The Mighty Dragons Are Dead

Lich.

This term, or rather this type of artificial creature, originated from ancient times, possibly beginning in the Moon Empire—yes, it seems that everything in this world is eventually connected to the Moon Empire, as if there was only one human nation in the ancient era, which was the Moon Empire itself.

In some Magic Books of magicians, the Moon Empire is described as a realm in pursuit of magic, and thus gave birth to a wide variety of magical professions.

Just as recorded in the book he obtained from the Ghost Ship, "To His Highness Annuette—Curtis Truth," surrounding the triangular symbol of the Eye of Truth, there were professions like Alchemist, Vampire, Necromancer, Magician, Druid, Wizard, Sorcerer, Prophet, Succubus, Shaman, and others.

All these professions have been obliterated by the river of history, with only magicians continuing to exist.

According to the information that Liszt summarized and searched, liches originated from the wizards of the Moon Empire, who were roughly magicians studying soul techniques. An ancient wizard invented the Life Box Technique that could harbour souls and turned himself into an undying lich.

Afterward, there was a brief flourishing period for liches.

Of course, immortality hardly exists—because in this era, there are no longer any signs of liches’ existence.

Those ancient liches have long since turned into mere dust between heaven and earth, and even dragons cannot live forever, so how could these artificial creatures grasp the secret of immortality.

It was probably just a technique for extending one’s lifespan.

"But now it seems that the lich transformed by Andy Sapphire is somewhat unusual... Compared to the lich form of Curtis Truth, Lich Andy appears to be very formidable... His height is that of two men, and even the greatsword in his hand is emanating blue flames."

Liszt, watching the Marquis of Bull conversing with the Crown Prince at the breach in Juniper Castle, grew nervous.

He had guessed that the Marquis would certainly have a contingency plan, but the outcome turned out to be the Marquis smoothly transforming into a lich, and with an unrivalled manner, appearing before everyone.

The battlefield fell into a stunned silence.

Crown Prince Anthony, standing on the ground, looking up at the towering Lich Andy, said sharply, "Liches are nothing but relics discarded by time, and there is no one in the world who is immortal; the same applies to you. Andy, your act of self-deception cannot intimidate anyone!"

"Hahahaha, such laughable words." Lich Andy gently swung the greatsword in his hand; the sword had a striking design, with a blade resembling a piece of bone, and the hilt, forged out of metal, topped with a bull’s head. The pair of bull horns acted as the sword guard, and the blue flames burned coldly, "I am not just trying to scare you, because, I’m about to come kill you!"

Boom!

Lich Andy suddenly leapt down from Juniper Castle, causing the ground to tremble slightly under his landing.

The Crown Prince couldn’t help but feel a sense of fear, but he quickly roared, "All knights, throw your spears and shoot your arrows at this lich! Sky Knights, follow me to besiege him!"

"Do you really want to oppose me?" Lich Andy, seeing the knights around him preparing to attack, immediately spoke out loud, "I have become a lich and have taken the power of the Sapphire Dragon, my very existence proves the Sapphire Dragon’s death, and yet, do you still choose to be buried with the Sapphire Family!"

His words instantly caused the movements of the knights to hesitate.

The dragon slaying incident had occurred, and now with the Marquis transforming into a lich so successfully, there was no doubt that he had stolen the power of the Sapphire Dragon. But then, what had become of this dragon that repressed the nation?

Everyone would certainly have doubts in their minds.

However, the Crown Prince quickly rebutted, "How dare you covet the power of the dragon. The Sapphire Dragon is safe and sound. Soon, it will recover from its injuries and eliminate the scum who dare to challenge its majesty!"

Having said that.

The Crown Prince charged directly at Lich Andy. At this moment, Liszt truly admired this heir to the duke, who not only did not retreat in such a situation but also charged forward without hesitation. Seeking to directly influence the judgment of the surrounding knights with his example.

In contrast, the Second Prince beside him did not immediately rush out with the Crown Prince.

This newly acclaimed Sword Saint was hesitant and wavering in his heart.

"This battle is going to be tough." Liszt certainly felt the urge to retreat as well. He did not know how strong the lich transformed by the Marquis was, but the success of the Marquis easily led one to speculate on the safety of the Sapphire Dragon, hence causing hesitation. Just like now, only the Crown Prince was charging forward alone.

Even the Second Prince began to waver.

The scales of victory had already tipped toward the Marquis of the Bull, and the new Lich Andy. Once the Crown Prince’s assault tested Andy’s immense strength, it was likely that a huge change would occur on the battlefield.

Thinking of his own retreat planned long ago, Li Si Te couldn’t help but mock himself inwardly, "Nobles are the best at seeking fortune and avoiding disaster."

But the next moment.

He realized his understanding of nobles was still very superficial.

From their ranks, following right after the Crown Prince, another Sky Knight charged out, clad in golden armor and wielding a golden greatsword. This ostentatiously dressed figure was none other than his uncle—who, in Liszt’s opinion, was considered as "useless" among the nobility and had only reached the rank of an ordinary Sky Knight by relying heavily on magic potions.

Mesiro Taro.

"Hmm?"

His gaze locked, he was momentarily unable to respond.

And there wasn’t time to respond, for he soon discovered that his father, Sea Wave Sword Saint Li Weiliam, was following right behind Mesiro, being the third one to charge out. Then, one after another, Sky Knights surged forth, including the Second Prince, all heading toward Lich Andy.

Seeing such a scene, Lich Andy couldn’t help but curse loudly, "Foolish ants! It seems you really don’t understand your current actions, it’s like committing suicide!"

Boom!

The greatsword emitting blue flames was raised and then lightly swept across, sending a fan-shaped wave of blue shock impact that rapidly struck many Sky Knights.

Instantly, the Sky Knights were sent flying backward as if they were small boats capsized by waves.

Li Weiliam was among those retreating, yet he was not injured—merely struck by a great force, causing his ribs to ache slightly. Catching his breath, he charged forward again, right beside the also retreating Crown Prince. He glanced at the Crown Prince, and the Crown Prince looked back at him.

Without any verbal or eye contact, the two quickly rejoined the fray.

This was going to be a difficult fight!

Thunder, hail, stone shards, Wind Blades, flames, waves—the magic power in the air was pulverized into sludge by the Knights’ own Dou Qi, displaying a variety of phenomena, except for the rarer Light Attribute Dou Qi and Dark Attribute Dou Qi. The other six attributes of Dou Qi were displayed in the sky.

In such a wild onslaught, Lich Andy roared angrily, the greatsword emitting blue flames actually blocked the group assaults, and he even had the strength to counterattack.

Phut!

The blade emitting blue flames suddenly pivoted, and a Sky Knight of common strength who couldn’t dodge in time was brushed across the chest by the greatsword, blood splattered and rapidly evaporated.

"Ah!"

The Sky Knight screamed as he retreated.

He couldn’t even withstand a single sword strike from Lich Andy.

The vastness of the gap was chilling. The Earth Knights surrounding Juniper Castle didn’t dare to join the battle, as this was a fight among the highest echelon of Knights—Lich Andy seemed like a creature made of magic, but his combat style was still that of a Knight.

Mingling among the Knight Order, Li Si Te raised his Swift Shadow Bow several times, only to put it down again.

With the Earl entering the fray, the Tulip Family’s stance was quickly determined. The Coral Island Knights had no choice but to fight... But this battle was no longer at a level an Elite Earth Knight like him could participate in, even sneak attacks with arrows would be difficult.

"Andy with the ’Pleasure of Flame’ is too strong. This feeling, it’s like we’re going to lose."