Chapter 392: All Talk No Action

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The Londom Duchy lies along the border adjacent to both the Ice Spirit Duchy and the Dragon Moon Duchy. From Mount Fire God, it was yet another long journey that required more than ten days on the Magic Rail Train.

Ah Xi had a two-day hangover, while Kela and Wu Di trained relentlessly day and night as usual. After several matches, these two had become increasingly adept and confident in combat, making their training twice as effective. Many things they couldn’t grasp before now seemed to click, leading to rapid progress.

Winnie recently became obsessed with fruit, especially papayas, stuffing one piece after another into her mouth. Through discreet observation, she noticed that Mapeier seemed particularly fond of papayas!

Mapeier, as usual, was busy with her nanny duties. Old Wang enjoyed being pampered by Mapeier, but finally got around to doing some actual work. Surprisingly, he carefully reviewed information about Londom. Compared to his previous indifference toward opponents, Kela sensed slight tension in the air. But after reading, Old Wang tossed it aside without further discussion or any intention to talk about it with the team.

Since the captain didn't take it seriously, the next match should be easy, right?

With that thought, Kela couldn’t help but laugh, her mood relaxing. At some point, the captain’s attitude had become the benchmark for stabilizing the team’s morale.

Recently, the League of Blades hadn’t encountered any major incidents. The Holy Sanctuary's Light continued to revolve around Rose’s eight consecutive battles, with three straight 3-0 victories… Frankly, such results felt almost unreal. Many openly questioned their authenticity—after all, Valaroca was already a renowned top-tier expert in the entire alliance. How could he surrender to Wang Feng? Who would believe there wasn’t something fishy going on?

Of course, some Rose supporters pointed out Wang Feng’s arsenal of seventeen Skyburst Bombs that day, arguing that Valaroca truly had no other choice but to concede. Yet, as soon as this argument surfaced, opponents seized it as an even bigger point of attack.

Shameless! Rose Holy Sanctuary has absolutely no shame!

Is this a martial challenge or a display of wealth? Why not just bring a few rune cannons onto the field? That’d make winning even easier!

Besides, Wang Feng is merely a Holy Sanctuary disciple with no major family backing—how could he possibly afford so many Skyburst Bombs? Clearly, Thunder Dragon of Rose is pulling strings behind the scenes! And those ice bee armors? Probably required pooling the entire resources of Rose to produce!

In the end, none of this could have been Wang Feng’s own doing. So, is it really Wang Feng challenging other Holy Sanctuaries, or is it Thunder Dragon and others bullying the weak? This is outright cheating!

If this is how things are done, why not just compare wealth directly? Top-tier soul artifacts, Invincible Golden Armor—use everything available, with the whole alliance backing you up. As if anyone’s short on money!

Mockery and opposition poured in from all sides. Of course, no one actually stepped forward to support the next Holy Sanctuary with Invincible Golden Armors or top-tier soul artifacts—it was all talk. Words cost nothing, but who would lend their family or faction’s treasured artifacts to others? What if they got damaged or lost? Who’d compensate?

However, many held high expectations for the next match against Londom.

After all, Londom’s strength has always been at quasi-Top-Ten level, far surpassing Fire God, which hovered around the 30s. In fact, during last year’s Hero Tournament, it was Londom Holy Sanctuary that knocked Fire Holy Sanctuary out before the top 16—with a decisive 3-1 victory. The single loss was merely a tactical surrender against Valaroca to conserve strength for the quarterfinals.

In other words, Rose’s three 3-0 victories? Londom could’ve achieved the same!

Thus, their true strength speaks for itself. Moreover, with Rose’s previous matches as reference, Londom would have a deeper understanding of Rose’s capabilities and would undoubtedly devise highly targeted strategies. Add to that the historical enmity between Londom and Ice Spirit, and they would undoubtedly treat Rose—now aligned with Ice Spirit—as a mortal enemy, giving it their absolute all. As for Wang Feng’s shameless, wealth-flaunting tactics? Londom would surely have countermeasures ready. They wouldn’t let a schemer trample Holy Sanctuaries underfoot just because he’s rich—what’s the point of all their hard training then? Rose clearing this hurdle? Impossible!

"These people are spouting absolute nonsense!" Xuecai had been fuming every time she read The Holy Sanctuary's Light lately, and the idiotic comments only made her angrier: "Don’t they have Spirit Beastmasters? Do they not realize how difficult it is to control over a dozen Spirit Beasts at once? Sis, let’s voice our support too! Don’t you know that editor at The Holy Sanctuary's Light? Let’s publish a few rebuttals!"

Xue Zhiyu chuckled. "Publishing in Ice Spirit’s local edition is no problem, but getting into the main issue is tough. They’re outright refusing to print anything favorable toward Rose right now."

The Holy Sanctuary's Light had both regional and main editions, typically released in two versions daily.

"Why won’t they print it?" Xuecai glared. "Dammit, that’s so unfair!"

"This world has never been fair, you…" Xue Zhiyu patted her head, torn between laughter and exasperation. "Didn’t Father say you should learn to manage the palace’s ladies-in-waiting? Instead of worrying about this, why not go back and do something productive? As the head of the ladies-in-waiting, you’re never around—Father might get angry."

"All they deal with are trivial matters. I can’t be bothered. Besides, the old man’s been extra nice to me lately—he won’t get mad… Alright, enough about that!" Xuecai pouted. "Let’s talk business! Are we just going to sit back and listen to them trash Rose in The Holy Sanctuary's Light? Staying silent isn’t my style!"

"As long as Rose keeps winning, that’s the best rebuttal—more effective than any argument."

"True…" Xuecai tilted her head in thought before suddenly brightening. "Sis, Londom isn’t far from here. Why don’t we sneak off to watch their match?"

"Londom Duchy…" Xue Zhiyu couldn’t resist tapping her little sister’s head. "That’s a place we’ve had no dealings with for ages. If we’re recognized there, there could be serious consequences."

"What could they possibly do to us?"

"On the surface they wouldn't dare, but who knows what they'd do behind our backs," Xuecai shook her head. "Besides, Prince Xiao of Dragonmoon is coming to our kingdom on official business in a few days. We can't miss it."

"No to this, no to that!" Xuecai pouted, her eyes darting around mischievously.

Xue Zhiyu could tell at a glance that she was up to no good again. If left unchecked, the girl might just disappear overnight and sneak off to the Duchy of Londom on her own.

"How about this," Xue Zhiyu pondered briefly. "After Prince Xiao's business is concluded, I'll ask Father for leave and take you to Xifeng Holy Sanctuary. We should make it in time for Rose's next match."

"Really?!" Xuecai's face lit up with joy, nearly jumping in excitement. "Pinky swear! No backsies! Last time you went to Dragon City, you ditched me in Ice Spirit. This time you have to keep your word!"

"Alright, alright, pinky swear..." Xue Zhiyu chuckled helplessly, extending her little finger. "But before that, you must manage your court ladies properly. Even if it's just for show, you have to make an effort for Father. Otherwise, if he forbids you from going, don't blame me."

"If he forbids me, I'll just sneak out!"

"Why sneak when you can go legitimately..."

"Fine, fine!" Xuecai relented reluctantly. "I'll go back to the palace and summon them for a meeting right now! Hmph, with Her Highness taking charge, those hags wouldn't dare misbehave!"

^^……

The Duchy of Londom was once among the top five largest duchies in the League of Blades. After the rise of Ice Spirit, its territory shrank continuously, with its main sphere of influence now concentrated in the northern frostbitten lands of Londom.

This was a vast snow-covered country, situated at high altitude. Unlike Ice Spirit, the terrain here was relatively flat, with few towering peaks—a proper frozen wasteland.

The flat terrain allowed the Magic Rail Train to extend all the way in. Combined with its proximity to the Abyssal Sea to the east, both land and water routes were well-connected, making transportation far more convenient than in Ice Spirit. Had it not been for the Supreme Sage Teacher's forceful intervention and the unstoppable frost swarm of the Ice Spirit Queen, it would have been hard to imagine such a 'hillbilly hinterland' as Ice Spirit replacing this vast frozen capital as the new center of the ice kingdoms.

Though it was summer, everyone on the Magic Rail Train had already started adding layers of clothing since entering the frozen plains the day before. By the time they reached the heart of Londom, thick winter coats were a necessity. As they approached the borders of Reykja, the capital of Londom, the seven towering statues atop the massive ice walls were already visible from afar.

This was a city with a history far older than that of the League of Blades itself, having produced far more heroes worthy of historical records than most other places.

Among them were Reykja Dark, the founding ancestor of the Londom Duchy; his father, Hogni Dark, revered as the Father of ice magic; and recent legends like the Frost Saint Yvraine of Londom Holy Sanctuary. Noticeably missing were any heroes who resisted the Nine Gods. During the war between the Nine Gods and the League of Blades, due to their strained relations with Ice Spirit, Londom adopted a defensive stance, allowing the Nine Gods' armies to march unimpeded across their frozen plains. This inaction contributed to Ice Spirit's heroic resistance against the Nine Gods, with Londom only joining the pursuit during the enemy's retreat to scavenge some glory.

This was Londom's shame and the primary reason it had always been overshadowed by Ice Spirit within the League of Blades. In terms of overall national strength, except during the era when the first Ice Spirit Queen was under Wang Meng's protection, Londom had always been superior to Ice Spirit in every aspect. Yet precisely because of this, many knowledgeable individuals recognized that the true strength of the Londom Duchy was the most underestimated in the League of Blades.

The Magic Rail Train station was located at the city's edge—the terminus of Blade No. 7 Magic Rail. Given that Reykja was also a famous northern tourist destination, the station was exceptionally luxurious.

Every twenty meters stood towering ice pillars a good ten meters tall, supporting a ceiling of crystal-clear glass. Soft sunlight filtered through, bathing the station in shimmering light.

Unlike the mixed reception—ranging from 'welcoming' to 'aloof'—at the previous three stops, the station entrance was lined with a neatly arranged contingent of Londom disciples holding a long red banner, impossible to miss. These were clearly not here for a friendly welcome, as the words on the banner made their stance abundantly clear:

"The End: Rose Falls to Londom!"

"Here to start something, are they?" Winnie's eyebrow arched slightly. Compared to the politeness of the Fire God's disciples, she actually preferred this kind of hostility—nothing felt better than putting arrogant pricks in their place.

"No, we're here to guide you to your doom."

"With just you lot?"

"Heh." The leader, a burly Londom Holy Sanctuary disciple, made no effort to hide his disdain for the Rose team. "Actions speak louder than words. Spare us your lip and move."

With the banner-toting posse in tow, they attracted attention wherever they went. Unlike the open contempt they faced at Mangala, the Londom people's hatred for Rose was palpable in every corner.

"Look! Those traitorous dogs who cozy up to the ice barbarians are here!"

"Hah, a little girl, a fat guy, and a beastman... Did they scrape this crew from the bottom of the barrel?"

"Like attracts like—what else can you expect from those who ally with the backstabbing frost-fuckers?"

"The lads from Londom Holy Sanctuary will make them eat dirt and crawl home!"

The insults and jeers never let up along the way, and the solidarity in the air was thicker than ever. The few Londom disciples seemed to be basking in their perceived superiority, smirking as they glanced at Rose’s group, eager to see their grim expressions. To their surprise, however, the five of them kept chatting and laughing as if completely unfazed.

They must be faking it! he scoffed.

The leading disciple sneered and couldn’t resist saying to Wang Feng, “I’ve heard Aurora City's maritime trade is booming—a wealthy paradise. But when I went there once, all I saw were run-down little shacks. So damn poor!”

He pointed proudly at the towering buildings around them and declared, “Look at our Londom! Skyscrapers everywhere—ten times wealthier than your precious Aurora City!”

Perhaps due to local customs, Londom’s architecture *was* indeed grand. Even civilian houses were usually three stories or higher, often topped with pointy steeples that made the buildings look even taller.

But Old Wang just shook his head with a smile. “I’d say the opposite.”

“Oh?!” The leading disciple raised an eyebrow.

Wang Feng sighed and shook his head again. “Think about it—everyone along this road is cursing us out, yet not one of them can spare an egg to throw. Damn, y’all must be broke as hell…”

The disciple froze, then his face turned bright red with rage. “That’s called being civilized! That’s the civility of Londom people!”

“You call yelling curses in the street ‘being civilized’?” Old Wang said, feigning admiration. “Well I’ll be damned!”