Chapter 486: High-Quality Clay

Three days after the First Knight Order successfully stationed at West Wind Hill, Luoning descended upon this military camp riding a dragon.

West Wind Hill could be considered half of his own enclave; his trip here was mainly to inspect the surrounding environment and resources.

As for the enemy situation, the main forces of the Telixiya Kingdom were positioned opposite Red Pine Castle, and only a single Knight Order was defending West Wind Hill, which Ruidar could handle completely.

Accompanied by Ruidar and Aoduoluo, Luoning inspected the main defensive positions and watched the soldiers' routine training, taking the opportunity to offer many words of encouragement.

For the army stationed at the border, in addition to members receiving extra subsidies, killing enemies and performing meritorious service would also earn rewards such as money, equipment, porcelain, Silk, and farmland.

These rewards were not merely verbal; Luoning had already let Ruidar and the others discuss and formulate appropriate terms, making them public to all knights and soldiers in the territory.

For most people, becoming an Honorary Knight, or even a Baron, was almost a very difficult thing.

However, killing enemies and earning rewards was much simpler.

Therefore, the implementation of this measure could indeed stimulate the soldiers' enthusiasm.

"My Lord, the terrain of West Wind Hill is mainly small Shanlin. After crossing the small hill ahead, there is a flat area, and Watchtower is thirty miles away. According to information provided by Viscount Denni, the Commander of Watchtower is Viscount Placido Carmen, who possesses the strength of a peak Meteor."

The three soon arrived at the small hill, and Luoning's gaze swept over the valley plain below, where he could vaguely see the Telixiya Kingdom's Watchtower.

"Peak Meteor level, that is indeed a decent talent."

Luoning said with a smile: "If a war breaks out later, if such talents can be persuaded to surrender, then persuade them. Our ultimate enemy is on the New Moon Continent; as long as these knights can be used by me, they can all be spared."

"Of course, if they are people confirmed to be colluding with the Holy Storm Organization, there is no need to keep them."

Ruidar nodded, "I understand."

Luoning withdrew his gaze, "Does West Wind Hill have any other valuable local products?"

Ruidar looked at Aoduoluo.

The latter immediately became spirited; facing this young yet high-ranking and powerful noble, he, in his forties, was actually a bit nervous.

"My Lord, the Regiment Commander has already had me conduct a detailed survey and statistics. No special mineral deposits have been found here, and even stone mines are rarely seen. However, there is quite a lot of clay here, which Viscount Denni and his men have made into bricks; many houses are built with mud bricks."

This world did use bricks, and Luoning had seen many. But compared to firing bricks from clay to build houses, they preferred to use wood directly, or stack them using stones mixed with mud and the like.

"What kind of clay?"

Luoning asked: "Speaking of which, the Kaolin in Huitu Village is also a type of clay, and its value is not low."

"It is different from Kaolin."

Ruidar said with a smile: "I have been to see it; it is a type of red clay. If you wish to know more, you can come with me."

"Then take me to see it."

Saying this, the two stepped into the air and left.

This scene filled Aoduoluo with awe and yearning; with such a lord and Regiment Commander, could they still lose battles at the border?

Led by Ruidar, Luoning arrived in the Shanlin on the west side and saw many red clay pits that had been dug; the scale of the clay appeared to be quite large.

Luoning surveyed it in detail.

The clay here was not Kaolin and could not be used to make porcelain.

However, the quality of the clay was relatively high, and there was absolutely no problem with making high-quality pottery.

Moreover, with the research into Steam Power, Luoning could manufacture crushers and grinders to crush stones, iron ore, and the like, thereby producing Cement.

"Jushi City has a rich variety of stone mines, which, combined with the clay here, as well as iron ore, gypsum, etc., can be used to produce Cement."

"Cement?" Ruidar was puzzled.

"A type of excellent building material."

Luoning explained with a smile: "It seems that West Wind Hill is not a barren land after all. It was not a waste of the operating rights I applied for from His Majesty the King."

Ruidar laughed: "Your ability in territory construction is not at all inferior to your talent for cultivation. In my experience, I have never seen anyone as knowledgeable and wise as you!"

Luoning laughed, "Since when did you start speaking so flatteringly?"

"Uh, I am just stating an objective fact."

As the two spoke, two figures quickly shuttled over. The one in the lead was Aoduoluo, and Luoning did not recognize the burly man behind him.

"My Lord, Regiment Commander, Viscount Denni says he has important matters and wishes to see you," Aoduoluo reported.

Ruidar was a bit puzzled, not understanding why the other party had come over again.

"Respected Marquis of Moonlight Valley, Denni Torres greets you."

While greeting, Denni sized up Luoning.

Because he had been stationed at the border for Along time, he had never seen this legendary figure. Seeing him today, the other party looked even younger than he had imagined.

"I am very happy to see you, Viscount Denni. I wonder what business you have with us?"

Denni glanced at Ruidar and said with a smile: "When I left, I mentioned to Ruidar that the Crown Prince was waiting for him at Red Pine Castle. I did not expect that the Regiment Commander had not gone over in these past few days."

He spread his hands and said with some apology: "His Highness is very angry, so he specifically sent me to notify Ruidar to arrive at Red Pine Castle today without fail. Otherwise, whatever consequences arise, the Regiment Commander will have to bear them together with you."

Ruidar did not argue, but admitted that this was the case, "I have been handling the defenses of West Wind Hill these past few days, so I was delayed."

He had not expected that Red Pine Castle would actually send someone specifically to urge him.

Luoning raised his eyebrows slightly and asked in surprise: "In such a rush to find Ruidar, does the Crown Prince have combat missions arranged in the near future?"

Luoning frowned slightly; he had not received any notification to attack the Telixiya Kingdom.

Denni was stunned for a moment, "Uh, I haven't heard of that, but I think His Highness must have other matters for you?"

Luoning nodded slightly, "Since that is the case, Ruidar, you go with Denni and see what arrangements the Crown Prince has."

"Very well, My Lord."

Denni asked in surprise: "Is the Marquis not planning to go with us?"

Luoning shook his head, "I have already handed the defenses of West Wind Hill over to Ruidar; he can make decisions for me. I have other urgent matters here, so I will not go."

Luoning's relationship with Jialete was not very good. At the wedding at the end of last year, the other party had only said a symbolic word of blessing in front of everyone, and there had been no communication in private at all.

According to what Blanche said, it was likely that his rise had made Jialete unhappy.

Luoning did not think he had done anything to wrong Jialete; on the contrary, he had given the other party plenty of face in many matters, but he had not expected to receive this kind of treatment in return.

Given that there were no recent battles, the other party's urgency in having Ruidar come over might be because they had matters to entrust to him, but it could also be an attempt to throw their weight around using their status as commander-in-chief.

Therefore, to avoid direct friction, it was better for Luoning not to go, even if that would still displease the other party.

Denni muttered to himself, as he was not clear on the relationship between Luoning and Jialete.

He only understood the temper of this Crown Prince; if the Prince learned that Luoning had come to the front lines but did not pay a visit, he would definitely be very displeased.

However, he had no way to persuade him.

After all, Luoning's status was set there, far higher than his own.

Moreover, the higher-ups had only asked him to invite Ruidar to Red Pine Castle this time and had not mentioned Luoning.

"Alright, then Ruidar, let us head over now."

He said with a smile, "If all goes smoothly, we will be able to return by evening."

Ruidar bowed slightly toward Luoning, then left the Shanlin with Denni and rode a Griffin to Red Pine Castle.

There shouldn't be any trouble, right?

Luoning muttered in his heart, "Aoduoluo, go arrange for some people to do something."

Aoduoluo bowed and said, "Please give your orders, my lord!"

"Find a few people to dig up a dozen or so buckets of this clay; I have a use for it when I take it back." (End of this chapter)