Chapter 227: Letters and Intelligence

Hum~

In front of the cave in Guiyi Shangu, the ground trembled for a moment, and several earth walls rose rapidly, completely sealing off the entrance to the cave.

Not far away, Kaierluosi, who was resting, looked at the place that had imprisoned it for so many years finally being sealed, and could not help but feel a surge of excitement in its heart.

Yesterday, while inside the cave, Luoning had asked it whether it wanted to use this underground palace as its lair, but it had refused without hesitation.

This place was a shadow in its dragon life; it would rather be exposed to the wind and rain outside than enter it again.

After sealing the cave entrance, the group officially began their return journey, concluding this special mission that had lasted eight or nine days.

Luoning did not travel with the team.

After a night of rest and the replenishment of energy from two meals of roasted wild boar, Kaierluosi's condition had recovered somewhat, and Luoning sat on the dragon's back and flew all the way back to Shanlin Town.

He watched the mountains and rivers change rapidly beneath his eyes, feeling relaxed and happy for a moment.

When they came, they had traveled through the dense forest, spending nearly five days before arriving outside Guiyi Shangu.

But now, sitting on the dragon's back, it did not take long for Luoning to vaguely see the direction of the town.

"That over there is the Wushan Magical Beast Mountain Range."

Luoning pointed to the rolling mountains in the distance and said, "There are many Magic Beasts inside; you can look for food there when you are hungry."

Kaierluosi let out a joyful cheer, the sound piercing through the clouds to reach below, startling a flock of birds into flight.

Its Frostfire Wing could finally soar freely through the heavens and earth; it could finally choose its own food!

Luoning continued to give other instructions, such as not eating people and trying to avoid high-level Magic Beasts, among others.

At the same time, he was also considering finding a place on the west side of Shanlin Town to serve as the dragon's lair.

Advanced Magic Beasts all had their own territories, let alone a dragon.

When the time came, relying on its Dragon Might would likely be enough to deter those Magic Beasts, making them afraid to easily invade Shanlin Town.

In this way, Maiken and the others would not need to lead teams to patrol the Heitie Forest area every few days, nor would they need to worry all day about the people working in the Ironwood Workshop being attacked by Magic Beasts.

Soon, the man and the dragon landed on a hillside.

"Alright, remember my instructions, and don't cause me any trouble."

He patted Kaierluosi's head, "I will summon you if there is anything; for now, go on your own."

"Understood, Master!"

Kaierluosi impatiently spread its wings and flew into the air amidst a gust of wind, disappearing quickly.

Judging by the direction, Kaierluosi must have headed toward the Wushan Magical Beast Mountain Range.

"Looks like it's going to have a hearty meal."

Luoning smiled and shook his head, and not long after descending the small hill, he arrived on the mountain road.

This road connected Shanlin Town and Qingzhu Village.

Last winter, because Luoning encouraged the subjects to clear trees for the winter, Along road had already been opened up here.

And now the logging was still continuing; it was estimated that it would reach Qingzhu Village by the end of the year.

"It's the Lord!"

"Hurry and pay respects to the Lord!"

When Luoning passed by a wheat field, the subjects working in the fields noticed his figure.

Although the quality of life for the subjects of Shanlin Town had not improved significantly, compared to before, they at least had a relatively stable living environment.

The policies issued by Wushan Castle were conveyed through the Village Chiefs of each village, giving every subject a clear understanding.

They knew what their tasks were, and they also knew what they would receive after their efforts.

Given the Lord's kindness, generosity, and his keeping of promises many times over, they were very willing to believe in these policies of the Lord.

If nothing else, they were very happy to implement the recently issued policy regarding pregnant women.

While expanding their family size, they could also apply to the Lord's Manor for three hundred catties of grain and other rights; many subjects were thinking about having children just for this.

Some single men who could not find wives in the town even set their sights on the Slaves; in any case, the Lord had said that Slaves could also marry.

As for the status of being a Slave, they did not care; anyway, as long as they worked for the Lord for ten years, they could become Serfs, and even if they had children in the future, they could shed the status of a Slave, without worrying that the Lord would take their children away to sell them.

Facing the enthusiastic subjects, Luoning stopped to greet them and offered some encouragement, telling everyone to live and work in peace and contentment, and that life in Shanlin Town would get better and better.

Walking and stopping along the way, it was already close to noon by the time he reached Wushan Castle.

Wushan Castle was relatively quiet now; Ailin and Black Tiger had both moved to Swamp Town, following Aierlong with her mother Jennie to learn potion making.

Moreover, the environment of Swamp Town was also more suitable for Ailin's cultivation.

"My Lord, why have you returned?" The Steward Chahaer happened to be at Wushan Castle.

"The matter is finished, so I returned early."

Luoning said, "Have the kitchen prepare lunch; also, has Luogena returned?"

"Knight Luogena is in town. He has already brought the five hundred or so people that Andongni recruited from Baron Kona to Shanlin Town, and Wilson is currently settling them in."

"In addition, Pier-sen and his Caravan have also returned from Wushan City. The Ironwood Armor and weapons sold this time earned a total of 272 gold coins, all of which have been placed in the drawer of your study."

The production capacity of the Ironwood Workshop had increased, and Jialier's order had been completed ahead of schedule, which was conveniently escorted to Wushan City during this trip by Luogena.

"Also, the Letter Bird has brought a letter from Wushan Castle."

Luoning's eyes lit up; the Bird Path for the Letter Bird had been successfully established for some time now, and it was finally possible to realize correspondence with the outside world.

"Where is the letter?"

"It is on the desk in your study."

Luoning went to the study; the letter was contained in a Linen Cloth bag. Upon opening it, he saw a piece of parchment inside with quite a bit of text written on it; judging by the handwriting, he knew it was from Lulansi.

Reading through it, the first part consisted of greetings; perhaps Lulansi was old, or perhaps the backlash from the Soul Devouring Surge had left him in poor condition, making him seem a bit long-winded.

However, it mentioned later that May 25th was approaching, and he hoped that Luoning could go to Wushan Castle to celebrate his birthday this year, while also asking him to consider the possibility of an engagement with Blanche.

"I didn't expect my birthday to be coming up so soon."

Luoning couldn't help but chuckle; he had actually forgotten about this matter.

"Since the old man isn't convenient to travel, I'll make the trip myself; I'll treat it as going to see him."

Nowadays, the affairs of the territory are proceeding in an orderly manner, and Luoning leaving for a period of time won't affect anything.

As for the engagement to Blanche, it seems the Princess should have a positive intention on her end.

Luoning does not resist this kind of political marriage; after all, Blanche is not ugly, and her personality seems fine as well.

The key is the status; marrying a Princess of the Kingdom will bring him another layer of identity.

Luoning thought for a moment, took out a piece of parchment, and began to write a reply to Lulansi.

However, he only mentioned that he would return to Wushan Castle for the birthday; as for the engagement, they would talk about it when the time came.

"Knock, knock..."

The door was knocked upon.

"Come in."

Luogena pushed the door open and entered, greeting him with a smile: "My Lord, long time no see!"

"I just heard from Chahar that you had returned, so I came over to report."

"You've worked hard, Luogena."

Luoning smiled and said: "Kelami is still on her way back; it is estimated that it will take four or five days for her to reach Heitu Town."

"Thank you, my Lord, for taking care of Kelami."

"I didn't take care of her; executing missions in the woodlands, the conditions are quite harsh."

Luoning said with a smile: "You have a strong-willed fiancée; when do you two plan to get married?"

Luogena scratched his head, seemingly not prepared.

"We originally planned for this year, but later I discussed it with Kelami, and we plan to build a small courtyard in Swamp Town; once it's finished, we will talk about the wedding."

They are now considered to have left their respective families, so holding the wedding naturally takes place in their own little home.

"That's no problem; whichever plot of land you fancy, just tell Wilson, and it's yours for free."

Luoning said with a smile: "When the time comes, just hold the wedding at Zhaozebao!"

"Many thanks for the Lord's generosity!"

Luogena thanked him with a smile, then composed his expression and said seriously: "My Lord, I obtained a piece of intelligence while I was out this time that I need to relay to you."

Luoning raised an eyebrow; last time Luogena brought news regarding the trial of Baron Leisen, what intelligence was there this time?

"Speak."

"I heard that in the southwest direction of Wushan Territory, the Bolante Bandit Group has not been very peaceful since April."

Luogena said: "Many people are speculating whether this group of bandits is going to cause trouble at the border again." (End of chapter)