Chapter 7

......

The Zulong City-State stands on a vast, fertile plain, with three rivers, formed from melting snow, meandering from the distant mountains, passing through countless villages, towns, and cities, and finally converging at the silver-gray Zulong City-State.

The city-state is divided into two parts, separated by the solemn and grand silver-gray walls.

And the most awe-inspiring feature of the Zulong City-State is these walls. The moment one flies into the green-ink plain, it seems as if an ancient earth dragon, touching the beginning of the world, is lying on the horizon.

"Legend has it that the Zulong City-State was formed from the body of an ancestral dragon. Seeing it today, it's not a false tale!" Zhu Minglang sighed in his heart.

Seeing the Zulong City-State, Li Yunzi's inner distress did not diminish much. Thinking about the people who knew her well, she felt a suffocating sensation.

"Miss Yunzi, you don't need to worry about that matter; I have eliminated all of them." Luo Xiao seemed to understand Li Yunzi's complex feelings and showed this special consideration.

Li Yunzi did not respond.

After adjusting her emotions slightly, Li Yunzi's eyes regained their cold, star-like luster, and she said coolly, "Let's go."

......

The Li and Nan families.

For a long time, these two prestigious families have ruled the Zulong City-State. When Zhu Minglang heard the name of the Valkyrie, he knew her background.

No wonder she could rule the chaotic Wutu for a whole year; her background must be unfathomable.

But why was she overthrown in just one night?

He escorted her all the way, trembling with fear, and the mission was finally completed, but Zhu Minglang could not leave yet.

The Li family's royal court was magnificent, but unfortunately, they were not returning in glory.

The three of them waited in a spacious hall decorated with pear wood. Zhu Minglang and Luo Xiao stood a few steps behind Li Yunzi, who stood facing a middle-aged, thin man with a long beard sitting on the main seat of the hall.

Beside the man was a woman with outstanding grace and dignity, pouring him a cup of tea.

"Master, don't be angry. It's good that she's back safely." The woman said softly.

"Smash!!" The teacup was thrown down by the bearded man.

Sharp porcelain shards flew and scattered around Li Yunzi's feet. One of them bounced off the marble floor and mercilessly grazed her cheek.

A thin line of fresh red blood appeared on her face, and it was bleeding.

But Li Yunzi stood there, not making any attempt to dodge from the beginning.

"Any child of the Li family should have already chosen a place to commit suicide, which would at least save some face for you and our Li family!" The middle-aged bearded man said with a neutral expression.

"Master, I have already burned Yongcheng to the ground. How could this matter be reported back to the city-state so quickly?" Luo Xiao said, somewhat incredulously.

"Is it your turn to speak!" The Li family head glared at Luo Xiao.

Luo Xiao hurriedly knelt down, not daring to raise his head.

It seemed that he had an innate fear of the Li family head, and even the ambitious and arrogant Luo Xiao did not dare to act rashly.

"Unable to protect your own reputation and integrity, how can you protect this besieged Zulong City-State in the future!" The Li family head said angrily.

Li Yunzi still did not speak.

Seeing her silence, the Li family head became even more furious...

But soon, he suppressed the anger rising in his throat.

"Regardless, Yunzi has established many military achievements for our city-state and expanded our territory. Although her reputation is now tarnished, her commanding authority still remains." The woman beside him tried to persuade.

"What commanding authority is left? And the soldiers under her name as the female ruler will also bear this disgrace. The title of female ruler will be abolished. Your military guards will be dispersed to other camps to continue guarding the western front. The successor of the Zulong Divine Maiden will be Nan Lingsha, and you will be confined in the palace, not allowed to see anyone!" When he said this, the Li family head's eyes showed a hint of coldness.

"Master, as a younger sister, Nan Lingsha might also be affected. Perhaps we should call her back..." The woman seemed to want to say something.

"Nan Lingsha is Nan Lingsha, and Li Yunzi is Li Yunzi. Whoever dares to link this matter to Nan Lingsha, their tongue will be cut out, regardless of their status!" The Li family head said.

"I will enforce this order." The woman replied.

"Luo Xiao." The Li family head then turned his gaze to him.

"Your servant is here!" Luo Xiao quickly knelt down, not daring to raise his head.

"Is your dragon a Gilded Fire Dragon?" The Li family head asked.

"Gilded Fire Dragon? Master, this is a dragon with the potential to become a Dragon Lord, with superior bloodline and attributes. If it can show loyalty..." The woman showed a hint of surprise.

"Indeed, it is a rare and precious dragon. I didn't expect you to have such a remarkable encounter after leaving the Li family. You did well this time, making the refugees in Wutu understand that the Li family cannot be trampled upon!" The Li family head said.

"Your servant was expelled for a mistake in the past and deeply regrets it. But my heart has always been with the Li family. After becoming a dragon master, I happened to be training in Wutu and learned of Miss's plight, so I rushed to her aid. Unfortunately, I was a step too late. Please do not blame Miss; it was your servant's lack of decisiveness. I should have destroyed the surrounding towns as well, so this matter would not have been reported back to the city-state." Luo Xiao showed his loyalty.

The Li family head nodded, somewhat satisfied with Luo Xiao's ruthlessness.

"You will join my ranks. The Gilded Fire Dragon is indeed a dragon with boundless potential, but it requires substantial resources and a master's guidance... As long as you are loyal, I will ensure your future is bright!" The Li family head said.

"Thank you, Master, thank you, Master!!" Luo Xiao's face showed uncontainable excitement as he bowed again in gratitude!

A bright future!

This is what Luo Xiao wanted!

Not to be a dragon master in a barren and desolate land, but to be at the pinnacle of the grand and prosperous Zulong City-State, where everything is available!

......

Zhu Minglang had rehearsed countless times in his mind how to respond to the Li family head's words, and thought of many vague words to cover up his identity.

In the end, Zhu Minglang realized that he was never taken seriously from the beginning.

Not even a glance, let alone a question.

This made Zhu Minglang somewhat bitter. Many wise men had once pointed at him and said that this child had an extraordinary face and would surely become a remarkable person in the future. How could he, after just a few years of wandering, become so plain and transparent?