Chapter 224: The Problem of Raising a Dragon
Luoning counted them; there were 136 Dragon Scales that had fallen off Kaierluosi. Based on the size of each, there should be no problem at all in crafting a set of Dragon Scale Armor.
The only difficulty is, who can craft this thing?
William the carpenter from the Ironwood Workshop?
Sorry, they struggle even with processing Black Iron Tree; asking them to process Dragon Scales is really asking too much of them.
After thinking it over, I'm afraid only a Blacksmith is somewhat reliable.
But someone at the level of Kalesi probably won't do; at the very least, it needs to be a Blacksmith who has reached the level of Master or even Grandmaster like Dan, and it would be best if they were also a Knight—without strength, it won't work.
"If it really doesn't work, I'll do it myself."
Luoning thought aimlessly in his heart, then leaped and landed back on Kaierluosi's back.
Although the other party's level had increased, the wounds on its back had not healed.
Even though it was no longer bleeding, the area around the wounds was covered in blood, looking somewhat terrifying.
Luoning took out a Healing Spell Scroll and used it on the wounds, but a dragon's physical constitution is far higher than a human's; as a second-tier spell, the effect of the Healing Spell was far too poor and basically of no great use.
"What is your current state? Can you still fly?" Luoning asked.
Kaierluosi struggled to stand up, but its two legs were wobbly, and in the end, it had no choice but to lie back down on the beach.
"Sorry Master, I am still very weak, and movement is currently quite difficult."
Its consumption over this past period had been too great, and it had been bled and beaten by Luoning; even now that its level had increased, it was not immediately restored to full health. It still needed some time to slowly recover its physical strength and spirit.
"Then you should get some good rest."
Luoning was not in a hurry to leave.
According to Kaierluosi's intelligence, although there were still some people in that cave, they were all servant-type characters and posed no threat to Ruidar and the others.
In this way, after Luoning finished exploring the cave, this trip to the Northern Territory could be considered a complete success.
He sat cross-legged on the dragon's back and began to refine Magic Power.
From the start of the battle to the complete subjugation of Kaierluosi, Luoning did not know how many times he had used Magic. That he could hold on until now can only be attributed to his good Attribute Affinity, his proficiency in casting Magic, and his abundant storage of Magic Power.
If it were any other Chief Mage, they probably wouldn't be able to do this.
Refining Magic Power requires carefully sensing the Elemental Power in the world around, using Mental Power to draw the Wind Element and fire element into the Mana Space, and gradually converting them into Magic Power to be stored.
This seems like a tedious process, but once one truly settles down to refine it, it can actually make one's entire mental state relax.
"Gurgle~"
An untimely sound rang out, interrupting Luoning's state. He opened his eyes and looked at the giant dragon beneath him in surprise.
How did this sound like a stomach gurgling?
He couldn't help but ask: "Are you hungry?"
Kaierluosi felt a bit embarrassed and responded weakly.
"That, yes, Master..."
It explained: "Today's exertion was too great, and the physical consumption was intense. Moreover, Natalia only provided me with a small amount of food per meal; I have never been full."
Listen to that, how miserable.
Luoning was a bit awkward; he hadn't thought of this problem at all. It turns out dragons also get hungry.
It's just a pity that the bit of dry rations in his Space Ring wasn't enough to fill the gaps in a dragon's teeth.
Luoning also thought of a problem—how was he supposed to feed this dragon?
Taking it back to the territory is definitely not realistic.
The few sheep in Shanlin Town and those few hundred cattle in Swamp Town probably wouldn't be enough for the dragon to eat for a year.
He also couldn't feed all five or six hundred Black Water Buffalo to Kaierluosi; how would the territory's reclamation continue then? Furthermore, the Black Water Buffalo were one of the sources of income for the territory.
After thinking it over, he could only think of one solution, and that was free-range.
To the west of Wubei Territory is the vast Wushan Magical Beast Mountain Range; let Kaierluosi go forage for itself and feed itself.
Anyway, with the Soul Contract, Luoning could transmit signals to the other party if anything happened.
With Kaierluosi's flight speed at full state, it probably wouldn't take long to reach the territory.
"What does Natalia feed you?"
"Fish, all kinds of fish."
Despair was revealed in Kaierluosi's eyes. It didn't even know how it had survived these years; sometimes it felt nauseated just seeing a lively, jumping fish.
But there was no other way; to fill its stomach, it still had to eat.
Luoning, however, was concerned about another matter.
Natalia and the others almost only moved within the valley, unless they were chasing invading enemies, but they would run at most three miles out. Where did they get so many fish?
As for warehouse storage, he absolutely did not believe it.
What kind of warehouse could store nearly three hundred years of rations?
It seems he still has to go see that cave; there must be some mysteries inside that Kaierluosi doesn't know about.
"I'll go find you something to eat."
Luoning jumped down from the dragon's back with some helplessness and ducked into the mountain forest to see if he could hunt any wild beasts.
But the huge commotion from just before had long since scared the animals here away without a trace; he was destined to return empty-handed.
After a search yielded no results, Luoning could only return to the beach.
It was fortunate that he returned in time; at this moment, Ruidar was holding his sword and issuing a soul-questioning to Kaierluosi—where is the Lord?
But he also didn't understand Dragon Language and couldn't understand the dragon's defense at all; it looked like he was about to use force.
"Ruidar, stop."
Luoning hurried over, "It has already been subdued by me; it is not an enemy now."
Kaierluosi nodded in a human-like manner, without a shred of a dragon's dignity; it was truly because it was too weak right now and was no match for Ruidar.
"Has my lord truly conquered a dragon?"
Ruidar looked shocked; it was one thing to believe in Luoning, but seeing the other party actually subdue a dragon was quite another!
"This is truly... unbelievable!"
Luoning smiled slightly and said, "Let's put that aside for now. There is a tricky matter at hand: Kaierluosi is hungry. In its current state, it cannot forage for food, but I cannot find any wild beasts in the nearby area."
Ruidar immediately said, "I will go back and have everyone split up to search. I hope there will be some results."
For now, that was the only way.
"Go ahead."
Luoning glanced at Kaierluosi, "After it recovers a bit of strength, we will also gather at that valley."
Watching Ruidar leave, Luoning sighed.
"If Ruidar and the others find nothing, we will have to go into the cave and see if there is any catch."
Kaierluosi trembled upon hearing this.
Luoning walked to the seaside; this place was also a shallow beach and was not suitable for development into a port.
He prepared to take a good tour along the coastline of the Wubei Territory after Kaierluosi recovered, to see if he could find a relatively suitable location.
This was the advantage of a flying mount: saving time and increasing efficiency.
More than two hours passed, the sun sank in the west, and twilight began to descend.
Kaierluosi stood up, "Master, I have recovered a bit of strength and can now fly for a while."
"Good!"
Luoning climbed onto its back, "Let's go, we are returning to that valley."
The huge wings spread out, and Kaierluosi took flight.
Its movements were quite steady, and its broad neck blocked the oncoming wind.
Luoning sat on top without the slightest difficulty, which was a completely different matter from when he first conquered it.
Kaierluosi did not fly high, nor was its speed fast.
However, since the distance between the beach and the valley was only twenty li, they landed outside the cave before long.
The whistling wind caught the attention of the followers left behind outside the cave; they stood up in horror, gazing at the black shadow in the sky.
"It's a dragon!"
Everyone's hearts became chaotic once again.
Although the commander had returned saying the Lord was fine and had conquered the dragon, they still felt fear in their hearts when facing the dragon again.
Kaierluosi folded its wings and landed on the open ground in front of the cave.
With a 'whoosh', it exhaled a stream of air from its nostrils, looking somewhat exhausted.
It only glanced slightly at the humans nearby, knowing these few were Luoning's subordinates, and did not pay them much attention.
Dragons are all arrogant; it was respectful and submissive to Luoning because of the Master-Servant Contract they had signed, but toward others, Kaierluosi remained disdainful.
"It's the Lord!"
"The Lord has returned!"
Only then did the subordinates on the ground see Luoning on its back.
They let out exclamations, awe and worship flickering in their eyes.
Luoning jumped down from the dragon's back and scanned the area; at this moment, only Aierlong, Babulin, Jennie, and Geladuo remained here, while the rest were presumably out hunting in the mountains.
"Babulin, how are your injuries?"
In the previous battle, Babulin had been wounded by an Advanced Knight from the opposing side.
Babulin was somewhat moved. The current Luoning was not only the Viscount of the Wubei Territory but also a powerhouse who had subdued a dragon!
Being cared for by such a person made Babulin feel very moved, and he also felt proud and honored to be able to follow such a person.
"Thank you for your concern, my lord! The head physician has already treated my wounds, and there is nothing serious now."
Aierlong added, "The others were also slightly injured, but there is nothing serious, my lord, please rest assured."
Luoning nodded and looked at the others, "Everyone has worked hard. If there is nothing else, rest here for now. Notify me when Ruidar and the others return from hunting."
"Aierlong, come with me."
Saying this, he took Aierlong and Kaierluosi into the cave, leaving a few subordinates behind to stare blankly at the dragon's back. (End of chapter)
End of Chapter
