Chapter 020: The Situation

Seeing George in such a state, Du Fan suddenly calmed down. Perhaps it was better not to tell his elder brother about some things.
If he told George that he had not only met the Nature Goddess but also many other gods, just imagine how shocked his elder brother would be!
What worried him even more was that once he spoke to his elder brother, the news would surely reach his second brother, father, and mother through him. By then, it would be hard to say whether things would still be under his control.
Most importantly, he couldn’t reveal many of his cards yet; otherwise, the young emperor in the imperial city would likely be extremely uneasy.
“Hmm, elder brother, what happened during my absence?” Du Fan quickly changed the topic upon seeing his brother’s helpless expression.
“Third brother, as you know, when you disappeared, it happened at the most critical moment of our negotiations with the Lani Empire. Your sudden disappearance somehow accelerated the negotiations. Not only did the Lani Empire’s troops withdraw quickly from Odinburg, but they also delivered the promised territories and gold coins promptly. It’s really strange,” George said.
“Heh, is there any news from the Lani Empire?” Du Fan ignored George’s words and asked instead.
“The princess of the Lani Empire has died, and Garfield has taken her place,” George replied.
Hearing this, Du Fan groaned inwardly. It seemed that that fool Leoport still couldn’t defeat his elder brother! Who would have thought that Garfield could escape under such circumstances and even seize the throne? It seemed Garfield was indeed a formidable figure.
“What about Leoport? How is he?” Du Fan asked.
“He was demoted to a commoner and exiled to an island in the Lani Empire,” George said.
“Oh, it seems Lord Garfield is quite kind-hearted,” Du Fan remarked with admiration. Thinking of the two young emperors of the Gawan Empire and the Lani Empire, Du Fan secretly compared them in his mind.
It had to be said that both of these young rulers were truly outstanding. Remembering how calm Fischer had remained during the coup led by his elder brother back in the capital, and how he kept using his hidden cards, Du Fan still felt great admiration for him.

Although the prince is not so friendly to Du Fan these days, Du Fan still sometimes wonders what his chances of winning would be if he ever faced an opponent like Fisher. Suddenly, Du Fan broke out in a cold sweat. Since when had he started thinking like this? “Third brother, why are you sweating? Did you catch a cold outside?” George asked anxiously upon seeing Du Fan’s forehead covered in sweat. “Elder brother, I’m just worried,” Du Fan replied, quickly regaining his composure. “Worried about what?” George asked in confusion. “As far as I know, that Garfield is an extremely powerful character. To be honest, I’d rather it were that bastard Leoport who became the king—then my situation would be much better,” Du Fan sighed. “Yes, I heard that within less than a month after Garfield took power, he brought order to the chaotic country,” George agreed. “And that Prince Garfield is also a top-tier expert!” Du Fan added. “Indeed. Rumor has it he’s a level nine expert—a truly remarkable warrior,” George nodded in agreement. “Elder brother, you’re wrong. That Prince Garfield is already a Domain Expert!” Du Fan said. “Third brother, is that true? How old is Garfield? Even the Silver Sheath Sword Saint is only a Domain Expert!” George exclaimed in surprise. “The Silver Sheath Sword Saint is only at the peak of the Saint rank, having grasped the concept of a domain. But Garfield has completely transcended the Saint rank—he’s a true Domain Expert!” Du Fan sighed. “Third brother, are you saying Garfield is stronger than the Silver Sheath Sword Saint?” George asked, eyes wide. “Exactly. If the Silver Sheath Sword Saint faced Garfield, he would definitely lose,” Du Fan nodded firmly. “Have you ever fought against him?” George asked immediately. “No, but I’ve seen him fight another Domain Expert. Both used their domains in battle, so I have no doubt that Garfield is a Domain Expert!” Du Fan replied.

At this moment, Du Fan began to weigh things carefully. After all, that Garfield was also a powerhouse in his domain. Facing someone like Fish who had no martial skills at all, Garfield surely had the upper hand in terms of strength. But when it came to strategy, it seemed that Prince Fish had the edge! If Garfield had the same strategy and wisdom as Fish, he wouldn’t have ended up being chased by his own brother! Fish certainly wouldn’t have put himself in such a predicament. But then again, if Fish also possessed the strength of a domain powerhouse, would he really proceed so cautiously and carefully in a struggle with him? It was indeed difficult to compare their overall strengths. However, in Du Fan’s mind, both of them were formidable opponents. But with his own strength, Du Fan wasn’t afraid of them at all. The Elven Queen was his woman, the Dwarf King was his sworn brother, he had three thousand elite archers, all above level seven! Five thousand Black Panther Knights, all above level five! Five great sacred-class archers, three dual-element sacred-class magicians, one demon warrior from the Elven race with domain powers, one natural-element domain magician from the Elven race, plus experts like Chenchen, Nayixiu with god-killing abilities and equipment—after all, he was also a domain powerhouse who knew three of the divine forbidden spells! Moreover, he had just lured that god-class magical beast into his territory! Although Robb could completely ignore his commands, since he had come to his territory, hehe, Du Fan sneered inwardly. “He actually came to my territory—now you’re in my hands! As the saying goes, I’m in charge of my own territory!” “Is Christopher still here?” Du Fan asked. “No, he left long ago. When you were absent, he was the one who handled the negotiations. It went very quickly! Everything was settled in less than two days. After that, Christopher immediately set off back to the capital,” George said. “That’s really fast!” Du Fan shook his head repeatedly. “Third brother, I have some very bad news for you,” George said seriously. Hearing his elder brother speak like this, Du Fan’s heart skipped a beat. “Elder brother, what’s the news? Tell me quickly.” “During the negotiations, Odinburg was assigned to the Southern Legion to guard!” George said gravely.

“Damn it! Those bastards!” Hearing this, Du Fan slammed his fist on the table and stood up instantly.
“Third brother, don’t get angry yet! Three days after you disappeared, Lanny’s side immediately pressed for the treaty to be signed. With you gone, Christopher naturally became the leader, giving him full authority to handle everything. That’s how the treaty was formed. Of course, third brother, the lack of capable people and assistants on your side was also a key reason why you didn’t gain any advantages in these negotiations. Even the ten million gold coins in compensation have almost been taken back to the capital by Christopher!” George said discontentedly.
“I doubt Christopher would have the guts to do such things. This must all be the emperor’s orders,” Du Fan said, his expression changing.
“It’s not just the emperor. I heard the Lionheart Family is also involved,” George said unhappily.
“Damn it! That Lanny took advantage of my absence to play dirty tricks behind my back!” Du Fan’s veins bulged on his forehead.
When Lanny first came, his goal was either to kill Du Fan or, if that failed, to establish the Southern Army’s strength in his own territory—definitely one of his main aims. After all, even Lanny wasn’t entirely confident in being able to kill Du Fan in his own domain.
“Third brother, you’ve become too prominent lately. It’s only natural for the emperor to want to suppress you,” George repeated.
It seems my eldest brother still holds very firm traditional views, with his first thought being to protect Fisher.
“Hehe, not necessarily,” Du Fan said, recalling his conversation with Margaret on the rooftop, where they overheard Lanny and Garfield talking. Clearly, Fisher also wanted Du Fan eliminated. Otherwise, with Lanny’s status, he wouldn’t dare attack a high-ranking official like the Southern Governor!
“Those territories I conquered are still in our hands, right?” Du Fan asked urgently.
“Yes, they’re all in our control,” George replied. “After you disappeared for so long with no news at all, the Lionheart Family even demanded in court that your death be declared and your lands taken back. If not for Father’s efforts, third brother, your lands and army would have been seized by the state!”

“How dare they do such a thing? I’m missing, and they don’t send anyone to look for me—they’re even plotting to take my lands and army!” Hearing this, Du Fan was utterly enraged.
Heh heh, Fisher, Fisher… I never thought you’d be so heartless. Hmph, I can’t deal with you now, but does that mean I can’t target the Lionheart Family?
Lionheart Family, you’ve really pushed me too far. Since you dare provoke me, don’t blame me if I become ruthless! Du Fan thought viciously in his heart.
“That’s right, third brother. Ever since you disappeared—since it happened within the Lanxi Empire—the country has only engaged in superficial diplomatic efforts; they haven’t sent anyone to search. But our father is extremely worried and has sent nearly five thousand people to find out about you, even offering heavy rewards to track you down!” George said.
Hearing his elder brother’s words, Du Fan felt much better immediately. “Elder brother, please send a message to our father right away. Tell him I’ve returned safely and that he shouldn’t worry,” Du Fan urged George.
Book 41: Darkness and Light