strongholds.
"We will accompany you!" Gu Wen spoke out. "As people of Dragon Country, how can we cower?"
"Indeed! Let's go together!" Han Qiushui also quickly nodded.
"Your injuries are so severe, I'm afraid..." Han Bing frowned. "I should escort you back to Dragon Country first!"
"The outer battlefield is brutal; these injuries are nothing!" Gu Wen said repeatedly. "We've already bandaged our wounds; we'll be fine!"
Han Bing was moved, but he didn't intend to let them continue fighting. The ensuing battle should belong to them.
"Don't worry, Dragon Country's reinforcements will arrive quickly, and they will surely make them pay!" Beidou exclaimed. "You should go back and recuperate!"
"You may not know!" Han Qiushui frowned. "The three major nations have numerous experts. Even if all of Dragon Country's Grandmasters are deployed, they may not be able to resist the three powerful nations. If we go, at least we can help a little!"
Han Bing's expression shifted slightly. They had never been to the outer battlefield and were naturally unfamiliar with its combat.
"Even if you don't let us go, we will still go!" Gu Wen smiled. "In a war between nations, how can we flee!"
The experts present were shocked. Especially those from other sects. When Dragon Country's strongholds were invaded by foreign enemies, they not only opposed Dragon Country but almost engaged in a major confrontation. Compared to Gu Wen and the others, they were utterly ashamed.
"Let them go!"
Long Aotian spoke. "When the time comes to act, Han Bing, you are responsible for protecting them!"
"Your subordinate obeys!"
Han Bing quickly nodded. With Gu Wen and the others showing such determination, how could they refuse.
As a large force surged towards the various strongholds, Long Aotian's gaze turned towards Desperate Ridge.
Desperate Ridge was an ambush set by the three major nations. The three elders were trapped, and it was expected that Desperate Ridge was teeming with experts. Lu Fan going alone was extremely dangerous. As the captain of the Dragon Team, how could he shrink back.
Meanwhile, within Desperate Ridge, Elder Jiu and the others had ashen faces. Looking at the more than ten figures before them, blood seeped from the corners of their mouths.
"I think you should just accept your fate!"
Elder Shangguan of the Sea Kingdom sneered. "Desperate Ridge was set up for you. Today, you cannot escape even with wings!"
"Well said. With the three major nations joining forces this time, how can you survive!" an elder from the Azure Sky Kingdom sneered.
To initiate this upheaval, the Azure Sky Kingdom had prepared for several years. Now, by uniting with the other two major nations, annexing Dragon Country would be as easy as blowing away dust.
"Ganging up on fewer people, what kind of skill is that!" Elder Eight said coldly. "If it were a one-on-one fight, you might not be my match!"
"One-on-one!" the Azure Sky elder sneered. "This is not that era. As long as the three elders perish in Desperate Ridge, it is believed that Dragon Country's fortune will also be exhausted!"
"If you want our lives, you must see if you are qualified!" Elder Jiu declared. "Although you have more than ten powerful individuals, does anyone dare to step forward!"
Several figures exchanged glances, but were instantly silenced.
They were well aware of how terrifying a desperate counterattack from a War King could be; it could even take down another War King with them.
The three elders of Dragon Country had reached a point of desperation. If they were to act without restraint now, they would surely take one of them down with them.
It was not easy for them to cultivate to this stage, so why would they allow such a thing to happen.
Seeing that no one dared to act, Elder Jiu sneered. "As expected, the National Alliance is just a heap of loose sand. You all have your own ulterior motives!"
"Ridiculous! With so many War Kings here, are we afraid of you?" Elder Ouyang of the Sea Kingdom said coldly. "Elders, let us attack together and suppress and kill them. Only then will there be no room for error!"
The other elders heard this and nodded one after another, their expressions filled with coldness.
The experts of the three major nations were all present in Desperate Ridge, and Dragon Country only had a mere three War Kings. How could they be intimidated.
In an instant, more than ten figures stepped out, advancing towards Elder Jiu and the others, the very ground they trod on containing terrifying internal energy.
Within Dragon Country's headquarters, the Fourth Elder stood tall, his expression filled with worry.
"Fourth Elder, I just received news that Elder Jiu and the others are ambushed in Desperate Ridge!" the Sixth Elder approached. "We cannot wait any longer! We must rush to Desperate Ridge now!"
"Absolutely not!"
The Fourth Elder frowned. "Absolutely not!"
"Fourth Elder, are you going to watch them die?" the Sixth Elder's face was livid. "They are elders of Dragon Country, representing Dragon Country's destiny. Nothing must happen to them!"
"Lu kid is in the outer battlefield. If he hears the news, he will definitely go to reinforce them!" the Fourth Elder said seriously. "We absolutely cannot act rashly!"
"Although Lu kid's strength is not bad, how can he deal with so many experts!" the Sixth Elder said excitedly. "If Fourth Elder is afraid of death, I will go alone!"
"Insolent!"
The Fourth Elder's imposing aura pressed down on the Sixth Elder. "Great Elder has ordered that while he is in seclusion, I am in charge of Dragon Country. Do you intend to defy the elder's command?"
The Sixth Elder frowned but dared not speak. The Fourth Elder held authority. If he disobeyed, it would be considered treason against Dragon Country.
"Sixth brother, I know you are anxious, but Fourth Elder has his own plans!" the Fifth Elder spoke. "We can wait with peace of mind!"
"With so many compatriots trapped, and the elders in danger, how can I be at peace!" the Sixth Elder said with a grim expression.
"The three major nations have joined forces, and they have long been prepared!" the Fourth Elder said coldly. "On Dragon Country's border, I have sensed several powerful presences, likely coming for us!"