When Kaelan Drago and the two women returned to the front lines, the battle below the mountain was nearing its end. The Fastian forces had seized complete initiative. The Phenix Legion's iron cavalry swept across the battlefield like lightning, their blades cutting through flesh as blood spattered in their wake.

  Lady Lyra Phenix had already discerned the rift among the beast tribes, ordering the Fastia army to ignore the demoralized soldiers of the other three tribes and focus solely on assaulting Lion King Leo's lion troops. Under her masterful command, the Phenix Legion deployed their ultimate formation: "The Nine Heavens Phantom Step."A violent tempest erupted within the formation, sending the Lion soldiers reeling in agony as they were tossed about. Yet the charging Fastian cavalry remained utterly unaffected, slaughtering their foes with ruthless precision.

  Combined with the barrage from the Fastia Army's Arcane Cannons on the mountain, the Lion soldiers, caught in a two-front battle, quickly descended into chaos, suffering heavy casualties. the Arcane cannons struck terror into their hearts—this was no foe to be faced with mere bravery. Their fighting spirit melted away like ice under the sun.

  Amid the chaos, a Lion general seized Lion King Leo's arm and cried out, "Your Majesty! This is hopeless! We must retreat!"

  Lion King Leo gazed upon his screaming soldiers, slaughtered like grass by Fastia's heavy cavalry. The scene was truly one of corpses strewn across the field and rivers of blood. Furious, he swung his mace, knocking a charging Fastia horseman from his mount. Yet this made no difference to the larger battle—the Fastia forces had already seized complete control.

  The battle-hardened Lion King Leo knew full well that continuing would likely lead to the annihilation of his entire army. Wiping sweat from his brow, he watched Lady Lyra Phenix charge toward him, lance raised, the flying phoenix banner fluttering behind her.Lady Lyra Phenix's lance moved like a dragon emerging from the sea, each strike sending orcs screaming to the ground. Several fierce Lion generals couldn't even land a single blow before being skewered and thrown from their horses.

  Lion King Leo, heartbroken at the loss of his beloved generals, spurred his horse forward, gritting his teeth and declaring, "Lady Lyra Phenix, I will not rest until you are destroyed!"

  A military advisor nearby parried a swinging broadsword with his sword, then sent a Fastian cavalryman reeling with a backhand strike. He urgently advised Lion King Leo, "Your Majesty, we must retreat! Look at the other tribes—they've all preserved their forces. Guarding against them is our utmost priority!"

  The words struck him like a bucket of cold water. Snapping out of his bloodlust, Lion King Leo whipped his horse around and bellowed, "Full retreat!"

  Upon hearing the order, the three tribes who had already harbored second thoughts turned and fled fastest. The Lion tribe left behind instantly became the target of the Fastia army's brutal assault. Lady Lyra Phenix speared a Lion commander from his horse, then raised her lance and commanded in a commanding voice, "Lion King Leo has fled! Men, capture him for me!"The Fastia army's spirits soared upon hearing this, while the demoralized lion soldiers cursed their own legs as they abandoned armor and fled at breakneck speed. Riding high on their victory, the Fastia forces pursued relentlessly for thirty miles, slaughtering the lion troops until they were utterly routed, leaving rivers of blood in their wake before finally halting their advance.

  Still shaken, Lion King Leo fled fifty miles before halting to gather his scattered remnants. Gazing upon the pitiful sight of his once-mighty army of two hundred thousand reduced to a mere ten thousand, he felt tears welling in his eyes. Utterly defeated, he raised his face to the heavens and cried out, "The heavens have forsaken me!"Then, glaring toward Fastia's direction, he snarled viciously, "Lady Lyra Phenix, you wretched woman! I shall tear you limb from limb to satisfy my burning hatred!"

  An accompanying minister cautioned, "Your Majesty, our forces are now greatly diminished. The various tribes within our lands will inevitably stir. We must devise a careful plan." This interruption halted Lion King Leo's fervent outburst.

  Lion King Leo nodded thoughtfully. "You're right! General Brog and General Grayfang, who've long been eyeing us greedily, may seize this chance to strike. I must be truly cautious." He glanced at his battered subordinates scattered around him and said weakly, "Let us return to our own city first and make plans there."

  Thus concluded the "First Battle of Sky-Rift," an event of monumental significance in the continent's history, with Fastia emerging victorious. Both Karthos and Asu suffered severe blows, particularly Asu. For a long time thereafter, the formidable beastmen were unable to advance southward, forced into a defensive posture.

  Kaelan Drago, brimming with confidence, led his victorious troops down the mountain. The waiting crowd cheered as they approached. Lyna Kynn, heedless of others' reactions, threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist as tears streamed down her face.

  Kaelan Drago held Lyna Kynn's sweet, captivating form close, his gaze shifting to Lady Lyra Phenix standing beside her steed, Flying Cloud.Lady Lyra Phenix's phoenix-like eyes radiated a thousand tender emotions as she gazed deeply at him, her overflowing affection strong enough to melt steel and temper iron. She was forcibly restraining her expression; as the commander of an army, she could not afford to lose composure like Lyna Kynn, revealing her feelings completely before everyone.

  Kaelan Drago, enveloped in the warm embrace of his beloved, keenly felt the profound affection radiating from both the beauty in his arms and Lady Lyra Phenix before him. In that moment, life felt utterly perfect. He truly owed his gratitude to this war.

  All the generals nearby watched Kaelan Drago with eyes brimming with envy and admiration, secretly grieving that he had won the military beauty. Among the commanders of the Phenix Legion, admirers of Lyna Kynn were everywhere, for Lady Lyra Phenix was regarded as a sacred and untouchable goddess in their hearts. They held only reverence and awe for Lady Lyra Phenix, not daring to express even a thought of desire, knowing they were unworthy of her.Lyna Kynn's beauty, grace, and understanding made her immensely popular among them, with many openly or secretly pursuing her affections. Today's actions clearly revealed she had already chosen her heart's desire—a flower with an owner—enough to shatter countless jealous hearts.

  That night, the victorious Fastian army held a grand banquet where soldiers reveled in celebration. Kaelan Drago, the foremost hero of the victory, became the center of attention as officers raised their cups to him in toast after toast.In high spirits, Kaelan Drago accepted every cup offered, drinking until his glass was empty. Soon, he began to feel the effects of the alcohol. Lady Lyra Phenix, as was her custom, offered a few toasts to express her gratitude. After sitting for a while, she left the celebration banquet. She knew the soldiers would feel constrained by her presence, and besides, she disliked such chaotic gatherings.

  The Phenix Legion officers, well-acquainted with her temperament, paid her no mind. The moment Lady Lyra Phenix departed, they immediately let loose, grabbing the female soldiers serving wine to tease and flirt with them. Soon, the banquet hall echoed with the women's coy complaints and the men's boisterous laughter.

  This was precisely the kind of scene Kaelan Drago relished and excelled at. He wasted no time in wrapping his arm around a passing, strikingly beautiful female soldier, launching into his own flirtatious advances.Beauty loves a hero, and the female soldier was more than willing to let this young commander, fresh from a great victory, take a few liberties. Besides, if she could snare Kaelan Drago, make him fall at her feet, that would be a splendid achievement. She believed this commander of the Chiliarch would rise to become a Myriarch, a new powerhouse within the Empire.

  Just as the two were locked in a heated exchange, a young and beautiful member of The Golden Phoenix Guard hurried into the tent, making her way toward Kaelan Drago.Regarding Lady Lyra Phenix's personal guard, the generals could only make verbal advances. Unless she consented, no one dared lay a finger on her. After all, Lady Lyra Phenix was revered like a deity in their eyes, and no one dared provoke her anger. Thus, this Golden Phoenix Guard reached Kaelan Drago's side without difficulty.

  Kaelan Drago was smugly nuzzling the female soldier's rosy cheeks, coaxing her into giggles. Suddenly, a woman's voice rang out beside him: "captain Lyna Kynn requests the presence of Mr. Kaelan Drago!"

  Kaelan Drago reluctantly turned his head toward the voice. The Golden Phoenix Guard stood to his right, smiling at him. Her large, watery eyes seemed to speak volumes, causing Kaelan Drago's heart to flutter slightly.

  Noticing Kaelan Drago staring straight at her, The Golden Phoenix Guard flushed slightly. "Please follow me, General!" With that, she turned gracefully, swaying her slender waist as she walked out. Kaelan Drago, as if hypnotized, hurried after her. The female soldier left behind stamped her foot in frustration, but was soon comforted by an approaching officer.

  Stepping out of the noisy tent, the cold wind snapped Kaelan Drago's dazed mind back into focus. Only then did he realize he'd followed the Golden Phoenix Guard like a dumb goose, not uttering a single word.

  He chuckled inwardly at his own foolishness, cleared his throat, and found his eyes wandering over the guard's swaying waist and gently swaying hips. Her movements were graceful and full of charm, truly captivating.

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  "Excuse me, young lady," he asked, "where are we headed?"

  The Golden Phoenix Guard let out a crisp, light laugh: "I'm taking you to the Phoenix Tent now!" Her voice rang like a silver bell, utterly delightful.

  Following a step behind her, Kaelan Drago observed her swaying hips and swaying hips as she walked. He knew she was still an untouched maiden, and his lust flared, making him swallow hard.

  "Hey! I don't even know your name yet!"

  The Golden Phoenix Guard murmured, "A lowly soldier like me—why would the chiliarch bother to know my name?" Kaelan Drago, undeterred by such a minor setback, was no novice in such matters. He closed the distance, standing beside her, inhaling the faint, delicate fragrance emanating from her body. He murmured softly into her ear, "Then will we have another chance to meet?"

  Feeling Kaelan Drago's warm breath brush against her sensitive ear, The Golden Phoenix Guard blushed fiercely, her cheeks flushing crimson. She bowed her head, lowering it to her soft chest, and hurried away.

  "Ouch!" She stumbled, tripping over something.

  Kaelan Drago seized the moment to embrace her soft, delicate form, exclaiming, "Careful! Careful!"

  "Ah! Let go of me!" The Golden Phoenix Guard blushed fiercely, struggling to break free from his embrace.

  Such an opportunity, how could he let it go? Kaelan Drago not only refused to let go but tightened his hold around her slender waist. As she struggled, he reveled in the incredible softness of her body, saying shamelessly, "If you don't tell me your name, I won't let go!"

  Held so tightly that her whole body went limp, The Golden Phoenix Guard relented helplessly, "My name is Tia Tenne. Alright, now put me down!"

  Kaelan Drago repeated her name several times, murmuring, "What a lovely name. Truly fitting—you're as sweet as your name suggests." Still holding her, he spoke, his powerful masculine aura enveloping her. Tia Tenne, unable to resist, leaned half-reluctantly, half-willingly into his embrace.

  As they neared Lady Lyra Phenix's phoenix canopy, Tia Tenne pleaded, "Mr. Kaelan Drago, we're almost there. Let me go now. captain Lyna Kynn and the others will see us."

  Kaelan Drago pressed his advantage. "Give me a kiss, and I'll let you go."

  Tia Tenne knew this man wouldn't relent unless she gave him a taste of sweetness today. Obediently yet artfully, she drew her delicate face closer, offering her fair, rosy cheek to his large mouth. But Kaelan Drago seized the moment, lowering his head to press his wide lips against her rosy-red mouth.

  "Mmm..." Tia Tenne could only manage a muffled sound before Kaelan Drago's tongue invaded her mouth. His nimble tongue roamed freely inside her, sweeping every corner before finally finding her delicate tongue. He drew it into his own mouth and sucked it in with force.Tia Tenne felt dizzy, as if her heart were being sucked out. As Kaelan Drago's tongue licked up and down hers, Tia Tenne could only emit muffled moans from her delicate nose, her entire slender body collapsing into Kaelan Drago's embrace.

  As Kaelan Drago deepened the kiss, his large hand roamed over her captivating form. Gradually, Tia Tenne's body grew fiery hot, and her tongue, guided by Kaelan Drago, began to clumsily respond to his teasing.

  "Oh my! What's going on here? Taking so long to come out? Turns out you two were stealing a kiss!" Lyna Kynn's voice abruptly interrupted the two lovers lost in their passion.

  Tia Tenne's body stiffened, and she hurriedly pushed against Kaelan Drago's chest with her delicate hands.Kaelan Drago's lips parted from hers. Seeing Tia Tenne's face flushed like peach blossoms in March, her large, watery eyes brimming with tears, he reluctantly embraced her retreating form. He planted a firm kiss on her lovely cheek before releasing his hands from her slender waist.

  Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Tia Tenne fled like a shot, as if granted a reprieve. But Lyna Kynn called after her with a coquettish laugh, "Tia Tenne, Sister Phoenix wants you in her quarters! She still needs your service!" She giggled again, unable to contain her amusement.

  Watching Tia Tenne vanish around the corner, Lyna Kynn turned back triumphantly, only to find Kaelan Drago standing directly before her. She gasped softly and took a half-step back.

  Kaelan Drago eyed Lyna Kynn, whose smile hadn't faded, with a hint of malice. "You know, disrupting someone's business comes with consequences." Before Lyna Kynn could protest, he seized her and pressed a fierce kiss upon her lips. Lyna Kynn offered only a token struggle before passionately returning Kaelan Drago's kiss.

  Their tongues chased and entwined, Kaelan Drago greedily sipping Lyna Kynn's sweet nectar while his hands explored her delicate form with hungry urgency.

  After a long moment, they parted lips, both panting heavily. Kaelan Drago gazed at the fiery Lyna Kynn and declared, "Dare to ruin my good time? Just wait and see how I deal with you later!"

  "Spare me, my lord!" Lyna Kynn feigned fear. "Lyna knows she was wrong. I beg your mercy, my lord!"

  Then she tilted her head, grinning mischievously. "Why not let me make amends, my lord? I'll capture Tia Tenne and bring her to you."

  Kaelan Drago swept her up in his arms, her arms naturally wrapping around his neck. He strode toward her tent, murmuring, "Keep up your mischief, and I'll make sure you're too exhausted to even scream later."

  Lyna Kynn pressed her crimson lips to Kaelan Drago's ear and purred, "Later, you can do whatever you want! But first, let's go to Sister Phoenix's bedchamber!" Kaelan Drago felt a surge of warmth in his heart and eagerly replied, "As you wish, my lady!"

  Upon reaching Lady Lyra Phenix's bedchamber, the two personal maids standing at the entrance beamed at Kaelan Drago, who held Lyna Kynn in his arms. They lifted the curtain and respectfully ushered the pair inside.

  Stepping into the warm, spring-like chamber filled with the delicate fragrance of femininity, Kaelan Drago's eyes lit up.Under the bright lamp, Lady Lyra Phenix, lightly made up, sat on a soft couch in a pale purple nightgown, her head slightly bowed. Her graceful posture was like that of a celestial being. For a moment, Kaelan Drago was so captivated he could only stare, his mouth agape, speechless.

  Lyna Kynn leapt from his arms and chirped, "Sister Phoenix, I've brought the person!You two can chat. I'll be going now." With that, she turned and left the bedchamber. As she passed Kaelan Drago, she shot him a meaningful glance. Unfortunately, Kaelan Drago was as dumb as a duck, staring foolishly at the utterly feminine Lady Lyra Phenix before him, completely oblivious to her.

  After a long while, Lady Lyra Phenix slowly raised her head, her exquisite, charming face turning toward Kaelan Drago. In that instant, Kaelan Drago felt his heart pound violently.At this moment, Lady Lyra Phenix displayed a tenderness and charm unlike any she had ever shown before. Her delicate brows were lightly arched, a blush graced her cheeks, her rosy lips were as luscious as ever, and her phoenix-like eyes emitted a gaze that could captivate and ensnare. She seemed like a completely different person from the imposing General Phenix of everyday life.

  Lady Lyra Phenix parted her crimson lips and said, "Mr. Kaelan Drago, please sit!"

  "Ah! Pls sit!" Kaelan Drago hurriedly responded, his mind elsewhere as he stumbled toward the chair. With a thud, he collided with the chair leg.

  "Ouch! That hurt!" Kaelan Drago cried out in pain.

  Lady Lyra Phenix couldn't hold back her laughter, giggling softly. After letting out a chuckle, she covered her mouth with her hand, embarrassed, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she looked at Kaelan Drago. The collision jolted Kaelan Drago back to his senses. He silently berated himself for such a lapse in composure, a complete departure from the poise expected of a seasoned veteran.

  Truthfully, it was hardly surprising. Lady Lyra Phenix was a breathtaking beauty, and driven by a woman's instinct to adorn herself for those who appreciate her, she had dressed with particular care. Moreover, Kaelan Drago had always known her as the Lord General Lady Lyra Phenix—a figure of heroic vigor and commanding presence, leading armies with majestic authority. The sheer impact of seeing her now, radiating such pure femininity, was undeniable.

  Suddenly,　Kaelan Drago's gaze fell upon Lady Lyra Phenix's porcelain neck. While the snow-white, elegantly curved line was undeniably captivating, what truly stirred his soul was the glimpse of bosom peeking from beneath her collar. Adorning the gleaming, snow-white skin was a crescent-shaped jade pendant, its emerald glow intensified under the lamplight.its archaic design hinting at the jade's immense value.

  "This..." Kaelan Drago could not describe his emotions—they felt like thunderclaps, his heart threatening to shatter. Pointing at the crescent pendant, his voice trembled involuntarily.

  Lady Lyra Phenix's expression was equally agitated. Her phoenix-like eyes fixed intently on Kaelan Drago, reflecting an ocean of deep affection. She opened her lips softly, suppressing her own excitement as she asked, "This is 'The Crescent Heart'. You know it too?"

  Kaelan Drago drew a sharp breath, steadying himself slightly. His voice still trembled as he asked, "Where did you get this?"

  "I've worn it since childhood! Is there something wrong with that?"

  "Wrong! The Crescent Heart is a family heirloom of a dear friend of mine. How could it be in your possession?"

  "A friend?" Lady Lyra Phenix looked at Kaelan Drago with a hint of surprise. "Just a friend?"

  "Well..." Recovering from his shock, Kaelan Drago's mind raced. He knew that revealing the truth to Lady Lyra Phenix now might cost him her. After all, mentioning another woman in front of her would inevitably ignite jealousy. And the woman before him, Lady Lyra Phenix, was an unparalleled beauty with countless admirers at her feet.Honestly, he felt unworthy of her. Merely earning her favor was already a tremendous blessing.

  "I shouldn't tell her!" The thought had barely formed when he suddenly recalled Lady Lyra Phenix's earlier words and that peculiar look on her face. "There must be something fishy here! The Crescent Heart is definitely connected to her!"

  "If she's doing this deliberately, I couldn't possibly hide it from her. If that's the case, it would backfire! Fine, I'll take this gamble!"

  With that resolve, Kaelan Drago clenched his teeth inwardly and declared, "She's my childhood sweetheart! The Crescent Heart is our token of love!" As he spoke, he studied Lady Lyra Phenix's face. Now that she had calmed down, he easily detected the flicker of excitement and joy across her exquisite features.

  "This might work!" he silently cheered inwardly before continuing, "Unfortunately, she left me for reasons of her own and went to the Imperial Capital. After that, we lost contact, and I never saw her again. But in my heart, she will always be my wife!"

  "Ah! Kaelan, I'm so happy!" Lady Lyra Phenix could no longer contain herself. She rushed forward and clung tightly to his body, murmuring, "I am... I am..."

  Though mentally prepared, the impact still sent a wave of dizziness through Kaelan Drago. That it could be her—he truly never would have dreamed it.

  After the initial excitement subsided, Lady Lyra Phenix recounted the events since their parting. She explained that upon arriving in the imperial capital, she had successfully located her father. At his request, she had changed her name and, under his guidance, devoted herself to studying various disciplines until she was appointed a general.

  By the time Lady Lyra Phenix finished her story, a considerable amount of time had passed.

  Lady Lyra Phenix touched the Crescent Heart pendant around her porcelain neck and spoke softly, "These past years, I sent people to search for you. But your family had moved away, and I thought I would never see you again! ...Finally, finally..." At this point, she lifted her head and gazed deeply at Kaelan Drago before her.

  Their gazes locked, conveying profound affection.

  Lady Lyra Phenix seemed unable to withstand Kaelan Drago's intense gaze, or perhaps lost in thought. Suddenly, she flashed him a charming smile, then lowered her head slightly. Without a word, she began to play with The Crescent Heart.

  Once again, silence descended upon the tent.

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