I've been down with a cold for the past couple of days, so let me just warn all my readers to watch out for the flu! I've suffered through it myself, and even now, I’m still battling a runny nose and teary eyes while forcing myself to keep writing. I hope you’ll show your support given how hard I’m working! Head over to the main publishing site and send a few flowers my way—thanks in advance!
The arrival of Jianwu, Cangyue Zhenxian, and the other two made the generals of the Black Flag Legion finally assemble in full force. Following the operational meeting held at the Wolf Cavalry Corps base, the various corps began moving according to plan. Bai Chuan and Bai Yan returned to the Angry Dragon Tribe, while the Wolf Cavalry Corps also set course for the Wanluo Mountain Range!
Jidu, Cangyue Zhenxian, Jianwu, Cangyue Qianyu, Jianqi, Yintao, Yinhu, Chihau, Chiming, as well as Yinshuang and a host of key representatives from the Byron Tribe, also hurried overnight toward the Byron Grasslands.
Five days later, we finally arrived at the Byron Corps encampment on the Byron Grasslands, a mere hundred miles east of Mancheng!
We were also about to witness firsthand what kind of miraculous existence the world-renowned Saber-toothed Dragon Knights of the Byron Corps truly were!
The vast, open plain was shrouded beneath a massive, dark cloud! It felt like a storm was brewing, and the stifling sense of pressure made it difficult to breathe!
As we drew closer, we finally saw clearly! That enormous expanse of black cloud was actually formed by countless gigantic Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts arranged in formation!
So this is the legendary Saber-toothed Dragon Beast! This black phalanx, stretching for a thousand meters, gathered every Saber-toothed Dragon Knight in the Byron Corps—a staggering sight, totaling over two million of them!
What does a force of over two million massive Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts even mean? Those who haven't seen it firsthand simply cannot imagine it! The long lines extended until they vanished at the horizon!
Moving even closer, I could finally make out the exact appearance of these Saber-toothed Dragon Knights and their mounts, the Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts!
They stood a full half-head taller than the Cloud Thunder War Beasts, and even compared to my own mammoth King Beast, they were only shorter by half a head!
Their physique resembled the Qilin from ancient Chinese mythology, yet they were distinctly different. Those long, sharp tusks, much like those seen on the saber-toothed tigers in biological museums, gave them a ferocious, terrifying look!
Aside from those terrifying tusks, the most striking features were the pair of thick, long tails, resembling those of an alligator. However, the tip of each tail was adorned with a spiked ball, much like a mace. Anyone familiar with the Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts knows that their most terrifying weapon isn't the tusks, but this bizarre tail.
This tail acted like a giant hammer slung onto the beast’s body. In combat, a single tail-whip maneuver could easily crush an opponent to death with that strange appendage. It was an absolutely terrifying finishing move; even a powerful beast like the Mammoth King would suffer a fatal blow if struck by it!
On the Demon Sealing Continent, Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts were truly formidable creatures. Apart from humans, they had no natural predators, placing them at the absolute apex of the food chain!
Riding atop these massive Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts were the fully armored Saber-toothed Dragon Knights. Like the Cloud Thunder Iron Cavalry, these knights were clad head-to-toe in heavy plate armor. The rider and the beast seemed to merge into one cohesive unit; only their eyes were visible to the outside world, with every other part encased in layers of thick iron plate.
Their equipped weaponry included longbows, javelins, great sabers, and massive blunt dragon lances. These were the standard issue for heavy cavalry across the continent! However, the armor worn by the Saber-toothed Dragon Knights and their beasts was noticeably heavier and thicker than that of the Cloud Thunder Iron Cavalry!
This was the terror of the Saber-toothed Dragon Knights: their defense was so impossibly thick that it effectively repelled all forms of magic and heavy arrow fire. Aside from devastating magical traps or massive battering rams and stone throwers weighing several hundred pounds, very few weapons could harm them!
The combat style of the Saber-toothed Dragon Knights was brutally simple: rely on the Saber-toothed Dragon Beast’s nearly insane defensive capabilities and speed—which rivaled that of the Furnace War Steeds—to charge into the enemy formation and engage in brutal melee! Primitive and direct, yet surprisingly efficient and lean!
On the continent, no other troop dared to meet the Saber-toothed Dragon Knights head-on; even Celestial Demon Warriors were forced to yield before the charging knights!
If the Wolf Cavalry Knights excelled in fluid, swift, and penetrating mobile warfare, then the Saber-toothed Dragon Knights before us were the terrifyingly powerful masters of direct, frontal assault!
The Wolf Cavalry Knights were a sharp, pervasive gale; the Saber-toothed Dragon Knights were an immovable mountain—a mountain laced with magma, ready to erupt and roar at any moment. Even in their current stillness, one could only imagine the devastation should this massive black cloud begin to move, should this oppressive mountain begin to spew forth fire.
As still as a mountain! As fierce as fire! Were these the legendary Saber-toothed Dragon Knights?
I marveled inwardly at the sight!
However, I did notice something peculiar: only the fifty thousand knights arrayed in the very front ranks were fitted with heavy armor! The rest of the Saber-toothed Dragon Knights were mostly equipped with only light armor or Ebony Armor!
And those further back had no armor at all, just light leather vests! Their only weapon was a single dragon lance!
It seemed the Byron Tribe had not been faring well over the past fifty years. The Byron Grasslands lacked any significant mineral deposits suitable for mining, resulting in a severe shortage of iron tools! In fact, not only iron but even wood was scarce!
No wonder they possessed such battle-ready Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts but lacked the means to fully arm them!
"Welcome to us, the greatest commander of the Black Flag Legion."
As Jidu, I, and the others approached the front of the formation, more than a dozen heavily armored Saber-toothed Dragon Knights dismounted and came forward to greet us!
"Black Flag Army! Black Flag Army! Black Flag Army!"
"Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!"
A heaven-shaking cheer echoed across the sky as the two million Saber-toothed Dragon Knights roared in unison. Coupled with the thunderous, booming roars of the Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts, the very world seemed on the verge of shattering under the immense sonic waves!
"Roar! Whoo!"
As if sensing this surge of fierce, soaring energy, the Mammoth King, which had been standing tall like a mountain, let out a deep, resonant roar!
This colossal sound almost completely drowned out the frenzied shouting of all the surrounding Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts and Knights!
Its blood-red eyes blazed with a dazzling crimson light, like two fiercely burning torches! This was accompanied by that familiar, oppressive sensation, like a coming storm!
"Ah! It's the King's Roar!" The face of the heavily armored knight changed drastically!
Instantly, the world, which had been filled with the roar of countless thunders, fell silent!
All the Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts showed expressions of unease and apprehension, but this quickly shifted to agitation and restlessness. Clearly, the Mammoth King's roar had provoked them! Had it not been for the Knights on their backs desperately calming them, this entire expanse of beasts might have charged forward already!
This guy! He truly never learns! I groaned internally, patting the Mammoth King's massive head with a slight sense of guilt: "Big fellow, stop roaring. Are you trying to start a massive free-for-all fight with these two million Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts?"
"Whoo... umph." The big fellow finally let out a low growl, sullenly shaking his massive head before falling silent. It seemed he wasn't entirely brainless!
The leading heavy-armored knight also let out a visible sigh of relief. He then removed his black iron helmet, revealing an old face weathered by hardship. The others followed suit; judging by their age, they were elders of the Byron Tribe!
They were roughly the same age as Jidu, but their physiques were noticeably more robust and fierce. The leader, with his blue hair and blue eyes, bore a slight resemblance to Yinshuang. At a single glance, I was certain: this man was Yinshuang’s father!
Yinhe, the former chieftain of the Byron Tribe!
Jidu had fully briefed me on everything concerning Yinhe before we arrived.
Although he was no longer the Great Chieftain of the Byron Tribe, he was effectively the true power controlling it. After all, Yinshuang still appeared too young by comparison. Perhaps Yinhe intended to support Yinshuang while he was still capable of action.
Judging by this elaborate reception, they had clearly been waiting for some time! On this continent, lining up in formation to greet guests was the highest form of welcome. Clearly, the Byron Tribe placed immense importance on our arrival! Of course, this reception also carried a subtle element of showing off their martial strength!
After all, the Byron Tribe had once been the most powerful military legion! And they certainly lived up to their former prestige. I truly believed that once they were fully armed, no opponent could withstand their terrifying impact!
The old man moved with the bearing of a dragon, showing no sign of frailty; instead, he exuded a vitality and fierce fighting spirit disproportionate to his years!
"Yinhe of the Byron Tribe greets the Crown Prince." The elder performed a perfect knight’s salute.
"Elder Chieftain, you are too kind." I quickly jumped down from the Mammoth King's back and bowed respectfully before the elder.
"We thank the Dragon God for guiding the most honored guests to us." Yinhe’s aged face showed deep emotion.
"Elder Chieftain, I am not your guest," I replied respectfully. "From the moment the Byron Tribe joined the Black Flag Legion, we have been brothers of one family. Do you not agree, Elder Chieftain?" Here, I consciously avoided using titles like 'My King' or 'My Marshal,' subtly closing the distance between us.
"Hahahaha!" Yinhe was deeply moved. "What the Crown Prince says is excellent. We are brothers of one family, undivided by distinction or role."
"The Black Flag Legion is our common home, and you, sir, are the most senior elder in our large family. Please allow me, as a warrior of the younger generation, to offer my deepest respects." I bowed respectfully.
"How can that be appropriate?" Yinhe showed alarm, quickly saying, "The Crown Prince’s status is immensely noble."
But before he could finish, I performed a standard junior's bow to an elder: "May the Old Patriarch enjoy enduring fortune and robust health, may he live ever younger and ever more wonderfully."
"Hahahaha, live ever younger and ever more wonderfully!" Yinhe’s old face flushed red, clearly excited. "I thank Your Highness for your gracious acceptance without disdain. From this day forward, the Byron Tribe, the Black Flag Legion, and the Demon Dragon Empire will forever be one family."
"Hoo! Brothers of one family!" The surrounding Saber-toothed Dragon Knights roared enthusiastically in unison!
I subconsciously glanced at Jidu and saw that he, too, looked deeply moved and emotional.
Under my introductions, Yinhe met Jidu, Jianwu, Cangyue Zhenwu, and the others who had accompanied us. While I was certain Yinhe already knew everyone's identity before we arrived, the formal introductions were still necessary!
Perhaps the exchange of words earlier had already significantly reduced the distance between us. The initial awkwardness dissipated, and soon Jidu was chatting easily with the other elders of the Byron Tribe!
I knew I had to strike while the iron was hot, taking advantage of this rare opportunity to continue the psychological advance!
"Warriors of Byron," I called out, sweeping my gaze around the assembly, "long ago, I heard that the Saber-toothed Dragon Knights of the Byron Legion were the most valiant warriors on the continent. Today, I finally see it for myself. You live up to the reputation of the Strongest Legion; you are the most majestic and magnificent knights I have ever seen."
"Hoo! Marshal! You are the most majestic and magnificent knight!" Someone immediately shouted back. As everyone cheered in unison, they all subconsciously glanced toward the Mammoth King standing a short distance behind me.
Indeed, even standing before the colossal Saber-toothed Dragon Beasts, the Mammoth King still stood head and shoulders above them, towering significantly higher!
Perhaps that was why they said I was the most majestic and magnificent knight!
I broke into a sweat internally ⊙﹏⊙b Sweat indeed—with my build, how could I possibly be called majestic and magnificent!
The formal diplomatic portion was concluded, and Yinhe and the others led us to a long table laden with a banquet.
"Your Highness and the honored generals have endured a long journey. We have specially prepared this feast to welcome you and refresh the generals. Please enjoy," Yinhe offered.
"Thank you, Elder Chieftain." Jidu and I didn't decline. As the Demon Dragon Crown Prince and Marshal of the Black Flag Legion, my seat was naturally arranged at the head. To my left were Jidu and the others who accompanied me, and to my right were Yinhe, Yinshuang, and the principal leaders of the Byron Tribe! Dozens of similar banquet tables surrounded us, filled with other high officials of the Byron Tribe.
Honestly, in my previous life, I wasn't one for social gatherings. Facing such a grand occasion made my head ache. But I knew I had to say something now; I couldn't let the harmonious atmosphere I'd worked to create fall flat!
Beautiful tribal maidens moved gracefully among the crowd, topping off everyone’s cups.
"To the noble Crown Prince," Yinhe raised his wine cup.
"To the Elder Chieftain," I quickly raised mine, then looked around, "And to our bravest warriors of Byron."
"To the Marshal!" Many of the younger warriors called out together.
"Hahaha, good! Everyone, drink!" Everyone raised their cups and drained them!
The atmosphere immediately became lively again!
Perhaps due to their similar ages, Jidu, Jianwu, and Cangyue Zhenxian easily struck up conversations with the dozen or so elders!
At the banquet, state affairs were forbidden; the goal was simply to drink and enjoy!
"Life is truly unpredictable," Yinhe remarked with emotion, seeming to recall something. "The Demon Dragon Empire and my Byron Tribe were once enemies; we fought many battles against each other! We were both brave forces!"
"Indeed! We certainly suffered enough at the hands of the Byron Legion back then!" Jianwu laughed heartily.
"Eighty years ago, I followed my father and led Byron warriors against the previous Demon Dragon Emperor in Misbi, clashing several times. That remains the most vivid memory of my life," Yinhe’s voice was low and deep, possessing a unique allure that compelled one to listen to his next words. "Even though we were adversaries then, we held mutual respect for each other, for we were both brave warriors."
"Grand Marshal Yinlei was truly an extraordinary commander," Jidu stated solemnly. "Back then, relying solely on the two million Saber-toothed Dragon Knights of the Byron Legion, he managed to hold off the combined assault of my Iron Wolf Legion and the Azure Dragon Legion. It was the only battle the former Emperor never managed to win."
The younger generation, hearing Yinhe and Jidu discuss the past, subconsciously pricked up their ears.
"The Demon Dragon Royal Family has produced talents generation after generation, especially Emperor Zhenwu," Yinhe mused. "Emperor Zhenwu was not only a wise ruler but also an excellent commander, and the bravest, strongest warrior I have ever seen."
"Hahahaha." Hearing Yinhe’s words, Jidu was immensely pleased. "At that time, I was just a foot soldier near the former Emperor. I was privileged to witness firsthand that earth-shattering duel between Emperor Zhenwu and Grand Marshal Yinlei."
"Heh, so you were at Misbi back then too?" Another elder beside Yinhe, whose beard was white, seemed greatly curious!
"Yes, I was the personal guard of the former Emperor at the time," Jidu replied dreamily.
"In that case, we might have crossed swords back then," Yinhe suggested.
"Haha, quite possible," Jidu agreed.
"The ways of the world change unexpectedly. Past comrades-in-arms become sworn enemies, and those we fought against as mortal foes are now brothers and comrades united as one family," Yinhe reflected.
"Perhaps this is the arrangement of the gods," Jidu concluded.
"The past is past, let us not dwell on it." Yinhe raised his cup. "We should look forward—to peace and stability!"
"To Byron and the Demon Dragon Empire!" Yinhe toasted.
"To ending this war that has spanned a thousand years!" Jianwu raised his cup.
"And to all the brave warriors and the beautiful girls," Cangyue Qianyu, who had been silent until now, suddenly interjected.
"Hahahaha!"
This immediately drew peals of laughter from the crowd!
Yinhe and the others laughed heartily. "Cheers!"
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch!