Synopsis and Starting Chapter Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Chapter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 79
Chapter 80
Chapter 81
Chapter 82
Chapter 83 - Cry-Baby And Ugly-Faced Woman
Chapter 84 - The Situation Took A Turn For The Worst
Chapter 85 - The Blood Clan’S True Form (One)
Chapter 86 - Blood Clan'S True Form (Two)
Chapter 87 - Your Blood Is Quite Nutritious
Chapter 88 - Awakening (One)
Chapter 89 - Awakening (Two)
Chapter 90 - Awakening (Three)
Chapter 91 - Return
Chapter 92 - Sin Of Hell’S River
Chapter 93 - Don’T Do It, It’Ll Hurt
Chapter 94 - All The Blood In This World Belongs To Me
Chapter 95 - The Charm Of That Shield
Chapter 96 - I Definitely Will Not Let You Suffer
Chapter 97 - Our Inland Sea
Chapter 98 - Arracca Murkh
Chapter 99 - Uncertain Fate
Chapter 100 - Ramon (One)
Chapter 101 - Ramon (Two)
Chapter 102 - Eckstedt’S Welcoming Ceremony
Chapter 103 - Gamble (One)
Chapter 104 - Gamble (Two)
Chapter 105 - The Kingdom’S Wrath
Chapter 106 - The Failed Bet
Chapter 107 - Mystic Gun
Chapter 108 - Chapman Lampard
Chapter 109 - Remnants Of Magic
Chapter 110 - Paid Homage
Chapter 111 - Kaslan’S Tavern
Chapter 112
Chapter 113 - The Intersection Of Fate
Chapter 114 - The People In Hell (One)
Chapter 115 - The People In Hell (Two)
Chapter 116
Chapter 117 - Star Killer
Chapter 118 - The Unexpected Guests
Chapter 119 - A Marquis From Camus
Chapter 120 - Bait
Chapter 121 - Clue
Chapter 122 - Until Dawn Came (One)
Chapter 123 - Until Dawn Came (Two)
Chapter 124 - Queen Of The Sky
Chapter 125 - The Female Warrior
Chapter 126 - Heroic Spirit Palace
Chapter 127 - The Born King (One)
Chapter 128 - The Born King (Two)
Chapter 129 - A Duel
Chapter 130 - The King And His Archdukes
Chapter 131 - The Strange Swordsman
Chapter 132 - Who Are You?
Chapter 133 - Hunt And Chase
Chapter 134 - Little Rascal And Alex (One)
Chapter 135 - Little Rascal And Alex (Two)
Chapter 136 - Stabs
Chapter 137 - Kidnapping The Archduke?
Chapter 138 - Numb Hands
Chapter 139 - A Unique Welcome Banquet
Chapter 140 - The Red Witch
Chapter 141 - Reunion
Chapter 142 - Who’S There (One)
Chapter 143 - Who’S There (Two)
Chapter 144 - The Sword Of Baptism’S Death
Chapter 145 - The Wait
Chapter 146 - The Culprit
Chapter 147 - The Northland Road
Chapter 148
Chapter 149 - Not Even Worth Half A Penny!
Chapter 150 - The Beloved Former King, Nuven
Chapter 151 - Veteran
Chapter 152 - Shadow
Chapter 153 - Have A Drink
Chapter 154 - The Secret Of ‘Triumph’
Chapter 155 - A Bargaining Chip You Cannot Refuse
Chapter 156 - Horrifying
Chapter 157 - The Death Of Soria
Chapter 158 - Betrayal
Chapter 159 - The Fateful Night
Chapter 160 - The Invitation
Chapter 161 - The First Mystic Declaration
Chapter 162 - Letting Go Of A Suspicion
Chapter 163 - Monster And Monster
Chapter 164 - Chaos Begins
Chapter 165 - Just Speak
Chapter 166 - Surprise
Chapter 167 - Flee
Chapter 168 - The Tragic End Of Weaklings
Chapter 169 - Air And Blood
Chapter 170 - The Desperate Dash
Chapter 171 - The Outcome Of The Civil War
Chapter 172 - Elimination
Chapter 173 - The Blade Of Purification
Chapter 174 - The Truth About Elimination
Chapter 175 - Same Kind (One)
Chapter 176 - Same Kind (Two)
Chapter 177 - Sudden Entrance Into The Battlefield!
Chapter 178 - True Form
Chapter 179 - Silence And Darkness
Chapter 180 - Knocking On The Door
Chapter 181 - Phantom
Chapter 182 - A Gentle Kiss
Chapter 183 - The Cost Of Victory
Chapter 184 - The Paradoxical Assassin
Chapter 185 - Thunder Rumbles In Winter
Chapter 186 - End Of Arc: A Good Name
Chapter 187 - The Night Ends, The Day Breaks
Chapter 188 - It Is You
Chapter 189 - Symphony Of Blood (One)
Chapter 190 - Symphony Of Blood (Part Two)
Chapter 191 - Stop Meddling Into The Matters Of Elders
Chapter 192 - Six-Fifty
Chapter 193 - Choose Who You Want To Become
Chapter 194 - Ice-Cold
Chapter 195 - Spirit Of The Contract
Chapter 196 - The Manipulator (One)
Chapter 197 - The Manipulator (Two)
Chapter 198 - Price
Chapter 199
Chapter 200 - Encounter
Chapter 201 - The Prince’S End
Chapter 202 - Really Bad Luck (One)
Chapter 203 - Really Bad Luck (Two)
Chapter 204 - Understanding
Chapter 205 - Execute On The Spot
Chapter 206 - Guest From Barren Bone
Chapter 207 - The Prince’S Doubts
Chapter 208 - The Black Prophet From The Other Side
Chapter 209 - Code Name: Dragon’S Blood
Chapter 210 - The Importance Of Dragon’S Blood
Chapter 211 - A Gamble In The Dark (One)
Chapter 212 - A Gamble In The Dark (Two)
Chapter 213 - The Curse Of The Witch
Chapter 214 - The Scorching Blade
Chapter 215 - Stall
Chapter 216 - The Latecomer
Chapter 217 - A Very Big Problem
Chapter 218 - The Blade And The Wing
Chapter 219 - Trust And Loyalty
Chapter 220 - Nicholas’ Bargaining Chip
Chapter 221 - Shelter
Chapter 222 - A Critical Decision
Chapter 223 - Failure
Chapter 224 - Little Rascal’S ‘Consolation’
Chapter 225 - Save This Country
Chapter 226 - King Slayer
Chapter 227 - Creating Trouble For Ourselves
Chapter 228 - The Strongest Chess Piece (One)
Chapter 229 - The Strongest Chess Piece (Two)
Chapter 230 - The Strongest Chess Piece. (Three)
Chapter 231 - Lampard’S Plan
Chapter 232 - The Archduke’S Fight
Chapter 233 - It Has Been A Long Time
Chapter 234 - A Great Threat
Chapter 235 - Contention
Chapter 236 - The Inextinguishable Starlight
Chapter 237 - The Virtuous King
Chapter 238 - Centuries Of Strategic Planning (One)
Chapter 239 - Centuries Of Strategic Planning (Two)
Chapter 240 - Centuries Of Strategic Planning (Three)
Chapter 241 - Genuine Patrols
Chapter 242
Chapter 243 - Seize Control
Chapter 244 - Chad Vlad
Chapter 245 - Severing Souls With A Slash!
Chapter 246 - A Game Of Chess
Chapter 247 - A Chance Encounter
Chapter 248 - I Am Very Honored
Chapter 249 - When Swords Cross (One)
Chapter 250 - When Swords Cross (Two)
Chapter 251 - Arduous
Chapter 252 - I Am So Relieved
Chapter 253 - I Can Help You
Chapter 254 - The Black Knight’S Death
Chapter 255 - Changing Hands
Chapter 256 - Counter-Attack
Chapter 257 - Check
Chapter 258 - Checkmate
Chapter 259 - A Speculation
Chapter 260 - The Reason For Battle (One)
Chapter 261 - The Reason For Battle (Two)
Chapter 262 - Twist Of Fate
Chapter 263 - A Child Who’S Not Able To Drink Alcohol
Chapter 264 - You Northland Barbarians!
Chapter 265 - Two Minutes
Chapter 266 - What A Shame (One)
Chapter 267 - What A Shame (Two)
Chapter 268 - We Won
Chapter 269 - The Archduchess
Chapter 270 - The Blood-Stained Crown
Chapter 271 - The Day Before The Bitter Cold Winter
Chapter 272 - Yc
Chapter 273 - End Of Arc: The Destiny They Missed
Chapter 274 - The Quiet Prince
Chapter 275 - A Game Of Chess (One)
Chapter 276 - A Game Of Chess (Two)
Chapter 277 - First Lesson
Chapter 278 - The Truth Brothers
Chapter 279 - Traitors
Chapter 280 - Target
Chapter 281 - An Awkward Dinner
Chapter 282 - Upset
Chapter 283 - Riot
Chapter 284 - The Familiar Guest
Chapter 285 - The Honor And Humiliation Of The Great Dragon (One)
Chapter 286
Chapter 287 - The Mystery About Putray
Chapter 288 - The Dragon’S Blood Has Yet To Dry
Chapter 289 - Dragon Breaker (One)
Chapter 290 - Dragon Breaker (Two)
Chapter 291 - Meryl Hicks
Chapter 292 - The Boundaries Of Governance (One)
Chapter 293 - The Boundaries Of Governance (Two)
Chapter 294 - What Is Magic?
Chapter 295 - An Unforeseen Invitation
Chapter 296 - The Game In The Carriage
Chapter 297 - The Former King’S “Present”
Chapter 298 - The Prince’S Shackles
Chapter 299 - Friend And Foe
Chapter 300 - Victory And Defeat
Chapter 301 - A Duel
Chapter 302 - Not Too Bad?
Chapter 303 - Leave
Chapter 304 - A Storm Is Coming
Chapter 305 - The Creation Of The Two Empresses
Chapter 306 - Raven Of Death
Chapter 307 - Ian The Nuisance
Chapter 308 - Collusion
Chapter 309 - The Writers Of Legend (One)
Chapter 310 - The Writers Of Legend (Two)
Chapter 311 - The Day Of The State Affairs Hearing
Chapter 312 - The Hatred For Stealing His Sister
Chapter 313 - The Beginning
Chapter 314 - For Dragon Clouds City
Chapter 315 - The Archduchess And Her Vassals
Chapter 316 - Plan
Chapter 317 - A Romantic Story
Chapter 318 - Are All Of You Coming?
Chapter 319 - Not According To Plan
Chapter 320 - Releasing In “Installments”
Chapter 321 - The Price Of Saying “No”
Chapter 322 - The Moral Of The Story
Chapter 323 - Good Morning
Chapter 324 - Returning The Favor
Chapter 325 - Send Reinforcements
Chapter 326 - Five Archdukes
Chapter 327 - The Prince’S Whereabouts
Chapter 328 - Just Like Chapman Lampard
Chapter 329 - The Final Journey
Chapter 330 - Assassinating Lampard?
Chapter 331 - Bumping Into A Ghost
Chapter 332 - Headquarters
Chapter 333 - Smooth-Sailing
Chapter 334
Chapter 335 - The Confusion While Going Back Home
Chapter 336 - The Veteran On The Wheelchair
Chapter 337 - Double The Amount?
Chapter 338 - The Point Of Contact
Chapter 339 - His/Her Eyes
Chapter 340 - The Magical Therren
Chapter 341 - You Son Of A *Censored*
Chapter 342 - Which Will You Choose?
Chapter 343 - Exterminate Them All
Chapter 344 - Black Track
Chapter 345 - Join Us
Chapter 346 - Silver Shadow
Chapter 347 - You Will Fail In The End
Chapter 348 - You Fell Into The Trap, Eh?
Chapter 349 - The War Of The Deceased Souls
Chapter 350 - Never Lost
Chapter 351 - The Pulse Of The Ground
Chapter 352 - God Knows
Chapter 353 - The First Rule
Chapter 354 - Pursuers
Chapter 355 - The Hardest Fight
Chapter 356 - Unique Only To One
Chapter 357 - Just Die Here
Chapter 358 - The Three-Second Fight
Chapter 359 - Surpassed Kaslan
Chapter 360 - The Raven And The Snow Blade (One)
Chapter 361 - The Raven And The Snow Blade (Two)
Chapter 362 - The Black Raven’S Eyes
Chapter 363 - Who Does Your Loyalty Belong To?
Chapter 364 - Turning Against One Another
Chapter 365 - Saber Or Crossbow?
Chapter 366 - Prince In The Desert
Chapter 367 - Sellsword
Chapter 368 - Dante’S Greatsword
Chapter 369 - Desert Threat
Chapter 370 - There’S Someone
Chapter 371 - Barren Bone People
Chapter 372 - Bloody Thorn Lizard
Chapter 373 - Young Cub
Chapter 374 - Foreign Blood
Chapter 375 - Coming-Of-Age Ceremony
Chapter 376 - Flag
Chapter 377 - The Destructive Army
Chapter 378 - Freaks
Chapter 379 - Welcome To Constellation (One)
Chapter 380 - Welcome To Constellation (Two)
Chapter 381 - Ghost Prince
Chapter 382 - My Home (One)
Chapter 383 - My Home (Two)
Chapter 384 - Age Of Mercenaries
Chapter 385 - Confrontation And Stalemate
Chapter 386 - Prince Versus Prince
Chapter 387 - So Many Tricks
Chapter 388 - You Have To Laugh
Chapter 389 - Shackles Of Power
Chapter 390 - Perhaps I Have
Chapter 391 - Happily Ever After
Chapter 392 - Technical Skill
Chapter 393 - Intention
Chapter 394 - New Guest
Chapter 395 - Shadows And Swords
Chapter 396 - The Dark Side
Chapter 397 - Emergency Mission
Chapter 398 - Alliance Of Traitors
Chapter 399 - The Mole
Chapter 400 - As Bad As Can Be
Chapter 401 - Affectionate And United
Chapter 402 - F*Ck You
Chapter 403 - H.N. Jadestar
Chapter 404 - Stupid Idea
Chapter 405 - Sinner
Chapter 406 - The Intruders
Chapter 407 - Head Towards Omniscience
Chapter 408 - Black Prison
Chapter 409 - Behind The Iron Curtain
Chapter 410 - Hallucination
Chapter 411 - Seven
Chapter 412 - People Whom History Has Forgotten
Chapter 413 - The Mourning Of The Guards
Chapter 414 - Where Is He?
Chapter 415 - Fall Out
Chapter 416 - Disaster Sword’S Battle
Chapter 417 - The Knight Of Judgment
Chapter 418 - A Different World
Chapter 419 - The Queen’S Dowry
Chapter 420 - The Greatest King
Chapter 421 - Knew Clearly
Chapter 422 - Nameless
Chapter 423 - Awaken
Chapter 424 - Loyalty
Chapter 425 - Peer
Chapter 426 - He Was Probably Old
Chapter 427 - A Stalemate
Chapter 428 - Dusk
Chapter 429 - The Man At The Proximal World
Chapter 430 - The Second Declaration Among Mystics
Chapter 431 - The Anchor Point
Chapter 432 - Taurus Mill
Chapter 433 - Decision
Chapter 434 - Correcting The Mistake
Chapter 435 - Malicious Flower, Malicious Fruit
Chapter 436 - Moriah Returns
Chapter 437 - Old Self
Chapter 438 - The Prince Is Not Here
Chapter 439 - Scheme Between The Thief And Bandit
Chapter 440 - Seven To Three
Chapter 441 - Missing One
Chapter 442 - Quick Wit
Chapter 443 - Not Just You
Chapter 444 - Someone Needs An Answer
Chapter 445 - A Forbidden Name
Chapter 446 - Three Calamity Allies
Chapter 447 - Enemy Of The World
Chapter 448 - 1 Vs 8
Chapter 449 - Chaos Of Armies
Chapter 450 - Two Hands
Chapter 451 - Xx Films
Chapter 452 - Fratricide
Chapter 453 - It Was Not A Coincidence
Chapter 454 - More Than Half
Chapter 455 - I Hated Him
Chapter 456 - Nothing At All
Chapter 457 - The Person Who Supported Him
Chapter 458 - Where The Sun Does Not Shine (One)
Chapter 459 - Where The Sun Does Not Shine (Two)
Chapter 460 - Rebirth (One)
Chapter 461 - Rebirth (Two)
Chapter 462 - Rebirth (Three)
Chapter 463 - Rebirth (Four)
Chapter 464 - Rebirth (Five)
Chapter 465 - Truth Swords
Chapter 466 - Beheaded
Chapter 467 - Revealed In Flames
Chapter 468 - The Silent Demon
Chapter 469 - So Naïve That You Are Adorable
Chapter 470 - The Fate Twins
Chapter 471 - The True Essence Of The Power Of Eradication
Chapter 472 - Leaving The Prison
Chapter 473 - I Am Not A Devil, After All
Chapter 474 - Much… Higher
Chapter 475 - The Warden
Chapter 476 - Life, Safety And Freedom
Chapter 477 - Something Lighter
Chapter 478 - Get Me Something To Eat And Drink
Chapter 479 - Exclusive Possession
Chapter 480 - Kill Them
Chapter 481 - A Different Way Of Living
Chapter 482 - Get Yourself A Girlfriend
Chapter 483 - Make Me Even More… Excited
Chapter 484 - You Are Good-Looking
Chapter 485 - Too High
Chapter 486 - You Are Good-Looking
Chapter 487 - Too High
Chapter 488 - That Night
Chapter 489 - Usurp Power
Chapter 490 - Do Something
Chapter 491 - Power Comes From Violence (One)
Chapter 492 - Power Comes From Violence (Two)
Chapter 493 - The Third Party
Chapter 494 - Destiny Is Like A Poem
Chapter 495 - Raven Leader
Chapter 496 - Never
Chapter 497 - His Majesty’S Blessing
Chapter 498 - Black Lion
Chapter 499 - I Have Come In Peace
Chapter 500 - End Of Arc: Duke
Chapter 501 - Everything Will Be Better
Chapter 502 - Six Divisions And Seven Attendants
Chapter 503 - Divided Western Desert
Chapter 504 - Only One Day Left
Chapter 505 - Protection
Chapter 506 - This Is Just The Beginning
Chapter 507 - Hometown
Chapter 508 - A Small Spark
Chapter 509 - Anxious
Chapter 510 - Fifteen Minutes
Chapter 511 - King In The Mist
Chapter 512 - Crazy
Chapter 513 - A Small Favor
Chapter 514 - Like A Fleeting Cloud
Chapter 515 - Timetable
Chapter 516 - Coincidence?
Chapter 517 - Went To High School
Chapter 518 - Discovered?
Chapter 519 - Let’S Fight
Chapter 520 - Not Just The Power Of Eradication
Chapter 521 - World Class Battle Worthy Of Being Written In Historical Poems
Chapter 522 - Continuous Fights
Chapter 523 - Mutant
Chapter 524 - Self-Reliant
Chapter 525 - Lustful Woman
Chapter 526 - Knowledge Of People
Chapter 527 - Holiness Exorcism
Chapter 528 - Fight Between The Eldest And Youngest
Chapter 529 - Privacy
Chapter 530 - Alien Star
Chapter 531 - Guest
Chapter 532 - The Young Kingdom
Chapter 533 - Calm On Iron Spikes
Chapter 534 - Sorry To Keep You Waiting
Chapter 535 - Polaris
Chapter 536 - Times Have Changed
Chapter 537 - Pretty Boy
Chapter 538 - Magnificent Scene Of Hell
Chapter 539 - Side Story 7: Joint Council
Chapter 540 - Never Kneel
Chapter 541 - A Piece Of Cake
Chapter 542 - Merciless
Chapter 543 - That Gaze
Chapter 544 - Watchmen’S Code
Chapter 545 - The End Of It
Chapter 546 - To Not Perish As Foes (One)
Chapter 547 - To Not Perish As Foes (Two)
Chapter 548 - To Not Perish As Foes (Three)
Chapter 549 - To Duke Thales
Chapter 550 - What Rationality
Chapter 551 - Better
Chapter 552 - Sacrificing A Pawn (One)
Chapter 553 - Sacrificing A Pawn (Two)
Chapter 554 - Sacrificing A Pawn (Three)
Chapter 555 - Unfulfilled
Chapter 556 - Chess Player
Chapter 557 - Relieved
Chapter 558 - Punishment
Chapter 559 - Eight Arteries
Chapter 560 - Imperial Style
Chapter 561 - Cannot Escape The Sheath
Chapter 562 - Want Everything
Chapter 563 - Cause And Effect
Chapter 564 - Blazing Blood
Chapter 565 - Of Course—Not
Chapter 566 - Crown Jewel Of The Kingdom
Chapter 567 - Head Over Heels
Chapter 568 - As Truthful As Possible
Chapter 569 - Hand In Marriage
Chapter 570 - What Do I Need You For
Chapter 571 - Defects
Chapter 572 - Heart Of The Guards
Chapter 573 - You’Re A Real Dog
Chapter 574 - Antecessors
Chapter 575 - The Years Have Caught On To Me
Chapter 576 - Shooting Yourself In The Foot
Chapter 577 - Lie
Chapter 578 - The Wine Merchant
Chapter 579 - Damn The Prince
Chapter 580 - The Prince Likes Them
Categories Genre: Action, All, Drama, Fantasy, Mature, Ongoing, Psychological, Seinen, Tragedy Status: Ongoing Alternative names: Wang Guo Xue Mai, 王国血脉, ______
Total Chapters in book: 580
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
______
LIST OF LAST 10 CHAPTERS:
Page No. 580 Page No. 579 Page No. 578 Page No. 577 Page No. 576 Page No. 575 Page No. 574 Page No. 573 Page No. 572 Page No. 571 Page No. 570 Chapter 102 - Eckstedt’S Welcoming Ceremony
Chapter 102: Eckstedt’s Welcoming Ceremony
Translator:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Editor:
EndlessFantasy Translation
Three days after the second prince arrived at the Broken Dragon Fortress.
“The envoy that was sent to Lampard’s military camp has returned.”
Commander Sonia Sasere stood on the fortress’ city wall with a solemn expression on her face as she stared ahead.
“Chapman replied. He says he is waiting calmly for the prince’s arrival.
“I am afraid that you will have to start your journey to the north today.”
Thales was leaning against the observation window on the city wall. He stared at the wide, snow-colored prairie towards the north.
He could vaguely see the continuous stretch of a wide military camp and the Iron Fist Flag that represented Black Sand Region’s Lampard Family in his field of vision. He could also roughly see the distant smoke, ascending from some military camps, which were hidden away from his vision field.
“They brought tens upon thousands of people to await my ‘arrival’?” Thales sighed. “I did not expect myself to be so ‘popular’.”
The Fortress Flower turned around and said to Thales, “Chapman Lampard is Eckstedt’s archduke. His territory is right next to Constellation. After Eckstedt’s diplomat group was attacked by the assassin, he immediately mobilized Black Sand Region’s vassals and gathered over ten thousand soldiers to form an army. All this within a few days’ time, and he pressed in on the border.
“They have already been stationed there for two weeks. At first, they were only observing and intimidating us. But in the past three days, Lampart started to send out small troops to purge the main roads around the perimeter. He even looted two villages and fought against our patrols… We have no choice but to minimize our area of patrol.”
Thales could feel a bone-chilling coldness as he rubbed his palms together and blew a puff of warm air. “I have already arrived at the fortress, the Jadestar’s Nine-Pointed Star Flag has also risen… Why is he not withdrawing his army? It is obvious that he does not have any excuse to invade Constellation anymore.”
Behind Thales, Putray raised his eyebrow. “Based on the unique life Chapman Lampard has led, he is a standard gambler. One of the characteristics of a gambler is that even if he has lost so much that he is forced to leave, he is still not willing to do so. He will not turn around even until the very last moment.”
“So, my arrival has no effect on this gambler?” Thales snorted and laughed. “Even if he is guaranteed to lose, he still wants to lay a bet?”
“Not necessarily,” Putray replied in a serious manner.
“What we were most worried about initially was the other two archdukes, whose territories are also right next to Constellation. We were worried that Reform Tower’s Trentida and Prestige Orchid’s Olsius would both send out their armies. Then, the three archdukes and many more of Eckstedt’s vassals will combine their military forces to oppress those who share a mutually supportive relationship with the fortress like the Lonely Old Tower, Watch Tower as well as Cold Castle. And, they will disregard the costs and attack the isolated Broken Dragon Fortress when the others are unable to help the fortress. Whether it is about physical strength or quality, Eckstedt’s soldiers adapt even better in this freezing, cold winter compared to our reinforcements that are heading up north.”
Sonia continued with Putray’s point. “If they seize this place, they only have to wait calmly for the Day before the Bitter Cold Winter to pass and for the beginning of spring next year to arrive, and it will be their time to use the fortress as their military base to go down south on a large scale… Just like what happened twelve years ago.”
Putray nodded.
“But following your diplomatic trip up north, those two archdukes have yet to appear till this day… This means that we have already finished half of our diplomatic mission. In the approaching Day before the Bitter Cold Winter, Archduke Lampard cannot depend on his own forces, which is made up of ten thousand people. So he has to take down the fortress before his supplies run out.
“He has already lost,” Putray said faintly.
“In this case, I am afraid that it is up to me to finish the other half of our diplomatic mission. I have to completely eliminate the threat of war between the two countries personally before King Nuven, right?” Thales shrugged helplessly.
“Firstly, I have to pass through Archduke Lampard’s military camp, but inside the camp, there are more than ten thousand physically strong northern men, who are full of energy. They have nowhere to let this energy out and they are waiting for me.”
Putray shook his head. “Lampard does not dare jeopardize your safety… Attacking the fortress to conquer the Northern Territory is a completely different thing from conspiring to murder the heir and confronting Constellation.”
“Lampard may not be daring enough to do that, but I am afraid that his opponents would be happy to see this sort of thing… We still have to be careful.” Sonia gave them a hearty smile. “Arracca will bring his Fury Guards to escort you to the entrance of Lampard’s military camp.”
“Arracca?” Thales recalled the aggressive and dangerous man, along with his scornful gaze when he looked at Thales. Thales shook his head. “Are you sure that he is willing to do that?”
Sonia snorted coldly. “I do not deny that I really dislike him, but on the battlefield, he is indeed the person who has fought hand-to-hand against Eckstedtians the most.
“Also, he insisted on this… I originally wanted to let Miranda…”
Thales could not help his feeling of astonishment.
‘He insisted on escorting me?’
He started to recall the man’s appearance… Arraca Murkh.
‘It is such a familiar name.
‘I must have heard it somewhere before.’
Right at this moment, a swordswoman with black hair slowly walked up to the city wall. Her hand, clad in a black glove, was placed upon her left chest as she bowed before Sonia. Her face was devoid of any emotions. “The troops for diplomat group are already prepared. Please send the prince’s subordinates to make the final confirmation.”
Even though the swordswoman had addressed the prince in her speech, she did not spare a glance at Thales’ direction from start to finish. She did not bow before him either.
“Alright.” Sonia nodded. Shen then turned to look at Thales and Putray.
Putray, who was standing by the side, sighed. “I will go with you… Miss Arunde.”
Thales was stunned again.
‘Arunde…’
The swordswoman, Miranda Arunde nodded in stiffly and walked down along the city wall with Putray.
She still did not look at Thales.
“Do not take any offense.” Sonia smiled faintly. “Miranda is Duke Arunde’s only daughter. Her father has been imprisoned in the capital and the family is humiliated. It is very normal for her to hold a grudge against you in her heart.”
“Oh,” Thales nodded awkwardly and said, “I think I heard Wya mentioning that the fortress has an extremely well-known Swordswoman of Eradication. I also heard that she is the Tower of Eradication’s se—”
“The ‘seed’.” Sonia stared at Miranda’s back and sighed. “The Tower of Eradication stored a great amount of various fighting techniques and ways to inherit the Power of Eradication before the Battle of Eradication. The most information stored is on sword styles. Its scions are still continuously researching and developing new sword styles, techniques as well as the Power of Eradication itself. This is to nurture the generation after the generation of people who can control the Power of Eradication among us. Only very few people, who are the most outstanding students get the title of ‘seed’. Miranda is one of them.
“They are people who have the hope to shoulder the Power of Eradication’s legacy and they are able to shoulder the Power of Eradication’s mission as well.”
Thales stared at Sonia while he furrowed his brows slightly.
‘Power of Eradication.
‘The extraordinary power resulting from humans awakening to their power on their own.
‘This is another piece of information that is worthy of my attention.
‘Is it related to the fluctuations?’
Sonia did not know what Thales was thinking about as she continued to say helplessly, “But even so, Miranda has still been in a very difficult situation recently.
“After Duke Arunde was imprisoned, the Northern Territory was managed by a few vassals that her father trusted the most, and they are waiting for her to go back after this crisis ends… But Arunde’s few cousin-brothers and nephews are coveting the Duke of the Northern Territory’s right of inheritance.
“Fortunately, even though Val Arunde has been sent to prison, he is still the Duke of the Northern Territory. His Majesty did not sentence him with the crime of treason and did not strip him of his title or territory. The king only accused him of conspiring with foreign political leaders. It is a slightly comforting thought.”
Sonia let out a deep sigh and said, “It’s just that, I never thought that he would do something like this. You know, in the past, Val had constantly served as Broken Dragon Fortress’ backup for more than ten years.”
“He is a coward!”
At that very moment, a deep voice, which would have made anyone feel uneasy came from a distance.
“Compared to his heroic brothers, Val Arunde is a complete coward and he has humiliated his blood brothers… They did their utmost to protect Prince Horace and stood their ground.” Arracca Murkh’s figure could be seen slowly walking up the city wall. He had an impatient expression on his face.
“In comparison, twelve years ago, that Duke Val was scared out of his wits by those Eckstedt bastards… I am surprised that he still believes in trash like Lampard.
“If you want me to tell the truth, the only good thing he has done was killing that Eckstedt Prince.”
“At least this time, you said it after Miranda left.” Sonia pressed her hand onto her forehead and sighed. “Should I be grateful for your consideration and care for her feelings?”
“Her feelings?” Arracca snorted coldly. “Do I look like a person who would consider this?”
Thales rolled his eyes secretly. ‘This fellow, why does he always look like somebody owes him money?’
Sonia snorted lightly. “What is wrong with you now?”
Arracca gave her a disdainful look.
“I am here to find this little brat.” Arracca directed his fierce gaze towards Thales and made the latter slightly nervous. “The three hundred members of the Fury Guards are ready… If you really want to go to Eckstedt and seek death, at least do not make me wait for too long.”
“It looks like you are not too satisfied with my trip up north, Baron Murkh,” Thales could not help but ask. “In that case, why do you still want to send me to Lampard’s military camp?”
Sonia exhaled.
Arracca stared intently at Thales, and the latter could not help but feel a little apprehensive.
“Because I owe Jadestar a favor,” he only spoke after a long while, “And you, you annoying, dawdling little brat, you just happen to have Jadestar as your last name.”
After he finished talking, Arracca turned around and left without looking back.
“We are going to depart in the afternoon.
“Do not dawdle.”
Thales and Sonia looked at Arracca’s figure as he walked further away.
“Do not misunderstand,” Sonia said to Thales sarcastically, “That is his unique way of saying ‘how are you’. You know, Arracca is quite shy.”
‘Shy?’
Thales just had to stick out his tongue.
“Is it because of different ideals?” Thales suddenly asked.
“Hmm?” Sonia gave him a puzzled look.
“The dispute and discord between the both of you does not seem to come from some specific hatred,” Thales pondered while he spoke softly.
“Also, what you mentioned before about him and my uncle, Prince Horace…” Thales hesitated for a while but continued to say, “Even though he seems quite annoying, Arracca does not look like someone who would stab you in the back.”
Sonia kept quiet for a second.
“Those were indeed angry words.” Sonia smiled bitterly. “Arracca was the one who brought the remaining military forces and broke into Eckstedt’s tight encirclement. He bathed in blood all the way to seize back the remains of Prince Horace that year.
“Before the Fortress Treaty, Starlight Brigade headed north to meet with the few remaining soldiers left in the kingdom. They fought ferociously in three battles with Eckstedt in the Northern Territory, Land of Cliffs Region and Central Territory without caring about the number of casualties. We lost a large number of men, and the other party also had a huge number of casualties. I saw the almost crazed Arracca, his force and his destructive power on the battlefield with my own eyes. Even Eckstedt’s pride, the Doppelsöldners were incessantly wary of him… I think this was the reason why Eckstedt was willing to finally sit down and negotiate.”
Thales was startled.
‘That man with the impatient look on his face is actually…’
“As for ideals, you are right.” Sonia sighed. “John, your father’s uncle, his principles of war for the Starlight Brigade were sensibility and cautiousness, doing your best to protect yourself, being flexible towards changes and movements, as well as waiting for an opportunity to attack.
“However, Prince Horace’s army was known for its merciless command and ruthlessly strict military rules. Under his army, Arracca became used to fighting tough and bloody battles. Because of the large number of casualties, Arracca’s army always has huge batches of new soldiers, but he only keeps the tough ones who can endure and carry blood and death on their shoulders…”
Sonia shook her head. “I do not understand why His Majesty wants to place the two of us together. We cannot even reach an agreement on whether to go forward or retreat on the battlefield.”
“Maybe, this is part of the king’s plan,” Thales suddenly said.
Under Sonia’s puzzled gaze, Thales lifted his head. “A main general with both sensibility and cautiousness is needed to defend the fortress in the long-term. However, when Eckstedt’s army presses upon the border, a person who can directly fight a tough war is needed.”
Sonia raised her head and glanced at him.
“Perhaps.” Sonia chuckled. “They were right. You really do not seem like a regular child. There really is a reason that the king to choose you for the mission up north.”
“Ahem…”
Thales scratched his head awkwardly and tried to change the subject. “Right, why is Arracca not that famous when he has such splendid military successes?”
Sonia was thoroughly stunned.
“Not that famous?” Sonia widened her eyes. She looked at him with an expression that said, “how is that possible.”
Thales narrowed his eyes in confusion.
“No.” Sonia came to a realization and shook her head as she smiled. “You must know him, even though you do not know his real name.”
Under Thales’ confused gaze, Sonia lifted her head and looked at Eckstedt’s military camp in the distance. Her eyes shone brightly.
“From the beggars to the king, every single Constellatiate knows him.
“Or at least, they know about his nickname.”
Thales widened his eyes in astonishment.
‘Everyone knows it…’
In that instant, he knew who Arracca Murkh was.
…
With Ramon’s ‘treatment’, Chora’s condition became stable, but it was obvious that he could not follow them on their journey up north.
“Yes, we need to fill in the spot for attendants.”
Putray was walking beside Thales, who had already finished packing up. Following them were Wya, who was wrapped in bandages, Ralf, whose arm was fastened with splints, and Aida, who was still extremely dispirited because of the cold.
“At least, there are some advantages… The people who are joining us are all experienced veterans who have been on the battlefield. They are not Jadestar’s private soldiers from the manor, who only went through training that focused on one-on-one wrestling and protecting someone…”
Thales looked at the thirty veterans who stood before him in a stern manner. They all had resolute gazes in their eyes. They were armed with different weapons, which consisted of swords, shields, bows, pikes and axes.
The former duke’s personal guard of Starlight Brigade, Genard stood right in front of the group. Thales was left a little stupefied by the situation.
Putray continued and said, “Thanks to your trial under the scaffold, many veterans were willing to join our diplomat group… even though many people still think our journey is extremely dangerous.”
They walked to the last row of soldiers when a young man with black hair, who was holding a pair of pikes in his hands waved happily at him.
Thales furrowed his brows. “Veteran?”
“He insisted on coming along.” Putray stared at Willow Ken, whose expression was bright and cheerful. He then spread his hands. “However, there are only twenty-nine veterans who volunteered. The others are new soldiers. If I have to make it thirty people, at least this new soldier who received your grace is slightly more reliable.”
Thales gave Willow a smile. “At least they gave him a pair of new weapons.”
Putray shrugged. ‘There are many broken pikes in the storeroom. It is not a hard thing to pare a pair of shorter pikes.’
“But that suspicious doctor… do you really want to bring him along?” Putray turned his around and looked at Ramon, pursing his lips and shaking his head. “I thought you learnt your lesson from the Duke of Iris Flowers…”
Ramon was shivering among the soldiers when he lifted his head and coincidentally noticed Thales’ gaze. He was slightly shocked and immediately lowered his head.
“Do not worry. I have already asked him about his origins and made an agreement with him as well.” Thales stared at Ramon with a complicated gaze. “Moreover, he did indeed save Chora’s life.”
Strange Doctor.
‘That power he had in his hands.
‘If I am guessing correctly, that is…
‘I need to find out more about it.’
Sonia walked over from a distance away, followed by a chilly-looking Miranda. “Your Highness, if you do not have any further questions, according to the time we set, it is time to go.
“Arracca has already chosen three hundred sword-and-shield troops from the group of Fury Guards.” The Fortress Flower crouched down and patted Thales on his shoulder. Only this time, the strength of her hand was slightly stronger. “Sorry, the number of people cannot increase anymore. There are only three thousand people in the fortress nevertheless, those soldiers that Arracca has chosen are veterans.”
With her chin, she gestured towards a lightly geared man standing in a distance. He was carrying a bow across his back and was growing visibly impatient. “They will escort you all the way to the borderline.”
Thales exhaled, and his breath turned into a puff of white fog. He stomped on the snow, which belonged to Constellation.
He lifted his head and silently said, “Of course.”
Sonia nodded.
Constellation’s Second Prince gave the crowd an effortless smile.
“Let us depart.
“Follow me to increase your knowledge about the Dragon’s Kingdom!”
Hence, the Double Cross-Shaped Stars Flag, which represented Constellation and Jadestar Family’s Nine-Pointed Star Flag were erected at the same time.
Wya mounted a Northland Horse with wide hoofs. It was a breed of horse unique to the north. He then pulled Thales up the saddle.
“I swear on my life that I will properly hold the reins, Your Highness,” Wya said solemnly, “Please do not worry about your safety.”
Thales nodded naturally. “Then, I will let you handle this, attendant.” He had already gotten used to Wya’s ‘excessive’ attitude.
Meanwhile, Putray and the few remaining Jadestar private soldiers, who had gone through horse-riding training, rode on the remaining horses.
It was obvious that Ralf could not ride a horse with his current condition, and for some unknown reason Aida shook her head all of a sudden when she saw a horse.
Arracca rode his horse towards Thales’ side and the sword-and-shield troops followed him with a stern expression on their faces.
“Do not be scared and wet your pants, little brat,” Arracca said coldly, “I heard the people on duty above saying that Eckstedt has prepared a welcoming ceremony for us.”
‘Ah?’
Thales was momentarily stunned.
Before he came back to his senses, he heard Arracca yell in the direction of the gate’s chains.
“Open the gate!”
Broken Dragon Fortress’ north gate slowly ascended while the sound of chains rubbing against metal rose into the air.
Thales took a deep breath and slowly made his way out of the Broken Dragon Fortress. He was followed by Constellation’s diplomat group, which consisted of less than forty people, and the escort guards, which consisted of more than three hundred people. They then headed north.
First, they had to pass through the five castles, north of Broken Dragon Fortress. The soldiers ahead had already strung their bows, and were ready for battle.
But soon, Thales understood what Arracca meant by ‘welcoming ceremony’.
Many people suddenly appeared across the endless white, snow-covered ground before his eyes.
Perhaps he should rephrase that as Eckstedt’s army.
Six troops of infantrymen lined up into two slightly curved lines and scattered to both sides of the road ahead of them.
Putray narrowed his pupils. ‘The number of infantrymen in each troop is almost four hundred.’ This also meant that there were almost two thousand Eckstedt infantrymen waiting for them to head north.
The people of the diplomat group became instinctively nervous. Wya held onto his reins even tighter.
“This is our welcoming ceremony?” Thales stared at the battle formation ahead, which was not really far away from him with a gloomy expression on his face. “They really did cross over the border…”
He turned his head back and glanced at the fortress. He could vaguely see Sonia’s figure.
“Prepare for battle.” Arracca, who was riding ahead, turned his head around and said to his soldiers in a deep voice, “Do not let your guard down.”
“Maybe this is a demonstration,” Putray said as he furrowed his brows, “But it is not necessary for them to make a formation in front of the fortress… It will still have the same effect as when we enter the Eckstedt military camp.
“I have a bad feeling about this,” Thales said with a pale complexion on his face.
“So, do you want to retreat, young prince?” Arracca said sarcastically, “There is still time for you to turn around now.”
“Stop joking around.” Thales closed his eyes and exhaled, after which he opened them. “Let us continue onwards.”
“Do not worry,” Putray said with a low voice, “Lampard is not stupid enough to kill Constellation’s prince and heir, who is on a diplomatic mission under the watchful gaze of those at the border of the two kingdoms.
“As long as we do not do anything to provoke them and give them an excuse…”
They moved forward slowly until they entered the premise of the formation, which was in the shape of a mountain.
“They did not mention anything like this…” Ramon nervously nudged a soldier with black hair beside him. “Nothing will happen to the diplomat group, right?”
“Huh?” Willow Ken was taken aback for a moment but he immediately returned to his senses and patted Ramon’s shoulder with a smile on his face. “Do not worry! I have met them before… Eckstedt’s soldiers are quite nice.”
“Quite nice?” Ramon was stunned, but what Willow said next made him go pale.
“If they want to kill you, their swords are very sharp. They will not dawdle too, so you will not suffer.”
At that very moment, all six troops of infantrymen began to move slowly.
The members of the diplomat group instantly became nervous!
But luckily, Eckstedt’s soldiers did not walk towards them.
The first two Eckstedt troops plodded forward and almost brushed past the diplomat group on both their left and right sides. Thales could even see the Northland soldiers’ beard and yellow teeth.
They looked brutish and violent. These burly soldiers were armed with huge hatchets or gigantic, spiked maces.
They also turned around and looked at Constellation’s diplomat group with a hostile expression on their faces.
*Thud… thud… thud…*
The sound of heavy footsteps on the snow-covered ground rang out in a disorderly fashion. However, the atmosphere caused by more than two thousand people from all directions made these concentrated sounds of footsteps more impactful.
They walked passed the diplomat group on both sides.
And Thales’ expression became stern.
It was his first time facing a battle array made up of a few thousand people and he was feeling a little alarmed.
Nonetheless, he was not the only one who felt the same way.
Even the sword-and-shield troops from the Fury Guards could not help but feel anxious.
*Thud…thud…thud…*
“Keep your composure,” Arracca said in a deep voice.
Thales, who was feeling apprehensive, tried to calm himself down, so he turned around and got a good look at the Northland soldiers on either side.
From their armor, weapons, movements, to their advancement, Eckstedt’s infantrymen were obviously not as uniformed and orderly as Constellation. There were some soldiers who held axes and wore chain armor, there were also some soldiers who held single-handed swords and only wore chest plates. There were even some blade-and-shield soldiers who resembled Constellation’s sword-and-shield troops, but Thales could obviously feel that these infantrymen were different from Constellation’s.
They all had one similarity: their gazes were hostile, their expressions were fierce, they had an aggressive and threatening presence, and their faces were filled with contempt as well as disdain.
These infantrymen were holding flags with the picture of an iron fist—the symbol of the Lampard Family. However, they occasionally stroked, pounded, and swung their weapons as if they were demonstrating. They were ferocious like beasts that could go wild at any moment.
*Thud…thud…thud…*
‘This is not right,’ Thales secretly told himself.
‘If this is a demonstration…’
“They are all light infantrymen, at least according to Northlander standards.
“Eckstedt’s famous Doppelsöldners and heavy-armored axemen as well as the Northland heavy cavaliers are not here, not even the light cavaliers,” Putray pondered and said softly.
“If these troops had been the ones I mentioned just now, it would be too simple for them to kill us, what with them being at the back now… As they are light infantrymen, they are probably just demonstrating.”
“Then, why did they not send those powerful armed forces to demonstrate?” Thales furrowed his brows tightly and asked, “A troop of Doppelsöldners walking around with an astonishing presence beside us… Surely, the effect would be even better?”
Putray also furrowed his brows.
‘This is indeed strange…’
*Thud…thud…thud…*
“Do not let down your guard!” Arracca Murkh’s voice could be heard again.
“Even though there are only more than two thousand light infantrymen, if they swarm at us, they can chop us into pieces in just half an hour.” Arracca tightened the silver-black, metal bow across his back and turned around to speak to them coldly.
“On the battlefield with thousands of men and horses, without any support and protection, even a supreme class elite cannot hang on for more than eight minutes.”
However, right at the very next second, the situation completely changed.
The six troops of Eckstedt were moving slowly. After the first two troops passed by, they suddenly turned around under their military officers’ commands and merged with the other party.
*Thud…thud…thud…*
The disorderly sounds of two thousand footsteps continued to rise into the air!
Eckstedt’s light infantrymen surrounded them and slowly changed their formation from two curved lines, which formed a mountain into a square.
“They are surrounding us!” Wya yelled in anger, “What is the meaning of this?”
Putray stared at the Eckstedtians before his eyes in shock.
In his disbelief, Thales stared into the distance, wanting to see what was happening in front clearly.
‘This should not be happening.’
“Stop!” Arracca roared angrily and had the entire diplomat group as well as the escort group come to a halt, “Form your formation in your place!”
Even though they were nervous and apprehensive, more than three hundred Constellation soldiers, especially the veterans still stopped in their tracks. They proceeded to turn around in an orderly manner. They formed their shields into a wall and surrounded the prince in a circular formation.
“It is already impossible to break through their formation now.” Arracca stared at the surrounding citizens of Eckstedt in agitation. “These bastards…”
The Constellatiates stared at the surrounding, murderous Eckstedt infantrymen in bewilderment and fear.
“What are we going to do now?” Wya clenched his teeth and asked.
“Do they have anyone that we can communicate with? A military officer or a commander?” Thales asked nervously, “Due to Lampard’s best interests, they will not dare to kill me…”
But at the next moment, a few unfamiliar but forceful commands could be heard coming from Eckstedt’s battle formation.
Arracca and Putray’s expression quickly changed!
So did many of the veterans’.
They recognized the type of military order from Eckstedt.
Within the next second, all six troops with over two thousand Eckstedt infantrymen raised their weapons and roared angrily!
*Wooh! Wooh! Wooh!*
Thales was terrified of the deafening roars. “What… is happening to them?”
Shortly after, Eckstedt’s infantrymen could be seen walking in huge strides with a ferocious look on their faces.
*THUD! THUD! THUD!*
Sounds of footsteps that were louder than before came through like thunder.
More than two thousand infantrymen raised their weapons and rushed madly towards Thales’ diplomat group from all six directions.
“Kill them!”
Eckstedt’s light infantrymen were roaring in fervent ardor and charging towards them.
Thales was in a daze as he stared at everything before his eyes.
‘Did they not say that Lampard would not dare to jeopardize my safety?’
“He is waiting calmly for the prince’s arrival.”
‘Then, why…
‘Why does he want to… kill me?’
“Damn it.” Putray widened his eyes in shock as he drew a half sword from his waist. “How could they…?”
A louder roar exploded in the air and cut off Putray’s speech.
“Enemy assault!”
In the center of the group, Arracca Murkh’s was livid and filled with rage. He controlled his unstable steed and forcefully pulled out a menacing two-handed sword. He roared at Constellation’s escort team, his Fury Guards.
“Get ready for battle!”
Total Chapters in book: 580
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 2362673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 11813(@200wpm)___ 9451(@250wpm)___ 7876(@300wpm)
______