---- Chapter 3401 Outside Azure Gate, the sky gradually darkened. In the distance, heavy ck clouds rolled across the horizon, thick and suffocating. Shiloh''s eyes snapped open from meditation. She said, "I have to go! This journey will take me deep into the darkness, straight to the Dark ns'' stronghold!" On top of Azure Gate, night fell fast, and the cold wind cut like knives. Philip stood before the gathered powerhouses from every faction, his voice low and thunderous.
"Anyone willing to join the expedition, step across the white line." A white line had been drawn on the ground, and on one side of the line stood warriors from all factions, packed together. On the other side, only one person stood: Andrew He had positioned himself there early on, needing no one''s rallying cry. For Shiloh''s sake alone, Andrew would march into the Blood Sanctum. Beyond that, it was something he had to do anyway. First, for Holtrien, his homnd, for the people he wanted to ---- protect, and for his son. Second, for the honor of the Lloyd family ancestor, Valerius.
He still had not forgotten Valerius'' legacy, which he had obtained in the Ounds. Third, the Vampire Queen had awakened this time and rallied forces globally to besiege Holtrien. Besides resisting with everything they had and eliminating the enemy, Andrew had no other choice. Moreover, after this expedition, he would have to personally open the path to the Veiled Paradise. The road ahead was fraught with difficulties, and he had no choice but to take action. Elio was the first to set an example, crossing the white line.
He dered, "Even if I''m torn to pieces on this journey, I have no regrets fighting for Holtrien, for my homnd!" With a heartyugh, Pablo, patriarch of the Hearst royal family, led his nsmen across the white line with an air of nonchnce, standing beside Elio. He said, "Elio, we''re one people, united against themon foe." Elio smiled. "Patriarch Pablo, I truly admire your courage!" Besides Pablo, the Hearst family also brought Nate, the martial ---- god who had once been defeated by Andrew and looked like a down-or-his-luck schr. He bowed slightly to Andrew. "Mr.
Lloyd, we meet again!" Andrew smiled. "It''s good to see you!" Zavian and the Hearst family''sst white-haired martial god were among them as well. Many people were filled with admiration because the Hearst royal family had mobilized all their martial gods without exception. They were not leaving themselves any fallback position at all. Next came the Cavendish royal family''s patriarch, Atticus, leading Cormac and Asher across the white line. Cormac said calmly, "Our family still has one martial god stationed at Cliffside Gate.
Beyond the pass, remnants of the Three Empires'' armies remain, and we can''t afford to be careless." Philip nodded. "The Cavendish royal family owes no exnations. We Holtrien have never had cowards, and for 1000 years, the Cavendish royal family has produced numerous heroes who willingly died for thisnd." The others roared in agreement, "That''s right! The Cavendish royal family has always been a family of heroes!" ---- Next came the Lloyd royal family. "Go, Sheena. Follow in Andrew''s footsteps." Donovan looked at his granddaughter with a smile, his face showing tragic determination.
Sheena''s eyes reddened slightly. "Grandpa, after I leave, please take care of yourself." Besides Sheena, two hidden elder martial gods from the Lloyd royal family also stepped forward. Both elders were over 100 years old, yet they walked at Sheena''s sides with steady strides and unwavering eyes. Philip and Elio both looked toward Andrew. "Andrew, the Lloyd royal family doesn''t need to do this. You''re already going, so Sheena can stay behind. No matter what, the Lloyd family should leave at least a spark to survive." Andrew remained silent, but Sheena snorted coldly. "No need.
If he''s going, then I, as his senior, will follow him no matter what, even if it means death. Our family has never failed Holtrien or any of you." Everyone was deeply shaken. Among the three great royal families, the Lloyd royal family had quietly risen to the highest prestige, and the other two bore no ---- resentment toward that fact. Next came people from the four noble houses. ording to the conditions given, those who had not reached the martial god level did not need to participate.
However, the four noble houses ''representatives currently at Azure Gate, along with their strongest warriors, all stepped forward together. Philip and Elio ordered some of them to return. In the end, only a third remained. Then came the people from the Eight Ancient Sects Luna apanied Bridget as the mother and daughter stepped forward. Andrew thought for a moment and shook his head. "Luna, you stay behind." Luna said stubbornly, "Andrew, I can listen to you on everything else. But not this time. I want to be with you, and I''m also a general in the military. It''s my duty."