Chapter 007: A Loss for Both Sides

With this move, both of them suffered heavy losses. Garfield had almost lost all his strength under Chenchen’s domain, and after using that almost divine “Star Strike,” he now had barely the strength to lift a finger.
As for Chenchen, she had used all her remaining strength to shrink her domain and block that “Star Strike.” Although she seemed unharmed on the surface, she must have also suffered significant damage.
Du Fan suddenly felt an absurd thought arise in his mind… Wasn’t this situation a loss for both of them?
So, what about himself now…?
At this thought, Du Fan stood up. He had already felt weak under the pressure of those two supreme warriors, and less than a moment after standing up, he almost collapsed again.
Only then did Du Fan sigh bitterly. It was true that Chenchen and Garfield had both suffered heavy losses, but his own condition was likely no better!
Still, he was worried about Chenchen. He struggled to get to her side, took her hand, and transferred the little combat energy he still had into her body.
But as soon as that energy entered her body, a powerful counterforce emerged, pushing Du Fan’s hand away. If it weren’t for the limited amount of energy he had transferred, she might have suffered even more damage.
Chenchen glanced at Du Fan, smiled bitterly, and said, “It’s okay, don’t worry about me… No one outside can help me in my current state. I can only recover slowly on my own. You should take care of yourself first. I can’t even heal you right now.”
Du Fan nodded slightly. He knew Chenchen was telling the truth. In his own desperate situation, how could he possibly take care of someone else?
Chenchen took a few deep breaths before sitting down on the ground. With effort, she pointed at Garfield not far away and said in a low voice, “Du Fan, if you have the strength, there’s one thing you should do now…”
Du Fan glanced at Garfield and asked, “Kill him?”
Chenchen nodded. “His condition might not be worse than mine, but anything can happen. If he recovers first, we’re both done for! So, although this method is despicable, we have no choice but to do it…”

Du Fan hesitated for a moment. Knowing his own skills, he was by no means a match for Garfield. It could be said that from the very start, their bet had doomed Du Fan to failure. Under such circumstances, killing him now would be the best choice.

But killing such an unparalleled warrior at his own hands… probably…

Du Fan had few people he admired in his life, but at this moment, seeing Garfield fight Chenchen to such a degree, he couldn’t help but feel a bit of respect. Although killing him now didn’t make his conscience ache, it still felt awkward.

However, he was also aware that Chenchen’s judgment was correct. If they didn’t kill Garfield now, and if he recovered, things would get very troublesome for both him and Chenchen.

With these thoughts, Du Fan finally drew the Frostfall Sword from his waist and staggered toward Garfield. When he reached him, his heart pounded wildly. He couldn’t help but glance at Garfield, then look back at Chenchen.

The sword that should have been thrust downward somehow failed to move.

Garfield seemed to have anticipated this. He opened his eyes, glanced at Du Fan, took a deep breath, and said softly, “If you want to kill me, now is indeed the best time. Otherwise, as soon as I regain some strength, I’ll definitely try to kill you both first.”

Hearing this, Du Fan became somewhat more determined. He said calmly, “That’s right, Lord Garfield. We were never friends—just enemies. Either you kill me or I kill you. If I die from your sword now, I won’t hold any grudges. So if I kill you now… you shouldn’t hold any grudges either…”

Garfield closed his eyes for a moment before saying, “You’re right. The winner takes all. Since I’ve lost, there’s nothing to resent about dying at your sword’s hand… But before I die, could you let me understand one thing?”

“What?”

“Her…” Garfield struggled to lift his finger toward Chenchen. “Who exactly is she? I, Garfield, have ruled the world throughout my life without ever losing, yet today I’ve been defeated by a woman. You must let me know who I lost to, so I can die willingly!”

“Her?” Du Fan seemed to smile. “To be honest, I’m not sure who she really is… But I do know one thing—she will never harm me. And anyone who tries to take her will be killed by my own hand… Her name is Chenchen!”
“Chenchen? What a nice name!” Garfield seemed to sigh, then said softly after a moment, “Duke Du Fan, go ahead… Once I’m dead, that bet is naturally yours to win!”
At the mention of the bet, Du Fan’s already settled thoughts became chaotic once again.
You see, if it weren’t for Garfield’s mercy that time, Du Fan would likely already be dead. But now…
Du Fan wasn’t originally someone who hesitated easily. Since the other party had spared his life, it felt unjust to act like this now…
Just as he was torn with indecision, suddenly, the sound of hurried horse hooves came from the forests to the west.
Upon hearing this sound, all three of them paled!
Chenchen looked worried, while Garfield’s expression turned extremely strange.
The horse hooves were orderly and precise, clearly the result of long-term training—most likely from military cavalry.
This was within the territory of the Lani Empire. Given the current state of the Gavin Empire, even if they had cavalry, they would never dare to venture deep into their lands. So, there was a high chance the newcomers were from the Lani Empire.
Chenchen behind him suddenly said, “Du Fan, act quickly if you’re going to. If we delay any longer, we won’t even have time to run!”
Du Fan’s expression changed slightly. There was no longer time to hesitate. He raised his Frost Snow in his hand.
But Garfield suddenly coughed and said softly, “If you run now, when the newcomers see me, they’ll likely take care of my injuries first instead of chasing after you… But if you kill me first, they will definitely pursue you. Whether your Chenchen lives or dies depends on you! Do you choose to kill me or save her?”
Du Fan had an idea, but he also understood that Garfield was telling the truth. As the crown prince of the Lani Empire, if the newcomers knew he was only seriously injured, they wouldn’t even bother protecting him, let alone chase after him.
But if he didn’t die and recovered, things would get much worse for him.

Killing him or not killing him—there are actually just two choices: die now, or face endless troubles in the future, possibly dying at any moment!
However, in such a situation, anyone can make a choice. Du Fan sheathed his Frost Snow Sword, glared at Garfield, and said, “Your Highness, I hope we never meet again in the future!”
With that, he staggered to the back, picked up Chenchen, and rushed eastward.
Chenchen seemed to understand the situation now as well. She didn’t struggle but let Du Fan hold her, letting out a soft sigh.
But before Du Fan could run more than a few dozen steps, the sound of horse hooves appeared behind him!
When Du Fan turned around, he gasped in shock!
There were only three people coming—three men clad in black armor, radiating immense combat energy; clearly elite soldiers.
These three knights had seen what was happening from afar. When they arrived, they dismounted immediately and knelt before Garfield, declaring loudly, “Your Highness! Your subordinates arrived too late to rescue you—please forgive us!”
Yet their gazes shifted to Du Fan. Clearly, they recognized him and probably knew about the situation between him and Garfield, otherwise they wouldn’t be so vigilant.
Seeing this, Du Fan sighed. He was severely injured and carrying Chenchen; even if he tried to run, he couldn’t go far. With the others so alert, showing weakness would only bring bigger trouble.
Garfield coughed twice, about to speak, when he saw another horse charging toward them!
The rider wore silver armor and a helmet resembling that of a god of death. At first glance, Du Fan felt a surge of hope…
The rider carried no trace of murderous intent, but his sharp eyes scanned Du Fan and Garfield. When he saw Chenchen in Du Fan’s arms, he showed slight confusion, but that look vanished quickly. His focus was more on Garfield, who was collapsed on the ground.
This man was Leoport, the fifth prince of the Lanny Empire!