Chapter 46: Something's Not Right

At the same time, in the quiet yet oppressive study of the Lord's Castle, Lord Bloet was equally incensed, roaring at the void, "Valending, this lord and you are irreconcilable!" His face flushed bright red, his eyes bloodshot, and his usual dignity was completely supplanted by fury.

The study was a mess, the documents he had swept to the floor in his anger strewn everywhere, as if narrating the lord's current madness and helplessness.

The fall of the Damia Great Knight Leader meant not only the loss of a capable aide for him, but also jeopardized his standing in the domain, a fact that made him grind his teeth in hatred.

Even if the Damia Great Knight were to die, it must be at his own hand.

Then a ruthless glint flashed in Lord Bloet's eyes, as if a resolute determination had been made.

With the Damia Great Knight dead, he realized he had few options left and muttered softly, "It can only be this way."

The voice carried a hint of helplessness, yet also a decisive resolve to burn the boats.

Although his heart was filled with the flames of revenge and anxiety about the future, Lord Bloet forced himself to rally his spirit and held a solemn funeral for the Damia Great Knight and the other knights who fell in this incident.

At the funeral site, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified, and the gloomy sky seemed to mourn the fallen heroes.

On the camp's square, a temporary memorial hall was erected; black drapes fluttered in the wind, producing a rustling sound.

The bodies of the Damia Great Knight Leader and the other knights were neatly placed in coffins, surrounded by bouquets of fresh flowers.

Lord Bloet, clad in black mourning attire, looked gaunt, his eyes reflecting endless sorrow and anger.

He slowly approached the coffins, placed a hand on his chest in salute, and paid the highest respect to these warriors who gave their lives for the domain.

The knights and soldiers who came to the funeral lined up neatly on the square, each face etched with grief.

Eric stood among the ranks, fists clenched, his eyes burning with the flame of vengeance.

He gazed at the Damia Great Knight Leader's coffin and silently vowed that those responsible for their deaths would pay.

When the funeral was halfway through, a light drizzle fell from the sky, as if the heavens wept for these heroes.

Lord Bloet rose, surveyed the surroundings, and said in a heavy yet firm voice, "Damia Great Knight and all the knights, who gave their precious lives for our domain and our people. Their heroic deeds will forever be etched in our hearts. We will not forget their sacrifice; we will make those murderers repay the Blood Debt Blood Repayment!"

As Lord Bloet's words fell, a chorus of anguished shouts rose on the square: "Blood Debt Blood Repayment! Blood Debt Blood Repayment!"

The cry rang to the heavens, as if to break through the oppressive gloom, letting all of Winston City feel their resolve for revenge.

On the second day after the funeral, night fell like ink, silently cloaking Winston City.

Lord Bloet, in a secret chamber deep within the castle, covertly summoned numerous knights.

Though the matter was highly secretive, it could not escape the eyes of the watchful.

Since Leimeng told him that there was something fishy about the Soil Dragon Breathing Method, Robin immediately realized the seriousness of the situation.

When he quietly observed the summoned knights, his heart sank as he discovered that they were all practicing the Soil Dragon Breathing Method.

The discovery, like a massive stone, weighed heavily on Robin's mind, filling him with intense unease.

The Soil Dragon Breathing Method must have some flaw; gathering knights on such a scale to practice the same technique is far from ordinary.

Behind it must lurk an unspeakable scheme that will inevitably cause massive harm to the knights who practice the Soil Dragon Breathing Method; otherwise it wouldn't be concealed so.

After pondering briefly, Robin immediately sought out Malizi Knight.

Malizi Knight held a high position in the domain; not only did he practice the Soil Dragon Breathing Method, but he was also one of the only three Knight Late Stage masters in the domain besides the lord.

Robin hurried to Malizi Knight's barracks, found the area empty, and blurted out his discovery and concerns, "Malizi Knight, I've found that the knights the lord secretly summoned are all practicing the Soil Dragon Breathing Method. This is strange, and I fear serious trouble."

Malizi Knight's previously calm expression instantly grew solemn upon hearing Robin's words. He furrowed his brows, fell into thought, and after a moment said slowly, "Are you sure you didn't missee? If that's the case, things become complicated."

Malizi Knight had long heard from the Damia Great Knight that the Soil Dragon Breathing Method carried certain hidden risks, though even the Grand Knight Leader could not articulate them. Yet the lord's current unusual actions and all the signs indicate he may be plotting a major conspiracy.

"Don't make this public; I'll keep a personal eye on it," Malizi Knight warned Robin, when suddenly the door was knocked.

"Malizi Knight! The lord summons you and Fitz Knight to come over," a herald's clear voice called from outside the door.

Malizi Knight's gaze hardened instantly, realizing the matter might be imminent. He quickly patted Robin's shoulder and, with a grave expression, said, "During this time, be careful and conceal your cultivation."

Obviously, with Malizi Knight's keen eyes, he had already noticed Robin's breakthrough to Knight Level.

After all, Robin's talent has always surpassed Eric's; now that Eric has successfully broken through, there's no reason for Robin to remain stagnant.

Robin understood and nodded.

Late at night, in total silence, Robin was immersed in cultivation, having just completed a week's cycle of the Breathing Method.

Suddenly, a violent roar like thunder rang from the direction of the Lord's Castle, instantly shattering the night's quiet, and the entire camp was startled by the sudden commotion.

Robin's heart tightened, sensing trouble. Without hesitation, he immediately reached for the meticulously crafted Pulley Composite Bow by his bedside and swiftly loaded it into the custom Quiver.

Then he firmly secured two bundles of Armor-Piercing Arrows on either side of the Quiver, ensuring they could be drawn at any moment in battle.

Afterward, he drew from the bedside the Damascus Steel Tang Sword he had painstakingly forged, its blade glinting coldly in the dim light.

Robin slung it horizontally across his back, reached for his helmet and steadied it onto his head.

With everything ready, he immediately joined the main force, sprinting to reinforce toward the castle.

When they arrived at the Lord's Castle, the great gates were already open, the tension hanging like a drawn bowstring.

Malizi Knight was alone, fighting his way out of the castle; his armor bore multiple breaches, blood seeped from his wounds, staining parts of his clothing red.

(End of Chapter)