Chapter 186 - 180: A Letter from the Fiery Sun Kingdom

To care for the eight little ones, Raylo specifically ordered a spacious four-wheeled carriage to be cleared out.

The large bamboo basket containing the six Sky Dragons was placed securely in the center of the carriage, while Lillian sat inside, holding a basket with the two Red Ridge Flying Dragons.

Moonlight and Coal Ball naturally took on the duty of "guards."

Moonlight lay sprawled on the carriage roof. Whenever a Sky Dragon tried to climb out of the basket, Moonlight would tap it on the head with the tip of its tail—not too hard, not too soft—and push it back in.

Coal Ball would occasionally extend a paw to stealthily bat at the edge of the basket before quickly retracting it, having the time of its life teasing the young Flying Dragons inside.

The wheels crunched over the gravel, making a monotonous "CREAK," which, along with the rhythmic bumps, formed the unchanging melody of their journey home.

Lillian’s entire attention was absorbed by the bamboo basket beside her.

The two young Red Ridge Flying Dragons were much tamer than the Sky Dragons. Right now, they looked like two small balls of red flame, curled up on a soft cloth that she had warmed with a gentle current of Magic.

They had already grown familiar with Lillian’s scent. One of them, slightly more energetic, would occasionally stick its little head out and gently nuzzle its forehead against Lillian’s wrist.

The other was much quieter, merely snuggling against its companion, its vertical pupils narrowing into satisfied slits.

"They’re so cute."

Lillian’s fingertips brushed across the fine scales on the Young Dragon’s back. The touch was warm and solid, brimming with the vitality of life.

She turned her head to look at Raylo, who was sitting across from her, her eyes sparkling.

"Brother, I want to give them names."

"Of course. They’re your companions now."

Raylo replied with a smile.

Lillian’s gaze returned to the basket. She thought for a moment, then pointed at the more active Young Dragon and said.

"Look at this one. It’s like a leaping flame. Let’s call it ’Blazing Flame’."

She then gently tapped the quiet Young Dragon.

"And this one... it’s like a burning fire—calm, yet filled with power. Let’s call it ’Blazing Fire’."

Blazing Flame, Blazing Fire.

"Good names."

He said in agreement.

Clearly delighted to have his approval, Lillian reached out and tapped each of the little ones on the head.

"Did you hear that? You’re Blazing Flame, and you’re Blazing Fire."

As if it truly understood, the Young Dragon named "Blazing Flame" opened its mouth and let out a crisp cry, while "Blazing Fire" merely gave a lazy flick of its tail.

The procession traveled for two days, and the imposing silhouette of Panshi Castle finally appeared on the horizon.

Compared to when they had left, the area outside Panshi Castle had now transformed into a massive military city.

Countless tents spread out like mushrooms from the foot of the castle to the distant hills, and innumerable banners bearing the crests of different families snapped in the wind.

Across the land, patrols of soldiers moved in endless streams. The neighing of horses and the clatter of armor intermingled, creating a grim and powerful atmosphere.

The three corps of the Northern Lords’ Alliance Army had all gathered here.

Raylo didn’t stop at his own camp. Instead, he handed command of the troops to Ed and, taking Lillian and his Personal Guard, went straight to the council hall in Panshi Castle.

Inside the council hall, the atmosphere was solemn and tense.

Led by Luke, the Vice Commander of the Thunder Dragon Knight Order, more than a dozen of the Northern Territory’s primary Lords were gathered around a massive sand table, deep in a heated discussion.

Among them were old, gray-templed nobles and middle-aged Lords in their prime, but every face wore a grave expression.

Raylo’s arrival drew everyone’s attention.

"Raylo, you’re back."

Luke looked up.

"What’s the situation at Eagle’s Sorrow Castle?"

"I have not failed my mission, Lord Luke."

Raylo took a step forward.

"Eagle’s Sorrow Castle has been taken. The Count of the Falcon is dead. The Hawk Knight Order has been defeated and is no longer a fighting force."

As soon as he said this, the entire council hall fell silent.

The Count of the Falcon!

He was a veteran powerhouse who had been entrenched in the Fiery Sun Kingdom for years. Though his Hawk Knight Order was small, their air superiority had always made them a tough nut to crack.

"What did you say?"

A lord with a thick beard couldn’t help but ask for confirmation.

"The Count of the Falcon... is dead?"

"Yes. He died under Baofeng’s claws."

Raylo’s answer was concise and firm.

A collective gasp echoed through the hall.

Luke’s eyes suddenly lit up.

He slammed his hand on the sand table, the loud BANG making the models on it jump.

"Excellent! Well done!"

His booming voice echoed in the hall.

"Without the Count of the Falcon’s Hawk Knight Order, it’s like we’ve clipped one of the Prince of Karachi’s wings! His three hundred Pegasus Knights are no longer a threat!"

The gloom that had been hanging over everyone seemed to be instantly torn apart by this news.

Their aerial inferiority had always been Luke’s greatest worry.

"Raylo, you’ve performed a great service this time!"

Luke walked over and clapped Raylo firmly on the shoulder.

"I will be sure to report your contribution to the Duke."

Just as the atmosphere in the hall grew heated, a Knight hurried in from outside, a frantic look on his face.

"Reporting to Lord Luke!"

The Knight said with a salute.

"An envoy from the Fiery Sun Kingdom, from the Prince of Karachi, requests an audience!"

’An envoy from the Prince of Karachi?’

The discussions in the hall came to an abrupt halt, and everyone’s brows furrowed once more.

’What is Karachi playing at, sending an envoy at a time like this?’

Luke’s gaze swept over the crowd as he said in a low voice.

"Let him in."

A moment later, a young Knight strode in, his head held high.

He was handsome and arrogant. His gaze swept across the Northern Lords present with unconcealed disdain, as if he were looking at a group of country bumpkins.

Finally, his eyes landed on Luke, who stood before the main seat. The envoy gave a slight bow, but not the proper Knight’s salute, his posture reeking of arrogance.

"On the order of the Prince of Karachi, I bring a personal letter for Your Excellency, Luke."

As he spoke, he drew a letter sealed with wax from his coat and presented it with both hands.

A member of the Personal Guard stepped forward to take the letter. After inspecting it to ensure it was safe, he handed it to Luke.

"You may go and rest."

Luke took the letter and spoke coolly, not even sparing the envoy a glance.

The envoy seemed not to have expected such a cold reception. He froze for a second, a flash of anger on his face, but upon seeing Luke’s steel-hard profile, he didn’t dare act on it. He just gave a cold snort and turned to leave.

Luke unhurriedly broke the wax seal, pulled out the letter, and began to scan it quickly.

The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was waiting for what Luke would say next.

Luke read quickly, lowering the letter in less than a minute.

He looked up, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his voice low and powerful.

"The Prince of Karachi says in his letter that he’s tired of playing hide-and-seek with us."

"He is challenging us to a decisive battle, three days from now, on the plain between Panshi Castle and his camp—a place called the ’Weeping Wind’ plains."