Book 5: Chapter 131: Empty Fort Strategy


    <em>Tl Note: The Empty Fort Strategy involves using reverse psychology to deceive the enemy into thinking that an empty location is full of traps and ambushes, and therefore induce the enemy to retreat.</em>


    The loud and majestic sound of the rushing water echoed through the cavern.


    Yet, the heart of the undergroundke remained as still as a mirror.


    Luna gracefully strolled on the waters surface, humming an unknown tune as if she was walking leisurely in the sunset.


    However, a greenish glow cast an unusual ambience in the underground space, making it feel anything but leisurely.


    Ripples spread outward from her feet with every step, disrupting the serene water surface and revealing the concealed darkness beneath. She nced down at the water with a faint smirk ying on the corner of her mouth.


    Whats the matter, my dear big sister? Is this too much for you already? This is not like you at all. Ah, youre not hiding in a corner licking your wounds like a pitiful stray dog now, are you?


    Luna dipped her fingers into the icy coldke water and gently stirred, creating waves that passed through her fingers.


    Come on, lil puppy,e up here. I have something delicious for you. Bark for me, and I might reward you with a big piece of meat.


    Dont you know how to bark? Shall I teach you? Come on, woof~ Remember how a dog barks? Woof~ Yes, woof~ Wear a pitiful expression, maybe even your enemies will spare your life.


    There was a prolonged silence.


    Just as Luna was growing impatient


    <em>Blup, blup, blup</em>


    The entireke surged.


    Countless bubbles rose from the dark depths, bursting after a brief disy of splendor. The churning water vapor quickly enveloped the area, blocking out all light.


    The intense heat from an unknown source turned the entireke into a bubbling cauldron in an instant.


    Luna withdrew her hand from the water, her delicate eyebrows slightly raised as she chuckled. Interesting, but youre not the only one who knows dragonnguage magic.


    <em>Freeze.</em>


    This was the ancient syble that Luna had recently learned. Although there was a brief pause before the foreign word rolled off her tongue and escaped her red lips, the moment it reverberated in the empty cavern, it was an imperial decree to the entire world!


    The bone-chilling cold swiftly quelled the hot water vapor, and the boilingke froze outward from Lunas feet.


    Even the rushing waterfall came to a standstill, transforming into a silver-white river of stars.


    Luna gazed down at her feet with a slight frown.


    She was not satisfied. Had Master Lilith executed this move, it would undoubtedly have frozen the entire undergroundke.


    Instead, it merely froze the surface, leaving the water beneath the several meters deepyer of ice scorching hot and rolling.


    Nevertheless, it proved sufficient to astonish Princess Estelle, who had already been thoroughly shocked today.


    She was reluctant to admit that Luna had effortlessly suppressed her with remarkable ease.


    Luna had not even used all her strength, yet it appeared she herself might haverun out of steam?


    Immersed in the hotke water, Princess Estelle observed Lunas figure leaping and dancing lightly on the ice sheet above. The figure appeared magnified countless times, resembling a colossal mountain that weighed heavily on Princess Estelles heart.


    <em>Whats going on? How does Luna be so strong in just a few months of absence? Shes formidable to the point that all one could do is gaze at her from behind.</em>


    <em>But how could this be possible? I am the disciple of Lord Taylor, the guardian of the Holy Dragon Empire! I have always trained diligently, constantly seeking ways to grow stronger every day!</em>


    <em>I even defeated her a few months ago! How can I lose to her now?</em>


    Lla~ How much longer do you n to hide in there, my dear big sister? Luna gently tapped on the ice. Youre not crying in there, are you? Ohohohoho


    Herughter rang out melodiously like silver bells, yet each peal left scars on Princess Estelles fragile heart.


    <em>I havent lost yet How can I possibly lose? I havent even received the gift from my master. I promised to win for him. I cant lose I wont lose I still have my trump card.</em>


    Princess Estelle closed her eyes as her thoughts sank into the deepest abyss. In that ce of endless darkness, a drop of golden liquid emitted a warm glow for eternity.


    It was Taylors blood.


    Princess Estelle had intended to assimte it slowly, but now, time was of the essence. She reached out and cradled the drop of blood in her palms.


    Master, I wont lose. Just watch.


    White silk threads shot out from Princess Estelles fingertips, weaving into a massive white cocoon that enveloped her. More threads ventured toward thekes depths. Within a short span, water ripples, mud and sand floated, and a red hue with a faint iron scent rapidly spread from the end of the silk threads toward the white cocoon.


    <em>Thump, thump, thump, thump.</em>


    A steady, powerful heartbeat emanated from the white cocoon.


    Luna also seemed to have noticed the activity beneath the ice she was standing on and cast her gaze toward the white cocoon.


    Interesting.


    Instead of breaking the ice to interrupt the hatching, she sat down and rested her cheeks on her hands while waiting with keen interest.


    Trailing the unmistakable aroma of fish, Moore led his group to a rtively vacant area.


    There, they unexpectedly encountered Lilith, who was indulging in a fish feast.


    Little girl, are you alone?


    Despite Mooresposure, his cheek twitched slightly against his will. What was meant to be a fiercepetition, with both teams employing their full repertoire of tricks and strategies to secure victory, now seemed marred by the incongruous aroma of fish in the undergroundbyrinth.


    Moore openly approached the enemy because he was confident.


    However, he did not expect that the enemy to be a cute-looking little blonde girl who was savoring her fish.


    Devouring her meal with gusto, the little girl responded to Moores inquiry with a mumbled yes before lowering her head back to her food.


    Calvin, check for traps, Moore turned his head around and ordered in a hushed tone.


    Calvin nodded and cautiously circled around from one side of the pool to the other. At the same time, he took out an exquisitepass. The needle oscited back and forth.


    Calvins eyes darted between thepass and the surroundings with rapt attention.


    After a brief moment, Calvinpleted his patrol of the area and whispered, No magic fluctuations detected.


    Moore furrowed his brow and asked, What about traps?


    None.


    Anyone hiding?


    Shes alone.


    Thats