That morning, Severe Winter received the news of the defeat. Sitting in his study, he muttered to himself, "What was bound to come has finally arrived; your good days are over, Black Eagle."
"What does Your Majesty command?"
"Go to the military camp and have all the soldiers prepare. When they arrive, we will annihilate them outside the imperial capital in one fell swoop. I want everyone on Luo Heng Island to see and know who the true king is."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Black Eagle turned and left Severe Winter's study.
Severe Winter then walked towards the back garden, where there was a large lake. The Four-Legged Sea Dragon resided there. He approached the lake and called out, "Old buddy, come out."
As he called out, splashes began to rise from the center of the lake, and slowly a massive head emerged from below. This head resembled that of a dragon. Seeing Severe Winter, the Four-Legged Sea Dragon asked, "What's up, Severe Winter? What brings you here today?"
Severe Winter smiled wryly. "Old buddy, I had no choice but to come find you; the Rebels are about to reach the imperial capital."
"Then what do you need me for?"
"Isn't it obvious? I want you to help me eliminate those treacherous officials."
"Alright, when do we set off? I need to prepare as well; it's been years since I've moved and my bones are getting stiff."
"I estimate it will be in a day or two. They should reach the imperial capital by then, and I'll need your help."
"We've been brothers for so many years; there's no need for such formality. Don't worry about it; leave it to me. I truly don't know who on Luo Heng Island could be our match."
"That's what I think too. Alright, I won't disturb your rest any longer. I'll come find you when they arrive."
"Okay then, I'll go take a nap." With that, the Four-Legged Sea Dragon slowly sank back down to the bottom of the lake.
After leaving the garden, Severe Winter went directly to his Training Ground. Next to the Training Ground was a small shed, which housed Severe Winter's weapons and armor. He walked into the room and looked at the two large swords standing on the weapon rack. Although they were called swords, their weight was much heavier than that of ordinary hammers and axes. Beside the weapon rack was a clothing rack, where a set of Water Attribute armor was displayed. This armor was among the best on Luo Heng Island and was named "Waves."
It was crafted from minerals found on the ocean floor, and some Water Attribute Cores were embedded in the armor. Notably, beneath the Heart Shield was an Eighth-Order Sea Beast Core.
Severe Winter carefully stroked the armor and his Twin Swords. After a moment, he gripped the sword handles tightly and pulled both large swords from the weapon rack. Weighing them in his hands, he turned and left the room. Upon reaching the Training Ground, Severe Winter began to swing the large swords.
The two large swords were wielded with such precision that they created an impenetrable defense. Under the blue glow of the swords, Severe Winter's figure became indistinguishable; all that could be seen was a blue Shield. After practicing for over ten minutes, he brought one sword down forcefully, splitting a Stone Lock in half from a distance.
Standing still after sheathing his swords, applause echoed nearby. Turning around, Severe Winter saw it was Black Eagle. The backyard had originally been open only to Generals Black and White, so it was not surprising that Black Eagle could enter.
While applauding, Black Eagle said, "Your Majesty, your martial skills are still as formidable as ever."
Severe Winter smiled and shook his head. "I've become rusty after not practicing for several days. How about we spar a bit?"
"I'd be happy to oblige." Black Eagle grasped two iron rods from his back. The weight of these rods was not much lighter than Severe Winter's large swords, and since they were old friends, they were quite familiar with each other's skills.
The two quickly engaged in combat, exchanging blows with swords and rods in a fierce match. After over two hundred exchanges, they both stepped back simultaneously. Severe Winter nodded with a smile at Black Eagle and said, "Black Eagle, you’ve made considerable progress since we last met."
Black Eagle shook his head and replied, "I still have a significant gap compared to Your Majesty."
"Black Eagle, it’s been a while since we’ve had a drink together. How about you treat me today?"
"At your command."
As Severe Winter and Black Eagle chatted and laughed, it seemed as if nothing else mattered outside their world. This also reflected Severe Winter's confidence in his own abilities.
Meanwhile, the troops from the New World were getting closer to the Imperial Capital; they were now only half a day's journey away and would arrive by noon tomorrow. Zhang Yuru called everyone to the Central Command Tent.
"Tomorrow noon, our army will arrive at the Imperial Capital. Once we reach the Imperial Capital, does anyone have a good plan for capturing it?"
Everyone lowered their heads. After so many years, they were very clear about the strength of Severe Winter. If the Rebel Army did not have someone capable of suppressing Severe Winter within its ranks, then this Rebel Army would never achieve final victory.
All heads were bowed except for Liu Guanfeng, who stood below as if nothing was wrong. Zhang Yuru was feeling troubled at this moment. Before arriving at the Imperial Capital, she had been full of confidence; the number of civil and military officials under her command was quite substantial. However, as they approached the Imperial Capital, she began to hesitate. After all, Severe Winter was a powerful Divine Knight; who could possibly be his opponent? Did their New World have anyone capable of suppressing Severe Winter? If not, all her efforts would go to waste.
Zhang Yuru's gaze locked onto Liu Guanfeng. After spending so many days together, she had developed a habitual attachment to him, as if everything could be resolved with his presence. "Liu President, do you have any good ideas?"
Liu Guanfeng smiled slightly. "Big Leader, capturing the Imperial Capital is not that difficult; we just need to kill Severe Winter, right?"
Zhang Yuru shook her head. "I know what you're saying, but who can kill Severe Winter? We only have some Advanced Knights here; there isn't a single Divine Knight among us."
"Big Leader, you worry too much. Who says we don't have a Divine-Level Expert?"
Upon hearing Liu Guanfeng's words, all eyes in the tent turned to him. A Divine-Level Expert is someone revered wherever they go; they had no idea that there was a Divine Knight among the New World.
Zhang Yuru then asked urgently, "Liu President, who exactly is this Divine-Level Expert you mentioned?"
"Since Big Leader is so anxious, let him come out and meet everyone; that way, no one will be worried." Liu Guanfeng smiled as he looked around at everyone. In response to their eager gazes, he called out towards the tent entrance, "Old Leader, it's your turn to make an appearance."
Immediately after, laughter came from outside. "Haha! Old Man can finally show his face! You’ve all worked hard, generals." As soon as the voice fell, the tent flap was opened, and Zhang Diba strode in.
After entering, Zhang Diba cupped his fists in salute to all the officials and military leaders inside the tent. At this moment, the entire tent fell silent; no one expected that the deceased Old Leader would appear before them. Moreover, from Liu Guanfeng's words, it seemed that the current Big Leader had already become a powerful Divine Knight.
After thanking all the officials and military leaders with a fist salute, Zhang Diba turned to look at Zhang Yuru sitting in the main seat. At this moment, Zhang Yuru's eyes were filled with tears. During this time without her father, the pressure from the New World had nearly crushed her; fortunately, she had Liu Guanfeng's help and her own steadfast determination.
Zhang Yuru slowly stood up and carefully looked at the man before her. "Father, is it really you?"
Zhang Diba nodded with tears in his eyes and said, "Girl, you have suffered these days."
Zhang Yuru burst into tears and then directly rushed towards Zhang Diba, who was standing in front of her. She needed to vent the bitterness she had been holding inside; she needed an outlet. Seeing this, Liu Guanfeng smiled and walked out of the tent, giving a knowing glance to those nearby. Everyone understood and soon the tent was left with only Zhang Diba and Zhang Yuru, the father and daughter.
Zhang Diba gently stroked Zhang Yuru's head and said, "Yuru, you have worked hard during this time."
"Yuru is not suffering; as long as father is safe, that is enough."
"I know very well the hardships you have endured because I have been watching you from the shadows."
"Then why did father only come out to see Yuru today?"
"All of this was Liu Guanfeng's idea."
"Liu Guanfeng? Did he know you were not dead all along?"
"Of course. He is your father’s doctor and knows my condition very well. To be honest, after the first day he treated me, my illness was already cured. The reason I faked my death was entirely for our new world.
After faking my death, I was taken by Liu Guanfeng to cultivate until I broke through to Divine Knight before returning. During this time, Liu Guanfeng secretly investigated the upper echelons of the new world and eliminated all hidden dangers within."
"Father, what about the Chu Family Father and Son?"
Zhang Diba nodded, "They were killed by people I sent. After investigation with Liu Guanfeng, we found that the Chu Family Father and Son had treasonous intentions, so we took preemptive action."
"I wondered why I couldn't find out who killed the Chu Family Father and Son after their deaths. It turns out everything was orchestrated by you and Liu Guanfeng behind the scenes."
Zhang Diba smiled and nodded. Zhang Yuru wiped her tears and said, "No, I need to settle accounts with him for making me suffer for so long." After saying that, she tried to leave the tent but was pulled back by Zhang Diba.
"You are now the Big Leader, yet you still act like a child. Everything he does is to help you, and it's also for the good of our New World. What do you want from him?"
"I don't care; I'm going to find him anyway. He lied to me."
Zhang Diba smiled mysteriously and nodded, "That's true; lying is wrong. Otherwise, what would happen when you meet him later? Yuru, go find him and settle the score."
Upon hearing Zhang Diba's words, Zhang Yuru turned bright red. "Father, what are you talking about? When did I say I wanted to marry him?"
Zhang Diba merely smiled at Zhang Yuru but did not say anything further.
Soon, the entire army of the New World learned that their Old Leader had come back to life and had become a powerful Divine Knight. The morale in the camp soared instantly. Every soldier was polishing their weapons and armor, knowing they had a Divine-Level Expert as their backbone; they were no longer afraid.
At this time, several generals were discussing why the Old Leader had come back to life. Liu Guanfeng knew that all he needed to do now was wait—for the final battle in the imperial capital. His target was also the final boss of Luo Heng Island, Severe Winter. Liu Guanfeng understood Severe Winter's strength quite well; it was somewhat higher than his own. Severe Winter was the strongest opponent Liu Guanfeng had encountered so far.
Liu Guanfeng sat in his tent, sharpening his Fang Tian Hua Ji with a whetstone.
The next day, all the soldiers woke up much earlier than usual. When Liu Guanfeng stepped out of his tent, the aroma of rice was already wafting through the air, and the entire camp was bustling with preparation.
After everyone had breakfast, they gathered in the Main Tent. At this time, Zhang Diba occupied the main seat, while Zhang Yuru stood beside him with her arms crossed. When Liu Guanfeng entered, Zhang Yuru shot him a glare, and he helplessly rubbed his nose.
Once Zhang Diba saw that everyone was present, he said to Hong Tao, "Hong Tao, as the Vanguard Officer, I now order the entire army to pack up and head towards the imperial capital."
"Understood," Hong Tao replied before turning to leave the main tent, with Liu Guanfeng following closely behind. The entire army of the New World was already packed up and ready to move. The massive ten-thousand-strong force marched towards Spring City, where a great battle was about to begin.
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