C69 Lei Zhantian of the Leiwu Empire Brought a Dragon

"Zhang Xing, there's no need for you to draw lots; we concede!"

The top-ranking students of the advanced class declared in chorus.

He had defeated Wei Ni with a single move.

"That's wonderful. I appreciate it, everyone!"

Zhang Xing responded, his smile beaming.

"If there are no challengers for Zhang Xing, then I shall proclaim..."

Just then, the earth began to tremble, throwing everyone off balance. Ink treasures and writing brushes on the tables slid toward the edges.

A clattering arose from the weapons rack.

The announcement was abruptly cut off.

Simultaneously, a guard's proclamation approached from the distance.

"Report: An envoy from the Leiwu Empire requests an audience!"

"The Leiwu Empire?"

The expression of the Heavenly Star Empire's Emperor and his officials soured instantly.

The twelve Presidents were equally baffled. What was the purpose of their visit?

"Admit them!" commanded Emperor Keith.

"The delegation from the Leiwu Empire is granted permission to enter!"

Soon after the ground's quaking ceased, a procession of over twenty lavishly dressed individuals made their entrance into the competition grounds.

As the twelve Presidents and the Emperor of the Empire caught sight of the figure leading the group, their eyes narrowed in recognition.

"Lei Dongtian! The preeminent War Emperor of the Leiwu Empire, Grand Marshal of the Army and Horse, the Kaiser's own uncle, and the true power behind the throne!"

He was followed by a retinue of haughty youths, their pride unmistakable.

"Your Majesty Keith, it's been a decade. I wonder how you've fared?"

Lei Dongtian, with hands clasped behind his back, eschewed the customary formalities of an envoy.

Emperor Keith remained seated, composed in his expansive chair, and inquired coolly, "To what do I owe the honor of your visit to my Empire?"

"I'm aware of your triennial martial arts tournament, so I've brought some of our younger generation to observe and learn!"

Lei Dongtian's gaze swept over Zhang Xing and the thirty competitors, his head shaking slightly.

The young representatives from the Leiwu Empire also fixed their eyes on Zhang Xing and his peers.

An instant spark of rivalry flared between the two groups.

"We've exchanged knowledge on more than one occasion. In past encounters, we've been equally matched. But with you leading the delegation this time, I presume you have some formidable strategies up your sleeve?"

Keith and Lei Dongtian had always been at odds. They were evenly matched long before their rise to the rank of War Emperor, with neither able to best the other.

Yet, Keith had abruptly lost contact with Lei Dongtian ten years ago and had since been unable to uncover any behind-the-scenes information.

Now, as Lei Dongtian reemerged, Keith felt a disquieting sensation stir within him.

"I haven't resorted to any tricks; I've simply brought along a dragon!" Lei Dongtian declared casually, though his face betrayed unmistakable smugness.

"A dragon?"

Keith and the twelve Presidents were taken aback, exchanging knowing looks that reflected the alarm in their eyes.

The might of an Empire was measured not just by the scale of its mage corps but also by the presence of Dragon Knights.

Clearly, their nations were among the lowest tier on the Holy Dragon Continent, lacking the power to field a Dragon-fighting Legion.

Yet, if an Empire possessed a dragon, it would seek to ascend to a higher status.

Should the Leiwu Empire boast two dragons, and the Sacred Dynasty's envoy confirm this, the Saint Laurent Empire would likely be subsumed under Leiwu's domain, erasing the Saint Laurent name from history.

This was a grave matter, touching the very pillars of the realm. No Emperor, no Kaiser, would willingly hand over the lands their forebears had fought to secure.