"We can only take it one step at a time now!" Bai Hu said helplessly. "Hurry and have Qing Long and the others come to the Imperial City. Whether this brat is the驸马 or not, I will ensure he meets a violent end."
Elder Tian nodded slightly, not daring to delay even for a moment. Things had reached this point, and it was certainly not a good situation for them.
If Lu Fan were to become the 驸马, it would have a tremendous impact on the entire Eighth Prince's Mansion.
Meanwhile, within the ancient battlefield, a scene of scattered corpses stretched as far as the eye could see. Only a lighthouse in the distance shone brightly, marking their destination.
Lu Fan walked alongside Lin Jian Yi, neither rushing nor lagging.
"Brother Lu, they are all ahead of us. If we continue to trail behind, they might reach it first. By then, the treasure will belong to them, and we will lose our chance to compete!" Lin Jian Yi reminded him.
"Do you think it's that simple?" Lu Fan shook his head. "If it were that straightforward, this competition would be meaningless!"
"Brother Lu, you mean to say... something will happen ahead?" Lin Jian Yi asked, somewhat surprised.
"Under normal circumstances, there shouldn't be any mistakes. There will definitely be obstacles ahead," Lu Fan said with a faint smile. "Let them fight it out, and we can reap the benefits."
Lin Jian Yi remained skeptical of Lu Fan's words. After all, no one could be certain. If there were no obstructions ahead, they could directly reach the lighthouse and successfully claim the treasure.
Just then, the entire ancient battlefield was suddenly engulfed in thunder and lightning. Amidst the lightning, over a dozen dark figures flashed into existence and charged towards the crowd ahead. Each shadow exuded a powerful aura, astonishing everyone present.
"These are puppets from the ancient battlefield!"
Li Guang shouted, "How can so many appear at once? And their strength is not weak."
"It seems this trial is not just a competition among ourselves!"
Lin Guo Ping remarked, "Now, we can only rely on our own abilities. As long as we reach it first, we will obtain the ultimate treasure."
As soon as he finished speaking, a phantom-like figure lunged towards Lin Guo Ping without any warning. In an instant, it tore through Lin Guo Ping's arm, causing blood to gush out and his entire being to weaken.
Seeing this spectral figure, Lin Guo Ping frowned. He knew very well that the royal family was serious this time, and becoming the royal 驸马 was indeed quite challenging.
"The ancient battlefield is extremely perilous. If anyone wishes to withdraw, now is the time."
A cold voice echoed throughout the ancient battlefield. The purpose of this setup was to test everyone. To become the 驸马 of the White Dragon Dynasty, one needed not only exceptional martial prowess but also immense determination, so as to live up to expectations.
As more phantoms appeared, Lin Jian Yi found himself struggling, even showing signs of defeat, gasping for breath.
In contrast, Lu Fan remained remarkably calm. With a turn of his hand, he dispatched a puppet, moving as if in an unhindered realm. His actions in the ancient battlefield instantly drew the attention of everyone present.
After all, even Li Guang and the others were entangled by numerous puppets, yet Lu Fan remained so composed, a testament to his true combat strength.
"How is this possible!"
Li Guang exclaimed in shock, his face filled with disbelief. The strength Lu Fan displayed far surpassed his imagination, being stronger than any of the three of them.
Within the entire White Dragon Dynasty, very few young individuals could reach such a level.
On the martial arts arena, many elders watched with surprise. Lu Fan, who appeared ordinary, was able to surpass the scions of the three great families, indicating his extraordinary strength.
"Who is this young man?"
Many ministers began to discuss. They were also observing and were somewhat astonished. The strength Lu Fan exhibited was not inferior to that of many golden generals, which was a chilling thought.
Only Ling Long stood aside, her gaze filled with admiration. Lu Fan's ability to stand out instantly meant she had not misjudged him. It meant her judgment from the very beginning was correct; Lu Fan was no ordinary person.
"The treasure within the lighthouse belongs to me!"
Lu Fan declared, "These specters are illusions formed by lightning. With your strength, it is extremely difficult to intercept them. It would be better to retreat directly."
"What arrogant words!" Zhao Tian Yun said coldly. "Princess Ling Long is mine, and no one can take her away. If you dare to take the lead, my Zhao family will not let you off easily!"
"This is a fair duel. Are you trying to threaten me with your family?"
Lu Fan immediately sneered. "Does the Zhao family wield more authority than the royal family?"
Within the martial arts arena, Old Master Zhao's face turned ashen. Lu Fan's words were loaded with intent. If Zhao Tian Yun answered incorrectly, their entire Zhao family would be implicated.
In the entire White Dragon Dynasty, no one could rival the royal family. This was an immutable truth. Anyone who dared to threaten the royal family would face dire consequences.
"You brat, don't try to pressure me with the royal family!"
Zhao Tian Yun said coldly, "Perhaps you don't know yet! The position of 驸马 has already been reserved for one of us three. Even if you obtain the lighthouse treasure, you will not become the 驸马, and it will instead bring you a deadly calamity."
The entire ancient battlefield fell silent. Hearing Zhao Tian Yun's words, everyone's hearts sank. They should have realized long ago that this marriage selection was prearranged, and not just anyone could become the 驸马.
At this very moment, the martial arts arena erupted in an uproar. Naturally, they were bewildered. If what Zhao Tian Yun said was true, then what was the point of this marriage selection competition?
Princess Ling Long stood aside, her expression instantly turning grim. She could not have imagined that her marriage was already decided. If this were true, it would be a deception, and how could she accept such a matter?
"It seems the Young Master need not worry!"
Elder Tian said with a smile, "This brat cannot become the 驸马, and therefore cannot threaten the Eighth Prince's Mansion."
"This is the best outcome!"
Bai Hu nodded slightly, finally putting his mind at ease. He had been harboring concerns, but now it seemed he had worried unnecessarily.
However, it made sense. If just anyone could become the 驸马, where would the royal family's dignity lie?
"Zhao Tian Yun, you should choose your words carefully!" Li Guang cautioned. "You should know that any words spoken in the ancient battlefield will be heard in the martial arts arena, and everyone will know them."
"What does it matter if they know? Everyone in the Imperial City knows that only the young lords of the three great families are worthy of the princess." Zhao Tian Yun stated directly. "As for others, they have no such opportunity."
Lin Guo Ping stood aside, remaining silent, a sinister smile playing on his lips. He had no doubt that Zhao Tian Yun's words would stir up trouble.