Chapter 197: Entering the City Turmoil
At this moment, the crowd was watching Yue Tianming and Lin Feng, a chill emanating from their direction, as if a battle could erupt at any moment.
Duan Wuya's eyes flickered, then he stood up and said, "Alright, the drums have sounded, the troops have been selected. Everyone can set out. Lin Feng, you will guard the princess. You must ensure her safety."
Hearing Duan Wuya's words, the crowd's hearts tightened. Duan Wuya had ultimately chosen Lin Feng. His regard for Lin Feng surpassed even his regard for Yue Tianming, the future heir of the Yue Clan. This seemed unbelievable to many, since only a few knew what had happened in the Longing Forest that day.
In the eyes of the crowd, Lin Feng was still just Lin Feng. Even if his talent was outstanding, he could not compare to the heir of one of the three great families of the Imperial City. But contrary to everyone's expectations, Duan Wuya seemed to value Lin Feng highly, even entrusting the princess's safety to him.
Lin Feng's eyes also narrowed. To be honest, if Yue Tianming hadn't provoked and insulted him just now, he might not have stepped forward. Although he didn't dislike Princess Duan Xinye, he didn't have any deep feelings for her either. It was only because of Duan Xinye's beauty and that ethereal, orchid-like temperament that no man could feel aversion toward her.
"Uncle, although I've entrusted the princess's safety to Lin Feng, the rest of you must also protect her well." Duan Wuya then spoke to Duan Tianlang, before continuing, "From now on, within the three armies, only the princess can command Lin Feng. Lin Feng only needs to be responsible for the princess's safety. He may or may not handle other matters, and the three armies are obligated to assist Lin Feng."
As Duan Wuya's words fell, the crowd was momentarily stunned. They hadn't expected Duan Wuya to grant Lin Feng such privileges.
"Duan Wuya is protecting me."
Lin Feng's heart tightened, and he instantly understood Duan Wuya's intention. Once in the army, the forces of his enemies would be everywhere. Duan Wuya was worried they would frame Lin Feng, so he gave Lin Feng a title—guardian of the princess's safety. Moreover, this was a reminder to others: whoever touched Lin Feng was touching the princess.
"Lin Feng, did you hear my words?"
Duan Wuya's gaze fixed on Lin Feng, his tone indifferent. Gone was his gentle demeanor; now he exuded the authority of a superior, the true bearing of a prince.
"Lin Feng obeys the order."
Lin Feng nodded slightly. He naturally couldn't refuse Duan Wuya's protective gesture.
"Good. Then the princess is in your hands."
Duan Wuya said these meaningful words to Lin Feng, then turned to Duan Tianlang. "Uncle, the soldiers are in your hands. When you reach Broken Blade City, work well with the Divine Archer General to fight the enemy. I await your triumphant return in the Imperial City, at the Heavenly Watchtower."
"Your Highness, I will do my utmost to drive out the Moyue and avenge the disgrace of Broken Blade City." Duan Tianlang's voice was solemn. Duan Wuya nodded slightly, glanced at Duan Xinye, then strode away without any lingering attachment.
Duan Tianlang walked to the commander's seat. Clad in black armor, he looked extremely imposing. Sweeping his gaze over the crowd, he said, "Three armies, return to your positions."
The sound of footsteps rang out in unison. The bronze-armored soldiers removed the war drums and quickly returned to their places.
The crowds from Snow Moon Holy Academy and Heavenly One Academy also stood up. In the army, the commander was supreme; orders were like mountains.
Yue Tianming coldly swept his gaze over Lin Feng, a hint of killing intent in his eyes. Then he turned and strode back to his position.
Feeling the icy killing intent, Lin Feng thought coldly, "I hope you don't provoke me."
Turning around, Lin Feng lifted his foot and walked toward the Heavenly One Academy crowd.
"Lin Feng."
Just then, Duan Tianlang called out, causing Lin Feng to halt and look back.
"You've returned to the wrong position." Duan Tianlang said indifferently. "Now that you are the princess's guard, how can you not accompany her? In the army, are you going to be this lazy? If anything happens to the princess, I'll hold you accountable."
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. The moment Duan Wuya left, Duan Tianlang began to pressure him with authority. But his reasoning was something Lin Feng couldn't refute.
"Lin Feng acknowledges his mistake."
A faint smile appeared in his eyes. Lin Feng adjusted his direction and walked toward Princess Duan Xinye. As the commander of the three armies, Duan Tianlang would likely often put pressure on him. What Lin Feng needed to do now was not give Duan Tianlang any opportunity or excuse.
"I'm sorry for the trouble," Duan Xinye said, a gentle smile appearing in her eyes as she watched Lin Feng approach. She was beautiful and moving.
"It is my honor to guard the princess's safety."
Lin Feng returned the smile with a polite bow.
Duan Xinye's eyes flickered as she looked at Lin Feng, then she couldn't help but laugh. "Lin Feng, I feel like this isn't the real you."
Looking at her radiant, beautiful smile, Lin Feng was momentarily stunned. Then he shrugged, a relaxed smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.
"Lecher."
A faint sound reached Lin Feng's ears. He felt as if a pair of eyes were staring at him from behind. Turning his gaze, he saw Liu Fei glaring at him angrily, making his eyes flicker.
Was this girl jealous?
Lin Feng then looked at Wen Aoxue. Her holy, beautiful face was still as cold as ever, not even glancing at Lin Feng. Lin Feng smiled bitterly. This woman, why was she so cold?
Seeing that everyone had returned to their positions, Duan Tianlang swept his gaze across the crowd. His thunderous voice carried far into the distance: "Soldiers, march out!"
"March out!"
Tens of thousands of soldiers roared in unison, causing the earth to tremble.
………………
A few days later, the vast land was covered in yellow dust, and the sound of hooves shook the earth.
On the ancient road, tens of thousands of soldiers rode warhorses, forming a dragon stretching for dozens of miles as they galloped across the land. The yellow dust they kicked up was like a tornado, blotting out the sky and covering the sun.
At the very front of the crowd, two dragon steeds galloped side by side. They belonged to Lin Feng and Princess Duan Xinye. She had insisted on riding with the soldiers, abandoning the comfortable dragon carriage.
Of course, on the Nine Heavens Continent, in the world of martial artists, even women were rarely pampered. Martial artists could travel thousands of miles on horseback without much trouble, only feeling a bit tired.
The setting sun slanted westward. In the twilight sky, wisps of red clouds appeared, extremely magnificent.
In the distance, an ancient city slowly came into view. This city was old, solemn, carrying a hint of tranquility and vicissitude. Under the glow of the setting sun, it seemed even more desolate.
Broken Blade City had arrived.
Soon, the three armies reached the foot of Broken Blade City. But at this moment, the city gates were tightly shut. The people on the city wall looked down with indifferent expressions, making no move.
"King Tianlang leads the troops here. Open the gates immediately!"
A messenger rode forward, waving his banner, and shouted loudly at the city gate.
The people on the city wall looked down indifferently, scanning the endless sea of soldiers before them. One of them said coldly, "Without the general's order, the gates will not open."
"Oh?" The soldiers at the front furrowed their brows upon hearing the voice from the city wall. The gates wouldn't open?
The messenger roared angrily, "We are soldiers of the Imperial City, sent by the emperor's command. King Tianlang is the commander. Open the gates quickly and let us enter the city."
"Without the general's order, the gates will not open."
The voice from the city wall remained cold. When the army was in the field, the emperor's orders could be disregarded. Soldiers only obeyed their commander's orders.
In Broken Blade City, the Divine Archer Liu Canglan was the sovereign. Without his order, no one could command the soldiers.
"Liu Canglan, you have quite the nerve. It seems you don't hold the Snow Moon royal family in high regard," Duan Tianlang said coldly. "Could it be that Liu Canglan intends to declare himself king?"
Hearing Duan Tianlang's words, the crowd began to murmur and discuss. But at that moment, Lin Feng let out a cold laugh and said, "Your Highness, you shouldn't speak carelessly. The soldiers on the city wall know we are powerful, yet they remain unflinching and refuse to open the gates. This precisely shows that the Divine Archer General governs his army well and enforces strict discipline."
"As for you, Your Highness, the moment you arrive, you accuse the Divine Archer General of wanting to declare himself king. What is your intention?"
Liu Canglan's gaze hardened at Lin Feng's questioning. He looked coldly at Lin Feng and said, "When I speak, is it your place to interrupt? Who do you think you are?"
"Your Highness, you are mistaken again. I have been ordered to guard the princess's safety, and I will do my utmost. The words you just spoke have serious consequences. They could even trigger a mutiny. If the princess were to encounter an accident during such a mutiny, would you, King Tianlang, bear the responsibility?"
Lin Feng's gaze met Duan Tianlang's without flinching, neither humble nor arrogant.