Whether it was his identity—as the King of Cizhou of the New Song Kingdom, a rare king from outside the imperial family, the likes of whom appeared only once in centuries—
or his integrity—living his life and conducting himself with a clear conscience—
or even his sense of responsibility—many of the Royal Alliance members who had come to reinforce the Snow-like Defense Line had done so out of respect for Zong Rulin—
since they had entrusted command to Zong Rulin, he naturally had to do everything in his power to ensure their safety!
All these things made it impossible for Zong Rulin to simply wash his hands of the matter!
Much less turn against the Royal Alliance.
Besides...
Who said the Royal Alliance was on the verge of collapse and that the New Song Kingdom's internal strife had already been decided?
Yue Pengju's pale yet valiant face rose in his mind, and Zong Rulin's resolve grew firmer.
The Royal Alliance still had hope!
Without the slightest hesitation,
before Shen Lu had even finished speaking, Zong Rulin resolutely shook his head and declared, "As long as I still draw breath, I won't retreat a single step!"
At that, there was no doubt the conversation had reached a dead end.
Shen Lu gazed at Zong Rulin, his beard and brows completely white, yet still growing stronger with age. Her expression was complicated, filled with both admiration and regret.
"Your Highness, the King of Cizhou, you are truly a hero.
Unfortunately, heroes rarely meet a good end.
Take care."
After those few words, which seemed to carry a deeper meaning, Shen Lu cut off the communication.
Aboard the Royal Ark, many people breathed a sigh of relief.
Their feelings were just as complicated.
Zong Rulin didn't leave the communications platform right away.