Jia Xialan, who had been sitting gracefully atop Lei Ying’s back the entire time, finally spoke after seeing them travel such a long distance without stopping even once. In a gentle yet calm tone, she looked toward Han Nian and said, “Young Master Han, d-don’t you think we should rest for a while first? It’s true that Lei Ying is incredibly fast, and a journey that normally takes almost a week can be shortened into only two or three days, but no matter what, he is still a Spirit Beast. I’m worried he’s pushing himself too hard just to bring us to the Imperial Capital faster.”The moment he heard those words, Lei Ying immediately let out a loud cry.“Kwakkk!”The enormous bird even puffed out its chest arrogantly while flapping its wings harder, as if trying to show that he was still in perfect condition and completely unfamiliar with exhaustion. If anyone else saw his behavior, they might truly believe that the King of the Skies possessed limitless stamina.But in reality, only Lei Yi

The Emperor continued looking at Han Nian with an unreadable gaze. Although the young man's answer sounded casual and seemed to downplay the rumors surrounding him, his instincts told him that the person standing before him was far from ordinary.He then shifted his gaze toward his daughter.In a calm voice that carried unmistakable authority, the Emperor asked, “Xia’er, Father wishes to hear it directly from you. Is the young man standing before Father truly the Han Nian who, over the past several months, has caused the name of Fragrant Pandan City to shake various regions of the Empire, to the point that report after report has continued arriving on Father’s desk?”Jia Xialan looked at her father for a moment before slowly nodding.In a respectful tone, she replied, “Yes, Father. He is indeed the Han Nian mentioned in those rumors. However, as he said earlier, many of the stories circulating have already been mixed with countless embellishments. Therefore, Xia’er does not dare deter

As soon as the Emperor finished explaining the situation facing the Jia Empire, Jia Xialan, who had remained silent until now, finally raised her head. Her face appeared calm, but her eyes were filled with an unwavering determination that no one could shake.She looked directly at her father without the slightest hesitation before speaking in a clear voice that everyone in the room could hear.“Father, Xia'er respects every decision you have made for the sake of the Empire, but on this matter, Xia'er will never give in. Let alone marrying a prince from the Ma Empire who is known throughout the continent to have been mentally disabled since birth—even if they were to send a prince who was perfect in every way, Xia'er would still refuse. I do not want my life to be used as a political tool and handed over to someone I never chose for myself.”The Emperor fell silent for a moment after hearing his daughter's answer.There was no anger on his face.Instead, what appeared was deep exhausti

The main hall of the Jia Empire, which had previously been filled with tension, was now engulfed in a blazing atmosphere of determination.After the envoys of the Ma Empire departed with arrogant expressions on their faces, the officials and generals gathered inside could no longer suppress their anger.An old general whose body was covered in scars from countless battles suddenly stepped forward.His eyes radiated terrifying resolve as he clenched his fist so tightly that the veins on his arm bulged.With a deep voice that echoed throughout the hall, he declared,“Your Majesty, I have served the Jia Empire for decades and witnessed many wars, but never have I seen such blatant humiliation as today.“If war truly comes, then I swear I will take one hundred enemy heads before my life ends on the battlefield.“Even if this old body is torn apart piece by piece, I will not allow a single inch of Jia soil to be trampled without resistance!”His words instantly ignited the blood of the oth

Inside the imperial hall, Jia Xialan stepped forward from where she stood. Her face, usually gentle and graceful, was now filled with determination. Looking directly at the Emperor, she spoke with a clear and resolute voice.“Father, since all of this began because of me, I do not wish to remain in the capital simply waiting for news from the battlefield. I want to travel to the border alongside you and the soldiers.“If the Ma Empire has come to force me into marriage and trample upon the dignity of the Jia Empire, then I should also bear responsibility for the war that follows. i do not want to hide behind everyone else while they risk their lives for my honor.”Hearing this, the Emperor fell silent for quite some time.His expression became complicated.As a ruler, he understood his daughter's resolve.But as a father, he naturally did not want his beloved daughter anywhere near danger.After letting out a long sigh, he finally said in a heavy voice,“Xia'er, Father understands how