DD—Chapter 8: The Great Power is About to Collapse—Is There Anyone Willing to Die and Follow Me?
Dai Chengfeng—a time traveler familiar with the lore of the Douluo Continent—quickly recognized the "young man" riding the white horse on the opposing side. Though unarmored, he held a commanding presence.
This young man was a girl disguised as a man, and her name was Qian Renxue, the biological daughter of Bibi Dong, the current Pope of the Spirit Hall, and the granddaughter of Qian Daoliu, the chief worshiper of the Spirit Hall. Known as the future Angel God, she was also notorious for her prideful and love-stricken demeanor.
At that moment, Dai Chengfeng came to a realization.
"I remember that no one truly pays attention to intelligence networks in the Douluo Continent. Even the formidable Spirit Hall's intelligence is just mediocre."
"Otherwise, how could Tang Hao hide in Holy Soul Village for all those years without being discovered?"
"Moreover, how could the Heaven Dou Empire dispatch troops to besiege the city immediately after my arrival?"
"I initially thought Zhu Yan betrayed me, but now it seems this has little to do with him. Rather, it is likely the work of spies sent by the Spirit Hall, showcasing some semblance of intelligence capabilities."
"However… I don't understand!"
"Why would Qian Renxue personally lead an assault on the border city of my Star Luo Empire—Wu'an City— instead of remaining in Heaven Dou City and playing the role of her Heaven Dou Empire prince, 'Xue Qinghe'?"
As Dai Chengfeng pondered these questions, Zhu Yan stared at him in astonishment, as if seeing him anew. "The glory of dying in battle brings no shame compared to living in disgrace…"
"Such heroic sentiments ring so true…"
"Can a reckless, willful dandy prince genuinely utter such words?"
Zhu Yan had to admit that, at this moment, he felt a newfound respect for his Fourth Prince.
Dai Chengfeng then retracted his gaze from Qian Renxue and turned to Zhu Yan and Zhu Fan. "Do you know if Xue Qinghe, the prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, has been declared crown prince?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yan and Zhu Fan were initially taken aback, confusion knitting their brows.
Exchanging glances, they didn't quite understand why the Fourth Prince had shifted the conversation away from the imminent battle. Nevertheless, they answered.
Zhu Fan thought carefully and replied, "If my memory serves me right, it was announced about three months ago…"
"The emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire suddenly declared Xue Qinghe the crown prince."
As he spoke, he paused to gauge Dai Chengfeng's reaction. "Your Highness, what prompts this sudden inquiry?"
Dai Chengfeng gently shook his head, abstaining from an explanation. "It's nothing."
Now he understood her intentions.
With that, he focused on Xue Qinghe, who was still mounted on his white horse, an intensity deepening in his gaze.
"But mere understanding of her intentions isn't enough."
"What I need to formulate are actionable plans."
Outwardly calm, Dai Chengfeng was acutely aware of the situation's severity. Every choice he made could mean life or death for tens of thousands of soldiers in Wu'an City.
"I initially believed I could rely on my uncle, the Soul Douluo, to aid us in this predicament. But now that she is here, I suspect she is accompanied by a Titled Douluo."
"The involvement of the Spirit Hall means—"
"Seeking outside help might not be feasible anymore."
"After all, what scouts can survive and request support under the watchful eyes of a Titled Douluo?"
Dai Chengfeng continued to strategize in his mind, various thoughts racing through him, but he found no perfect solution.
Noticing Dai Chengfeng's deepening distraction, and seeing the advancing Heaven Dou Empire soldiers draw closer, Zhu Yan stepped forward and bowed. "Your Highness, I'll go patrol the perimeter and check on our soldiers' preparations for defending the city."
"Go ahead," Dai Chengfeng replied absentmindedly, still lost in thought.
Once Zhu Yan departed, Zhu Fan turned to Dai Chengfeng, worry etched across his features. "Chengfeng, do you truly wish to stake your life in this small Wu'an City?"
"I don't mind…"
"But you are the hope of the Star Luo Empire for unifying the continent in the future. You must not fall!"
As Dai Chengfeng glanced at the Heaven Dou army, which was now setting up ladders against the walls, he asked, "Uncle, if I become ensnared within that army, can you help me escape safely?"
Zhu Fan stood tall, confidence swelling in his chest. "Of course! Your uncle is a Soul Douluo, possessing the renowned Hell Spirit Cat martial soul, known for its swiftness."
"As long as we don't face an opponent of equal strength or greater, I can't promise to defeat them all, but I can certainly get you out!"
Dai Chengfeng smiled, a glimmer of determination emerging as he looked toward Qian Renxue.
"Uncle, I believe I've found a way to break this stalemate!"
"Break the stalemate?"
Zhu Fan was puzzled. It was hard to fathom a solution to such an overwhelming situation other than retreat.
He fixed his gaze on Dai Chengfeng, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Chengfeng, what are you planning?"
Dai Chengfeng remained calm. "First, go find Zhu Yan and ask him to gather a thousand loyal, elite soldiers. Once you have them assembled, come back to me, and I'll explain everything."
Though Zhu Fan was filled with confusion, he chose to trust Dai Chengfeng's leadership.
He nodded resolutely before hurrying off.
Zhu Yan was not far from them, so he quickly relayed Dai Chengfeng's orders.
Upon hearing it was the Fourth Prince's command, Zhu Yan, despite his lingering doubts, set about gathering elite soldiers.
Not long after, Zhu Yan and Zhu Fan returned, accompanied by a thousand soldiers who looked notably formidable.
The soldiers stood tall, their eyes steadfast, marching behind Zhu Yan and Zhu Fan to the city wall in an orderly manner.
"Chengfeng, can you finally share your plan to avert this certain defeat?" Zhu Fan inquired, excitement mingling with curiosity.
Zhu Yan shared the same anticipation.
Dai Chengfeng nodded slightly, a smile gracing his lips. "Of course."
"However, before we proceed…"
As he spoke, Dai Chengfeng advanced toward the edge of the city wall, taking a moment to survey the soldiers gathered below.
The flags waved in the wind atop the city wall, and outside, the Heaven Dou Empire's army loomed like a dark cloud, accompanied by blood-curdling cries of war. The situation had grown dire.
Taking a deep breath, Dai Chengfeng called out, "Comrades!"
"The Heaven Dou Empire stands at our gates, intent on flattening Wu'an City, plundering your possessions, and dishonoring your families!"
"There is no path for retreat!"
With the weight of his words, Dai Chengfeng's eyes met those of every soldier around him. "I, Dai Chengfeng, the Fourth Prince of the Star Luo Empire, ask this of you!"
"The collapse of our defenses approaches. Who among you is willing to fight—to join me in death?"
In the face of insurmountable odds and an overwhelming military disparity…
If they wished to turn the tide, they would have to take a different approach.
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(End of this chapter)