CHAPTER 426: CHAPTER 362: HEADING TO DAWNSPIRIT CITY_1

In Dawnspirit City, the capital of the Silvermane Principality, eleven new Gryphon II fighter jets flew over the city, leaving trails of colored smoke in their wake.

Brilliant magic fireworks soared into the sky, and the sound of salutes kicked off a grand celebration.

Today, Dawnspirit City was on a one-day holiday for all.

The entire population took to the streets to welcome the sole governing official of Thunderous Swamp and the Lord of Eternal Domain, Lord Yan Xing, on his visit to Dawnspirit City.

From Dawnspirit City Airport to the palace, people lined the streets with colorful flags, their enthusiastic cheers greeting Lord Yan Xing’s motorcade.

Thanks to continuous publicity, the citizens of Dawnspirit City were well-acquainted with the marvels of Thunderous Swamp and had truly felt the power of its alchemy.

Now, more and more cars were appearing on the city streets. White sugar was gradually becoming a luxury ordinary families could occasionally afford. Bicycles were changing people’s commuting habits, and the airplanes roaring overhead had become a familiar part of daily life. Furthermore, the principality’s army, equipped with weapons from Thunderous Swamp, had been conquering city after city on the battlefield.

The subjects of the Silvermane Principality were filled with a strong sense of national pride, and they dearly loved Lord Yan Xing, who had brought them all these changes.

Lord Yan Xing sat in the backseat of the bulletproof car, waving to the crowds outside.

This place is nothing like Eternal Domain. There, under the ubiquitous surveillance system, it would be incredibly difficult for an assassin to bypass Anlanda’s checks, then evade Chui Chui’s monitoring to assassinate me. Even in Nuta City, my safety could be guaranteed. But in other places, ensuring my own security is paramount to making any progress with my work.

The motorcade continued without stopping, making its way to the palace.

Duke Silvermane and Lady Karol came out personally to welcome him.

Upon seeing Yan Xing, Duke Silvermane warmly embraced him. "I knew you were young, but I had no idea you were this young! When I was your age, I was still chasing after young and beautiful women.

"And you, you’ve already become a person influencing the world’s stage.

"Welcome to my wedding with Karol.

"I believe our meeting today will leave an indelible mark on history."

With a smile, Yan Xing replied, "When Sister Karol was in the Wildwind Highlands, she would often boast to me about Your Grace’s great talent and wisdom, calling you the most broad-minded and intelligent monarch in the history of the Silvermane Principality.

"This marriage between you and my sister will undoubtedly deepen the alliance between the Silvermane Principality and Thunderous Swamp even further.

"I also believe that we will start a new Chapter of the era here."

Hearing Yan Xing personally speak of the alliance, Duke Silvermane burst into hearty laughter.

"Come, Brother Yan Xing, Karol and I will give you a tour of my palace. I have a major renovation project, and I need some decoration advice from you.

"Karol often talks about how dazzling your embassy in Nuta City is.

"Especially at night, it shines like an enchanting poem."

Yan Xing bowed to Karol and said, "Decorating a home for Sister Karol is my duty. I’ll take care of the palace’s lighting decoration; consider this a part of my wedding gift to the Duke and Sister."

Karol, beaming with happiness and holding Duke Silvermane’s arm, said, "Brother Yan Xing, you are truly a generous man, and I’m really looking forward to the other gift you’ll bring us.

"It will surely be another surprise."

"Definitely a surprise..." Yan Xing murmured.

Then Duke Silvermane and Lady Karol continued with Yan Xing on their tour of the ancient palace.

Yan Xing instructed his accompanying staff to record the palace’s structure and design the placement of the lights.

He also demanded that they complete the installation and adjustment of all the ceremonial lights before the wedding began.

This time, Yan Xing brought gifts on five transport planes, of which the wedding lights and sound system were a part.

Of course, there were also listening devices.

As for surveillance cameras... Yan Xing had discovered that powerful heroes could sense their presence through sheer intuition. When he had monitored Karol previously, she would often glance, intentionally or otherwise, toward the hidden cameras. Therefore, it was best not to be too overt when on someone else’s territory.

After touring the palace, Duke Silvermane and Karol took Yan Xing to see the wedding ceremony site’s arrangements, discussing the details of the wedding in depth.

Just like any ordinary bridegroom, bride, and brother-in-law would.

Putting aside political interests, Duke Silvermane indeed dearly liked Karol; otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone to such great lengths to win her hand and openly doted on her for so many years. Marrying Karol this time fulfilled one of his wishes and deepened the relationship with Thunderous Swamp, so Duke Silvermane was in an excellent mood.

He was even in high spirits as he pulled Karol and Yan Xing along to rehearse the wedding day procession.

Finally, the three of them came to a heavily guarded room.

A map lay spread out on the table.

It showed the state of the war between the Silvermane Principality and the Gryphon Heart Empire. At this point, the Silvermane Principality’s troops had penetrated 300 kilometers into the Empire’s territory, capturing seven significant cities.

On the surface, the Silvermane Principality’s offensive appeared to be progressing smoothly, but they hadn’t inflicted serious damage on the Empire’s main forces. The Empire’s army was now strategically defending in layers and retreating step by step. At the same time, the forces of a neighboring principality and a marquisate on either flank showed a tendency to press inward. If the Silvermane Principality’s troops continued to attack, they risked being cut off in the center.

Duke Silvermane briefly explained the battlefield situation to Yan Xing and then shared intelligence he had just received. "Lately, Anderson’s messengers have been very active. My spies within the Empire say that a batch of Cloud Tower’s transport airships have landed in the imperial capital.

"My generals have formulated two combat plans for me.

"One is to take advantage of our existing weapons superiority and ask for the support of the Eternal Domain’s air force to join our advance on the imperial capital. Capturing it would give us the initiative in the future of the war.

"The second plan is to contract our troops and wait for intervention from other noble domains. Once we discern friend from foe, we can establish a strategic plan.

"I would like to hear your opinion."

Judging by Duke Silvermane’s tone, he was more inclined towards the first combat plan.

After all, the Silvermane Principality’s army had a significant advantage in military strength and weaponry. If the Eternal Domain could dispatch its air force to cooperate with the principality’s offensive, the chances of capturing the imperial capital were very high. At that time, the Gryphon Heart Empire’s accumulated prestige would be completely wiped out. A free-for-all among the nobility was the best situation for the Silvermane Principality.

The second plan was slightly more conservative.

Comparing their war potential, the Silvermane Principality was weaker than the Gryphon Heart Empire in both population and territory. Moreover, the Gryphon Heart Empire still held the moral high ground as the common ruler of the human race. Now it seemed Cloud Tower was increasing its aid to the Empire. The longer the war dragged on, the situation would become increasingly unfavorable for the principality.

However, the longer the war dragged on, the more advantageous it was for Yan Xing and the Eternal Domain.

"I think the second plan would be most beneficial for you, Your Grace..."