Douglas and Hu Yan Wu locked eyes, the already tense atmosphere taut as a bowstring!
Kuntina instinctively moved to intervene, but as she stepped forward, she noted the Third Prince's expression remained unchanged, and suddenly realized.
This was merely a delay!
Whether it was the Third Prince's earlier command for a "warm welcome" through magical bombardment, or Douglas's brash interruption of the dialogue…
Both appeared irrational at first glance, yet they revealed a shared intent.
They were not simple-minded fools, having received a series of concerning reports regarding the foreigners' overwhelming might, they understood that the meager defenses of Reverse Wind Port stood no chance.
To shift the tide, they must buy time for the King and Chief Wizard to arrive!
Until then, no matter the foreign side's proposals, they could not offer substantial responses.
The one with the mightiest fist would dictate the terms.
Currently, the Third Prince held too few cards and had no choice but to stall!
Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle… sizzle…
Sparks flickered from Douglas's staff, suggesting a perilous spell was brewing.
In contrast, Hu Yan Wu stood calmly, apparently replete with vulnerabilities, yet Douglas dared not underestimate him.
The old fellow harbored an alarming reservoir of magical power—one that rivaled even the beast soaring above!
I am merely following the Third Prince's lead to disrupt the negotiation, I had no intention of engaging in a brawl… Why hasn't anyone intervened yet?
Douglas maintained a facade of strength while his robe's back soaked with sweat.
He discreetly gestured toward the female knight, silently fuming at her being such a hindrance!
The time for provocation was ripe, they needed a peacemaker to intervene…
Suddenly—
A flurry of footsteps approached from the opposite direction of Kuntina.
The rascally Peach, having failed to restrain Liang Xiaohong, was startled to see him sprinting onto the deck wielding a short sword seemingly plundered from nowhere!
"What the hell… does he want to get himself killed?!"
Peach growled, baring his teeth in frustration, fearing for the end of his career.
Unbeknownst to him, Liang Xiaohong was indeed seeking an end!
Observing the scene of negotiations, both sides were replete with high-caliber "NPCs", getting closer might trigger some unique quest.
Even if he ultimately failed and was slain, he could forcefully "exit the game" through death!
"I am a player! Give me…"
Before Liang Xiaohong could finish his sentence, a colossal shadowy hand descended upon him!
He was propelled backward with greater speed than he had approached, crashing against the ship's wall with a resounding thud, blood splattering!
"Opportunity!"
Douglas saw Hu Yan Wu take action and his eyes gleamed with determination.
Though unaware of who had sent out that fool, drawing the attention of the strongest adversary was not in vain!
"Fire Ring Impact!"
His staff, poised for attack, hurled a ring of orange flames toward Hu Yan Wu!
Resembling a donut, it erupted with intense heat!
The impact pushed Hu Yan Wu backward as Douglas prepared his second assault.
"Flame Storm!"
A crimson sigil emerged beneath him, and torrents of searing flames surged upward!
Hu Yan Wu found himself enveloped in a cyclone of whirling fire, his form distorted within the conflagration.
Douglas's sudden onslaught left Kuntina momentarily bewildered.
Wasn't the plan to buy time? Why did combat ensue?
The Third Prince, seated calmly, showed a flicker of surprise, yet his expression quickly regained its composure.
Delaying for reinforcements aimed to minimize losses in negotiations.
However, if they could unexpectedly eliminate a key opponent, it would enhance their influence!
Seizing the fleeting opportunity, Douglas launched a surprise attack, expecting fruitful results.
Yet…
The searing heat swirled around, reflecting the Third Prince's increasingly grave demeanor.
The situation across the table seemed amiss, only his hapless Seventh Brother and the nearby wizard appeared startled, retreating to observe from a distance.
Meanwhile, the two aliens remained composed, seemingly unperturbed by their companion's peril!
Was this mere indifference, or did they possess absolute confidence in their ally's abilities?
Douglas sensed impending danger and swiftly waved his staff to cast another spell: "Ignite!"
A fireball the size of a calf shot forth, striking the *Flame Storm* and triggering a violent explosion!
Boom!!
The robust deck and railings of the *Belmou* crumbled like brittle cookies, scattering debris in all directions!
The Storm Navy ships around them watched anxiously, yet without orders from higher-ups, they hesitated to intervene in Douglas's duel.
Meanwhile, onshore, crowds gathered, craning their necks to witness such combat, a first in their lifetime at Reverse Wind Port!
Observing from the shadows, the butler Justin remained impassive.
The targets assigned by Wang Hui were Liliya and Liang Xiaohong, the naval conflict with the aliens did not concern him, and he had no plans to intervene.
Boom!!
At that moment, Douglas unleashed another *Ignite* spell aboard the *Belmou*, obliterating the forward section of the ship's port side!
Yet he remained cautious, as the opponent's magical signature had not diminished!
Suddenly, a soft sound pierced the air, and the swirling flames and smoke parted as Hu Yan Wu emerged, his cloak singed!
"Molten Armor!"
Douglas wasted no time, casting a defensive spell, a layer of crimson light manifesting around him.
The next moment, Hu Yan Wu's fist connected.
Crash!!
The searing *Molten Armor* shattered under a single blow!
The sheer force sent Douglas sprawling over ten meters until his back collided with the opposite railing, halting his momentum!
"Ugh..."
He coughed blood, layers of protective magic collapsing around him.
Prior to their boarding, Douglas had cast two detection spells and three layers of protective barriers on himself.
Yet, even with the *Molten Armor*, he could not withstand a singular attack from Hu Yan Wu!
Conversely, Hu Yan Wu stood, having absorbed multiple fire spells from Douglas, with only his cloak lost, revealing an unusual suit of dark armor.
"Ha…"
Hu Yan Wu exhaled hot air, the scaled armor on his body slightly scorched and curling.
Aside from his right hand, which bore some noticeable burns from breaking the *Molten Armor*, he suffered no other injuries!
Ignoring the astonished gazes of those aboard, Hu Yan Wu fixed his gaze on the Third Prince, stating solemnly, "This is not the manner of hospitality, does the Storm Kingdom truly wish to engage the divine realm in open war?"
Simultaneously, hidden in the corner, the wizard Lanon nudged the paralyzed Seventh Prince with his elbow, urging him softly, "Your Highness! Speak up!"
"Ah…"
The Seventh Prince, startled, scrambled back to the partially burned table, stuttering, "Third Brother! We cannot be enemies of the divine realm!
To treat the divine messengers with such rudeness, merely relinquishing Reverse Wind Port will not suffice…
We must also offer compensation!"