Chapter 106: Edges and a Week

Shiying Town, City Hall.

Luo De arrived at the information counter.

Since returning to the forest, he had noticed that Kali’s attitude had grown even colder.

Thus, the two spoke little.

The female staff member at the counter recognized him and looked thrilled.

Upon learning that Luo De intended to purchase the forest outskirts, she requested his signature and invited him to a private consultation room in the back.

A middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed mustache greeted him.

He was one of the commissioners of Shiying Town City Hall, responsible for managing the town’s affairs.

All were trusted individuals from the Argyle family.

This gentleman’s name was Humbert; Luo De had once read a gossip column about him in a village newspaper:

It claimed the man had a particular fondness for widows, and whenever he took a liking to a married woman, he would use his authority to destroy her husband.

But given that this rumor involved murder, it was utterly absurd.

At the time, it had caused a huge uproar in Shiying Town.

Humbert could not bear it and sued the newspaper in court.

After a period of investigation, it was confirmed that the murder allegations were baseless.

The newspaper lost the case and issued an apology, yet still cheekily appended the true findings about Humbert:

It turned out he had become infatuated with a young girl who had just come of age.

To get closer to the girl, he married her widowed mother.

Though morally questionable, current Etheron law had no explicit provisions against such conduct.

It was said that the girl’s mother—Humbert’s new wife—upon learning the news, died in a carriage accident while fleeing home.

The girl, clearly, had merely toyed with this old man; after a year of intimacy, she grew bored.

Six months ago, she ran off with a coachman and vanished without a trace.

“Henry Farm? Hmm, Mr. Luo De is a benefactor of the Argyle family. I must warn you: over these past months, there have been many rumors about this farm.”

Humbert was a classic gentleman.

He carried an ornamental cane, wore a clean, subtle perfume, and kept his salt-and-pepper hair and mustache meticulously styled with wax.

Luo De saw not a trace of emotion affecting him.

“I’ve heard rumors of ghouls and ghosts, but after an on-site investigation, I found them entirely baseless.”

“I naturally trust Mr. Luo De’s abilities—you once saved Shiying Town—but more than that, a star-reading mage told me that before Shiying Town was built, this farm stood atop a vast graveyard.”

Luo De waved his hand, indicating he cared not at all.

What was there to fear in a graveyard from hundreds of years ago? In my past life, I attended school for over a decade—every single school was built on a mass grave. I got used to sleeping there. If anything, I’d sleep better now.

Seeing his resolve, Humbert said no more.

They quickly began signing the contract.

Given that Shiying Town had attempted to auction Henry Farm after its owner’s death, failed to sell it, and neglected its upkeep amid ghost rumors, the price was low—only 220 Jin Along.

“By the way, Mr. Luo De, I heard you’ve just returned from traveling. Did you pass through Coral Bay?”

While waiting for the signing formalities, Humbert chatted casually.

“I didn’t pass through, but I heard things are bad there—frequent disturbances by golems and sirens. What’s wrong?”

As a port, Coral Bay was far wealthier than Shiying Town; though both lay under the Argyle family’s domain, their administrators constantly vied for power behind the scenes.

“Nothing. I just remembered an old acquaintance.”

As he spoke, Humbert’s expression grew melancholy; the lonely old man couldn’t help confiding in a stranger.

He added: “Two days ago, I received a letter. She said she’s pregnant and has settled temporarily in Coral Bay. Her husband joined a dockworker’s gang.”

“I warned her—he’s useless. We had a huge fight. I swore I’d never speak to her again. But now, when she asks for my aid, I can’t decide.”

Luo De was not good at giving advice.

He naturally understood exactly which woman he meant.

“Have you considered remarrying, Mr. Humbert?”

“No. It’s hard to find another girl like her.”

Humbert quickly snapped back to himself:

“Forgive me, Mr. Luo De. Please excuse an old man’s rambling. I’m fine—just feeling nostalgic.”

As he spoke,

the contract was complete.

Humbert resumed his gentlemanly demeanor and extended his hand warmly.

“Congratulations, Mr. Luo De. Henry Farm is now yours to rename.”

“No need. I like its current name.”

Luo De shook his hand and added:

“If you ever need help, feel free to find me.”

As a diligent administrator of Shiying Town, Humbert may have had emotional flaws, but his work was impeccable.

Shiying Town’s current prosperity owes much to him.

A week passed in the blink of an eye.

Luo De had regained his forest ranger’s rhythm.

Cultivation, patrol, and monitoring the trees’ condition.

Perhaps because it had been over a month since he last visited, he sensed a faint estrangement from the forest toward him.

During this time, he carefully nurtured it and gradually regained his old connection.

【Growth Spirit】 also experienced a major surge.

Perhaps due to the new breathing technique, he had accumulated 23 new points of Growth Spirit in just this week.

In addition, he gained a new observation: the Death Desert.

As the improved sand willows gradually expanded, the desert itself had been pushed back a distance.

Moreover, Luo De repeatedly activated the 【Magic Barrier】 keyword and successfully established an effective barrier zone within the sand willow area.

Creak—

Luo De gently squeezed her upturned buttocks while checking the keyword information.

【Vivian gained skill: Leaf Storm】

【Details: Growth Spirit activated Vivian’s innate ancestral spirit ability. This skill summons a storm composed of leaves, dealing multiple damages and applying a slowing effect to all enemies ahead.】

【Remaining Growth Spirit: 52】

In the corner of the house, the death omen Kriss had somehow found a blanket and curled up, head wrapped tightly.

She had taken Tally’s story about sand whirlwinds as truth and now preferred to endure all-night noise rather than sleep in the stable.

“Seems fine… I remember Vivian’s keyword used to have question marks.”

Many races may possess ancestral bloodlines; once awakened, they greatly enhance one’s power.

Luo De’s current goal was to turn Tally and Vivian into masters who had awakened ancestral bloodlines.

“Also, skills need practice. Let’s find time to train together at the Flawless Crystal Ground.”

Deleted a little, but it was still driving content—full version later in the group

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(End of Chapter)