Chapter 403: Taking the Initiative

Heimang Castle.

"Balindun, why have things suddenly turned out like this?"

Viscount Taini Zilei wore a look of deep distress as he questioned his son-in-law.

"Your sister is still Weijinsi's wife, and your nephew is still the heir to Wushan Castle. Even if we wanted to control more territory, or even become the masters behind the scenes of Wushan Territory, we have simpler ways to do it, rather than declaring war on Wushan Castle!"

Balindun's expression was indifferent. "Viscount Taini, are you unaware that that old man Lulansi has already recovered? If we wait for him to die, then wait for Weijinsi to die, and then wait for my nephew to inherit the title of Marquis, how long would that take?"

"Even if you win, do you think Wushan Territory will be yours?"

Taini shook his head bitterly; he knew that no matter how much more he said, it was already useless.

From the moment they attempted to assassinate Milosilafu, the Haide Family had no way back. Also finished were the various nobles of the Count's territory who were attached to them.

"Taini, stop the nonsense. As the founder of the Skull Society, you even sent people to assassinate Lulansi's precious grandson Luoning. Having committed such a crime, do you still expect Wushan Castle to spare you alone?"

Aosen sneered, showing no respect for his relative by marriage. "What you can do now is lead your troops and the other nobles to fight for me; that way, you might still have a chance at survival."

He clenched his fist. "To tell you the truth, I am very strong now!"

Taini took a deep breath, suppressing the displeasure in his heart. "Fine, Aosen, I will support you, and I will also pray that your approach is correct."

This time, the Vila Principality did not send the Black Gold Brotherhood to support them, making it impossible to divert the forces of Wushan Castle. Without outside help, it was impossible for a Count's territory to contend with Wushan Castle and the Silva Magic Energy Chamber of Commerce.

Aosen's arrogance left Taini speechless. Where was their chance of winning?

With that group of militia outside the castle wearing coarse linen clothes?

In fact, Balindun had already sent a message to Duke Andeliya, but the latter considered that this matter started because of Milosilafu, and also knew that the royal family had arranged for the Deputy Commander of the Griffin Knights, Buluoer, to come and assist.

Andeliya did not want to be too high-profile, nor did he want to offend the Silva Magic Energy Chamber of Commerce and the royal family, so he did not let the Black Gold Brotherhood raise an army to invade.

However, he did not do nothing; at the very least, he reinforced his troops at Black Pine Mountain, letting this point be driven firmly into the land of Wushan Territory like a nail.

"My approach is, of course, accurate. Heh heh, chaos will spread across the land of Wushan Territory! Since Lulansi has prepared for so many days and still hasn't made a move, then we shall reverse the roles and act first!"

Aosen stood up. "Balindun, take your team and Viscount Taini to raid Cuican City right now!"

Taini was shocked; he had not expected that under these circumstances, Aosen would still want to split his forces and take the initiative to attack.

Before he could offer any advice, Balindun readily accepted the order.

"As you wish. I believe that soon we will be able to let fear and death spread through Cuican City!"

"Go!"

A smile hung on the corner of Aosen's mouth, as if victory were already beckoning to him.

In reality, ever since following Mofisite, they had gradually lost their original intentions.

Becoming the master of Wushan Territory and strengthening the Haide Family—these were their goals in the past. What they had to do now was carry out Mofisite's plan: to bring the greatest degree of trauma and chaos to the nobles of Wushan Territory.

On the other hand, when Luoning passed over Wushan Town, he had Kaierluosi fly to Anbian City to notify Ruidar to come over, while leaving Maiken temporarily in charge there.

He himself used Wind Wings to arrive at Meilongnika's Baron castle.

"A Griffin?"

Luoning landed on the ground and caught sight of the Griffin not far away, knowing that the royal family's people had finally arrived.

He entered the living room and saw Buluoer congratulating Lulansi on his recovery. Besides the two of them, there were also Milosilafu, Meilongnika, and a white-haired old man.

"Haha, Luoning is back."

Seeing Luoning walk in, Lulansi hurriedly smiled and introduced him.

"You know Buluoer. This is Lord Dao'en Bokesi. Like Milosilafu, he is not only one of the Vice Presidents of the Silva Magic Energy Chamber of Commerce and the person in charge of the Cuican City branch, but also a powerful Great Archmage!"

Luoning greeted them one by one.

Dao'en said kindly, "Mr. Beiluola asked me to come and help, not only because of his anger over Milosilafu's assassination, but also based on his friendship with you, Luoning."

Although he said that, Dao'en himself was very surprised.

What kind of friendship could Luoning and Beiluola have?

One was not even twenty, the other was over a hundred; how could the two of them know each other?

Lulansi was also somewhat surprised; it seemed his grandson had experienced some things he did not know about.

Luoning shook hands with Dao'en. "After this matter is over, please convey my regards to Mr. Beiluola!"

Buluoer then said, "Luoning, His Majesty also has words for you and the Marquis. Regardless of how your situation with Heimang City progresses, you must appear in Cuican City before June 14th."

He looked at Lulansi. "Of course, if you could accompany him, that would be the best thing."

Lulansi stroked his white beard, knowing that this was the King worrying that a delay in the marriage would affect the royal family's reputation.

"Rest assured, even if I cannot go by then, Luoning will go with you to Cuican City."

"That would be best!"

The group chatted for a few more moments before Luoning interjected.

"Everyone, I took the time to observe Heimang City and discovered a very important matter; the difficulty of this war will increase!"

Hm?

The last sentence immediately attracted everyone's attention.

In their view, with three Meteor Knights—Lulansi, Meilongnika, and Buluoer—plus two Great Archmages, Milosilafu and Dao'en, Heimang City should have no power to resist such a lineup.

"What matter could possibly increase the difficulty of the war?"

Dao'en asked in confusion, "Could it be that Aosen has new experts helping him?"

Next, Luoning recounted what he had seen in Heimang City, and also mentioned the Witch Soul Clan's characteristic of being difficult to kill.

Upon hearing this, everyone fell into a silence.

Whether it was the Witch Soul Clan's inability to be killed or the fact that they were turning ordinary people into "Puppets," both overturned their understanding.

The knowledgeable Great Archmages Dao'en and Milosilafu both frowned; they had never heard of this clan.

"If it is truly as you say, then this Witch Soul Clan are the servants of demons!"

Dao'en frowned; looking past the surface to the essence of the matter, if this business with the thralls were to spread elsewhere, the negative impact would be unprecedentedly massive.

Buluoer nodded, "I will have my Griffin Knights go and confirm it in a moment."

He looked at Lulansi: "If this is truly the case, Lord Marquis, we need to take action as soon as possible!"

"Witch Soul Clan..."

Lulansi murmured this name, the resentment and anger in his heart gradually rising.

For these years, he had been tormented by Witch Soul power, and now that he not only discovered the existence of a so-called Witch Soul Clan but also learned they were targeting thousands of innocent civilians, such conduct made him extremely furious.

He trusted Luoning's intelligence implicitly; regardless of whether Buluoer went to investigate, this war had to be launched as soon as possible.

"There is no need for us to wait for the noble contingents from afar anymore. Meilongnika, go and notify the Regiment Commander and the Knights now; have them prepare to set out and march tomorrow!"

Meilongnika said in a deep voice: "Yes, my lord!"

The efficiency of the Griffin Knights was very high; before sunset that afternoon, they returned with the information they had scouted.

There was no one outside Heimang Castle as Luoning had described, but they discovered a large troop of men on the southeast side advancing in the direction of Wushan Town, and at the same time, another troop of soldiers was crossing the plains on the north side.

"Aosen has actually taken the initiative to attack; the troop to the north..."

Lulansi looked at the map behind him and narrowed his eyes: "He wants to launch a surprise attack on Cuican City." (End of chapter)