"In the nation's time of crisis, this old man only wished to die for his country!" the Ninth Elder said with a wry smile. "Alas, my fate has not yet run its course!"
"If Ninth Elder says it like that, aren't you blaming me?"
Lu Fan gave him a side-eye. "I shouldn't have intervened. Otherwise, you wouldn't resent me so much!"
"You rascal, you know that's not what I meant!" the Ninth Elder said helplessly. "But speaking of which, the combat power you displayed today far exceeds my imagination. I didn't expect there to be another War Emperor in the Dragon Country!"
"Besides me, there should be one more!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly. "However, the Third Elder is stationed at headquarters and won't be deployed easily."
"You should go rest for a bit. Perhaps at night, they will launch a surprise attack!" the Ninth Elder said seriously. "If that's the case, there will be a fierce battle tonight."
"Ninth Elder, rest assured, they wouldn't dare act like that!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly. "The Dragon Country's border is in a precarious situation. Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't attack at night. Otherwise, it would be extremely disadvantageous for them."
"I truly didn't expect you to understand strategy so well!"
The Ninth Elder nodded with satisfaction. "With time, you will surely become a great leader!"
"Ninth Elder, you flatter me!"
Lu Fan waved his hand and took out a few pills. "Take these pills; they will help your injuries. If a major battle truly breaks out, Ninth Elder, don't push yourself too hard. After all, you are the foundation of the entire Dragon Country. If even you were to fall, the Dragon Country would cease to exist!"
"The way you put it, I really dare not underestimate myself!" the Ninth Elder said with a bitter smile, taking the pills from Lu Fan.
At that moment, he was blinded by the heat of battle, and with the enemy forces so numerous, he had no choice but to act as he did, otherwise, he wouldn't have been in such danger.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, I'll be going now!"
Lu Fan said, "Remember my words, you are the foundation of the Dragon Country, and nothing must happen to you. Moreover, with support from other countries now, we are bound to win this battle!"
"Why are you being so long-winded?"
The Ninth Elder gave him a side-eye. "You weren't like this before. Is there something you're hiding from me?"
"What could I possibly be hiding?"
Lu Fan shrugged. "I'm saying all this out of good intentions. You should rest and recover. I'll be leaving now!"
After Lu Fan finished speaking, he left the tent. Looking at Lu Fan's retreating figure, the Ninth Elder felt a sense of surprise. He didn't know why, but he always felt that Lu Fan was a bit off today.
As night fell, the Dragon Country's border line was brightly lit. Many martial arts experts were stationed there, some wounded, others recuperating. They knew very well that the Azure Sky Country would not give up easily and could attack at any moment. Sudancn.com
On a mountain peak along the Dragon Country's border line, the disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect stood at attention, fully armed. Their formations were quite orderly.
Lu Fan stood at the mountaintop and looked at the Azure Cloud Sect disciples. "Our mission this time is to infiltrate Death Valley and ambush the reinforcements from the Azure Sky Country. The journey will be extremely perilous. If any of you are unwilling, I will not force you!"
"We swear to defend the Dragon Country with our lives, and we will never retreat!"
A resounding voice echoed on the mountaintop. Everyone was filled with fighting spirit. They were not only warriors but also people of the Dragon Country. With the Dragon Country's defenses precarious, they would not let the enemy set foot on their border, even at the cost of their lives.
They knew what this meant, and they knew that within the border were their families. Therefore, they advanced without hesitation, even if it meant their bones would be scattered.
Seeing everyone's passionate resolve, Lu Fan nodded solemnly and then picked up a bowl of wine. "Since everyone has made up their minds, follow me to Death King Valley to ambush the reinforcements from the Azure Sky Country!"
After speaking, Lu Fan downed the bowl of white wine and then smashed it against a rock.
The other martial arts experts followed suit, their eyes filled with determination and no hint of retreat.
Having done all this, Lu Fan and his group then left the mountaintop and headed towards Death Valley in the outer-realm battlefield. This infiltration into Death Valley would undoubtedly be extremely dangerous.
Their footsteps were light, but their hearts were filled with the resolve of death, like heroes of unparalleled might, their figures firm and never looking back.
Meanwhile, in a camp tent, the Ninth Elder was taking his medicine when the other elders arrived. "How is it? Are your injuries better?"
"The situation is tense now; you don't need to worry about me!"
The Ninth Elder said, "My old life is no longer worth much!"
"Don't say that. Today, on the battlefield, you had the most glorious achievements!"
The Seventh Elder smiled and said, "You can be called old but still vigorous!"
"That's right!" the Fourth Elder chuckled. "You were practically slaughtering everyone in sight, bringing glory to the elders of the Dragon Country!"
The Ninth Elder's face flushed slightly. He felt a bit embarrassed to be praised so highly by everyone.
"By the way, have you seen young Lu?"
The Ninth Elder asked, "He came to see me today and said some strange things, which made me feel a little worried!"
"Young Lu?"
The Fourth Elder looked slightly surprised. The other elders pondered for a moment, and a bad premonition suddenly struck them, causing them to head outside.
When they arrived at the Azure Cloud Sect's tent, they discovered that many of the Azure Cloud Sect's experts were gone, and even their beds were cold.
"What's going on? Did young Lu go to Death Valley?"
The Seventh Elder said solemnly, "If what he said is true, won't they be walking to their deaths!"
The Fourth Elder stood aside, his gaze shifting slightly. He was somewhat resistant to Lu Fan making such a decision, but this decision would indeed alleviate the pressure on the Dragon Country.
"What is going on?"
An elder from the Ju Ling Country walked over, accompanied by elders from other nations.
"Young Lu has gone to Death Valley!"
The Fourth Elder said, "If my guess is correct, they have already entered the outer-realm battlefield. It's probably impossible to bring them back!"
"Young people certainly have spirit!"
The Ju Ling elder's expression changed. Lu Fan's willingness to sacrifice his life for righteousness made them quite impressed. They were even touched by Lu Fan's actions.
At this very moment, many martial arts experts also emerged from their tents. Upon learning that the Azure Cloud Sect had gone to Death Valley to intercept reinforcements, their hearts were filled with mixed emotions.
The Azure Cloud Sect had done too much for the Dragon Country. Now, going alone, they were bound to face great peril.
The Fourth Elder looked into the distance and bowed deeply, his eyes filled with solemnity. This battle was about the life and death of the Dragon Country. The resolve of the Azure Cloud Sect disciples gave them even greater fighting spirit.
The other experts also bowed. They couldn't help but admire the actions of the Azure Cloud Sect, facing death with courage that was chilling.
Meanwhile, in the outer-realm battlefield, as the Azure Cloud Sect disciples marched, Han Qiushui rubbed her back and said, "What's going on? Do any of you feel unwell?"