Chapter 455: Principality of Dans

Ai Mili Si sat at the head of the council hall, her violet eyes scanning the people before her, a surge of confidence filling her chest, her beautiful face full of excitement and agitation.

Kangjiatuo's six great families; she has already secured the support of two of them.

The Yu Lin Guard has been formed and is highly useful, and there is also support from Weizelan Wizards, a five‑thousand‑plus centaur army; this force is enough to sweep through Kangjiatuo, and Ai Mili Si cannot imagine any chance of failure.

Title: Duke Feishe secretly rejoiced, knowing he was on the winner's side.

Prince Peiduo's expression remained calm; he has been planning for years, and cannot be too pleased before avenging his sister.

Wa Luogen produced a map of Kangjiatuo, spread it on the table, and said, "Everyone, our next plan is to attack Stormrage Fortress; this is the marching route."

He pointed to a mark on the map, located on Kangjiatuo's southeastern coast.

The domain of the Laobodi Er Principality stretches north‑south; its west borders the Feishe and Moersi great families, and its north is separated from the capital Kingslin by a perilous high‑mountain forest impassable to ordinary people. If one departs from Torrent Fortress by land, the Extraordinary Legion can cross Laobodi Er in under three days and reach the foot of Stormrage Fortress.

Wa Luogen pointed at the route and explained in detail, "Along the way we will capture three vassal territories belonging to the Laobodi Er family; this is not difficult and will not take much time."

"Stormrage Fortress sits on treacherous terrain, easy to defend but hard to assault; the army cannot deploy fully, only an elite legion can launch a strong attack."

Having said that, he glanced at Lei En.

Obviously this mission should be assigned to the Extreme Corps and the Gun‑Wing Knights.

Standing beside him, Ge Lei Womu had intended to volunteer, but seeing Wa Luogen's gesture made his heart sink, realizing that in Her Majesty the Queen's and Lord Wa Luogen's eyes, the Extreme Corps seemed far stronger than the Yu Lin Guard.

He is not a brainless fool; to gain the Dragon Lord's and the elders' approval, there can be no pretense.

Ge Lei Womu suppressed his provocative thoughts, yet felt eager, thinking, "Extreme Corps… I must see what kind of warriors they truly are!"

"Stormrage Fortress, like Torrent Fortress, is protected by a storm rune array," Wa Luogen said. "The array's layout is extremely clever; it harnesses the perpetual surrounding storm to feed the castle, requiring only a small amount of soul energy to sustain, offering superb defense, and can unleash unparalleled wind spells, at least four distinct spells."

"The hazardous terrain combined with the spells makes breaching Stormrage Fortress quite difficult!"

After Wa Luogen finished, the council hall's attendees wore solemn expressions, then focused their gaze on Lei En.

The two Weizelan chairpersons were absent, leaving full authority to Lei En.

"Just hand the storm array over to us," Lei En said calmly. "Weizelan Wizards arriving in Kangjiatuo are doing exactly what we excel at."

Ai Mili Si exhaled a sigh of relief, a smile of joy appearing on her face.

For the past three thousand years, Kangjiatuo's governance has remained stable precisely because of the great families' rune arrays; the Extraordinary Legion alone finds it hard to breach.

Even if they pour all effort into taking the castle, the cost would be disastrous.

The arrival of Weizelan Wizards tipped the balance, making the war easier; a stubborn defense of the castle is no longer a safe retreat.

"Excellent!"

Title: Duke Feishe praised with a sigh, half‑jokingly saying, "I have already witnessed the strength of the Wizard Corps led by the two chairpersons, and I will let the Laobodi Er family see it as well."

The council hall filled with good‑natured laughter.

After the discussion, Ai Mili Si announced the army would depart tomorrow, then adjourned the meeting.

In the afternoon, Lei En and Ai Mili Si rested on the balcony of Torrent Fortress, sipping the finest afternoon tea offered by the Feishe family, from which they could overlook the camp outside the castle.

Ai Mili Si flipped through the battle plan repeatedly, her expression intensely focused, only occasionally looking up to give Lei En a faint smile.

Lei En, however, was completely relaxed.

He half‑closed his eyes, feigning sleep, while his vision opened a phone interface, roaming the library, efficiently absorbing vast knowledge; multi‑core chips also parsed spells, studying casting techniques.

The balcony held more than just the two of them.

On Ai Mili Si stood two Yu Lin Blood Guards, Ge Lei Womu and Mi Na Sang, who have followed the Dragon Lord since outside Torrent Fortress, never straying a step. Additionally, a legendary Yu Lin Blood Guard Dario led a squad of ten senior blood guards, dispersed around the balcony and rooms.

Ai Mili Si trusted them immensely, leaving nothing unattended.

After half a day together, the Yu Lin Blood Guards had come to understand Lei En's standing in Ai Mili Si's eyes and the relationship between them, and much hostility had faded.

Yet their curiosity toward Lei En grew even stronger.

Lei En reclined half‑way on the chair, eyes closed, yet could feel the gazes of the two legendary blood guards sweeping over him from time to time; one beam was especially intense, unmistakably from Ge Lei Womu.

"That guy…"

Lei En chuckled inwardly; Ge Lei Womu had heard from Ai Mili Si that after being merely a novice legendary wizard, he now dared to challenge.

These Yu Lin Blood Guards were raised in secrecy from childhood, with little outside contact, fostering a proud and complacent nature and a narrow outlook. Kangjiatuo's Extraordinary system, aside from the Dragon‑born Apostles, has low ceilings, yet in the Yu Lin Blood Guards' eyes, Kangjiatuo is the whole world.

If they are not given a lesson, they will eventually suffer a huge loss.

Thinking this, Lei En suddenly heard footsteps; judging by their rhythm and weight, he already knew who was arriving.

"Your Majesty, Count."

Ding La Ji, escorted by the Yu Lin Blood Guards, ascended the balcony to pay his respects.

Ai Mili Si raised her hand, inviting him to sit. She trusted this Demon sorcerer who had followed her for years, whose counsel was outstanding, and thus always treated him with ample respect.

Lei En also sat upright, looking at the misshapen dwarf.

"Your Majesty," Ding La Ji paused before speaking, "I wish to return to Yan Shi Cheng for a visit." From his conflicted expression, it was clear the decision was not easy for him and he had deliberated long before speaking.

Ai Mili Si and Lei En both showed surprise.

Yan Shi Cheng lies within the Dans Principality, on Kangjiatuo's western shore, the second‑largest city after the capital Kingslin, and naturally the core territory of the Dans family.

Ding La Ji, born of the Dans family, rarely mentions why he left; from his brief remarks one can infer he fared poorly in the family, even suffering humiliation, fostering hatred, a father‑son rift, making them like enemies.

For years Ding La Ji never thought of returning, so his sudden proposal was unsurprising.

"What are your thoughts?" Ai Mili Si asked softly.

Ding La Ji thought for a moment and replied, "Before Your Majesty's return, for many years the six great families of Kangjiatuo have split into two major camps. One side, led by Mark, with the Brandon and Etis families as his most loyal allies, controls the central‑northern part of Kangjiatuo, covering two‑thirds of its total area."

"The other side is headed by the Dans family, allied with the Moersi and Feishe families, but the three families' relations are unstable, united only to jointly oppose Mark."

"Now the Feishe and Moersi families have pledged loyalty to Your Majesty; if we can secure the Dans family's support…"

He stopped there, his meaning obvious.

Ai Mili Si lightly nodded, but did not reply immediately.

In her plan, the Dans family had never been considered a potential ally; years ago the Dans Duke betrayed the Zhuogeng Fortress family, switched sides at the crucial moment, deceived the capital's guards to open the gates, participated in the slaughter of the Dragon‑born, leading to the fall of the Zhuogeng Fortress dynasty.

If Mark is the chief enemy of the Zhuogeng Fortress family, then the Dans Duke ranks second.

Ding Laji noticed Ai Mi Li Si's hesitation and continued to persuade, "Your Majesty, I know your hatred toward the Dansi Duke, but for the sake of the nation's great undertaking, setting aside that hatred for now is worthwhile."

"The Dansi family's Golden Lion Brigade is not only numerous but also equipped with Kangjiatuo's finest enchanted gear; their strength rivals that of the Giant Deer Legion. If we force the Dansi family toward Ma Erke's side, it would be extremely detrimental to us."

"The old hatred can be settled after Your Majesty ascends the throne."

Ai Mi Li Si's expression wavered.

Wa Luogen had been gathering intelligence on the major families, and the Mo Ersi family was also working behind the scenes; she was well aware of the Dansi family's power.

That Duke had managed for years, using the position of Prime Minister to seize benefits for his family; over the years, the Golden Lion Brigade's strength has grown ever stronger.

King Ma Erke also gradually sensed the threat.

He raised an army to subdue the Dansi family, both to cleanse the disgrace and to use the pretext to eliminate this enemy threatening his rule, but he failed.

Ai Mi Li Si hesitated, then immediately looked at Lei En.

"Our strength is already sufficient," Lei En thought for a moment and said, "However, the more allies the better; the Dansi Duke's support matters to us not because they join, but because it would reduce the aid that Ma Erke might receive."

"Court the Dansi family; they need not join, merely remain neutral is enough."

Ding Laji clapped his hands, feeling he had found a kindred spirit, and loudly said, "Count, you are absolutely right; I share the same thought."

Lei En laughed, "The final decision still rests with you."

Ai Mi Li Si remained silent for a long while, yet she still could not get past her own mental block, and Ding Laji's status also made her doubt his motives.

"How confident are you that you can persuade the Dansi Duke?" she asked seriously.

"Uh…"

Ding Laji scratched his hair, which was as tangled as a bird's nest, his expression a bit uneasy, and awkwardly said, "I can only strive for it; I dare not guarantee anything to Your Majesty."

"Hmph!" Ai Mi Li Si instantly understood; Ding Laji's motive harbored selfish intent.

He feared that after eliminating Ma Erke, his next target would be the Dansi family, eradicating the old enemies completely; with his current power, that is not impossible.

Therefore Ding Laji wants to act first, prompting the Dansi family to show goodwill.

"Your line of thinking is probably just self‑delusion. Given the Dansi Duke's temperament—he doesn't even regard Ma Erke as a concern—how could he possibly pledge loyalty to me? His ambition exceeds merely being a duke; his gaze has never left the Iron Throne." Ai Mi Li Si shook her head dismissively and sneered, "If you dare appear in Rock Lion City, whether you can emerge alive is uncertain."

Ding Laji offered no rebuttal; as the Dansi Duke's son, he understood his father's thoughts perfectly.

He sighed deeply, "Your Majesty, I still wish to give it a try."

Ai Mi Li Si stared at him for a long time; Ding Laji did not dodge, meeting her gaze directly, his mind open, his Willpower not wavering at all.

"Very well." Ai Mi Li Si finally agreed, "In view of your years of following me, I can give the Dansi family a chance."

Ding Laji's expression was moved; he rose and bowed, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Having spoken, he turned to leave.

"Wait." As soon as Ai Mi Li Si spoke, Ding Laji halted, a sly smile appearing, "Your Majesty, please assign someone to escort me back to Rock Lion City. I'm not afraid of death, but of not being able to return to continue serving you; if I never see you ascend the Iron Throne, it would be the greatest regret of my life."

Ai Mi Li Si was both amused and exasperated, looking at the Scale Rider Blood Guard behind her, contemplating sending a squad of Blood Guard to accompany Ding Laji.

"I'll go with you," Lei En's voice rang out.

"Lei En?"

"Count!"

Ai Mi Li Si was very surprised, while Ding Laji was overjoyed; if he needed someone to protect him on the way back to Rock Lion City, his top choice was Lei En, more reliable than the two unfamiliar Weizelan councilors.

Lei En smiled, "Since I'm idle, I'll go home with you and see the spectacle of the Dansi Duke, who is called the 'Lion King'."

"Since Lei En is going, that's perfect," Ai Mi Li Si did not object.

Ding Laji nodded repeatedly.

Lei En summoned Bo Erqi, opened a portal, and stepped through.

The Six‑Ring Portal of the Void Spirit can be used five times a day, each covering a hundred li, allowing up to five hundred li in a short span; it cannot reach Rock Lion City directly, only into the territory of Mo Ersi Principality.

Thus Lei En used a single portal, causing Bo Erqi to reveal his true form as a great dragon, carrying him and Ding Laji soaring into the clouds.

Heading north, the golden three‑headed dragon traversed Mo Ersi Principality in half a day, entering the Dansi Principality.

This territory, located in the western lands of Kangjiatuo, is half hilly and half fertile plain; Lei En, viewing from high above, clearly sensed the change—population here is denser, towns dot the landscape, the climate remains cold, yet conditions are far better than elsewhere, especially the western plain which is more livable.

In fact, the Dansi Principality is Kangjiatuo's wealthiest domain, harboring vast gold mines that produce seventy percent of the kingdom's gold!

Lei En initially wanted to chat with Ding Laji, but found him unusually silent; the nearer they got to his hometown, the more complex his expression became.

After night fell, a city built of stone appeared on the horizon—Rock Lion City had arrived.

(End of Chapter)