With those words spoken, the entire hall fell silent once more, and Luo Xiaofeng was utterly stunned, a hint of tears welling in his eyes. He had never imagined it—truly never conceived—that one of his subordinates possessed such unwavering loyalty and valor. For the longest time, his regard for Ye Jingyu had been mostly rooted in currying favor with the powers behind him, but only at this moment did he see him as his most trusted minister, his most cherished subject. In such a critical time, discarding all selfish motives, acting solely for the nation—this was the highest form of loyalty, the most absolute fidelity.

Even Hai Li, the Minister of War kneeling on the ground, turned his head toward Ye Jingyu, staring at him with unconcealed disbelief. Had he truly lost his mind?

Yet, most others simultaneously sensed the deep conviction within Ye Jingyu’s heart, that spirit of willing sacrifice for the country. The way they looked at him underwent a drastic change, their gazes now filled with profound respect. Even Xiao Geng, who had always held him in contempt, felt an involuntary surge of deference deep within his soul. Only Luo Haitian and Qin Yunxiao exchanged a glance, their eyes clouded with doubt: where did Ye Jingyu derive such confidence? Given his character, how could he make such a vow unless he was absolutely certain of success? They certainly didn't believe Ye Jingyu was the sort to throw away his life for the court.

Indeed, Ye Jingyu was not inherently a man of unwavering fealty, at least not to the Southern Cloud Empire. If he had a choice, he would rather flee with Luo Ling'er, Luo Ruofeng, and their close friends. But that was impossible; even if Luo Ling'er were willing to go, Luo Ruofeng surely would not.

Over the years, Luo Ruofeng had never put on airs in front of him. If their relationship began as mutual utilization, then through countless days and nights spent together, a profound friendship had long since taken root between them.

Moreover, Bie Li, Ye Longyi, Ying Xiaoxiao, Nangong Shang, Zhuge Yishi—these people were like family. They would never abandon this realm; they were an integral part of this nation and would never submit to becoming slaves of a fallen state. They would not leave, so how could he possibly depart?

Since leaving was not an option, the only recourse was to repel the enemy forces. But with thirty thousand troops arrayed against them, a direct confrontation offered no chance of victory. The only viable strategy was to capture the leader first. Ye Jingyu’s target was the famed War God, Xuanyuan Xiaozhan. The ten thousand men under his command were merely bait—and they had to be those most devoted to him. Aside from the Seventh Order, whom else could he truly trust? Therefore, even knowing the horrific losses his contingent would inevitably suffer, this decision was unavoidable.

As for the final outcome, he believed that if he could not succeed, the Southern Cloud Empire certainly would not withstand Xuanyuan Xiaozhan anyway. In that case, what difference would any oath make?

This was a battle where it was either life or death...

“Good, good, good! You are truly a man of our Southern Cloud Empire! I hereby bestow upon you the title of Duke of the Nation today...” Feeling the sheer force of Ye Jingyu’s conviction, Luo Xiaofeng was deeply moved. In front of everyone, he immediately bestowed the highest honor upon Ye Jingyu.

Ennobled as Duke before even entering battle—the very first Duke in the entire history of the Southern Cloud Empire. What glory! What unprecedented distinction! Yet, no one present dared to voice an objection. Even if Ye Jingyu had merely uttered a few words of loyalty, who among them would dare speak out under these circumstances?

“I thank Your Majesty...” Ye Jingyu felt indifferent to Luo Xiaofeng’s reward, but since it was bestowed by the Emperor, a thank you was necessary.

Immediately, the Emperor issued the decree and then announced the end of the court session. Arrangements for the Duke’s residence and other matters would naturally be handled by others. After the court adjourned, Luo Xiaofeng specifically detained Ye Jingyu, Zhuge Yishi, and Luo Ruofeng...

He knew Ye Jingyu still had things to say. As for why Luo Ruofeng was kept back, it seemed to be a way of signaling something specific to someone else...

In the Imperial Study, Luo Xiaofeng had changed into a black brocade robe and sat before the desk. Ye Jingyu, Zhuge Yishi, and Luo Ruofeng were each granted seats. For Ye Jingyu, this recognition meant little, and Zhuge Yishi would not be stirred by such minor honors, given the transcendent status of the Zhuge family. But Luo Ruofeng, despite having visited the Imperial Study numerous times, had never been afforded the courtesy of a seat in all these years. He recalled sitting there only when he was very young, held in Luo Xiaofeng’s lap.

After growing up, not even the Crown Prince was entitled to sit here!

Could it be that his Imperial Father harbored new intentions? Thinking this, the long-dormant heart of the Prince of Yong’an surged with renewed excitement...

“Jingyu, tell us your strategy!” Luo Xiaofeng addressed Ye Jingyu directly by name, another mark of his favor.

“Your Majesty, with thirty thousand enemy troops at our gates, whether we defend stubbornly or fight head-on, we stand no chance. The only way to repel the enemy is to capture their leader!” Ye Jingyu stated calmly.

“Capture the leader?” Luo Xiaofeng was momentarily stunned.

“You mean to capture Xuanyuan Xiaozhan?” Zhuge Yishi exclaimed from the side. He had actually considered this tactic long ago; it was indeed the best method to drive back the invaders. But the problem was that Xuanyuan Xiaozhan was no ordinary commander; he might very well be a powerful entity surpassing the Martial Saint realm. The difficulty in capturing him was no less than obliterating thirty thousand enemy soldiers, which was why he had initially abandoned the idea.

“If we can capture him, we capture him; if not, we kill him!” As he finished speaking, a potent killing aura emanated from Ye Jingyu’s body.

Luo Xiaofeng’s brow furrowed tightly. He was not a fool and naturally understood this was the best course of action available now. But Xuanyuan Xiaozhan’s strength was unfathomable; even he himself might not be a match if he acted personally, let alone the possibility of other powerful entities accompanying him. How easy could it be to kill such a figure?

“Big Brother, come out...” At this moment, Ye Jingyu called softly toward the void...

“Gah-ha-ha...” Immediately, a cackling laugh echoed, and a head burst forth from the ground. Then, Liang Xiaoke’s entire figure emerged, though Gongsun Lu was not with him...

Seeing a person suddenly appear from the earth, Luo Xiaofeng and the accompanying Eunuch Yun’s expressions drastically changed. Had Ye Jingyu not warned them in advance, they might have already struck preemptively. What manner of divine ability was this, so terrifying?

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