Chapter 16: Employing the Wise and Able

  The black dragon, which had grown three sizes fatter, let out a dissatisfied snort. I patted its big head and said, "You lazy thing, all you know how to do is eat, and now you're this fat."

  Zi Xue said: "It's time to exercise, always eating and should be unable to run."

  "I smiled and said: 'Then I'll take you out for a spin.'"

  Zi Xue said: "Alright, just like before."

  Ten minutes later, I and Zixue were on the desolate wild outside the city. Zixue leaned against my chest, looking very relaxed. I smelled the fragrance of her long hair, feeling an indescribable warmth in my heart.

  I slowed down the black dragon's speed and gently stroked the purple snow.

  "Zi Xue closed her eyes and said: 'Xiang, if we can be like this for the rest of our lives, that would be great.'"

  I kissed her tender face and said: "Yes, I also hope so, don't worry, I will guard you for a lifetime, we are the most perfect couple forever."

  Zixue opened her eyes, gazing at me with deep affection. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my lips heavily. At first, I was startled, but then I completely succumbed to Zixue's passion.

  The black dragon suddenly let out a long hiss, lifting its front hooves high. It scared us who were indulging in the river of love, and I quickly hugged Zi Xue tightly with one hand, while holding the reins tightly with the other.

  Three people appeared in front of us, dressed elegantly, obviously from a wealthy family. The oily-faced man in the middle said: "Hey, you two are quite close, aren't you? Little girl, this big guy is so rough, can you handle it?"

  His words instantly triggered bursts of laughter from his companions.

  Zixue's small face turned bright red as she tightly grasped my clothes.

  I was furious in my heart, and a burst of murderous aura emanated from my body. The icy feeling instantly shut them up. I coldly snorted: "Have you lived long enough? Dare to block our way."

  Last time, I killed White Day and his three hundred subordinates, which greatly increased my killing intent and restored the killing aura I had when I was in the Beastman Country. When I see someone who doesn't please my eyes, I want to make him disappear from this world, let alone these three people who have provoked me.

  The man on the right raised his hand and shot an arrow at me, saying "What's so great about you, I'll shoot you dead."

  The arrow he shot out was like a snail crawling in my eyes, I grasped the long arrow with one hand, and with a burst of force from my fingers, a fine steel-made arrow suddenly became ninety degrees.

  Zi Xue felt the killing intent on me and said in a low voice: "Lei Xiang, don't kill him, let's go."

  The oily-faced kid opposite had sharp ears and said: "You think you can just leave? It's not that easy, stay and play with us for a while."

  I could no longer bear his insults to Zi Xue, and with a "thud" I jumped down from the horseback, ready to take action. Just then, a loud murmur of voices suddenly came from all around.

  The man in the middle of them burst out laughing and said: "Our people have arrived, let's see how you can run now."

  People seemed to be closing in from all sides, I quickly returned to Zixue's side, drew out Mo Ming, and vigilantly looked around.

  The man on the right said: "Second brother, look at him, that little kid is scared, haha."

  The figures around me gradually emerged, and to my surprise, they were all government soldiers, and they were the Imperial Guard of the capital. Did they know that I had killed someone during the day and came to capture me on purpose?

  The man in the middle shouted: "Come on, take these two people down for me."

  The first team of people who came over immediately had someone respond: "Yes, Your Highness." The fast horse rushed towards me.

  Look at their exquisite riding skills and the aura of dignity, it's not easy to deal with them. I concentrated my energy on the sword, swung it out, and met the long spear brought by the leading soldier. The sword and spear intersected, making a metallic sound, and my hand holding the sword was slightly numb, showing how strong the opponent was.

  The leading soldier exclaimed in surprise, apparently also astonished that I could stop his attack.

  I said to Zi Xue: "Xue, be careful, they are all government soldiers."

  Those soldiers have surrounded us in the middle, I saw clearly the person who had just fought with me. From his armor, it can be seen that my opponent is a centurion. To hold this position, he indeed has extraordinary skills.

  "He said loudly: 'Good strength, you commoner can actually block one of my moves, come again.' Then he was about to rush over."

  At this moment, a majestic voice rang out: "Halt." Upon hearing this voice, I was suddenly shocked and my soul was greatly shaken. This person should still be very far away, but the voice was clear and loud as if it were right next to me. The most frightening thing was that both I and my opponent stumbled, while the other soldiers around us were not affected in the slightest. I knew that this was the strongest person I had ever encountered, and perhaps even surpassing my father.

  More and more officials and soldiers are gathering nearby, a yellow ocean is slowly drifting over from afar. Zi Xue said in surprise: "This is the imperial procession of Your Majesty leaving the palace, how can it appear here? Could it be that today is the day of the imperial hunting trip? I haven't heard about it."

  Qianfu Chang heard the majestic voice and, like a respectful student, withdrew his spear and led his horse to one side with reverence.

  The three flashy young men who appeared first also changed their faces, and the second brother in the middle said in a low voice: "How annoying, they came at the wrong time, how did they come to this side?"

  That yellow thing gradually approached, with three people in the front. In the middle was a man wearing golden armor and a black robe, without a helmet, with a head of beautiful golden hair scattered on his shoulders, riding a magnificent sorrel horse, looking majestic but not angry, about 50 years old. To his left was a handsome young man wearing silver armor, holding a large bow, from their similar appearance it can be seen that he must be a relative of the middle person. The one to the right wore a deep blue warrior suit all over his body, without armor, from his profound eyes I knew that this person must be an expert.

  Even if I were a wooden puppet, I would know that the person in the middle is none other than the current Emperor of the Dragon God Empire, who is also my maternal uncle, my mother's older brother.

  They soon came up close, and the man on the right said: "What's going on? Who are they?" From his voice I could tell that he was the owner of the stern voice from just now.

  Qian Fuzhang first saluted and replied respectfully: "Reporting to General Landy, it was the Second Highness who ordered us to capture him." This man in blue warrior attire turned out to be one of the three Dragon Knights of the current Longshen Empire - Landy. No wonder, when the king goes on tour, he must bring a top-notch expert to escort him.

  Landy listened to the report of the chiliarch and turned his head to look at the king. The king, Ziyin, said: "Second brother, what's going on?"

  The young man who spoke first stuttered: "Your Majesty, I suspected them, so I wanted to capture and interrogate them." The king glanced at Purple Snow, and with his age, he naturally understood what was going on.

  The king snorted in anger and said: "You few unfilial sons, every day just knowing how to eat, drink and have fun, not doing your proper jobs, all of you get out."

  The three flashy princes turned around and ran away with their tails between their legs, and the second prince even gave me a venomous glare as he left.

  The king turned to us and said: "What kind of people are you, how did you get here?"

  Zi Xue suddenly said: "Taboo uncle (Lin Feng entered the royal family as a son-in-law, and the king was the current emperor's uncle, so he naturally became Zi Xue's taboo uncle), Lan Di Si uncle, don't you recognize Xiao Xue anymore?"

  Landy scrutinized Zixue for a few moments before suddenly exclaiming, "Ah, you're the daughter of Zifeng, Ahxue?"

  "Ah, yes, Uncle Lundy, I'm Ah Xue," Zi Xue said hastily.

  The king also recognized her and said: "It's little A Xue, it's been a long time since I've seen you, and my uncle almost didn't recognize you. You're getting more and more beautiful as you grow up."

  Zixue dismounted and knelt down on the ground, respectfully saying: "Zixue pays respects to Your Majesty."

  I also quickly put away the ink and paper, knelt down and said: "Humble subject Lei Xiang pays his respects to Your Majesty."

  The king smiled and said: "Alright, we're all family here, no need for formalities. Get up and let's talk. Zixue, who is this?" As he spoke, the king pointed at me.

  Zixue pulled me up, her face red, and said: "Your Majesty, he is my classmate from Tiandu College - Lei Xiang. We came out to play today, didn't know you were here, startled your presence, don't blame us."

  The king smiled and said, "Silly girl, why would your uncle blame you? Didn't those useless cousins of yours bully you just now? Go back, I'll teach them a lesson."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty," Zi Xue said.

  Landy suddenly leaned in close to the king's ear and whispered a few words, the king's face changed, he looked at me carefully with both eyes, and said to me: "Are you the Lei Xiang who challenged Liewu's son in the Tiandu College inter-level competition?"

  I nodded and said: "Yes, Your Majesty."

  The king let out a hearty laugh and said, "Young man, not bad at all! You're so young yet you have such strength. Keep up the good work, I hope you can join the Dragon Knights' squad in the future."

  I scratched my head and said: "Your Majesty, this probably won't work."

  The king said in surprise: "Why? Joining the Dragon Knights is the greatest honor for every citizen of the Dragon God Empire. Don't you want to be a noble and do your best for the country?"

  I shook my head and said, "No, Your Majesty. I'm afraid I won't be able to get the dragon's recognition because I've practiced dark magic since I was a child after picking up a book on it. I didn't dare say anything earlier for fear of disappointing you."

  Zixue's face turned pale with shock, although dark magic was not prohibited, it was similar to the dark magic of the demon tribe, and the demon tribe was the empire's most dreaded enemy. She pinched me repeatedly, telling me not to continue speaking.

  As expected, the king furrowed his brow upon hearing my words, but after a moment, his expression relaxed. He turned to face Randy and said, "This child is not bad, very honest. From now on, pay more attention to him, even if he can't become a Dragon Knight, still make good use of him."

  Landy nodded and said: "Indeed it is a piece of unpolished jade, with good carving it will become a great vessel."

  Zi Xue was stunned and stared blankly at the king.

  The silver-armored youth on the king's left smiled and said, "Cousin, are you surprised? If Father King were to care about such a small matter as dark magic, he wouldn't have become a wise ruler, allowing our Dragon God Empire to develop to this point."

  The king listened to this and obviously enjoyed it, laughing loudly: "Well said, Ah Xue! This is your elder cousin, and also my future successor. In the future, you young people should spend more time together."

  The prince jumped down from his horse, walked up to me, patted my shoulder and said: "Lei brother, just now I heard Uncle Lan and the king praising you so much. When you have time, let's exchange blows."

  His words made me feel a great deal more affection for him. Such an unassuming prince will surely make a wise and just king in the future.

  I hastily replied with reverence: "To receive guidance from Your Highness is an honor for a humble subject like myself."

  The king smiled and said, "Alright, you young people chat more, Old Lan, let's go hunting. Today, no matter what, we must catch a silver fox before returning." After finishing speaking, he turned his horse around, raised his whip, and galloped away in a cloud of dust. Lan Di followed closely behind him, and the large group of people also followed after them.

  "Look, that must be the Dragon Knight," Zi Xue said suddenly.

  Sure, here is the translation:

  As expected, more than 10 giant dragons of various colors appeared in the sky, each with a length of over 10 meters and a warrior holding a four-meter-long dragon spear on their back. They looked majestic and powerful, and it was clear that they possessed great combat strength.

  The crown prince smiled and said: "When the king goes on patrol, he must bring some dragon knights. We are about to go to war with the two tribes of demons, how can we not be prepared?"

  "My heart skipped a beat as I said, 'Your Highness, are we going to war again?'"

  The prince nodded slightly, his expression somewhat gloomy. He sighed and said, "Yes, another war is coming."

  "Brother, how come you don't like fighting?" Zi Xue said in surprise.

  The prince said, "Yes, the ones who suffer the most in war are the common people, especially in the border areas between our country and the monster's country. Frequent wars will destroy their homes. Foolish girl, do you think it's fun to see corpses all over the place?"

  Zi Xue stuck out her tongue and said, "Then why still fight? Can't we just not fight?"

  The crown prince smiled slightly and said, "You're thinking too simply, this time it's mainly because of the demon clan's provocation."

  "How did the demons provoke you?"

  The prince looked at me in surprise and said, "Brother Lei, didn't you know about the tragic case that happened outside Kui City a few months ago?"

  I forced a smile and said, "Recently I was practicing my skills and got hurt, so I've been recovering for almost half a year now. It's only gotten better these past few days, which is why I'm back at school." I intentionally added some extra time to that.

  The crown prince said with a sudden realization, "So that's what happened. Cultivation can't be rushed, Brother Lei must be more careful in the future." It was like this, more than three months ago, the news of disaster suddenly came from Kuai Si City, which is not far from the capital. The lord of Kuai Si City, Bai Tian, and his 300 guards were killed by someone overnight. Bai Tian's body was even completely destroyed, and he could only be identified by his scattered armor.

  Zi Xue added: "He was once a Dragon Warrior during the day."

  The crown prince nodded and said, "The other side must be a master, according to Uncle Lan's analysis of their technique, only the fallen angel of the demon tribe can create such a situation, it is very likely that there is not just one, my father was furious and immediately sent an envoy to question the demon tribe, but the demon tribe refused to admit that they did this, in a fit of rage, my father declared war on the demon tribe, and the two tribes of demons naturally formed an alliance again, now the border area has already started a fierce battle."

  I didn't expect that killing White would actually trigger a war between the three tribes, I'm really a sinner. My heart is in great pain, originally, I had hoped to use my own strength to keep the three tribes at peace in the future, but instead I did the opposite.

  The prince saw my gloomy expression and said, "Lei brother, don't worry, I estimate that this war won't last long. We've been fighting for so many years and still haven't achieved a result. Maybe after some more days, we'll negotiate a peace treaty. To be honest, if Father King wanted to destroy both tribes, he would have done it already. With the power of the Dragon God Empire, just mobilizing the Holy Dragon Knights...” The prince suddenly covered his mouth and looked around cautiously before letting out a sigh of relief.

  "Zixue asked: "Brother Biao, what's wrong with you?""

  The crown prince smiled awkwardly and said, "Nothing, just a slip of the tongue."

  I laughed and said: "Which Holy Dragon Knights are you talking about?"

  The crown prince hastily raised his middle finger to his lips, indicating that I should not continue speaking. He said in a low voice: "This is the greatest secret of the Dragon God. You heard it today and must forget it. You can't tell anyone about it, even if it's your closest relative. Otherwise, once the king finds out, there will be a disaster."

  "I asked: 'What's going on here? Tell us and we swear not to breathe a word.'"

  The crown prince shook his head and said, "Originally, it shouldn't be said. This matter is only known to the three great marshals and us father and son. Even my younger brothers don't know about it. Since it's already been said, I'll just tell you, but you mustn't leak it out."

  Upon seeing our guarantee gesture, the prince continued: "It's like this. Hundreds of years ago, my ancestors unified the land that is now the Dragon God Empire and signed a contract with the dragon god. The dragon god agreed to lend its power to help maintain peace in the empire, thus forming the current Dragon God Empire. The Holy Dragon Knights appeared from the third generation of rulers onwards. They are composed of dragon riders because when humans cultivate to the level of Sword Saint or above, their vitality increases greatly. Therefore, all dragon riders can live up to nearly 200 years old. When a dragon rider reaches 100 years old, they retire and join the Holy Dragon Knights. They receive recognition from the dragon tribe and can continue to maintain their contract with the dragon god until death. Currently, there are already 17 people in the Holy Dragon Knights, each with strength surpassing that of the current three marshals. The oldest is over 170 years old. If they were to take action, do you think the two beast tribes could still exist on this continent?"

  I was shocked and stunned by his words, it turned out that the Dragon God actually had such a powerful backing. Not to mention the Dragon Rider, even the Dragon Knight cooperating with the giant dragon has the ability to destroy the sky and earth. So many masters, indeed cannot be resisted by the two tribes of demons.

  "Then why don't we just wipe them out? Aren't the Demon Clan and Beastman Tribe our enemies?"

  The crown prince hesitated for a moment, then said: "It's like this, my ancestors once received the guidance of God by chance. God said that every living thing has the right to survive, and we are not allowed to use our own powerful strength to change the balance of the continent, otherwise we will be punished by heaven. That's why for so many years, we have maintained a balanced state with the two tribes of demons. After the three marshals retire, they will also join the Holy Dragon Knights, and the two tribes of demons are unlikely to pose a threat to us, as long as they don't do anything too excessive, we won't take the initiative to attack them."

  After hearing the prince's words, my heart was much more at ease. At least there is still room for the two tribes of demons to survive. I smiled slightly and said: "With a future ruler like you and Your Majesty being so wise, the empire's tomorrow will surely be even better."

  The crown prince burst out laughing and said, "You stop trying to fool me. Actually, I really hope to be an ordinary person, so that I can roam the world with you all. That kind of life is what I yearn for most."

  I smiled and said: "It's not impossible either. Let's find an opportunity, we can go to the mainland together and make a fortune, isn't that okay?"

  The prince smiled and said, "It's not that easy. I think it's very difficult to get out of the palace even once. Since you're not fully recovered from your injuries, I'll spare you for today. When you're fully healed, we must have a good match. My skills are no worse than Riviere's. Riviere is my good friend. Last time, after hearing his enthusiastic praise for you, my hands have been itching."

  I bitterly smiled and said: "Then I can only die with you."

  The prince took out a token from his bosom and threw it to me, saying: "You take this, it's a must-have for entering and leaving the palace. When you have time, come find me and let's chat together. I'm really lonely in the palace and hope to make more friends. Ah Xue, if you're free, come too. Lei brother, don't bully my cousin."

  The crown prince's words made both me and Zixue blush at the same time.

  Looking at our awkward appearance, Prince laughed and said: "I'm going to meet with the king now, I'll come find you. Goodbye."

  Such a prince without airs, how can I not be moved in my heart? I nodded and said: "After a while, I will definitely go to the palace to see you. By then, my injury should have healed. Although you are the prince, I won't show mercy either."

  The crown prince was overjoyed and said: "Great, I just hope to have a real opponent." After finishing speaking, he flew onto his horse and left in a cloud of dust.

  As I watched his figure gradually disappear into the distance, I said to Zixue: "This brother of yours will definitely make the Dragon God even stronger when he becomes king."

  "Right, at least he has won your heart in such a short time. It's getting late, let's go back."

  "I exclaimed: 'Being sons of kings, how can they be so different?'"

  Zixue knew I was referring to those other three princes and said: "Who knows, probably because there's no pressure of succession, they're just spoiled."

  I wrapped my arms around Zixue's slender waist, took a light leap and landed on the back of Heilong, grasped the reins and shouted: "Heilong, let's go back!"

  The black dragon let out a long hiss, spread its four hooves and galloped forward in the direction of the capital.

  When we rushed back to the college, the afternoon class had already started. Zi Xue complained: "Every time I'm with you, I end up being late, how are you going to make it up to me?"

  I smiled and said: "I've already lost myself to you, isn't that enough? Anyway, I don't have any classes this afternoon, haha."

  Zi Xue punched me and said, "I hate you."

  The magical broadcast on the playground suddenly rang out: "All students and teachers, please note that all students and teachers are asked to gather at the playground after school this afternoon..." The magical broadcast repeated this sentence for nearly ten times.

  "I exclaimed in surprise: 'What's so important that everyone needs to gather?'"

  Zi Xue said: "I don't know either, it's almost time for school to let out, let's just wait on the playground."

  We first sent the black dragon back to the stable and found a shady spot on the playground to sit down, quietly enjoying each other's company.

  It will be class dismissal soon, almost all students and teachers looked puzzled, apparently they didn't know what happened either.

  Nearly 2000 students and teachers gathered on the playground, the dean and vice-dean as well as several leaders of the college were present. Director Zhang Feng shouted through the magical loudspeaker: "Students, please be quiet, the dean has an important announcement to make, please listen carefully."

  The playground gradually quieted down, the principal took over the magical broadcast, first coughing, then solemnly saying: "Due to our motherland being invaded by the Magic Beast Allied Forces, the college has decided to send a team to support the front line. This is a great opportunity for training, and I hope everyone will enthusiastically sign up to participate."

  The playground, which had just quieted down, was in an uproar again, with everyone talking and discussing.

  "Isn't fighting a job for the army? Why are they calling us students to go, we haven't enlisted, no way."

  "Is fighting really fun? I've never seen the monsters of the Demon and Beastman tribes before, this time is a good opportunity. Just don't know if it's safe or not."

  ……

  "Everyone, quiet down and stop chattering," the principal shouted. "This support for the front line is a great test for all of you, and it's also the best place for you to gain combat experience. Only through the trials of blood and fire can you truly grow. As for safety concerns, the college has fully considered them, and we've decided to have you go with the Dragon Knights unit from the reinforcement troops. There are 100 spots available this time, and those who want to go should sign up with Director Zhang after dismissal. I'm selecting a few people who must go: first-year students Lei Xiang, Feng Wen, Bing Bing... second-year student Rui De... third-year student Zi Yan..." He named a total of 10 people, all of whom were elites from each year level at the college.

  I think, since we're following the Dragon Knights anyway, what's the difference between this and a tour? The Dragon Empire is already stronger than the two beast nations, so why do they need us student soldiers? The principal must have some other purpose.

  The principal finally said: "Those I just pointed out will stay behind later, the remaining places will be freely signed up by everyone, okay, dismissed."

  As soon as he announced the dissolution, most of the students rushed to Director Zhang. It seems that everyone is very smart and knows that this time's entertainment value is greater than its danger value.

  We started with one person being called to the front by the principal, who said to us: "This time going to the front line is mainly to let you increase your experience in killing enemies. Only in cold-blooded battles can you fully hone yourselves. I have already discussed it with the vice-principal and will arrange for some relatively easy-to-handle enemies for you when the time comes. You go back and prepare first, and set off about a week later."

  I and Feng Wen faced each other, and from Feng Wen's eyes, I saw a thread of excitement. He said: "This time there is an opportunity to go to the front line, it's more fun than being bored in class here, what do you think, Lei Xiang?"

  I smiled wryly: "What's fun about fighting? Isn't it just you killing me and me killing you?"

  Ziyan walked over and said to me: "Can your injury go to the front line?" She actually cared about me, probably for her sister's sake.

  I nodded and said, "It's almost good enough, although it still lacks a bit of strength, but it should be able to cope."

  "Be careful with everything, I'll go first," Ziyan said in a low voice. Upon hearing her words, I was stunned - this didn't sound like something the pragmatic and force-advocating Ziyan would say; what's wrong with her, has she gone crazy?

  As I came to my senses, I found that Feng Wen's saliva was about to drip down. His eyes stared straight at the back of Ziyan leaving, and he muttered: "If she can be my wife, even if it makes me live 20 years less, I am willing."

  I slapped him and said, "Stop daydreaming. You go back to your dorm first, I'll go find someone."

  Feng smiled and said, "Go find your sister."

  I made a gesture as if I was going to hit him, but Feng turned around and ran away laughing.

  I squeezed through the crowd for half a day, but couldn't find Zixue. The registration had already ended, when suddenly a familiar sobbing sound entered my ears. Following the sound, I saw that Zixue was squatting in a corner crying. I quickly ran over and squatted down to ask: "What's wrong, Xue? Who bullied you?"

  Zixue suddenly threw herself into my arms and sobbed uncontrollably.

  She cried and I was at a loss, I asked her repeatedly what's wrong, but she just wouldn't answer.

  After a long while, the front of my shirt was soaked through with her tears. She probably cried herself out and finally stopped. I picked up her tear-stained face and asked softly: "What's wrong?"

  Zixue's eyes reddened again as she sobbed: "J-just now there were too many people, I didn't get to report my name." She hadn't even finished speaking before bursting into tears again.

  I let out a sigh of relief and patted her back, saying: "I thought it was something else, but it's just this. Not signing up is even better, I was worried you'd be in danger if you went."

  Zi Xue raised her head and said, "This is not important, you don't even know how long you'll be on the front lines this time, or if there's any danger. Of course I have to go with you, otherwise, how can I be at ease? This time I didn't report my name, I..."