"Now that the many powerful individuals from the Nine Heavens Dynasty have departed, it is time for us to return to court and report!"
The Li family head said with a smile, "This matter can finally come to a close!"
"Patriarch Li, upon your return to court this time, you will surely be heavily relied upon."
Princess Linglong smiled, "Defeating the Nine Heavens Dynasty this time also makes you a great contributor to our White Dragon Dynasty!"
"Your Highness is too kind!"
The Li family head quickly clasped his fists, his face beaming with joy. Just as Princess Linglong had said, after returning this time, he would have made a great contribution, and more importantly, the Li family would no longer be implicated.
Last time, in order to frame the Zhao family, Li Guang had sent people to assassinate the imperial son-in-law. The royal family was extremely displeased with this matter. Now, with a great contribution from the Li family, they could atone for their past mistakes.
"When we return to the imperial city, I hope Your Highness will put in a good word for me!" the Li family head clasped his fists.
"The Li family are elders of three dynasties; why would I need to put in a good word?" Princess Linglong chuckled. "Moreover, this matter has already been resolved. Upon returning to the imperial city, your family will await their commendation."
The Li family head's smile immediately widened, and he was quite satisfied. This campaign, in fact, had brought considerable advancement to the Li family. At the very least, their authority within the court would henceforth be even greater.
Upon returning to Nine Dragon City, everyone engaged in hearty drinking. The entire Nine Dragon City was filled with celebratory joy. Now that the major task was accomplished, they were to return to the royal court, which was what they most desired to see.
"Patriarch Li, I'll toast you!"
Princess Linglong clasped her fists and smiled, "Those who fight for the country deserve respect from others, especially a veteran like Patriarch Li who personally led the charge. You truly make me feel ashamed!"
The Li family head gave an embarrassed smile before slowly picking up his wine cup. However, he felt a touch of awkwardness. How could he not understand what Princess Linglong had just said? In truth, if the Li family had not offended the royal family, they would not have been so readily dispatched.
"Indeed, I also greatly respect the Li family!"
Lu Fan raised his wine cup, a smile on his face. "To deal with the Nine Heavens Dynasty, the many experts of the Li family were almost put in danger, facing perilous situations at every turn."
"Thank you, Your Highness, and my esteemed son-in-law, for your praise!" the Li family head hastily raised his wine cup and downed it, appearing somewhat emotional.
By repelling the Nine Heavens Dynasty this time, the Li family had indeed made a great contribution. Upon their return to the imperial city, their confidence would be even greater, and they would even subtly surpass the other two great families. This was a tremendous boon for the Li family.
"Imperial Son-in-law, you are the primary contributor to repelling the Nine Heavens Dynasty!"
Li Guang stood up, raising his wine cup. "I'll toast you, brother Li!" Su Dan Novel Network
"Thank you, brother Li, for your commendation!"
Lu Fan downed his wine, a smile on his face. He was unaware that Li Guang was behind the assassination attempt on him that day, otherwise he would not have been so casual.
After everyone had toasted, they began to feast heartily. The victory over the Nine Heavens Dynasty was a deterrent to the White Dragon Dynasty, and it was expected that after this incident, the Nine Heavens Dynasty would no longer dare to act recklessly.
When the banquet concluded, Lu Fan went to the city walls and sat by the side, enjoying the evening breeze. He was quite relaxed, gazing into the distance under the moonlight, entering a state of serene contemplation.
"This time, we have you to thank. If not for your crucial role, this would have surely ended in failure, and the entire White Dragon Dynasty would have been in turmoil!" Princess Linglong came to Lu Fan's side.
"Please don't say such flattering words, or I might become unaccustomed to them," Lu Fan smiled faintly. "Besides, I am also a person of the White Dragon Dynasty. This is what I should be doing."
"That may be so, but I still wish to thank you!" Princess Linglong spoke again, gazing at the moonlight in the distance. "Let's get married when we return!"
"Ah?"
Lu Fan was slightly taken aback, a flush of embarrassment spreading across his face. He hadn't expected Princess Linglong to say such a thing.
"What, you don't wish to?" Princess Linglong asked again.
"How could that be!"
Lu Fan shook his head. "As the imperial son-in-law, am I not supposed to marry the princess?"
"That's good." Princess Linglong smiled. "I thought you were unwilling in your heart. If that were truly the case, I wouldn't force you. After all, I am Princess Linglong of the White Dragon Dynasty, and there are countless men who wish to marry me; I don't lack you!"
"Your Highness speaks the truth!" Lu Fan nodded slightly, a smile on his face.
Princess Linglong, however, pouted. "You are about to marry me, so why are you so indifferent to me? Could it be that you have someone else in your heart?"
"Princess Linglong is perhaps overthinking things!"
Lu Fan waved his hand. "Since I am to become the imperial son-in-law, how could I have someone else in my heart?"
Seeing Lu Fan speak so calmly, Princess Linglong was even more surprised. For some reason, she felt that Lu Fan didn't care about her, which made her somewhat dejected.
Lu Fan left the city walls, while Princess Linglong remained in place, a hint of inexplicable melancholy upon her.
"Your Highness, it's getting late. You should go back and rest!"
Xiao Qing ran over, carrying a large coat.
"Xiao Qing, what do you think the Imperial Son-in-law is thinking?" Princess Linglong asked. "Does he not like me?"
"Your Highness, you were never like this before," Xiao Qing said with a smile. "The Princess Linglong of the past never cared whether someone liked her or not; she only cared about whether she was willing."
"But he is the exception!" Princess Linglong shook her head, her expression turning solemn.
Xiao Qing stood by her side, a look of helplessness on her face. Princess Linglong cared so much, it was likely she had truly fallen for Lu Fan. If that were the case, it would undoubtedly become Princess Linglong's weakness.
Upon returning to his room, Lu Fan tidied himself up and then sat cross-legged. Duan Tianya also entered. "I heard every word of the conversation between you and Princess Linglong just now. If my guess is correct, this Princess Linglong likely has deep feelings for you!"
"I don't want to deceive her, but to obtain the Spirit Gathering Bottle, I have no choice but to become the imperial son-in-law," Lu Fan said with a wry smile. "Once I obtain the Spirit Gathering Bottle, I will leave the royal family."
"Master says it so lightly, but I suspect you will also be reluctant!" Duan Tianya teased.
"Ultimately, she and I are not on the same path!" Lu Fan shook his head.
"Actually, Master, you needn't worry. In the entire spiritual realm, it's quite normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines," Duan Tianya chuckled. "Moreover, Master is an unparalleled prodigy and will not be ordinary in the future."
"You don't need to say more!" Lu Fan waved his hand, his expression appearing indifferent. He saw certain things clearly.
Helplessly, Duan Tianya left, not daring to say more.
Meanwhile, on a hillside not far from Nine Dragon City, Bai Long stood with his figure imposing, accompanied by many retainers.
"My Lord, now that he has made a great contribution, he will surely be favored by the Dragon Emperor upon his return to the imperial city," Tian Lao said.