Heavenly Dragon Doctor Son-in-Law-Chapter 121 - 122: I Won’t Let Anyone Off When I Return!
Later, he fabricated reasons to persecute your confidants and brothers, and many of them died as a result. Some were caught up in the internal strife, while others who saw through Qiu Hu’s true colors secretly retired. Meanwhile, Qiu Hu continuously promoted his own family members to important positions, attempting to vie for the title of Dragon Commander once more.
"He poured all his energy into internal conflict, leading to one military defeat after another," Xiao Lingyue continued. "The lands you brought into our fold have been colonized once again. Some of our people have gone into hiding, while others died tragic deaths in the infighting—it was all part of Qiu Hu’s scheme. I pretended to be unaware of what happened to you, especially since Qiu Hu has always harbored inappropriate feelings for me. So I endured, doing many things over the years that made our brothers’ hearts turn cold. It was the only way I could remain within the Heavenly Dragon Army."
Hearing this, Qin Long’s expression darkened. A boundless killing intent instantly filled the room. He clenched his fists so tightly they emitted a series of sharp CRACKS.
"Qiu Hu... I won’t spare him!" Qin Long’s voice was terrifyingly cold.
Qiu Hu wasn’t satisfied with just harming me. He had to target those innocent generals and soldiers too. He is a menace to the country and its people. A bastard like that must have his head severed by the Skybreaker Sword!
"Yue’er always knew you were still alive, Brother Long, so she only pretended to side with Qiu Hu," Xiao Lingyue said, her lovely face filled with grievance. "But now, your most trusted aides grit their teeth at the very sight of me. They say I’m unworthy of being the Dragon Commander’s junior martial sister, that I’m a poisonous rose who brought about your ruin..."
Qin Long had been scorned and disgraced for years, but she, too, had lived under the cold stares of former friends. Even though she was a Seven-Star Vice Commander with immense power, Qin Long’s supporters on the outside wanted to drink her blood and eat her flesh.
"Yue’er, you have been wronged," Qin Long said, gently stroking her head before his expression turned serious. "Once I recover my strength and return to the Southern Region, your contribution will be the greatest."
At his words, Xiao Lingyue felt all her grievances vanish. Seeing Qin Long safe and sound was more important than anything else.
"Brother Long, it was nothing," she said, wiping her tears as a slow smile spread across her face. "The only reason they hate me is because of their loyalty and how much they miss you. For that, I’m truly happy."
Qin Long looked at her, a sense of deep gratification filling his heart.
"Brother Long, you can’t give up on the Heavenly Dragon Army. They are unyielding men of iron and bone; Qiu Hu is not worthy of leading them. And Great Xia cannot afford to lose you, the War Venerable!" Xiao Lingyue’s beautiful eyes shone with fervent hope.
"I know," Qin Long sighed, tapping his fingers on the wooden table and giving her a look of confirmation. "It’s just... my strength hasn’t returned yet. I’m afraid I’m in no condition to lead the Heavenly Dragon Army." After a moment’s thought, he shook his head slightly.
"If even you aren’t capable, who in the world is?" Xiao Lingyue stated decisively.
Qin Long sighed and waved his hand in resignation.
That was in the past. How could the prestigious Heavenly Dragon Army be led by a cripple now?
Moreover, he had dominated the battlefield back then because he personally led his brothers into the fray in every single battle. Under his command, the Heavenly Dragon Army was like a colossal dragon, an unstoppable force sweeping across the battlefield. In those days, he had been spirited and proud, clad in his Heavenly Dragon battle robe, the silver-white Skybreaker Punishment Sword in his hand. He was the head of the great dragon, leading the Heavenly Dragon Army to stir up tempests in enemy waters, completely unstoppable. His name alone struck terror into the hearts of all who heard it. He was a true True Dragon then, his fame echoing throughout the Southern Region. But now he leaned on a crutch, finding it difficult to even walk normally. To say nothing of personally slaying his foes—he would only become a laughingstock.
"Just wait a little longer." Qin Long looked at Xiao Lingyue with a helpless expression. "I must repay my debt to Tang Xuewu before I can talk about returning. I promise you and the Heavenly Dragon Army this: the day I return will be the day Qiu Hu is beheaded. And his entire Qiu family behind him—I won’t spare a single one. On that day, I will personally clear your name. And I will personally take back the lands we have lost."
Hearing his vow, Xiao Lingyue’s heart surged with excitement. This was why she had wanted to see him. She had endured for three long years for this very moment. As long as Qin Long returned, it would be a blessing for all the people of Great Xia.
"Dragon Commander, the Heavenly Dragon Army is waiting for you!" Xiao Lingyue once again stood ramrod straight and gave a crisp military salute.
"Alright, little Yue’er, stop calling me Dragon Commander. Just call me Brother Long," Qin Long said with a slight wave of his hand. "That will also help us avoid exposing our identities."
Xiao Lingyue heard him and nodded shyly. "Brother Long, how much longer do you plan on staying with the Tang Family?" she asked, accepting the cup of tea he offered.
"I can’t leave Xuewu right now. She saved my life. To take me in, she gave up her life as a little princess; she was stripped of her right to live in the inner courtyard and was kicked out of the main estate by the Tang Family. Without her, your Brother Long would already be dead. This is a debt so immense that no amount of money could ever repay it," Qin Long declared, his gaze full of unwavering conviction.
"But the Tang Family has been so cruel to you, Brother Long..." Worry filled Xiao Lingyue’s beautiful eyes as her red lips trembled slightly.
"The only person in the Tang Family I care about is Xuewu. For three years, while I was an imbecile, she took care of my every need. You can’t understand that kind of kindness. As the saying goes, no son stays filial by the bed of a parent with a long illness, and she and I were merely engaged. I, the Heavenly Dragon, was once fierce and unmatched on the battlefield, the strongest of the four War Venerables, yet a frail woman has protected me for three years. If I, Qin Long, do not repay this debt, I would be a man without honor, unworthy of ever commanding the Heavenly Dragon Army again."
Xiao Lingyue saw the tenderness in his eyes whenever he spoke of Xuewu; his deep love for the woman was plain to see.
The woman Qin Long wants to protect is the woman I must guard.
"Brother Long, I never imagined that you, the Heavenly Dragon, whose name was once renowned throughout the world, have always been the one protecting others. To think you’ve now been guarded by a frail girl for three years... This is truly a debt of rebirth. Then I, Xiao Lingyue, swear here and now to protect this good woman alongside you. Whatever she needs, I will do my utmost to provide," Xiao Lingyue declared, her eyes blazing with resolve.
"Mm-hmm," Qin Long nodded softly.
His twelve years on the battlefield had been spent fighting to protect the citizens of Great Xia. This time, he wanted to properly protect Xuewu, the woman who had given him a second life.
"However, Brother Long, I can’t use my authority to help you too frequently for now. After all, I still haven’t figured out if Qiu Hu has any forces in Jiangzhong," Xiao Lingyue said, her brow furrowed with regret.
"He didn’t have any in Jiangzhong three years ago," Qin Long said, lighting a cigarette and taking a slow drag. "But I’m not sure about the situation now. One thing is certain, though: he definitely has backers."
For a mere general like Qiu Hu to dare make a move against me, the Heavenly Dragon, he must have powerful supporters.
"There’s no rush. We’ll take our time," Qin Long reassured her, his eyes flashing with a cold light. "I, Qin Long, won’t let a single one of them get away."
