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Chapter 198: A Critical Situation
In the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an.
The Tang Emperor personally led the charge against the Demon Lord and his demonic forces. Within the palace, Princess Jian'an held power. She stood in the grand hall, listening to reports of battles coming from all directions, and followed the advice of the Fifth Divine General to mobilize troops.
At that moment, Tang Jiner inexplicably thought of the Tang Dynasty's first Divine General, Huo Zhenshan, Uncle Huo. If he were here, perhaps her father wouldn't have needed to lead the charge himself.
Unfortunately, Uncle Huo had died in Gaojing while trying to save her.
"Demon forces," Tang Jiner gritted her teeth as she uttered these two words.
Just then, a Captain brought good news and announced, "Princess, we have a report from the Northern Frontier. Commander Lin has successfully blocked the Wind Nation's army, and both sides are expected to negotiate a ceasefire."
Upon hearing this news, Tang Jiner was nearly moved to tears. The current Tang Dynasty was in turmoil, besieged by the demon forces and some barbarian tribes working together. With their hands full dealing with these threats, where could they spare troops to fend off the Wind Nation's army?
Now that Lin Feng had stabilized the Northern Frontier, the Tang Dynasty no longer had to worry about their rear and could fully engage in a decisive battle against the demon forces.
Tang Jiner gazed toward the north, tears welling in her eyes, her heart filled with countless words condensed into one: "Lin Feng, thank you."
The battle at the Northern Frontier was significant for the entire war situation of the Tang Dynasty; its scale was ordinary but held historical importance that affected the fate of the nation.
This battle would be recorded in history. As the overall commander of this campaign, Lin Feng would surely be remembered for generations.
The Northern Frontier Army and the Wind Army had reached a ceasefire. On either side of the river, their moods were starkly different. The Northern Frontier Army was brightly lit and celebratory; Lin Feng ordered rewards for all troops. Everyone gathered around bonfires singing songs, laughter filling the air. They had repelled the strongest army of the Wind Nation, and their joy was beyond words.
In contrast, the morale of the Wind Army was low. Silence hung like heavy clouds over each soldier's heart.
Lin Feng stepped forward and promised generous rewards for those who performed excellently in this battle, regardless of their background. Promotions were also announced. All soldiers watched enviously as those rewarded held gleaming gold and received higher ranks. Suddenly, an impulse surged within them to hope for another encounter with the Wind Army and to earn merit by battling them for three hundred rounds.
Of course, if the Wind Army truly came to attack, the mood would be entirely different. Everyone knew that merely repelling the Wind Army was already a stroke of luck.
The Northern Frontier Army faced off against the Wind Army across the Yangtze River, and neither side dared to invade any further. Five days later, Lin Feng received devastating news from the Tang Dynasty.
Demon Lord Azhun, a powerful figure second only to the Demon Sovereign within the demon race, had reached a terrifying level of cultivation and strength. Demon Lord Azhun and the Tang Emperor had perished together.
The Tang Emperor was sacrificed.
Xiangfan City was under siege, and the Demon Army was poised to advance directly toward the Great Tang Capital, Chang'an.
The Tang Dynasty and the demon race had never coexisted peacefully; their battles were relentless and frequent. However, there had never been a precedent for the demon race capturing Fan City.
Fan City was a crucial battleground. Once captured, the demon race could launch an offensive into the heart of the Tang Dynasty or retreat to defend their gains, effectively occupying half of Tang's territory.
An unprecedented disaster loomed over the Tang Dynasty.
Upon hearing this news, Lin Feng was left in shock and speechless, his entire being feeling like a wooden statue as he remained silent for a long time. A sense of sorrow washed over him, nearly bringing him to tears.
Lin Feng did not share a deep bond with the Emperor. His concern lay with Tang Jiner.
With the Emperor gone, the burden of saving the Tang Dynasty now rested on Tang Jiner's shoulders. She had to bear the heavy blow of her father's death while continuing to resist the demon army.
"Princess, are you alright?" Lin Feng murmured after a long silence.
"I can't go on like this; I need to return and assist the princess," he resolved.
Lin Feng immediately dispatched envoys across the river to convey his intention to negotiate. The next day, news arrived from Wind Nation agreeing to his proposal.
As the boat crossed the river, Lin Feng brought only Chen Guang with him.
"Which of you is the negotiation representative?"
"That's me; he is my bodyguard," Lin Feng explained.
"Follow me, representative. He stays here," Mulan said in a low voice.
Chen Guang couldn't help but protest, "How is that possible? I am the lord's bodyguard; I must accompany him to ensure his safety."
"Are you more capable than the entire Wind Nation army? He has come to our territory; naturally, we will ensure his safety," Mulan scoffed.
Chen Guang was about to argue further when Lin Feng interrupted, "Chen Guang, don't worry. Just wait here."
"Yes, my lord," Chen Guang replied, though he remained concerned for Lin Feng's safety.
Lin Feng followed Mulan through the Wind Nation army camp. Although both armies were at a standoff, it was clear that the Wind Army's camp was still meticulously organized.
Sentinels were stationed everywhere, and commanders patrolled the area from time to time. The supplies and military stores were heavily guarded. The soldiers were all in high spirits, ready to engage in battle at any moment.
This was the elite force of the Wind Army, exuding a chilling aura. Especially upon seeing the envoy sent from the Northern Frontier, they looked at Lin Feng with fierce eyes.
Mulan led Lin Feng into an empty military tent and coldly said, "Wait here. I will come to inform you when the princess is free."
This tent was specially designed to seal off the senses of Walker and Divine Consciousness. The Great Tang also had similar tents. One was used for imprisoning prisoners, while the other served as a place for discussions when envoys visited, preventing them from using Cultivation to probe into their military command structure.
Lin Feng waited for a long time but saw no one come to report. He decided to step out of the tent, only to be immediately halted by someone.
"Go back. Without orders, you cannot leave the military tent even a step."
"Three hours have passed. I just want to know how much longer I have to wait," Lin Feng suppressed his anger and replied.
"The princess is busy with military affairs. How can you expect to see her whenever you wish?"
Lin Feng realized that Wind Spirit was deliberately stalling him, so he began to argue with the guard. Deputy General Mulan rushed over upon hearing the commotion.
"General, may I ask when the Wind Princess will be available?" Lin Feng asked again.
"Today, she has many matters to attend to and is temporarily unavailable. We are both generals of our respective factions, and our ranks are equal. If you have something to say, just tell me directly," Mulan said arrogantly, clearly dismissing Lin Feng.
Lin Feng had come without revealing his true identity, presenting himself as the Deputy General of the Northern Frontier. With a serious expression, he said, "I have urgent matters to discuss with the Wind Princess. Please make sure to convey this."
"Oh? What is it?" Mulan scoffed. She had seen such tricks many times before.
"It concerns the survival of the Wind Nation," Lin Feng stated solemnly.
"Ridiculous! How dare you curse my Wind Nation's fortune? Do you want to die?" Mulan drew her sword. She was a Master Realm practitioner, while Lin Feng was not even at the Master Realm level in cultivation; she did not regard him at all.
Lin Feng replied sternly, "I only ask that you pass on my message. Just say that Feng Ling wishes to see her. If the Wind Princess still refuses after hearing this, I will leave immediately."
"Fine, then you should prepare your things."
Mulan sneered and went back to report to the princess, "Princess, that negotiating envoy has quite a bit of patience. He still hasn't left and hasn't truly lost his temper."
"Then let him continue waiting. Is it so easy for Tang to negotiate? The more anxious they are, the longer we wait; that way we hold the upper hand," Wind Spirit said casually.
"Yes." Just as Mulan was about to leave, she added, "Princess, he asked me to convey 'Wind Bell wishes to meet.'"
The Wind Spirit was reviewing documents and froze at the mention of the name Wind Bell.
Seeing the princess silent, Mulan said, "I understand."
"What Wind Bell? I knew the princess wouldn't summon him. Let's see if he leaves this time."
Mulan scoffed again before stepping out of the military tent.
"Wait. What did you say his name was?" came the voice of the Wind Princess from inside the tent.
"Wind Bell," Mulan replied.
"Quick, bring him to see me."
"Yes." Mulan was puzzled; wasn't she just refusing to meet him? Why the sudden change?
"Never mind, I'll go see him myself," the Wind Spirit hurriedly added.
"Yes, Princess."
Mulan was curious about who Wind Bell was that could stir such excitement in the princess.
"Oh dear, let him come and call for me instead," the Wind Spirit hesitated again.
"It's rare for him to come; I should go out to meet him."
"No, I should wait for him to come. As a girl, I should be a bit reserved."
"…"
Listening to the Wind Princess going back and forth, Mulan was completely confused. She asked, "Princess, should he come here or should you go meet him?"
"Well... I really haven't thought that through."
Usually decisive and strategic, why was the princess so indecisive today? It was just a meeting with a negotiating envoy, not a rendezvous with a lover. Why was she feeling shy?
"Forget it, just go invite him over. Hurry up, don't keep him waiting too long. Oh, and he should be treated with courtesy," Wind Spirit finally decided.
"Yes, Princess." Mulan left with a puzzled expression.
"Feng Gongzi is coming, Feng Gongzi is coming to see me. What should I do…"
Wind Spirit's heart raced, her face flushed with panic. At that moment, she hardly resembled a general leading an army of tens of thousands. She grabbed a mirror and hurriedly styled her hair.
"Does this hairpin look good? Should I change to another one?"
"Is this outfit nice? No, I should change into another set."
After changing into another outfit, Wind Spirit looked in the mirror and said, "This one doesn't look as good as the last one. No, I need to try on a few more."
"Oh dear, my hairpin is all messed up. I have to fix it again."
Just as Wind Spirit was frantically getting ready, Lin Feng arrived outside the military tent.
"Mulan reported, 'Princess, the envoy from the Tang Dynasty has arrived.'
'Let him in,' came the shy voice from inside.
Lin Feng stepped into the military tent and saw Wind Spirit gazing at him. Her smile was light, and her eyes sparkled with surprise. Her hands were nervously clasped together, as if she felt a bit uncomfortable; she tugged at her hair and lowered her head shyly.
'Feng Gongzi, you... you came to see me?'
At that moment, Lin Feng's mind was filled with countless thoughts. But he remembered Miaomiao and the solitary Tang Jiner. Lin Feng raised an eyebrow, casting aside his distractions, and said solemnly, 'Tang Envoy Wind Bell pays respects to the princess.'
Only then did Wind Spirit realize Lin Feng's true identity and intentions. The earlier excitement, surprise, and anxiety gradually faded away with Lin Feng's indifference.
'That's right, you are a soldier from the Tang Dynasty; you are here for negotiations.'
Wind Spirit's tone was filled with deep disappointment and sadness."
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