DD—Chapter 6: Is Your Highness's Killing Intention Too Heavy? The Heaven Dou Army Besieges the City!
Although the order in his hands was nothing more than a blank piece of paper, the presence of the White Tiger Martial Soul—a unique symbol of the royal family of the Star Luo Empire—was undeniable and authentic.
Even if the guards were unsure whether the young man before them was truly His Highness the Fourth Prince, one fact remained clear: he was a member of the royal family.
Therefore...
"The garrison commander of Wu'an City, Centurion Xu Feng, respectfully welcomes His Highness the Fourth Prince!"
In an instant, the leading officer sank to one knee, bowing deeply in respect to Dai Chengfeng.
The sound of multiple knees hitting the ground echoed in unison as the other guards exclaimed, "Greetings, Your Royal Highness the Fourth Prince!"
"Well, rise," Dai Chengfeng replied, observing the elite soldiers with approval. "You truly are warriors who have endured the trials of battle!"
With that, he sheathed his Martial Soul and returned to the carriage.
"Uncle, let's enter the city!"
"Of course, Your Highness. Buckle in tight!" Zhu Fan grinned, snapping the reins. "Let's move!"
Escorted by several soldiers, the carriage rolled forward once again.
"Uncle, do you think I'll face any disdain or contempt because of my reputation as an exiled and unwanted prince?" Dai Chengfeng mused aloud. "After all, I understand that the emperor is quite distant, and Wu'an City is merely a border town."
"I mean, isn't the city lord pretty much like a local emperor?"
At that moment, Dai Chengfeng pulled the curtain back and directed his thoughts toward Zhu Fan.
"What are you worried about?" Zhu Fan replied, rolling his eyes. "With me, a Soul Douluo, by your side, how could you possibly encounter such a situation?"
"That's true," Dai Chengfeng acknowledged with a smile. "But I kind of hope to be looked down upon…"
"Why's that?" Zhu Fan asked, confused.
"Then I can have a legitimate reason to eliminate my opponents and seize control of Wu'an City. That way, I won't be hindered in the future."
Zhu Fan's mouth twitched slightly at Dai Chengfeng's words. 'Our prince seems to have a talent for strategy both in the realm of literature and the art of war, yet his murderous nature—could it be a bit too much?'
'You haven't even met anyone yet, and you're already plotting their demise.'
The carriage fell silent as Dai Chengfeng's words lingered in the air.
Soon, smooth travel brought them within sight of the City Lord's Mansion.
Meanwhile, Wu'an City Lord Zhu Yan was already on high alert, having received advance notice from the city's guards.
He paced nervously in front of the mansion, waiting respectfully for the royal prince's arrival.
Zhu Yan was not like the ordinary soldiers. As a member of the Zhu family, despite his diluted bloodline that left him without a Hell Spirit Cat martial soul, he had cultivated a deep understanding of the workings of the imperial court.
He was well aware of Dai Chengfeng, who had been born with full soul power. This Fourth Prince was often discussed as a potential successor to the next Star Luo Emperor.
Zhu Yan had even studied his portrait.
Thus, when Dai Chengfeng finally stepped off the carriage, recognition dawned upon him instantly.
'It truly is His Royal Highness the Fourth Prince…'
'I've heard before that the Fourth Prince acted capriciously and recklessly, which led to a fierce conflict between his soul ring and martial soul, and his potential was almost exhausted. His future achievements would be very limited.'
'And this behavior has greatly displeased His Majesty, resulting in his exile to a distant place like Wu'an City.'
'It seems I might have underestimated those rumors!'
Yet, despite confirming those rumors, Zhu Yan kept his composure.
After all, even a weary camel is larger than a horse. No matter how unpopular Dai Chengfeng's status had become, he was still the son of the current Star Luo Emperor, and his mother was the reigning queen.
What's more, Zhu Yan quickly recognized the man accompanying Dai Chengfeng—Zhu Fan—the renowned prodigy of the Zhu family, now at the Soul Douluo level and a former commander of the Imperial Guard.
'How unfortunate that Commander Zhu Fan has also fallen victim to a petty incident alongside His Highness…'
'Truly an unprovoked disaster!'
Zhu Yan also sensed that Dai Chengfeng's character could be arrogant and aloof, and he hoped not to be drawn into any complications as a result.
Thinking this, Zhu Yan's face transformed into one of deep respect. He hurried forward, bowing with deference.
"Zhu Yan, the Lord of Wu'an City, respectfully welcomes His Highness the Fourth Prince and Commander Zhu Fan!"
Zhu Fan nodded in acknowledgment, while Dai Chengfeng observed Zhu Yan, slightly disappointed by his submission. It seems things aren't as absurd as he might have believed.
However, he quickly composed himself. "Lord Zhu, you don't need to be so formal. I'm not familiar with Wu'an City, and I may need your assistance in the future."
Zhu Yan responded eagerly, "Your Highness, rest assured, Zhu Yan will do everything possible to assist you!"
"Then if you don't mind, I would like to know what specific matters brought me to Wu'an City," Dai Chengfeng prompted, folding his arms behind his back as he spoke.
With a beaming smile, Zhu Yan began, "Your Highness, Wu'an City lies on the border of the empire. While it may not rival the riches of the imperial capital, it possesses unique customs and practices."
"It is abundant in minerals, and the surrounding mountains and forests house numerous soul beasts, making it an essential location for soul masters seeking soul rings."
"However…"
"In recent years, scum from the Heaven Dou Empire has harassed our people repeatedly, causing great distress."
"Even though we have dispatched forces multiple times to suppress them, they always manage to retreat."
Guilt flashed across Zhu Yan's face, but he quickly added, "Yet, overall, our Star Luo Empire has maintained the upper hand."
Dai Chengfeng smiled and nodded at this idea. He understood Zhu Yan's unspoken implications.
For instance, the current military engagement involved the Star Luo Empire assaulting the Heaven Dou Empire's territories and seizing valuable resources. The latter, while resentful, lacked the nerve to counterattack directly and would only engage in token provocations on the borders.
Zhu Yan couldn't articulate these realities explicitly—after all, a great nation should project benevolence.
Just then, a soldier raced toward them, breathless and urgent. "Report to the city lord! The soldiers of the Heaven Dou Empire have arrived and surrounded Wu'an City!"
"What did you say? Surrounded?"
Zhu Yan's face fell in disbelief. "In the past, it was our Star Luo Empire that bullied them! How dare they surround us now?"
"How many troops do they have?"
The soldier straightened, a serious expression on his face. "There are approximately 30,000 soldiers."
"30,000 soldiers?" Zhu Yan's eyebrows knitted in concern. "The defenders of Wu'an City total only about 10,000. They outnumber us three to one! The Heaven Dou Empire is making an exceptionally bold move this time!"
Given the existence of the Spirit Hall, both the Star Luo Empire and the Heaven Dou Empire had tacitly agreed to avoid large-scale conflicts. Historically, even skirmishes involving more than 1,000 soldiers were rare.
Zhu Yan found himself perplexed by the sudden aggression from the Heaven Dou Empire.
Suddenly, a sense of foreboding filled Zhu Yan as he instinctively glanced toward Dai Chengfeng.
"Your Highness, do you think they are after you?"
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(End of this chapter)