Chapter 268: Dragon City Fantasy

Exiting the Golden Baby Auction House, Fantasi’s gaze towards Old Wang had completely changed.

"From now on, I’ll entrust some business to you, and you’ll be dealing with people like Clara." Old Wang patted his shoulder with a chuckle, "Remember, the prettier the woman, the more likely she is to deceive you. And if you don’t want to be deceived..."

"I know, I know! Even if she tries to seduce me, I’ll keep things professional!" Fantasi said excitedly.

Old Wang gave him a disapproving look, wondering if he had misjudged him, "Dream less, earn more!"

Enhancing the effect of Eagle Eye was actually quite simple. It wasn’t that Wang Feng had any special formula; algae nuclei were crucial for fusion potions, and when combined with the blood of his Insect God seed, it could be achieved. The blood of the Insect God was universal, and the secret of being Tang Priest’s flesh must never be revealed. He didn’t have a monkey or a staff, and there was another important issue: lifting the curse on the sea race couldn’t be done openly. After all, his current identity was a disciple of the Holy Sanctuary. If he really solved this problem, the Holy Sanctuary might try to eliminate him. Besides, the demoness Clara had already profited a lot from him, so it could be considered as paying off a debt.

...

"Worthless, you deserve to die!" Long Xiang’s eyes were cold, a hint of killing intent in them.

He truly had a murderous heart towards Long Luo!

Originally, he planned to have the Wild Group take action last time. Although Wang Feng was under Karida’s protection, if the Wild Group acted without regard for cost, they might have had a chance to eliminate him. But because of the worthless plan suggested by Long Luo, they decided to use a counterintelligence strategy...

But look at the situation now?

The League of Blades obtained the fusion rune, and after the miracle of solving the Ice Bees problem in the Ice Spirit Kingdom, their power grew even stronger, posing a significant threat to the Nine Gods Empire! Wang Feng’s position in the League of Blades also became increasingly important, with his protection increasing tenfold or more! Now, sending the Wild Group to assassinate him would not only be a matter of whether the cost was worth it but also whether they could succeed at all!

"For your father’s sake," Long Xiang said coldly, "I will give you a chance to take your own life, which can at least preserve your family’s reputation!"

"Your Highness, I am innocent," Long Luo replied calmly.

"Oh?" Long Xiang laughed, not angry but amused, "Am I blind? Or do you think it’s no big deal that the League of Blades obtained the fusion rune?"

"Your Highness, Wang Feng had already demonstrated the fusion rune in Ice Spirit, just not publicly. Clearly, he simply didn’t want to expose it..." Long Luo said calmly, "So, killing Wang Feng wouldn’t stop this. Instead, our actions forced him to reveal the fusion rune to protect himself, making it known to the world... Knowing both sides’ strengths is far better than being kept in the dark. Moreover, since we now know about the fusion rune and its specific uses, the League of Blades cannot hide this technology, and we will soon master it too!"

Speaking of this, Long Luo smiled slightly, "Not only that, the failure of the conservatives will only intensify their internal conflicts; they will retaliate."

"So you have done us a favor?" Long Xiang said lightly, the killing intent in his eyes having dissipated considerably.

It was a sophistry, yet it had its own logic. Whether Wang Feng lived or died was another matter, but if the Blade kept the fusion rune technique hidden, it would be extremely difficult for the Nine Gods to uncover this information without a clear target, being completely in the dark. If they only found out when the war broke out, they would truly be caught off guard.

"I suppose it was a lucky accident, I dare not claim credit," Long Luo smiled faintly. "Your Highness, a bit of commotion is a good thing. For our emperor with great vision and talent, as long as we keep taking action, it is a sign of loyalty to the empire."

Feng Buxiu could sense the murderous aura around Long Xiang dissipating.

To be honest, forcing out the intelligence on the fusion rune was indeed more important than eliminating Wang Feng. Long Luo had inadvertently done a service this time, and His Highness clearly knew this. The stern tone was merely to maintain the prince's dignity. Feng Buxiu stepped in with a smile, "Your Highness, how about we call it even? However, this Wang Feng must not be allowed to live. We underestimated him before. At twenty, he has already achieved so much, with extraordinary talent. If he grows for another few decades, he might become another Lei Long..."

"Thinking of killing him now is too late. The Holy Sanctuary is providing heavy protection. It won't be easy to make a move again..." Long Xiang snorted coldly, no longer mentioning the past, but frowned and said, "Should we find the Dark Hall?"

"Your Highness mustn't," Feng Buxiu said seriously. "The incident with Bing Ling hasn't been forgotten yet, and the First Prince is surely watching us from the shadows. In matters like these, one must fear the unexpected, and the Dark Hall will certainly demand a high price."

Even the landlord's house has no surplus grain. Winning hearts and strengthening power, which doesn't require money?

"Your Highness, I do have a plan," Long Luo smiled slightly beside him. "I just don't know if Your Highness is willing to pay the price."

Long Xiang glanced at him, "Speak!"

"Dragon City!"

Long Xiang was initially taken aback. Dragon City was situated in the border region between the Nine Gods and the Blade. When the two major forces reached a truce, there was intense negotiation over the border issues, and Dragon City was one of the main points of contention, remaining an unresolved issue even after the peace talks.

Both sides claimed sovereignty and territorial rights over Dragon City, stationing troops nearby, leading to constant friction, ultimately making it a no-man's land. However, recently, this stalemate seemed to be breaking, not because one side was deliberately causing trouble, but because a Soul Void Illusion appeared in Dragon City half a year ago.

The appearance of ordinary treasures usually doesn't cause much commotion, but anything earth-shattering is a supreme treasure. The Soul Void Illusion is no small matter, on par with such treasures. Each Soul Void Illusion is unique, not even located in the Nine Heavens Continent, existing for a period before disappearing. Those who enter and find their destiny within have all become renowned top-tier experts on the continent, and it is said that the Supreme Saint Master also benefited from the Soul Void Illusion.

And this time, the signs of the Soul Illusion Realm's appearance were very clear and accurate, indicating that it was no ordinary event. Neither Blade nor the Nine Gods were fools; they clearly wanted to seize this opportunity for themselves. As the time drew near, the recent arguments became even more intense, with the sea races also joining in, hoping to get a share.

In the end, the result was that each side sent their experts to fight, but they were also worried that the sea races were stirring up trouble, using the opportunity to weaken human forces.

But... what did this have to do with Wang Feng?

"Your Highness," Long Luo said with a smile, "The problem in Dragon City has already come to light, and all parties are watching closely. Instead of letting it remain chaotic, why don't we take this opportunity to play a game that kills many birds with one stone?"

Feng Buxiu had a vague idea of what Long Luo was thinking and pondered for a moment, "You mean..."

"Our Nine Gods and Blade will join forces to first eliminate the sea races, of course, the Dark Hall and some dark forces cannot be allowed to enter."

"And then? Get to the point!" Long Xiang said.

"You mean, sending the disciples of the Holy Sanctuary and the War Academy?" Feng Buxiu suddenly said.

"Exactly, this is a condition both sides can accept. The War Academy is under the control of the First Prince, and this current batch are all his loyal supporters. If they become pillars of our empire in the future, they could pose a significant threat to Your Highness. The Holy Sanctuary has produced many promising talents in recent years, and their strength is certainly not weak. Therefore, this battle, regardless of the outcome, will be brutal. When the clam and the sandpiper fight, the fisherman gains, and it will only benefit us!"

"A brilliant move!" Feng Buxiu's eyes lit up, "Using their strength against them!"

Long Luo smiled, "Not only that, we can also specify which academy should face them, such as demanding the Rose Holy Sanctuary!"

At this point, Long Xiang fully understood his meaning. It was a good plan, under the guise of testing the War Academy and weakening the new generation of the Holy Sanctuary, the War Academy would have no choice but to participate.

"If Wang Feng doesn't go, he isn't skilled in combat," Long Xiang frowned, this plan was good, but not getting rid of Wang Feng left him feeling uneasy.

"Your Highness, this is easy to arrange, besides, the conservatives have always seen Wang Feng as a thorn in their side. Besides, if we push hard enough, we have the advantage in Dragon City, and they won't dare refuse. At that time, Karida's enemies will help us."

"That's interesting," Long Xiang finally caught on, a smile finally appearing at the corners of his mouth.

This is not just killing two birds with one stone; it's killing three birds with one stone, and there’s no operational difficulty at all.

In the past, Nine Gods and Blade Edge have spent tremendous effort to compete for various Soul Illusions, even setting up intricate traps, but in the end, they would still be outsmarted by Dark Hall or some mysterious rogue experts who would sneak in and snatch the rewards. This has happened more than once.

The Emperor has always been very concerned about the treasures within the Soul Illusions. Whenever someone can present a treasure, they receive a reward—this is something everyone in the empire knows. Everyone wants to show their worth, and besides, War Academy also has his people. If his men can seize the treasure, that would be even better.

Letting his brother’s men die while he reaps the victory—that’s what true satisfaction feels like!

As for Wang Feng’s life or death, that has become an afterthought. To be honest, compared to eliminating his brother and ascending to the throne, whether Wang Feng lives or dies is truly insignificant, even if he did invent the Fusion Runes!

After all, he has already handed over that invention, and Long Xiang doesn’t believe that within the next few years, he could help Blade Edge break through any significant technology...

"Your life is spared." Long Xiang’s frown finally relaxed, and he glanced at Long Luo with a faint look: "Since you proposed this plan, you will be responsible for it. If you succeed, there will be a substantial reward. But if you fail again this time..."

A sharp light flashed in Long Xiang’s eyes: "Then don’t come back. I do not keep useless people here!"

...

Dukedom of Dragon Moon.

"Anger,德拉, Jing Wu Yue emerges victorious!"

"Anger rises within德拉, Jing Wu Yue claims victory!"

"Anger, Dela, Jing Wu Yue emerges victorious..."

A slender youth stood before the hall, holding a thin sword. Another disciple of the Dragon Moon Holy Sanctuary was carried away, marking his ninth consecutive victory. Each time, it was the same two strikes, piercing through the opponent’s left and right shoulders, rendering them incapable of fighting without inflicting a second wound.

The youth remained silent, his face expressionless, standing quietly with his sword at his side, the tip still dripping blood.

This is no ordinary contest; the hall is now filled with nobles, whispering to each other.

"The Heavenly Blue Gale Sword of Dragon Spring... It's been so many years, and yet it has a successor."

"Dragon Spring is trying to take advantage of the situation!"

The Dragon Moon Empire is a stronghold of the Blade faction, with five major Holy Sanctuaries. The most famous are Dragon Moon and Dragon Spring. Within the empire, they are referred to as North Dragon Moon and South Dragon Spring. The disciples from both sides have always been in competition, but Dragon Moon has consistently held the upper hand, enjoying the favor of the royal family, while Dragon Spring has always fallen short. But this year, the tide has turned.

"Sigh, our Northern Dragon Moon Holy Sanctuary should not be so weak, but the tragedy in the Demon Beast Mountains six months ago was too much!"

"The Thousand-Handed Andenu, Young Thunder God Hurricane... even the Third Prince with his superior divine soul, all the best talents of our Dragon Moon Holy Sanctuary over the years, were lost to that succubus. If the Third Prince, Andenu, and Hurricane were still here, would we be overshadowed by just one person today? That battle truly destroyed a decade of effort for Dragon Moon!"

"Don't say any more!" someone whispered in warning: "His Majesty's health is already declining. If he hears, he will be heartbroken..."

"Sigh, it's just bad luck. Who could have predicted encountering a near-dragon-level nightmare? Even heroes are powerless against that."

Xiao Bang sat in the center of the grand hall. With his profound soul power, he could hear not only the whispers in the hall but also the discussions of the Holy Sanctuary disciples outside.

His face remained expressionless, and the ministers' murmurs were already quite restrained.

For months, the nightmare of the Demon Beast Mountains has haunted the Dragon Moon Empire. Xiao Bang, with his formidable overall strength, has a bright future ahead and commands great respect among the Holy Sanctuary disciples. He is a potential leader of the new generation of the League of Blades, and Xiao Bona has placed high hopes on him. Among the three grades of divine souls, the upper grade is rare, and Xiao Bona's hopes rest entirely on Xiao Bang. Xiao Bang is independent and resolute, but everything changed after the Demon Beast Mountains.

Although no one believes Xiao Bang could have survived, Xiao Bona still clings to a sliver of hope for comfort.

"Your Majesty."

Below and to the left of Xiao Bona, sat a magnificently dressed noble, Duke Joann of Angula City, who is also the headmaster of the Dragon Spring Holy Sanctuary. In the Dragon Moon Empire, meritocracy is the norm, and traditionally, Dragon Moon has had the upper hand. This time, however, Dragon Spring aims to claim Dragon Moon's quota as well.

"The outcome is clear. I see no point in continuing the contest, as it will only lead to more injuries. Let's end it here," Duke Joann said with a laugh. "The Dragon Moon Holy Sanctuary has always ranked among the top in the Holy Sanctuaries, and I admire it greatly. However, after such a significant loss, there are few experts left. It feels somewhat unfair to win, but rules are rules. I will take the quota for Longcheng!"

Xiao Bang smiled faintly. He had witnessed the entire battle. To be honest, the Dragon Moon Holy Sanctuary in the imperial capital did suffer heavy losses during the Battle of the Beast Mountain, but it wasn't to the extent that not a single expert remained.

Among those who fought for the Dragon Moon Holy Sanctuary, at least two could barely match Xiao Bang from back then, yet they were all easily defeated by that young man named Jing Wuyue.

There was certainly an element of style being countered. This was a pure and extreme assassin-type martial artist whose strength far exceeded that of ordinary Holy Sanctuary disciples.

The headmaster of the Dragon Moon Holy Sanctuary, Xiao She, sitting at the chief seat opposite, looked disheartened. Misfortunes never come singly; his sorrow was no less than Xiao Bang's. Xiao Bang was his most outstanding disciple, the one he had pinned his hopes on to elevate the Dragon Moon Holy Sanctuary to the pinnacle of the 108 Holy Sanctuaries. But now, all these dreams were shattered.

Just as Xiao She was about to concede defeat, a murmur rippled through the grand hall. Soon, everyone stood up, disregarding etiquette, and turned their gaze towards the entrance. Even Xiao Bang, seated on the throne, suddenly became agitated, though as the emperor of Longyue, he tightly gripped the armrests to control his emotions. At the entrance of the grand hall, a figure was slowly approaching, dressed in somewhat tattered clothes, with a calm face. His once handsome hair was gone, but his eyes were clearer and brighter. For Xiao Bang, in this moment, nothing else mattered; all he saw was this young man.

The young man paid no attention to the changes around him or the whispers in the grand hall. Jing Wuyue frowned, wondering what the guards outside were doing, allowing a beggar to enter.

"Get out of my way!" Jing Wuyue didn’t draw his sword but simply reached out. However, his hand met only air as the bald beggar had already moved past him several steps away. In an instant, Jing Wuyue’s neck was drenched in sweat. If the other had changed hands, he would have died several times over. At this moment, Jing Wuyue was basking in his glory, with the entire hall’s attention on him. How could he endure such a humiliating blow? Blood rushed to his face, and he swung his sword behind him in a swift counterattack. The entire hall’s expressions changed, but Jing Wuyue’s sword was too fast, leaving no time for anyone to intervene. The bald man’s focus seemed entirely on the emperor, paying no heed to the attack from behind.

Bang~~~

Jing Wuyue’s sword felt like it had struck cotton, offering no resistance, but immediately after, a massive force hit him, catching him completely off guard. He staggered back three or four steps before regaining his footing, while the bald man never once turned around.

Xiao Bang looked at his haggard father and smiled gently, "Father, I’m back."