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After an hour, when the city's noise gradually subsided, I finished organizing all the documents and made my way through layer after layer of the fortress to the rooftop garden. The fortress was entirely designed for military purposes, but on its rooftop, I had established a garden and transplanted an ancient maple tree into it. It is said that the original Fontainebleau had a tall maple tree as its symbol, so I planted one here to represent the revival of this historic city. Standing next to the maple tree, which I named "City Tree," I could overlook the entire Fontainebleau. These days, every evening before resting, I would come here to sit quietly for a while.

Just as I approached the tree, a gust of wind arose, and two black short spears appeared out of nowhere, piercing towards me one after another. I immediately activated "Yellow Springs Phantom," twisting my body to create an illusion, causing the two black spears to veer left and right, narrowly passing by me. Then, I leaped up, attempting to break free from the encirclement, only to find the two sharp short spears reappearing, trapping me again.

"Clang~~~~"

Suddenly, a loud metallic clash echoed in the air, and two black figures retreated clumsily to either side. At this moment, it became clear that the two were none other than Catherine’s followers, the leopard brothers Lin Duo and Sate. They both looked astonished because I had suddenly reached out and swiped at the "City Tree," conjuring countless flashes of blades. That clang was actually the sound of hundreds of rapid weapon strikes combined.

"Catherine, didn't expect we'd meet again so soon after saying goodbye."

Ignoring the leopard warriors on either side, I pointed the Tiger Spirit Blade forward and spoke coldly into the void.

In the seemingly empty garden, ripples appeared like water waves, and then a magical barrier similar to my "Great Derivation Illusion Formation" opened, revealing three figures: Catherine and her two followers, the old mage and the fox shaman. The Saintess Catherine had changed back into her battle armor, with her golden hair tied high, and her epic divine sword "Pledge of Sanctity" unsheathed, shimmering with a cold light.

"It seems... you were prepared, then you should know my resolve."

"Ha, I'm just a young wolf knight not yet sixteen, naturally knowing nothing. However, if someone thinks they can fool me, I don't mind giving them a surprise."

Being constantly vigilant, how could I make such a foolish mistake as exposing myself to be ambushed? My daily visits to the garden were merely a show for them. In the past few days, I had finally perfected my unique martial aura and ascended to the Sword Master realm, without hiding it. Today, I deliberately demonstrated the power of the city's guardian magic array to provoke their unease and draw them out. As for hiding the Tiger Spirit Blade in the "City Tree" and appearing unarmed, it was just a small trap.

"Knight Xuanfeng, please hear me out." The old mage Wellington stepped forward and interjected. "Although you have ascended to the Sword Master realm, the three warriors here are more powerful than you, practicing the top-notch techniques of the Orc Alliance, the Moon Attribute 'Power Amplification' of the 'Emperor Martial Overlord Decision,' the Moon Attribute 'Invisibility' and 'Unlimited Acceleration' of 'Night Thunder,' which far surpass your 'Azure Frost Moon Dance' learned from the Heavenly Wolf Tribe. Moreover, there is also a Great Mage and a High Shaman here, while your followers consist of only a Middle Priest, an ordinary half-elf mage archer, and a newly promoted mage. As for the troops in the city, they are already under the control of the Golden Lion Knights and the Magic Armor Knights. Your mount, the eighth-level Icefire Twin-headed Demon Wolf, is impressive, but the princess's pet, the ninth-level high-rank Golden Eye Dragon Lion, is even stronger. Therefore, even if you have hidden powers, you stand no chance. Why not swear allegiance to the princess? She can guarantee your status and remove the fatal hazard left by using the Tiger Spirit Blade. What do you say?"

The old man had quite the eloquence, comparable to my old Hake. Unfortunately, since I was well-prepared, how could I allow myself to be at a disadvantage? The "Yin-Yang Eight Array Diagram" and the "Great Derivation Illusion Formation" were already set up beneath my feet, rendering any siege ineffective. The "Twelve Star Palaces Gate" could also be used internally to suppress mages and shamans. My eight hundred wolf knights might not be a match for the Golden Lions and Magic Armor Knights, but there were five thousand half-orc warriors lying in ambush. As for the Golden Eye Dragon Lion, although formidable, my two Ice Mountain Beamons, enhanced with the refined essence of the Tiger Spirit Blade, had advanced to the ninth-level rank. With the help of Ice Flame, Bai Lanling, and Aveline, holding them off would not be a problem.

Of course, there was still the unseen Sword Master Taylor, but on my side, the veteran Sword Hero Hake, who had been hovering near the top rank for years, had broken through the bottleneck and ascended to the Sword Master realm with my assistance, learning many advanced sword techniques from the Nine Yin Manual. He was currently leading four half-orc Sword Masters in ambush nearby, ready to provide support. However, I did not want to reveal these hidden strengths just yet, unsure how many spies from humans and the Beast King lurked within the city. Revealed cards are never as powerful as hidden ones. The struggle within the city was about mutual restraint; neither side wanted to weaken the city's strength before the impending siege. The key was the outcome of this confrontation in the garden.

"Hmph, let's put aside the situation in the city for now. If the heir of the 'Emperor Martial Overlord Decision' needs to rely on an ambush to win, why should I cherish my life? Conversely, could such a despicable person ever master the ultimate 'Emperor Martial Overlord Decision'?"

Catherine looked at me deeply, revealing a regretful expression, which then turned into a determined gaze.

"Catherine has no choice but to move forward. Please accept this sword as a sign of utmost respect."

Chapter 23: Frosty Night Dragon-Slaying Blade

Epic Divine Weapon "Pledge of Sanctity," ranked seventh among weapons in the Orc Alliance, twenty-third in the Mainland, a heavy sword, 143 cm long, weighing 23 kg, materials and creator unknown, magic level ten high rank, contains mysterious ancient runes that manifest differently under various circumstances, showcasing miraculous abilities.