Chapter 90

The faces of the two nobles turned somewhat ugly in an instant.

They naturally understood that once one became involved with an organization like the "Scorpion Society," it was almost impossible to get out.

"But..."

One of the nobles wanted to say something more.

Baron Amanke suddenly raised his head, a crazy light flashing in his eyes.

"There are no 'buts'!"

"Either follow me to accomplish a great cause and enjoy endless power and wealth!"

"Or just be a mediocre waste waiting to be slaughtered!"

"The two of you, choose for yourselves!"

His tone was incredibly firm.

The two nobles sitting opposite Baron Amanke felt a chill in their hearts as they looked at his near-maniacal gaze.

They knew that Amanke had been completely blinded by the future painted by the "Scorpion Society."

"Amanke, I, we..."

One of the nobles opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something more.

But just then, a sudden change occurred!

Baron Amanke's mouth curled into a strange smile.

In his hand, he suddenly held two jet-black spikes that emitted an ominous aura.

"Since the two of you are unwilling to share the glory of the future with me."

"Then, in order to keep the secret, I can only ask the two of you to die!"

Before the words had even finished, the black spikes in his hands struck with lightning speed, stabbing fiercely into the throats of the proud noble and the chubby-faced noble beside him!

Those two nobles had never expected Amanke to suddenly strike such a poisonous blow; caught off guard, they didn't even have time to scream before their throats were pierced by the black spikes.

Their eyes widened suddenly, filled with disbelief and endless fear.

Blood sprayed from their throats, staining their gorgeous clothes.

Their bodies twitched a few times before they collapsed limply to the ground, their life force rapidly fading.

Baron Amanke looked at the two corpses lying in a pool of blood, a sickly smile appearing on his face.

He took a handkerchief from his pocket and carefully wiped the bloodstains from his fingers.

"What a pity."

"I originally wanted to let you live a few more days."

He murmured in a low voice, his eyes devoid of any pity or regret.

This sudden turn of events left the surrounding guests in a state of brief stupor.

Immediately after, terrified screams erupted one after another.

The entire banquet hall instantly fell into chaos.

Viscount Auston was also scared out of his wits by this bloody scene and hurriedly shouted for his guards.

Meanwhile, Baron Amanke took advantage of the chaos to slip silently into the crowd, and soon disappeared without a trace.

Two days later.

Vanguard Valley, Lord's Mansion.

Roko listened to the report from Scout Captain Bake, his brow furrowed tightly.

"You're saying that two nobles died at the banquet hosted by Viscount Auston?"

Bake nodded, his expression grave.

"Yes."

"Of the two who died, one was a Baron, and the other was a Pioneer Noble."

"According to Viscount Auston's public statement, a group of fierce bandits suddenly broke in halfway through the banquet."

"In the process of robbing property, they killed those two nobles."

"Furthermore, Viscount Auston also claimed that those bandits were likely the Bulake Fire Bandit Group, which has recently become notorious in the Xin Feng Province."

Roko couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this.

"The Bulake Fire Bandit Group?"

"This excuse is reasonably plausible."

"After all, the Bulake Fire Bandit Group has indeed been quite active lately, so pinning the blame on them is justifiable."

Bake continued.

"Currently, most of the nobles in the Xin Feng Province believe this explanation."

"However..."

9

Bake hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"However, my subordinates investigated carefully and discovered some suspicious points."

"Oh? Tell me about them."

A trace of interest flashed in Roko's eyes.

"According to some servants who were present at the time, those two nobles had been whispering in a corner for a long time with another Baron named Amanke before they were killed."

"It seems there was some dispute between them."

"Moreover, the state of the two nobles' bodies was also somewhat suspicious."

"Their throats were pierced in one strike by an extremely sharp spike."

"The wound was very small but deep enough to see bone."

"Ordinary bandits would likely find it difficult to be so clean and efficient."

Roko's eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing this.

Baron Amanke?

He had some impression of this name.

When the Kingdom Allied Forces were fighting against the Orc Army, he had met this Baron Amanke a few times.

This guy seemed to be an ambitious existence, but his strength was nothing to speak of.

"Where is that Baron Amanke now?"

Roko asked.

"After the tragedy at the banquet, that Baron Amanke disappeared without a trace."

"Some say he might have been abducted by the bandits, while others say he might have escaped during the chaos."

"In short, neither hide nor hair of him has been seen."

Bake replied.

Roko pondered for a moment, then said.

"Interesting."

"It seems this matter is not as simple as it appears on the surface."

He could be almost certain that the deaths of those two nobles were inseparable from the missing Baron Amanke.

It was even highly likely that it was related to the so-called "Scorpion Society."

"Young Master, do we need to continue investigating this matter further?"

Bake requested instructions.

Roko waved his hand.

"No need."

"Since someone wants to muddy the waters, we'll just wait and see."

"However, there is one thing that surprises me."

"Young Master, what is it?"

"Two nobles died, and one of them was a Baron."

"Logically speaking, the Kingdom should have dispatched an investigation team to look into it."

"But until now, there hasn't been a single move from the Royal Capital."

Roko's tone carried a trace of doubt.

Bake nodded upon hearing this.

"This matter is indeed somewhat strange."

"Logically, the Kingdom would certainly attach great importance to such a vicious incident."

"But this time, it seems unusually calm."

Roko's gaze looked out the window, his eyes becoming somewhat profound.

"It seems that with the old King not appearing for a long time, the situation in the Royal Capital is not entirely peaceful either."

"All parties are likely stirring."

"For 'small matters' occurring in border provinces like our Xin Feng Province, those big figures in the Royal Capital probably have no time to care."

He vaguely felt that the entire Bulake Kingdom seemed to be shrouded under an invisible cloud.

The future situation would likely become increasingly chaotic.

And for some, this chaos was a disaster.

But for others, it meant opportunity.

Half a month later.

A piece of news caused a great deal of discussion among the people in Vanguard Valley.

Roko learned from Martina that two ownerless Baron territories near his own had actually been bought by people from the Temple of Light.

It was said that the Temple of Light intended to increase its efforts to develop its influence in the Xin Feng Province.

This caused a trace of vigilance to arise in Roko's heart.

The Temple of Light was a behemoth.

Its influence spanned the entire Bulake Kingdom, and it even held significant sway in other countries.

Their sudden focus on this relatively barren land of the Xin Feng Province could not be simple.

"It seems the peaceful days are coming to an end."

Roko sighed softly, a trace of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

Several more days later.

Just as Roko had anticipated, people from the Temple of Light arrived at Vanguard Valley.

There were two of them.

The leader was a middle-aged man wearing white priest robes with a warm expression.

He held a thick Holy Scripture in his hands, his eyes filled with a look of compassion for the world.

Beside him was a knight wearing silver armor, a cross-sword hanging at his waist, and a cold expression.

A sharp aura radiated from that knight; he was clearly a Bronze rank powerhouse.

Roko received these two uninvited guests in the castle's council chamber.

Fula and Hart stood on his left and right, guarding behind him with vigilant expressions.

Martina stood to the side, holding a stack of documents.

Her snow-white eyes curiously sized up the priest and the knight.

"Respected Baron Roko Raymond, may the light shine upon you."

The middle-aged priest bowed slightly, a warm smile on his face.

"I am Chris, the person in charge of the diocese for the Temple of Light in the Xin Feng Province."

"This is Ka'erluo Qishi of the Temple Knight Order."

Roko nodded, signaling them not to stand on ceremony.

"I wonder what brings Priest Chris and Ka'erluo Qishi here today?"

His tone was neither humble nor arrogant.

Priest Chris heard this, and the smile on his face became even warmer.

"Since Baron Roko has said so, I won't beat around the bush."

He paused, scanned the layout of the council chamber, and then spoke.

"I have heard that you are a young and promising Baron who has managed this Vanguard Valley in an orderly fashion; it is truly admirable."

"However, this Vanguard Valley is located on the border of the Xin Feng Province, near the Mist Forest and the Orc Wasteland of the Northland."

"This geographical location is truly somewhat dangerous."

Roko raised an eyebrow, said nothing, and listened quietly to what he had to say next.

Priest Chris continued.

"The Temple of Light has always taken the spreading of light and the protection of the world as its duty."

"We cannot bear to see you, Baron, and the people of your territory living on the edge of danger at all times."

"Therefore, after discussion by the Temple's higher-ups, we have decided to provide funds to purchase your Vanguard Valley."

"As for the price..."

2

Priest Chris held up three fingers.

"Thirty thousand gold coins, what do you think?"

"This price is already very fair for purchasing a Baron territory, especially one like Vanguard Valley that is remotely located and frequently threatened by magic beasts and orcs."

"One could even say it is the highest price the Temple can offer."

His tone was full of confidence, as if this were a tremendous favor.

Roko sneered in his heart upon hearing this.

Thirty thousand gold coins to buy his Vanguard Valley?

This plan was truly shrewd.

Although Vanguard Valley's location was indeed not very good, its potential was enormous.

Moreover, this was his territory and the foundation of his future career.

How could it be dismissed for a mere thirty thousand gold coins?

"I appreciate Priest Chris's good intentions."

A faint smile appeared on Roko's face.

"However, this Vanguard Valley is the territory of my Raymond family, and it is also the place where I, Roko Raymond, have established my life."

"Forgive me, but I cannot agree to the priest's request."

Priest Chris's smile faltered slightly upon hearing this.

He seemed not to have expected Roko to refuse so decisively.

In his view, a young Baron who had just been enfeoffed, facing such a "generous" proposal from the Temple of Light,

should have accepted it with gratitude.

"Baron Roko, you should think this over carefully."

Priest Chris's tone remained warm, but a trace of imperceptible coldness appeared in his eyes.

"The goodwill of the Temple of Light is not something you encounter every day."

"If you miss this opportunity, I fear you will regret it in the future."

These words already carried a faint hint of a threat.

Roko's expression also sank.

"Thank you for the reminder, Priest, but my mind is made up."

"Vanguard Valley is not for sale."

His tone was incredibly firm.

Priest Chris looked at Roko's determined gaze, and the smile on his face finally vanished completely.

Replacing it was a coldness and arrogance that he made no effort to hide.

"Since Baron Roko refuses a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit, don't blame the Temple of Light for not giving you face."

His voice also became sharp.

"If the purchase cannot be made, then we will change our approach."

"We, the Temple of Light, have decided to build a church belonging to the Temple within your Vanguard Valley to spread the faith of light and educate the ignorant people of your territory."

"This matter does not require your consent."

"We are merely informing you."

Once these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the council chamber instantly dropped to freezing point.

Fula and Hart simultaneously erupted with powerful auras, locking onto Priest Chris and Ka'erluo Qishi.

As long as Roko gave the order, they would strike without hesitation.

Martina was also flushed with anger at Priest Chris's overbearing and unreasonable words.

Her snow-white fox ears were trembling slightly from rage.

Roko's eyes also became as cold as frost.

Forcibly building a church in his territory?

This was nothing short of blatant provocation and humiliation!

The anger in his heart was like a volcano, nearly erupting.

But his reason was frantically reminding him to stay calm and exercise restraint.

The influence of the Temple of Light was too vast.

With his current strength, he simply could not contend with them.

If he really tore off the mask, the consequences would be unimaginable.

His territory, his people, and even himself could all be ruined as a result.

A strong sense of humiliation surged into his heart.

Roko clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, causing waves of stinging pain.

He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the anger and killing intent in his heart.

"Since it is to spread the faith of light and educate the people of the territory."

"As the Lord of Vanguard Valley, I naturally welcome it."

Roko's voice was somewhat hoarse but exceptionally calm.

"However, I wonder where the Temple intends to build the church?"

"And what help do you need me to provide?"

Priest Chris seemed not to have expected Roko to yield so easily.

He was slightly stunned, then a smug smile appeared on his face.

"Hehe, Baron Roko is indeed a wise man who knows the times."

"That is excellent, and it saves both of us quite a bit of trouble."

"As for the location of the church, our Temple will naturally send professional personnel to survey it."

"At that time, I hope you, Baron, can provide some convenience."

"As for help, it is not needed for the time being."

"Our Temple of Light is not so poor that we cannot even come up with the resources to build a church."

His tone was filled with a sense of superiority.

Roko nodded expressionlessly.

"Good, I understand."

"If there is nothing else, the two of you may return first."

"I will fully cooperate with the construction of the church."

Priest Chris and Ka'erluo Qishi looked at each other, both wearing satisfied smiles.

In their view, this young Baron had been completely subdued by them.

"Since that is the case, we won't disturb you any further."

"Farewell."

Priest Chris performed a perfunctory salute and then left the council chamber with Ka'erluo Qishi, head held high.

Not until their figures had completely disappeared outside the castle.

Did Roko's tense body relax slightly.

A deep sense of powerlessness surged into his heart.

"Young Master!"

Hart stepped forward, his eyes filled with anger and unwillingness.

"Are we just going to let them bully us like this?"

"This Temple of Light is simply too overbearing!"

Martina also said indignantly.

"Exactly! What 'spreading light' and 'educating the ignorant,' I think they just want to forcibly occupy our territory!"

"Roko, you shouldn't have agreed to them just now!"

Fula said nothing, just walked silently behind Roko, reached out with her cool little hand, and gently held his.

Seeming to want to comfort him in this way.

Roko felt the softness and coolness from his hand, and the anger in his heart gradually subsided a little.

He turned around, looked at Hart and Martina, and a bitter smile appeared on his face.

"If I didn't agree, what else could I do?"

,

"Do we really have to completely tear off the mask with the Temple of Light?"

"With our current strength, we are simply no match for them."

"In that case, the ones who would suffer would only be ourselves."

Hart was silent for a moment upon hearing this, then a trace of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.

"Young Master, since we can't fight them openly, let's do it in the dark!"

"That Priest Chris and Ka'erluo Qishi, although not weak, are only two people after all."

"As long as we plan carefully, it's not impossible to keep them in this Xin Feng Province forever!"

"With the current turmoil in the Kingdom, nobles have died, and the higher-ups may not necessarily send an investigation team to thoroughly look into it."

"Just like those two nobles before, it's not impossible to pin their deaths on bandits!"

Hart's proposal was nothing if not bold.

One could even say it was somewhat crazy.

Assassinating a priest and a Temple Knight of the Temple of Light—if this were to get out, it would be enough to shake the entire Bulake Kingdom.

Martina heard this, and a trace of temptation flashed in her snow-white eyes.

Although she did not approve of violence, the actions of the Temple of Light truly made her feel very angry.

Roko looked at Hart's eyes filled with killing intent and slowly shook his head.

"Hart, don't be impulsive, calm down."

"Assassinating them cannot fundamentally solve the problem."

"On the contrary, it would invite even more violent and crazy retaliation from the Temple of Light."

"At that time, what we would have to face would not just be one Priest Chris and one Ka'erluo Qishi."

"It could even be the wrath of the entire Temple of Light."

"We cannot bear that kind of consequence."

He knew that Hart was making such a risky suggestion out of loyalty to him.

However, he could not drag the entire Vanguard Valley into an abyss of no return because of a moment of impulse.

"Then what should we do?"

Hart said somewhat dejectedly.

Are we really just going to watch the Temple of Light run wild in Vanguard Valley?

Roko's gaze turned back to the window.

The sky was still clear, and the sunlight was still bright.

But his heart was incredibly heavy at this moment.

"Endure."

"For now, we can only endure."

He said with a calm expression.

"Before we have sufficient strength, we can only choose to endure."

"But this does not mean we are going to sit and wait for death."

Roko's eyes gradually became firm.

"From today on, all affairs in the territory must prioritize the enhancement of strength."

"I want to make Vanguard Valley stronger in the shortest possible time!"

"Only when we are strong enough ourselves can we have the qualifications to talk on equal terms with anyone or any force!"

"And only then can we truly master our own destiny!"