Huo Ling bowed slightly in salute. "Your servant Huo Ling pays respects to the Archduke!"
Bael appraised Huo Ling. He remembered this red dragon count; decades ago, on a whim, he had summoned him in the military camp.
Bael said, "Lord Huo Ling, you truly have given me a great surprise!"
"I never expected that after merely a few decades apart, your strength would have risen to such heights!"
Huo Ling bowed. "It is all thanks to Your Archduke's protection that I have achieved what I have today!"
As though he had not heard Huo Ling's flattery, Bael merely nodded slightly.
He asked, "I remember that when we first met decades ago, I asked what you thought of offense and defense."
"Now that several decades have passed and your strength has advanced further, how do you view my question from back then?"
Decades ago, when Bael had still been the Dark Demon General, he had asked Huo Ling whether it was better to actively attack the demons or to passively defend and build up strength.
At the time, Huo Ling's words had clearly leaned more toward the former Archduke, Zariel.
There was no helping it. She had been the Archduke, after all. Huo Ling had not dared to let his brain short-circuit and blurt everything out.
Hearing Bael's question, Huo Ling felt bitter inside.
He had never imagined that an Archduke like Zariel would be dealt with so easily by Bael.
That was far too pathetic!
If Zariel had not fallen, Huo Ling would not have found himself in this awkward situation.
But awkwardness aside, questions still had to be answered.
Huo Ling sighed inwardly, then said, "Your Archduke, I believe that defending the Bronze Citadel offers greater advantages!"
Bael smiled at this. "Lord Huo Ling, your view is utterly