Chapter 138: Plan

I just heard you and Lahem talking about saving the Dendro Archon? I didn't mishear, did I?

Dixiya, who had been listening outside the door for a long time, Luo De asked as soon as he stepped out.

That's what was said.

But she was certain she hadn't misheard.

Therefore, when she asked that, she couldn't help but look somewhat startled.

You didn't mishear.

Um—

The situation is like this.

Luo De had no intention of continuing to keep it from Dixiya; after finding a secluded spot, he repeated what he had told Cyno earlier.

The reaction was much the same as Cyno's.

Upon hearing that the Dendro Archon had been imprisoned by the Academy, Dixiya likewise widened her eyes in disbelief, unable to believe the Academy would dare commit such a treasonous act.

So you've been secretly plotting how to rescue the Little Auspicious Grass King?

Besides me, who else knows about this?

Dixiya's way of addressing Nadixa is much better than Lahem's.

Although both are desert folk, making a living in the yellow sands.

Yet she has never hated the Dendro Archon; on the contrary, under the influence of followers like Denizaid, she holds a fairly favorable impression of Nadixa, the goddess who has never shown her face.

Cyno, the secretary who came a couple days ago, and Saitalei are willing to be insiders, though Saitalei doesn't know I'm trying to save the Dendro Archon; she simply wants to atone for her past.

Luo De's words had just fallen.

Dixiya then frowned and said, "Such a big matter, why didn't you tell me earlier? Do you think I can't help you?"

As she said that.

Her tone was obviously a bit unhappy.

Not exactly.

If I thought you couldn't help, I wouldn't be frank with you about these things now.

Luo De rubbed his nose and said earnestly, "I didn't tell you earlier simply because the timing wasn't ripe; the Academy, after all, is an institution that has governed a nation for over a thousand years. Even if their thirty‑person guard is as useless as ever, trying to break through layers of guards to capture the Great Sage and rescue the Dendro Archon would be far beyond what I, plus you, could manage."

Is it enough now?

Pretty much, the Chief Discipline Officer, the secretary, the Great Sage's assistant, plus those followers of the Red King—if we find an opportunity, there should be no problem.

You're that sure Lahem will help you?

Dixiya could understand the earlier things.

It's just that later she doesn't quite understand.

Where does Luo De get this confidence, believing that Lahem, this obsessive, will definitely help him?

The Dendro Archon's lackey.

Dixiya hasn't forgotten how Lahem used to curse Luo De back then.

As for this question.

Luo De spread his hands and said bluntly, "To him, whether or not to save the Dendro Archon doesn't matter; what he wants is to mess with the Academy. Unless he's really an idiot, he wouldn't refuse this."

Um

That's a very strong reason.

Dixiya was speechless, then continued, "As long as you have it figured out, then what do you want me to do when the time comes? Help you block the Academy's guards together with Lahem?"

We'll talk about it then.

Right now Ai'erhaisen and Cyno are each investigating; we'll decide what to do once they have news.

Luo De stroked his chin and said, "Given their actions, news should come soon."

That'll do.

By the way, should we tell Kantisi? With her help, things would go much more smoothly.

Dixiya brought this up, and Luo De had also considered it.

But he still shook his head and said, "We can tell her, but she might not help; the village's safety is more important to her."

That's also true.

Dixiya let out a sigh.

Kantisi would not easily leave the village; in other words, since she became the guardian, she has never left the village, her whole mind is on guarding this place.

Luo De might not have the standing to persuade her.

Speaking of this, Dixiya thought of another thing: "If Lahem is willing to help you, how do you plan to get them to Sumeru Cheng? Even our Blaze Light Hunting mercenary squad, which has privileges, hasn't been allowed to enter Sumeru Cheng en masse, let alone these guys who have blood on their hands."

Sand‑blocking Wall.

And there's the existence of Kawanyi.

It exists to block desert people from entering the rainforest.

Even ordinary desert people need thorough checks to come and go; someone like Lahem, fully armed, would find it even harder to enter Sumeru Cheng through normal channels.

This is also a real problem right in front of us.

But Luo De isn't worried about this: "It's simple—just use the new guards hired by Old Man Sanggemahabai, the volunteer I recruited from the desert; any excuse will do. As long as we can get into the rainforest area, it's fine, and once we're in Sumeru Cheng, there are plenty of ways."

You say it lightly.

Dixiya shook her head.

But thinking of those profit‑driven thirty‑person squad, she didn't say anything else.

That's the consequence of outsourcing force.

Only the thirty-person squad guarding the Academy still had a semblance of order; the guards elsewhere were the sort who would just get by if they could, never truly focusing on work.

Such people guard Sumeru Cheng.

Just as Luo De said, there are plenty of ways to enter Sumeru Cheng; as long as one can smoothly pass the inspection at Kawanyi, and not rush en masse into Sumeru Cheng to draw the Academy's attention, there's basically no problem.

That's all for the matter of entering the city.

Dixiya asked again: "Should I go contact some mercenary groups? Well, mercenary groups like Laheman's that worship the Red King—there are still many of them in the desert."

Not needed for now.

Luo De shook his head: "The news of the Red King's envoy has already spread; those who want to come will come naturally, and those who don't want to come won't be willing even if forced—it's a waste of time and carries the risk of defection."

Oh, then you handle it as you see fit.

Everything was now clear, so Dixiya didn't say anything else, only saying: "Just let me know whenever you need me."

Hmm.

Luo De nodded, then scratched his head, apologetically saying: "Sorry, I was the one who said earlier that you should tell me if you had anything, but now it's the other way around."

Tch, when did you get so sentimental?

Seeing Luo De's expression, Dixiya burst out laughing with a puff, punching his shoulder: "What's between us, anyway?"

Heh, that's true.

Luo De smiled, no longer paying attention to Laheman, who was confined to the room thinking, and left with Dixiya, chatting and laughing, continuing to wait for other news.

(The plot concerning the Academy will speed up and finish in a few days.)

A friend's book, good at writing the kind of stuff everyone likes, a longtime master in battling censorship, those who understand, understand~~~

(End of chapter)