"Silence," Duan Tianlang sternly shouted at Lin Feng, coldly stating, "Loquacious and full of nonsense, Lin Feng, do not think that being the princess's guard allows you to do as you please. There are rules in the military."
"You, silence, Duan Tianlang. I, Lin Feng, only came to assist in the Blade-Breaking City's defense. I never said I would join your army. This time, I am entrusted by His Royal Highness the Second Prince to protect the princess. That is why I remain here. What qualifications do you have to command me? I am not your subordinate," Lin Feng retorted sharply, a cold smile playing at the corner of his mouth. They had already arrived at Blade-Breaking City; would he still fear Duan Tianlang?
Upon hearing Lin Feng's words, Duan Tianlang's eyes narrowed slightly, a cold light flashing in them. In his view, even though Lin Feng was in his army as the princess's guard, he was not to be toyed with. Whatever he wanted, he would get. Duan Tianlang had not expected Lin Feng to dare to refute him, a bold and arrogant fellow.
At this moment, the crowd's gaze also slightly froze as they stared at Lin Feng, this guy was truly audacious, daring to confront the commander in front of the entire army.
"Wang Shu, what Lin Feng said just now is not without reason. The soldiers on the city gate saw our overwhelming force and still followed military orders. This shows that General Divine Arrow manages the army well. It is inappropriate for you to speak like that," Princess Duan Xinye spoke up, surprising the surrounding crowd.
Under his armor, Duan Tianlang's eyes turned slightly cold as he said, "Princess, setting aside whether my words were appropriate, based on Lin Feng's rebellious words just now, I must punish him."
"Punish me? What crime do you accuse me of?" Lin Feng sneered, realizing by now that Duan Tianlang and the Second Prince, Duan Wuyan, were no longer on the same side. Otherwise, Duan Tianlang would not have acted against him so quickly. Before they set out, the Second Prince had deliberately instructed that only Princess Duan Xinye could give orders regarding Lin Feng.
"Disobeying orders, a serious crime of rebellion," Duan Tianlang said coldly.
"Rebellion?" Lin Feng stared at Duan Tianlang. "How do you intend to treat me then?"
"For the sake of the princess's dignity, I will not pursue the death penalty, but you will not escape punishment. I will bind and detain you, then present you to His Majesty for judgment," Duan Tianlang replied.
"Ridiculous," Lin Feng coldly retorted, then turned to Princess Duan Xinye, saying, "Princess, it's not that I, Lin Feng, refuse to protect you, but Duan Tianlang is settling personal scores and cannot tolerate me. Farewell."
With that, Lin Feng rode out, his horse galloping forward. Addressing the crowd, he said, "Anyone willing to follow me, step forward."
"I want to see who dares to stand out," Duan Tianlang sneered coldly. This guy had quite the courage, it seemed he wanted to court death.
However, as soon as Duan Tianlang's words fell, many people rode forward. Meng Qing, Liu Fei, Wen Ao Xue, Yuan Shan, Duan Feng, and others, along with Black Devil and thirty-two masked individuals, all stepped forward. The large group surprised Duan Tianlang; he had no idea when Lin Feng had gathered so many companions.
"Princess, it's not that I, Lin Feng, am unwilling to protect you. It's just that Duan Tianlang is seeking personal revenge and simply cannot tolerate me. Take care." With those words, Lin Feng rode out, followed closely by the others, leaving the onlookers slightly stunned but also admiring their boldness.
"Archers!"
Duan Tianlang coldly shouted, a murderous intent in the air. In an instant, the soldiers in front took two steps forward, removed the long arrows from their backs, and prepared to shoot.
Lin Feng and the others tensed, a cold aura emanating from them. Their horses continued forward, but they were prepared for battle.
"Cease!"
At that moment, a furious voice rang out, surprising everyone. The speaker was none other than the usually gentle Princess Duan Xinye.
"Princess, this is a military order. They are disobeying it and deserve death," Duan Tianlang said coldly, staring at Princess Duan Xinye, demonstrating his disregard for her authority, a stark contrast to his earlier attitude.
"As long as I'm present, I will kill anyone who shoots," Princess Duan Xinye's voice was cold, her threat causing the soldiers in front to tremble inwardly, feeling extremely conflicted.
Indeed, if Princess Duan Xinye were to kill them on the spot, even if they could fight back, they wouldn't dare. If they were to harm Princess Duan Xinye, Duan Tianlang would likely kill them without hesitation.
Unlike Lin Feng, who was a true noble, Princess Duan Xinye's status was noble. Duan Tianlang, no matter how bold, wouldn't dare let anything happen to her.
Duan Tianlang's gaze also sharpened, not expecting Princess Duan Xinye to support Lin Feng like this.
In the brief moment, Lin Feng and the others had already reached a distance. They quickly arrived at the city gate, where the soldiers, recognizing Lin Feng, smiled faintly and opened the gate for them.
"General, they seem to have no respect for us. Why don't we just storm the gate?" someone behind Duan Tianlang suggested. Among them were many strong individuals in the Spiritual Martial Realm. The city gate was not high, and they could easily leap onto it. However, they generally wouldn't do so, as forcibly entering the city would be seen as an act of aggression, leading to bloodshed.
Duan Tianlang turned around, giving the speaker a cold look, his gaze sharp.
"I came here to join forces with General Divine Arrow to defend against external enemies. How can I intentionally provoke conflict? Withdraw," Duan Tianlang said icily.
"Yes, General," the man replied, trembling at Duan Tianlang's cold tone, lowering his head and stepping back, angry but unable to voice it. After all, did Duan Tianlang seem like he came to join forces against an enemy? Of course, he could only think this to himself.
"Order the troops to rest on the spot," Duan Tianlang said indifferently. His order was passed on, and the soldiers became restless, feeling somewhat resentful.
Damn it, they had come to help General Liu Canglan, but were being kept outside the city gate, forced to rest in the dust. This made them much less favorable towards General Divine Arrow. They couldn't understand why Duan Tianlang would endure such humiliation.
As Lin Feng and the others entered the city gate, they saw that the order inside was orderly and calm, without any signs of danger. At the same time, Liu Canglan appeared
before them, smiling.
"Lin Feng, Feifei, you're here."
"Uncle Liu," Lin Feng called out, but his eyes were full of doubt, occasionally looking into the distance.
"Little Feng, are you wondering why Blade-Breaking City is so peaceful and why I'm not on the city gate or allowing them into the city?" Liu Canglan seemed to see through Lin Feng's thoughts and asked.
"Please enlighten me, Uncle Liu," Lin Feng did not deny.
With a bitter smile, Liu Canglan said, "Little Feng, they must have told you that Blade-Breaking City is under attack by the Mo Ye, and urgent reinforcements are needed, so soldiers have been assembled to assist, right?"
"Isn't that the case!" Lin Feng's pupils constricted upon hearing Liu Canglan's words, as if suddenly realizing something.
However, Liu Canglan's face wore an even more bitter smile, tinged with a coldness.
"Blade-Breaking City is very peaceful, and there has never been a crisis. They did not come to assist but to seize power. The royal family cannot resist taking action against me."