[Chapter Thirty] Princess Tanya of the Nether Valley

The group successfully left the Monster Forest and entered a broad valley, a gentle slope covered in lush green grass, with the valley entrance at the lowest point of the slope.

Father John consulted the map and said: “This should be the Nether Valley!”

Lon said: “Behind this valley, the snow-capped mountain ridges layer upon layer. That end should be the border of Austria. Just by visual estimation, it’s impossible to tell how deep and long this valley is.”

Father John clenched his fist and said resolutely: “There is a saying in the East: ‘If you do not enter the tiger’s den, how can you catch the tiger cub?’ Even if it is a dragon’s pool or a tiger’s lair, no matter how dangerous, we must dare to enter and test it.”

The group immediately moved toward the valley entrance. At that moment, they saw a person wearing a black cloak walking toward them.

Father John said: “The person approaching should be Rufus, right? Why hasn’t he entered the valley?”

The approaching figure was indeed the Archmage Rufus, who had arrived a few days ahead.

Rufus walked closer, cupping his hands in greeting: “Father John, David, you have indeed arrived. I’ve been waiting here for you all.”

Father John asked: “Archmage, you haven’t gone in all this time?”

Rufus smiled bitterly: “I couldn’t find a way in! Outside the high walls and gates lies a fire dragon, spouting flames from its mouth, completely preventing me from approaching. Moreover, behind the dragon, there is a pair of cyclopes, armed with huge iron stakes and long-chain iron balls.”

Stron said: “Even you cannot get in. It really seems extremely difficult!”

Father John said: “There must be a way. Let’s sit down and discuss how to distract the dragon and the pair of giants.”

The group sat down on the ground to discuss. Father John drew three circles on the ground and began to explain: “My plan is to split into three groups. Stron, Adorno, and Rona and Case will distract the fire dragon. Lon and I, along with the wolf clan brothers, will distract the pair of giants. Rufus, you will escort Lin Xiaoyang and his wife into the valley. While the first two groups distract the dragon and the giants, they will retreat toward the Monster Forest and hide within, to minimize casualties.”

Lon asked: “Retreat into the forest? Those monsters and the Great Tiger are not easy to deal with!”

Rufus said: “Here’s the plan: the two groups meet at the forest entrance. I will use my Illusion Magic to bring everyone into the forest safely. I guarantee that no monster or Great Tiger will target you, though it may be slightly inconvenient for you at that moment.”

Father John said: “I have personally witnessed Archmage Rufus’s Illusion Magic. His plan is feasible! Let’s begin our separate operations.”

Deep within the Nether Valley, in a castle called Greenlight, two monster leaders hurried into the main hall. In the hall, Princess Tanya was speaking with her guards. Standing beside her was the chief guard Husserl. Tanya received the two leaders.

Amy cupped her hands and reported: “Princess, we have investigated. This group that has arrived consists of two priests of the Church, three vampires, the wolf clan leader Lon and his subordinates, and a married couple with formidable magical skills. The man’s name is David.”

Tanya asked in puzzlement: “David? You say the man’s name is David? Wasn’t he killed by Rufus over three hundred years ago?”

Amy said: “I personally heard the old wolf Lon call him David, referring to him as a brother. The two seemed very close.”

Husserl said: “Princess, I can only deduce one scenario: David’s soul has reincarnated!”

Colin said: “This David and his wife wield a pair of long swords together, and their skill is quite remarkable. When our guards—the spiders, centipedes, and scorpions—tried to approach, the couple cut them down instantly, leaving horrifically mangled corpses. Our brothers realized we were no match and dared not interfere further.”

Husserl said: “It could very well be David. His swordsmanship is so exquisite that even the old master is no match for him.”

Tanya said with concern: “If the visitors are truly David, he is very likely here to demand that I honor my promise and hand over the Sun Staff.”

Husserl analyzed: “If it is David, even if we barely manage to block him, we would likely pay a heavy price.”

Tanya thought for a long time and made her decision: “Very well! I will meet him. If the visitor truly is David, I will first try to persuade him. If persuasion fails, I must fulfill my promise and return the staff to Princess Maria. If he is not, no matter how skilled he is, I will not let him succeed.”

Tanya and her close guards, including Husserl, each mounted flying dragons and arrived successively at the west valley entrance.

At this time, Father John and his group had already executed their plan, splitting into three groups.

Tanya and her guards stood on the watchtower. Husserl observed the enemy with a telescope: “Princess, the enemy has split into three groups and begun their operations!”

Tanya said: “Send my orders: close the gates tightly. The valley entrance guards should hold position; do not fall for the enemy’s tricks. Xiao Bonar, you ride out on your dragon, find the one called David. I want to speak with him in person.”

The guard Xiao Bonar cupped his hands in acknowledgment, ran to a platform, mounted a flying dragon, and soared into the sky.

On the left, Stron, Adorno, and Rona and Case approached the high walls and gate. The fire dragon stationed there received the messenger’s order, turned, and walked into the gate, closing it completely, ignoring the four intruders. The four froze, unsure of what to do.

On the right, Father John and Lon’s wolf clan brothers arrived. Seeing the four standing helplessly at the gate with it tightly closed, Father John had no immediate solution and ordered a retreat of one arrow’s distance, waiting to rendezvous with Rufus and Lin Xiaoyang’s couple from the third route.

At that moment, a flying dragon appeared overhead. Several brash young wolves were about to draw bows, but Father John shouted: “Do not shoot! The visitor is a messenger.”

The dragon landed before them. Xiao Bonar jumped down from its back and cupped his hands toward Lon.

Xiao Bonar said: “Chief Lon, I am Princess Tanya’s personal guard. Among you, is there a David? The princess wants to meet him personally.”

Lon was puzzled, thinking: “This person has never met me before, yet recognizes me?”

Father John cupped his hands in greeting: “There is indeed a David. Wait a moment; he is at the rear of the column.”

Rufus and the couple, Father John and his wife, also saw the dragon land and quickened their pace to join.

Father John said: “Xiaoyang, Tanya has sent a messenger specifically to see David.”

Lin Xiaoyang said: “Then I will go meet her.”

Rufus reminded him: “The other side is deliberately holding a defensive position and refuses to fight. There may be a trap!”

Lin Xiaoyang said: “Since Tanya has already seen through our plan, rather than stalemating here, it’s better that I go meet her directly.”

Huang Minhua said: “Xiaoyang, let me go with you.”

Lin Xiaoyang reassured her: “Wife, don’t act on impulse. I will be fine.”

Father John said: “Xiaoyang, let Minhua go with you. The princess has ordered that Tanya sees you both together.”

Lin Xiaoyang agreed without hesitation: “Very well, if the princess orders it, we will go together.”

Father John introduced David to the messenger. The couple mounted the flying dragon and followed the messenger toward the high wall. Everyone watched their figures, left with nothing to do but wait.

Father John said: “We will retreat to the forest edge and wait quietly for news of David.”