DD—Chapter 7: Heaven Dou Prince 'Xue Qinghe', Qian Renxue!
"Come for me?"
Dai Chengfeng raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I've only just arrived in Wu'an City, not even crossed the threshold of the City Lord's Mansion, and already the Heaven Dou Empire surrounds us?"
"Is it their intelligence network, or…?" he mused, a hint of curiosity etching his features. "Interesting!"
With that, Dai Chengfeng turned and strode toward the city gate. Zhu Fan hastily followed, his vigilance apparent. Meanwhile, Zhu Yan watched the two with a bitter expression. "How could the Heaven Dou Empire choose this exact moment to strike, right after His Royal Highness enters the city? What should I do? If anything happens to the Fourth Prince in my Wu'an City, I'll be held responsible, and my family will surely suffer the consequences!"
"Now, all I can do is hope it's just a coincidence..."
After a moment, Zhu Yan shook his head and hurried to catch up with the two.
Outside Wu'an City, the Heaven Dou Empire's army surged forward like an unrelenting tide. Military banners emblazoned with the Heaven Dou Empire's insignia flapped in the wind, while soldiers clad in heavy armor gripped sharp spears, their metal surfaces glinting ominously in the sunlight.
In the central command tent, the atmosphere was tense.
A blond young man hunched over, examining a map spread across the table. With striking features and an air of cold composure, he was none other than Xue Qinghe, the Crown Prince of the Heaven Dou Empire.
His slender fingers gently traced the location of Wu'an City on the map as he murmured, "So, this is Wu'an City?"
Straightening slightly, he crossed his arms and furrowed his brow, scanning the topographical features depicted on the map.
"It's an easily defensible position," he acknowledged thoughtfully.
Just then, an old general with a white beard and flowing hair stepped forward with purpose. Kneeling before Xue Qinghe, he clasped his fists with a worried expression. "Your Highness, I understand you have recently been named Crown Prince and desire to solidify your position by achieving a significant victory here in Wuping City."
"But…"
"It may be too reckless to mobilize 30,000 troops at this time. For years, we have maintained a fragile peace with the Star Luo Empire through careful understanding. If we break it, the forces at the Spirit Hall—who have been lurking—will surely seize the opportunity. The consequences could be disastrous…"
"Enough!"
Xue Qinghe interrupted, raising his hand. "General Li, you don't need to say more."
"I am confident the Spirit Hall won't intervene."
"Moreover, the Star Luo Empire has repeatedly provoked us at the borders over the years. Should we simply allow them to bully us without retaliation?"
"As long as we don't seize Wu'an City itself, I believe the Star Luo Empire will ultimately have to swallow their grievances."
Hearing this, General Li still hesitated, wishing to press his argument further. "But the Star Luo Emperor is known for his strong character. How can he simply tolerate such actions…"
"Enough!"
Xue Qinghe slammed a fist onto the table, rattling the teacups and sending tea splashing.
His eyes burned with displeasure, and his demeanor darkened as he snapped, "This prince has made up his mind."
"General Li, do you intend to defy my orders?"
The old general flinched, sensing Xue Qinghe's intensity. "No, Your Highness. This old minister would never dare…"
"I'll see to the preparations for the siege right away."
"Very well," Xue Qinghe replied, commanding the general with a nod.
As General Li exited the tent with heavy steps, a middle-aged man clad in golden armor with blood-red hair emerged from the shadows. He cast a calculating look at Xue Qinghe and spoke, "My Lord, that old man is truly ungrateful. Shall I…?"
The man made a motion with his hand, mimicking a throat-slitting gesture.
Xue Qinghe shook his head. "No, let it pass."
"Rather, I'm more intrigued by the Fourth Prince of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Chengfeng."
The Porcupinefish Douluo was momentarily taken aback before the realization struck. "Ah, I see!"
"Is this why you could have launched a surprise attack earlier but waited until Dai Chengfeng entered the city to deploy our forces?"
Xue Qinghe offered a slight nod, a knowing smile curling his lips. "A prince once favored by the empire, suddenly reduced to exile… Do you think he'll accept this fate quietly?"
A glint of cruelty flickered in the Porcupinefish Douluo's eyes. "Him? I cannot say…"
"But if I were in his position, I would certainly be reluctant to lose everything that was once mine!"
He looked back at Xue Qinghe, curiosity piqued. "So, my Lord, are you considering persuading him to join us at the Spirit Hall?"
"After all, although his martial soul has been deemed diminished due to environmental conflicts, it is the judgment of the Star Luo Empire…"
"There are various ways within the Spirit Hall to perhaps revive his potential!"
Xue Qinghe smiled, then shook his head. "It's not that straightforward; he is still a prince by lineage."
"Moreover, I know nothing of Dai Chengfeng's personality or character. There's no certainty he could be aligned with our goals at the Spirit Hall."
"For now, I only wish to gauge him."
"If he is truly unwilling and has some ambition remaining, he may serve our interests; but if he's merely a shell of a man now, I won't waste my energy."
"Consolidating my position as Crown Prince and securing Wu'an City comes first."
"As for him?"
"Whether he exists or not, waiting a few more days isn't an issue."
The Porcupinefish Douluo expressed admiration. "Your foresight is extraordinary, my Lord. I admire your wisdom!"
Xue Qinghe responded with a faint smile.
At that moment, a soldier burst into the tent, reporting crisply, "Your Highness, our 30,000 soldiers have assembled and stand ready for your command!"
Immediately, Xue Qinghe's demeanor sharpened. He exited the tent with purpose, mounted a tall white warhorse, and issued his orders loudly.
"All troops, hear my command—advance on the city!"
Booming sounds echoed as the Heaven Dou soldiers marched in unison, the ground beneath them trembling.
Meanwhile, Dai Chengfeng and his companions had already ascended the city wall.
Gazing at the massed Heaven Dou soldiers charging forward, each clad in heavy armor and armed with glinting weapons, Zhu Yan felt a knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach.
"It seems the Heaven Dou Empire is prepared to take decisive action this time!"
Approaching Dai Chengfeng cautiously, his voice quaked slightly. "Your Highness, what shall we do?"
"The enemy has 30,000 troops, and it's clear they are all elite soldiers. My city's defenders number just over 10,000, and most are old, frail, or otherwise unfit for combat. In reality, we have barely over 1,000 capable fighters. The disparity is insurmountable!"
"Should I arrange for an escort to help you and Lord Zhu Fan escape first?"
Dai Chengfeng's expression remained calm, his deep-set eyes scanning the Heaven Dou army. "You wish for me to leave? The men of the Star Luo Empire would rather die honorably than live in shame."
"I will stay and see what tricks they have up their sleeves!"
"Go and organize the defenders. Inform them that I, the Fourth Prince of the Star Luo Empire, am here with them!"
As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng spotted a familiar figure—a blond youth in the midst of the enemy—a white horse leading the way amid the chaos.
"Qian Renxue?!"
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(End of this chapter)