Volume 4 Chapter 102

Volume 4 + Chapter 102: The Far North Imperial Guard

Xia Yi was extremely curious about what methods Joshua would use to help her.

After all, judging from the current situation, Elizabeth was on the verge of becoming an almost invincible existence.

She had secretly probed into it—although Joshua possessed a noble bloodline within the blood clan, his own strength and realm had not yet reached a level that could be called overwhelmingly powerful. How, then, could he possibly shake the Vampire Ancestor?

Immediately afterward, Joshua spoke words that left Xia Yi genuinely taken aback.

“Silver Dragon Princess, this time, I will take the initiative to return to the Crimson Empire and find the Vampire Ancestor, allowing her to gather the complete Nine Imperial Bloodlines.”

Xia Yi froze.

What kind of situation was this?

Elizabeth was already searching for the Nine Imperial Bloodlines, and yet you were going back voluntarily, deliberately letting her complete the collection and fully restore her bloodline?

How was this helping her at all? This was clearly doing the opposite!

“Joshua… I don’t think I’ve done anything to offend you, have I?”

Seeing the puzzled expression on the silver-haired little princess’s face, Joshua explained, “Silver Dragon Princess, do you think that by letting the Vampire Ancestor collect the complete Nine Imperial Bloodlines, I’m helping her?”

“…Yes.”

“No, that’s not the case,” Joshua paused briefly. “I will instead make use of this to strip the Vampire Ancestor of her invincibility.”

“What… Do you mean?”

“I will modify my own bloodline to a certain extent. Once the Vampire Ancestor absorbs my bloodline, it will be equivalent to planting a bomb inside her body. It will lie dormant, waiting patiently, and then detonate at the most critical moment—forcing her to reveal a flaw and weakening her strength, thereby creating an opportunity to defeat her.”

“I understand.”

“I will entrust my hope to you, Silver Dragon Princess. This doesn’t mean you’ll be able to defeat the Vampire Ancestor easily—it will only buy you a slim chance.”

“How exactly do we do it?”

“You must force the Vampire Ancestor into a desperate situation. Only then will my bloodline begin to detonate.”

Joshua’s expression was grave as he emphasized it once more.

“You must drag the Vampire Ancestor into dire straits. If she’s in her normal state, it won’t have much effect.”

“I understand.”

Xia Yi nodded.

“But if you do this, Joshua… will you die?”

“I’m not sure, but there’s a very high probability that I will,” Joshua sighed. “There might be a slight chance of survival, but the hope is extremely slim. Once my bloodline is taken, it’s almost certainly death—unless a miracle happens…”

“…I see.”

Xia Yi lowered her gaze. It was clear now—Joshua was prepared to sacrifice himself.

“It’s fine. I’ve been running away for a very long time,” Joshua said calmly. “I think it’s time to face this. You can’t run forever. I’m deeply unwilling to become a nourishment for someone else’s resurrection—even if that someone is the Vampire Ancestor. Rather than letting others control my fate, I’d rather choose the most fitting finale myself.”

Xia Yi could clearly feel the resolve in his words.

But then she remembered something else.

“By the way, Joshua, there’s something I don’t quite understand. If the Vampire Ancestor needs the Nine Imperial Bloodlines, and you never return, leaving her short of your bloodline—would that have any real impact?”

“Not much,” Joshua replied. “Even if my bloodline is missing, it would probably only affect her by about one-ninth. It still wouldn’t stop the Vampire Ancestor from restoring her power. In that case, it’s better for me to go back and become a bomb—turning into a fatal weakness at the critical moment. That would be far more effective.”

“Alright. Then I’ll be counting on you, Joshua.”

……

“Her Highness the Princess has arrived!”

“Salute!”

Xia Yi, accompanied by her maid, appeared at the northern mining grounds.

Chelsea led a large number of dragon clan soldiers. Upon seeing Xia Yi, they all saluted in perfect unison, creating a scene that was truly spectacular.

“What are we to offer to Her Highness the Princess?”

Chelsea shouted loudly to the troops.

“Loyalty!”

All the soldiers responded in thunderous unison, their voices echoing in all directions.

The formation alone carried an overwhelming sense of impact.

“Reporting to Her Highness the Princess, the new army has fully assembled and awaits your command!” Chelsea reported to Xia Yi.

During this period, Xia Yi had ordered Chelsea to recruit soldiers anew and form a brand-new army.

Chelsea had successfully completed the task she was given.

After all, the Silver Dragon Princess had eliminated both Scott and Leonard—two towering figures—in one decisive sweep. Her prestige had reached its peak. Upon hearing that this was the Silver Dragon Princess’s army, many members of the dragon clan eagerly flocked to join.

“Your Highness, the army does not yet have a name and awaits your gracious bestowal,” Chelsea requested.

Since the Northern Rebellion Army was gone, the Northern Pacification Army had also become a thing of the past.

It truly was time for a new name.

Xia Yi thought for a moment.

“Then let it be called the Far North Imperial Guard.”

The name was clearly met with unanimous approval from Chelsea and all the soldiers. Having personally received a name bestowed by the Silver Dragon Princess, they were visibly exhilarated.

“The Far North Imperial Guard awaits Her Highness the Princess’s command!!”

Under Chelsea’s lead, the Far North Imperial Guard responded in unison once more.

This time, their voices were even louder—almost enough to overturn the entire northern mining ground.

“Elly,” Xia Yi said softly.

“Yes, Your Highness?” Elly responded.

“Do you want to command an army?” Xia Yi asked. “If you do, you can stay here and become their leader.”

“Ah?”

Elly was momentarily stunned. She was being asked to command troops just like that?

For any dragon clan member, such an appointment would be cause for ecstatic joy—but after thinking it over, Elly shook her head.

“No, no, no! I don’t want to. I just want to stay by Your Highness’s side. I don’t want to remain in the Far North Lands, and I’m not suited to be a leader…!”

“Alright, then.”

Xia Yi felt a hint of regret.

It had been a sudden whim, but after thinking it through, the dragon clan’s royal court really would feel dull without Elly around. In that case…

“Chelsea, from this moment on, you are the commander of the Imperial Guard,” Xia Yi said, turning to look at her.

“M-me…?!”

Chelsea’s face was filled with shock.

“Of course. Your performance in the previous battles greatly satisfied me,” Xia Yi said approvingly. “Your loyalty to the dragon clan’s royal family is second to none in the Far North Lands. Even without knowing the full truth, you were willing to stand by my side at the risk of losing your life. I admire you very much—you are perfectly suited to be the commander of the Far North Imperial Guard.”

Indeed, Chelsea’s bravery in battle was widely recognized.

Deeply moved, Chelsea immediately knelt down.

“Your Highness, thank you for your boundless grace. I will never betray your expectations. I will lead the Far North Imperial Guard and give my very life for Your Highness—through fire and water, serving you with absolute loyalty!”

“Good. Very good.”

Xia Yi took out a medal she had prepared in advance—the symbol of the Far North Imperial Guard commander and military authority—and bestowed it upon Chelsea.

Then, with a small yet commanding wave of her hand, she issued her order with unmistakable authority.

“Chelsea, Commander of the Far North Imperial Guard—lead the Guard to eliminate all remaining reactionary forces in the Far North Lands, and let the majesty of the dragon clan’s royal family spread across every inch of this land!”