…
The Ancestral Dragon City-State stood towering over a vast expanse of fertile plains, where three thawed rivers meandered from distant mountain ranges. They irrigated the land, passing through countless villages, market towns, and cities before finally converging at the silvery-gray Ancestral Dragon City-State!
The city-state was divided into two parts, separated by the solemn and majestic silvery-gray high State Wall.
The most awe-inspiring aspect of the Ancestral Dragon City-State was indeed this State Wall, which, from the moment one flew into the Qingmo Plains, resembled an ancient Dragon that had touched the world's beginnings, sprawled across the horizon.
"Legend has it that the Ancestral Dragon City-State was transformed from the body of an Ancestral Dragon; seeing it today, I realize it's no falsehood," Zhu Minglang remarked to himself.
Seeing the Ancestral Dragon City-State did little to unravel the knot in Li Yunzi's heart. Furthermore, the thought of facing those who were all too familiar with her made her feel breathless all over again.
"Miss Yunzi, you need not worry about that matter; I have silenced them all," Luo Xiao seemed to discern the complexity within Li Yunzi's heart and showed this special consideration.
Li Yunzi did not respond.
After composing herself slightly, Li Yunzi's eyes regained their cold, starry frost-and-moon luster; she simply said, "Let's go."
…
The Nan Family and the Li Family.
For a long time, these two prestigious clans had ruled over the Ancestral Dragon City-State. Upon hearing the name Valkyrie, Zhu Minglang instantly understood her background.
No wonder she had managed to rule over Eternal City for a full year amidst the chaotic Wutu; her background must be extraordinarily deep.
But why was she overthrown overnight?
The journey was nerve-wracking, but at last, the mission was completed, though Zhu Minglang couldn't leave just yet.
The Li Imperial Palace was grandly imposing—a pity that their return was not one of glory.
The three waited quietly in a spacious hall adorned with pear wood, with Zhu Minglang and Luo Xiao standing a few steps behind Li Yunzi. Li Yunzi stood there, facing an elderly, thin man with a long beard in the main seat of the great hall.
Next to the man was a woman of outstanding poise, dignified and elegant, pouring a cup of tea for the bearded, gaunt man.
"Master, please calm your anger; it's good that she has returned unharmed," the woman said softly.
"Smash!" The teacup was fiercely knocked down by the long-bearded man.
Sharp porcelain shards flew towards Li Yunzi's feet, with one bouncing off the marble floor and mercilessly slicing across Li Yunzi's cheek.
A fresh red line appeared on her face, and blood began to ooze out.
Yet Li Yunzi stood there without any intention to dodge from the beginning.
"Any child raised by our Li Family should have chosen to end their life at a shrine by now, sparing you and our Li Family some dignity!" the middle-aged man with the long beard said indifferently.
"Your Majesty, I had already turned Eternal City into ashes; how could this news have reached the City-State so quickly?" Luo Xiao said in disbelief.
"Is it your turn to speak!" The Master of the Li Family glared at Luo Xiao.
Luo Xiao hurriedly knelt down, not daring to raise his head.
It seemed that there was an innate fear of the Lord of the Li Family. Even the ambitious and arrogant Luo Xiao did not dare to act rashly anymore.
"You can't even protect your own reputation, how will you protect the Ancestral Dragon City-State, which is besieged on all sides!" Master Li roared in anger.
Li Yunzi still did not speak.
Seeing her remain silent, the Lord of the Li Family became even more irritated...
But soon the Lord of the Li Family suppressed the anger rising in his throat.
"Regardless, Yunzi has made no small contribution to our city-state's military achievements, expanding our territory. Even though her reputation is now in tatters, she still has her commanding dignity," the woman at his side persuaded.
"What commanding dignity? Moreover, the soldiers under the name of Female Monarch will have to bear this disgrace with her. From now on, let the name of Female Monarch disappear. Your Army Guards will be dispersed to other camps to continue defending the western battlefield. The title of Ancestral Dragon God Princess shall be inherited by Nan Lingsha. You are to be under house arrest in the palace, forbidden from seeing anyone!" As Master Li spoke these words, his eyes revealed a hint of cold indifference.
"My lord, as her sister, Nan Lingsha might also be affected. Perhaps we should call her back as well..." The woman seemed to want to say something.
"Nan Lingsha is Nan Lingsha, Li Yunzi is Li Yunzi. Whoever dares bring up this matter in connection with Nan Lingsha, cut out their tongue, no matter their status!" Master Li declared.
"Your concubine will execute this order," the woman answered.
"Luo Xiao," the Lord of the Li Family turned his gaze to him at this moment.
"Here I am!" Luo Xiao quickly knelt down, not daring to lift his face.
"Your dragon is the Gold-plated Fire Dragon?" asked the Lord of the Li Family.
"Gold-plated Fire Dragon? My lord, that's a dragon breed with the potential to ascend to Dragon Lord status. Its lineage and attributes are of the highest tier. If it can demonstrate loyalty..." the woman expressed her surprise.
"Indeed a rare and precious dragon. I didn't expect that after leaving the Li Family, you would have such a remarkable adventure. You performed well this time, making those refugees from Wutu realize that people of the Li Family cannot be trampled upon with impunity!" Master Li stated.
"When I erred and was exiled years ago, I was filled with regret, but my heart has always been with the Li Family. After becoming a Dragon Shepherd, I happened to be training in Wutu. When I learned of the young lady's distress, I rushed there immediately. Unfortunately, I was a step too late. Please don't blame the young lady, my lord. It was my lack of decisiveness; I should have also eradicated the nearby towns so that this incident would not have spread back to the city-state," Luo Xiao declared his loyalty.
Master Li nodded, somewhat pleased with Luo Xiao's ruthlessness.
"Come under my command. The Gold-plated Fire Dragon indeed has immense potential but also needs substantial resources and guidance from a master. As long as you are sufficiently loyal, I assure you a future of great splendor!" Master Li proclaimed.
"Thank you, my lord, thank you, my lord!!" Excitement that he could scarcely hide emerged on Luo Xiao's face as he bowed his head in thanks again and again!
Great splendor!
This was precisely the great splendor Luo Xiao desired!
Not to be some Dragon Herding Sanctifier in a barren and poor land, but to reign supreme in the grand and prosperous Ancestral Dragon City-State!
...
Throughout the entire scene, Zhu Minglang had mentally rehearsed numerous times how he would respond to the domineering and cold words of the Li Family Head, even thinking of many vague words to obscure the issue of his identity.
In the end, Zhu Minglang realized that from beginning to end, he had never been taken seriously.
He hadn't even been glanced at, let alone addressed.
This made Zhu Minglang feel somewhat bitter. There had been a time when many esteemed individuals had pointed at him and said, "This child has an extraordinary countenance, he will surely be a Dragon Phoenix among men." How had he managed to become so plain and invisible within just a few years of wandering?