Master Head of the Dragon Soul

Meanwhile, Chu Tianxiong examined the marshal's uniform and the military seal in his study at Lord Chu's Castle with a furrowed brow.

"What are your thoughts on this matter?" Chu Feng, who sat beside him, took the rare initiative to ask Chu Tianxiong for his opinion.

"This marshal's uniform is both a responsibility and a burden," Chu Tianxiong calmly stated. "The Imperial Hua Family wants to manipulate you by bestowing the title of 'Marshal' upon you. They are skilled at playing this game by granting personal favors." "If I'm not mistaken, new orders will be issued within two or three months," he continued. "They will require you, the newly appointed 'Marshal,' to lead troops in suppressing the chaos occurring in Donghua's borders."

Donghua was strategically located in the Central Plains, possessing vast territory and abundant resources. The surrounding states had long coveted it, especially when they were suffering from a lack of resources.

Although Chu Tianxiong had personally led the troops on an expedition and annihilated 17 countries overnight 20 years ago, the remnants of those countries still caused trouble. They hindered Donghua from achieving the peace it desired.

These scattered enemies had been harassing the border year after year, causing headaches for Donghua's citizens. Unfortunately, there was no effective way to deal with them besides remaining on the defensive at all times.

Yet, Crown Prince Hua, a talented and ambitious individual determined to revive Donghua and restore the glory of the Imperial Hua Family, had extended an olive branch to Chu Feng. Since Chu Feng was now the most sought-after figure in the military, the intentions behind Crown Prince Hua's actions were crystal clear.

Chu Feng's brow furrowed upon hearing this.

"What do you think?" Chu Tianxiong picked up his teacup and looked at Chu Feng with genuine interest, wanting to know his choice. "If the order is issued one day, what would you do?"

"Fight!" Chu Feng's answer remained resolute.

His voice was calm yet filled with passion as he spoke solemnly, "I will defend the country and fulfill my duty as a soldier. If that day truly comes, I am willing to go to war again to seek peace for Donghua."

Chu Tianxiong smiled, satisfied and gratified by Chu Feng's response.

Then, he rose to his feet and patted Chu Feng's shoulder with his broad palm, saying meaningfully, "I am pleased that you have this mindset. However, I am still alive and well. So, it's not yet your turn to take the lead. I failed to exterminate those small fries 20 years ago. Today, let me put an end to it all."

"You" Chu Feng jerked to his feet, staring at the man in front of him in astonishment. He understood that Chu Tianxiong intended to go to battle in his place.

Chu Tianxiong was already over 50! Plus, his old injuries were far from healed.

How could he go to war in such a condition?

"You don't need to persuade me otherwise. I have said before that I, Chu Tianxiong, can live up to the expectations of the people in this lifetime. However, I have failed you and your mother horribly," Chu Tianxiong's voice was calm yet resolute. "This time, give me a chance to be a father."

After he said his piece, he turned and departed just like that. He was acting the same way he did all those years ago, refusing to give Chu Feng even the slightest chance to explain his thoughts.

Chu Feng had no choice but to silently watch the sturdy man in front of him. His eyes gradually turned red-rimmed as he kept staring at his father's broad back.

Their peaceful times passed minute by minute. The mountains were covered in heavy snow as the New Year approached.

Sure enough, three tranquil months had passed.

Just as Chu Tianxiong had anticipated, Di Du issued a decree less than a month after Chu Feng was appointed as a general.

Chu Feng was commanded to lead the troops, clear the obstacles surrounding their borders, and restore Donghua to its former glory.

Chu Tianxiong didn't bother

discussing the matter with Chu Feng

a second time. Instead, he

immediately accepted the order and led the troops to battle in Chu Feng's stead. That night, a hundred thousand people bid farewell with candles in their hands as the cold unforgiving wind blew against their frames. Their eyes were filled with reverence as they watched the soldiers depart from their homes for the sake of their country.

One victory report after another followed, causing great celebration throughout Donghua.

On the 17th day of the winter month, Lord Chu led the army to battle, sweeping through the northern barbarians and killing one hundred thousand enemies in one fell swoop.

On the 23rd day of the winter month, Lord Chu expanded the territory of Donghua by thirty thousand miles, achieving yet another remarkable military achievement.

On the 30th day of the winter month,

eighty thousand soldiers were divided into different troops under Lord Chu's command. They aimed to clear out the remaining enemies, removing them from Donghua's borders once and for all.

Successive battle reports shook the court and the people, bringing both joy and excitement.

Then, another bombshell from Chu Tianxiong came, shocking everyone in Donghua like a thunderbolt.

"From today onwards, I, Chu Tianxiong, will resign from the position of Grand Marshal of the Army and Emperor's Equal. I will retire from now on."

That god-like figure, the guardian deity of Donghua, had achieved his goals and was planning to retreat behind the scenes.

Everyone in attendance erupted into

fervent whispered discussions.

Some felt sad to see him go, shedding tears. Some were reluctant to see such a respected figure leave the court. Most of them were filled with regret and nostalgia as they knew that Lord Chu had done more than enough for the country.

There were various speculations regarding Lord Chu's whereabouts after his retirement.

Some said his old wounds had caused his health to fail. Due to the stress and fatigue that had plagued him over the years, he was now critically ill after going to war yet again.

Some said that although he had officially retired, he was still secretly manipulating the overall situation behind the scenes. They said that he was quietly controlling Donghua's political scene like a puppet master. Some said he had retreated to the mountains and was enjoying a peaceful family life in his old age.

Nevertheless, none of these rumors were confirmed. As time passed, none of these things mattered any longer.

Time flew by in the blink of an eye. Sure enough, the New Year had arrived.

Plum Blossom Village was a quaint and picturesque little village located in Jiangling.

Firecrackers boomed as people chattered happily among their families and friends. The atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement.

Chu Feng and Zhou Lie's families were basking in the festive atmosphere of New Year's Day, overjoyed to be reunited.

Amidst the shimmering lights that adorned the night, a robust man suddenly emerged, emanating an air of dignity. However, he now wore a gentle and kind smile on his face.

A hush fell over the crowd as they gazed at him in astonishment, their mouths agape. The silence was so profound that even the birds seemed to have ceased their chirping out of sheer disbelief.

Duo Duo, dressed in a vibrant red gown, clutched a string of candied haws in her tiny hands. She gleefully leapt into the man's embrace and chirped with delight, "Grandpa!"

The End.