Chapter 92: Slay the Priest! Slay the Knight! Vanguard River Valley Shall Be Bound No More!

Roko looked at the few people before him and continued to speak.

"There is no time to deliberate at length!"

"The Kingdom is in chaos, and the teleportation arrays have been destroyed; for us, this is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity!"

"Even if the Temple of Light finds out it was us, they will be unable to send large-scale reinforcements to retaliate within these two or three years!"

"And we must take advantage of this time gap to rapidly strengthen ourselves!"

"By the time they react, our Vanguard River Valley may well have the capital to contend with them!"

Martina opened her mouth, wanting to say something more, but looking at Roko's resolute gaze, she ultimately swallowed her words.

She knew that once Roko had made a decision, no one could change it.

"Fine!"

Martina bit her silver teeth, and a flash of determination crossed her snow-white eyes.

"Since you have already decided, then let us try!"

"However, we must formulate a foolproof plan!"

"Otherwise, once we fail, all of us will be doomed beyond salvation!"

A trace of a smile finally appeared on Roko's face.

"That goes without saying."

He turned his head to look at Hart.

"Hart, what do you think?"

Hart was silent for a moment, then knelt on one knee, his voice ringing with strength.

"This subordinate swears to follow the Young Master to the death!"

"I will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Seeing this, Falco also hurriedly knelt down.

"Guardian Knight Falco is willing to die for the Young Master!"

Talos's massive body also crashed to the floor, making a dull thud.

"Talos listens to the Master!"

He was not very good with words, but his honest eyes were filled with firmness.

Roko nodded with satisfaction.

"Very good."

"Now, everyone rise."

"Let us discuss the specific plan of action."

He gathered everyone in front of the sand table in the center of the council hall, where a detailed map of Vanguard River Valley was laid out.

"Our targets are Chris Shenfu and Ka'erluo Qishi."

"According to my observations, although Chris Shenfu is only a member of the clergy, his strength is likely not to be underestimated."

"At the very least, he is a Bronze Rank existence."

"And that Ka'erluo Qishi is a genuine Bronze Rank Knight, whose strength is on par with Hart's,"

"or perhaps even slightly superior."

Hearing this, Martina frowned slightly.

"Two Bronze Rank powerhouses..."

"Moreover, could there be other hidden guards by their side?"

Roko shook his head.

"There shouldn't be."

"Chris Shenfu and Ka'erluo Qishi have always held themselves in high regard; in a place like Vanguard River Valley, which they view as a 'barren land,' they will not be overly cautious."

"Furthermore, since we are the ones extending the invitation, they will be even less on their guard."

"An invitation?"

Martina was somewhat puzzled.

A meaningful smile curled the corners of Roko's mouth.

"That's right, an invitation."

"We will use 'discussing winter supply reserves for the territory' as an excuse to invite them to the Lingzhu Fu for a banquet."

"The location will be set in the banquet hall of the Lingzhu Fu."

A flash of realization crossed Hart's eyes.

"Does the Young Master intend to strike inside the banquet hall?"

Roko nodded.

"The banquet hall is spacious, which makes it convenient for our men to act."

"Moreover, that is our territory, and we can prepare some 'little surprises' in advance."

He looked at Martina.

"Martina, your task for this operation is very heavy."

"On one hand, you must be responsible for drafting a reasonable invitation letter to ensure they do not harbor any suspicions."

"On the other hand, how to cover up the truth after the deed is done, guide public opinion, and stabilize the hearts of the people in the territory—"

"these things also require your concern."

Martina took a deep breath and nodded solemnly.

"Rest assured, Roko."

"Leave these matters to me."

Since she had already decided, she would naturally give it her all.

Roko looked toward Falco again.

"Falco, your task is to be responsible for creating some chaos after the operation begins, to attract attention to the perimeter of the castle."

"At the same time, you must also find a way to create an alibi for us."

"Although we are not afraid of the Temple of Light investigating, it is always good to have fewer troubles."

A look of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness appeared on Falco's face.

"Yes! Young Master! I guarantee I will complete the mission!"

Being able to participate in such an important operation made him feel both honored and excited.

Finally, Roko's gaze landed on Fula, Hart, and Talos.

"As for the frontal battle..."

"Talos, Fula, the two of you join forces to focus your attack on Chris Shenfu."

"Remember, Chris Shenfu is very likely a mage; Talos, you are responsible for frontal containment to disrupt his spellcasting rhythm."

"Fula, you use your speed and agility to look for an opportunity for a one-hit kill."

Talos responded in a muffled voice.

"Understood!"

Fula also nodded lightly, her eyes flickering with cold killing intent.

"Hart and I will be responsible for dealing with that Ka'erluo Qishi."

Roko continued.

"Ka'erluo Qishi's strength is not weak; the two of us must join forces to resolve him in the shortest time possible."

"So as to avoid him joining up with Chris Shenfu and causing unnecessary trouble."

Hart responded in a deep voice.

"Yes, Young Master!"

"Besides us, I will also select fifty of the most elite Storm Knights to lie in ambush around the banquet hall."

A cold glint flashed in Roko's eyes.

"Once we give the signal, they will immediately rush out to seal off the entire banquet hall, ensuring not a single enemy escapes."

"At the same time, I will also set up some small mechanical traps within the banquet hall, hoping to bring them some 'surprises'."

Listening to Roko's meticulous deployment, the worry in everyone's hearts was gradually replaced by an inexplicable confidence.

Perhaps, this time, they could really succeed.

"Alright, the plan is as such."

Roko took a deep breath, his gaze firm.

"Go back and prepare, each of you."

"Remember, this matter concerns the survival of our Vanguard River Valley; it must be foolproof and kept absolutely confidential!"

"Yes!"

Everyone responded in unison, their voices filled with determination.

Two days later.

An invitation letter, written by Martina herself with earnest wording, was delivered to the newly built church outside Vanguard River Valley.

Looking at the familiar, elegant handwriting on the invitation and the Flame Griffin seal representing the Raymond Family, a smug smile appeared on Chris Shenfu's face.

"Heh, it seems that young Baron Roko finally knows how to yield."

He handed the invitation to Ka'erluo Qishi beside him.

Ka'erluo Qishi took the invitation, scanned it roughly, and a sneer of disdain also appeared on his face.

"He knows his place."

"I thought he really intended to resist our Temple of Light to the end."

Chris Shenfu picked up the wine on the table and took a light sip, his eyes flickering with greedy light.

"This land of Vanguard River Valley, although a bit barren, has a quite important geographical location."

"If we can incorporate this place into the sphere of influence of our Temple of Light, it will be of great benefit to our layout in New Wind Province."

Ka'erluo Qishi licked his lips, a lecherous look flashing in his eyes.

"I heard that the young Baron Roko has two maids with good looks by his side."

"One Maonv, one fox-girl; both are rare top-tier goods."

"Once we completely control Vanguard River Valley, we can 'reward' ourselves with them properly."

Hearing this, a flash of barely perceptible desire also crossed Chris Shenfu's eyes, but he quickly returned to that compassionate priest persona.

"Ka'erluo, watch your language."

"We are messengers of the light; how can we have such thoughts?"

Although he said this, the slightly upturned corners of his mouth exposed his true inner thoughts.

Ka'erluo Qishi chuckled and did not call him out.

"Master Priest is right to teach me."

"Then, for this banquet, are we going or not?"

Chris Shenfu put down his wine glass with an arrogant smile on his face.

"Go, of course we must go."

"I want to see what kind of 'surprise' that Baron Roko has prepared to welcome us."

"It is just as well; I shall take this opportunity to thoroughly beat him down and let him understand who the true master of this Vanguard River Valley is."

At dusk.

The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the entire Vanguard River Valley in a golden halo.

Inside the Lingzhu Fu, the lights were bright.

The banquet hall was already filled with sumptuous food and wine.

Yet, the air was permeated with a faint, chilling aura of slaughter.

Roko sat upright in the main seat, his expression calm and his eyes deep.

Fula and Hart stood on his left and right, respectively, waiting behind him.

Martina stood to the side, forcing herself to remain calm, holding a wine pot in her hand, ready to pour wine for the "honored guests" at any moment.

Her palms were already slick with nervous sweat.

Talos and Falco were, according to the plan, executing their respective tasks in other parts of the castle.

"They are here."

Roko's gaze turned toward the entrance of the banquet hall as he said this indifferently.

No sooner had he finished speaking than Chris Shenfu and Ka'erluo Qishi walked in haughtily, "surrounded" by a squad of castle guards.

"Heh heh, Baron Roko, I trust you have been well?"

Chris Shenfu wore a hypocritical smile on his face, his tone filled with a sense of superiority.

Ka'erluo Qishi, meanwhile, looked over the decorations in the banquet hall and Fula behind Roko without any restraint, his eyes filled with naked desire.

Roko slowly stood up, a perfectly measured smile appearing on his face.

"Chris Shenfu, Ka'erluo Qishi, welcome to my castle."

"That the two of you could grace this banquet with your presence truly makes my humble Vanguard River Valley shine with brilliance."

His tone was humble to the point of being sycophantic.

Chris Shenfu and Ka'erluo Qishi exchanged a glance, both wearing smug smiles.

It seemed this young Baron was truly frightened out of his wits by them.

"Baron Roko is too kind."

Chris Shenfu waved his hand, looking as if it were only natural.

"We of the Temple of Light have always been kind to others."

"As long as you, Master Baron, are willing to cooperate with the work of our Temple, we naturally will not make things difficult for you."

He paused, then shifted the subject, his tone carrying a hint of unquestionable hardness.

"I hear that you, Master Baron, have recently been expanding the armed forces of your territory?"

"That is not a wise move."

,

"With the Kingdom in chaos and bandits rising everywhere, rather than wasting precious resources on these useless soldiers, Master Baron would be better off praying more to the God of Light and seeking divine protection."

Ka'erluo Qishi also spoke in a sarcastic, mocking tone.

"Exactly."

"I hear that those so-called 'Storm Knights' under your command, Master Baron, are all like shrinking turtles, lacking even the courage to spar with our Temple Knights."

"What use could such an army possibly have?"

His words were clearly a deliberate provocation.

A flash of anger instantly crossed Hart's eyes, but he quickly forced it down.

Fula's gaze also became increasingly icy.

The smile on Roko's face remained unchanged.

"The Shenfu and the Knight are right."

"It was my shortsightedness."

He picked up his wine glass and signaled for Martina to pour wine for the two of them.

"Inviting you both here today, besides discussing the winter supply reserves for the territory, is also to apologize to you both in person."

"For any previous offenses, I hope you two will be magnanimous."

Seeing Roko so "sensible," the smugness on the faces of Chris Shenfu and Ka'erluo Qishi grew even more intense.

"Easily said, easily said."

Chris Shenfu picked up his wine glass and gently swirled the crimson liquid inside.

"As long as Baron Roko can serve our Temple of Light wholeheartedly in the future, we naturally will not treat you poorly."

He shifted the subject again, his tone carrying a hint of greed.

"By the way, I hear that under your name, Master Baron, there are two newly enfeoffed Baron Territories, Maple Leaf Territory and Porter River Valley?"

"The geographical locations of these two territories are quite good; if they could be used to build churches and spread the faith of Light,"

"that would surely be excellent."

"Why don't you, Master Baron, 'donate' these two territories to our Temple of Light, how about that?"

"It would also count as contributing a bit of effort to the cause of Light."

Once these words were spoken, Martina's face turned deathly pale.

Forcibly seizing territory!

This Chris Shenfu was not even bothering to hide it anymore!

A trace of bone-chilling coldness flashed in Roko's eyes, but the smile on his face became even more "radiant."

"Master Shenfu is joking."

"Maple Leaf Territory and Porter River Valley are the properties of my Raymond Family; how could I donate them so easily?"

"However..."

He paused deliberately, leaving the other party hanging in suspense.

"If Master Chris Shenfu is truly interested in those two territories, we could, perhaps, 'discuss' it in a different way."

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in the eyes of Chris Shenfu.

"Oh? What do you mean by that?"

Roko slowly set down his wine glass, a strange smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

"For instance, how about trading them for your two heads?"

Before the words had even faded, he slammed his hand onto the table!

"Do it!"

At his command, the fifty Storm Knights who had been lying in ambush for a long time in the banquet hall—

suddenly charged out from all directions, the Knight Longswords in their hands flashing with cold, icy light!

At the same time, countless sharp spikes suddenly erupted from the floor of the banquet hall!

The chandelier overhead also crashed down with a boom!

All sorts of pre-arranged mechanisms and traps were triggered simultaneously!

This sudden turn of events caused the expressions of Chris Shenfu and Ka'erluo Qishi to change instantly!

"Roko, you dare to make a move against me?!"

Chris Shenfu let out a shriek of shock and fury, and blinding Holy Light suddenly erupted from his body!

A powerful wave of magic surged outward, centered on him!

Late-stage Bronze Rank Mage!

This Chris, who had always presented himself as a priest, actually possessed such hidden, formidable strength!

The dazzling Holy Light instantly shattered the incoming spikes and the falling chandelier!

Some of the Storm Knights who had charged to the front were also forced back repeatedly by this Holy Light, their faces showing expressions of pain.

"Talos! Fula!"

Roko shouted in anger.

Talos, who had long been ready, let out a deafening roar and slammed his massive body into Chris Shenfu!

The giant axe in his hand, carrying the power to split mountains and shatter stones, swung down toward his head!

Fula's figure suddenly vanished from where she stood,

and the next moment, she appeared at the side of Chris Shenfu, the longsword in her hand thrusting straight at his throat!

"Humble ants! You dare to challenge the radiance of God!"

A twisted smile appeared on the face of Chris Shenfu.

The Holy Scripture in his hand turned its pages without wind, radiating powerful magical energy.

"Holy Light Barrier!"

A solid, golden barrier of light instantly enveloped him.

Clang! Clang!

Talos's giant axe and Fula's longsword struck the Holy Light Barrier almost simultaneously, but only produced two dull, heavy thuds, unable to shake it in the slightest.

The powerful recoil force caused both Talos and Fula to stumble back several steps.

"Hmph! Overestimating yourselves!"

Chris Shenfu sneered, the light from the Holy Scripture in his hand flaring brilliantly.

"Holy Light Impact!"

Several thick beams of Holy Light shot out from the Holy Scripture, firing toward Talos, Fula, and the surrounding Storm Knights respectively!

On the other side, Ka'erluo Qishi also reacted quickly after his initial shock.

His face was filled with rage and disbelief.

"Roko, you despicable villain! You actually dared to set a trap!"

"I will kill you!"

Ka'erluo Qishi roared, and powerful Bronze Battle Qi erupted from his body.

The cross-hilt longsword in his hand transformed into streaks of sharp sword light, shattering all the mechanisms and traps attacking him!

"Hart!"

Roko gave a low shout, the Knight Longsword in his hand already drawn!

Scorching Flame Battle Qi burned fiercely on his blade!

【Great Sun Blazing Slash】!

Hart also roared, the Knight Longsword in his hand similarly erupting with sharp Bronze Battle Qi!

The two of them, one from the left and one from the right, charged rapidly toward Ka'erluo Qishi!

"Well come!"

A hint of madness flashed in the eyes of Ka'erluo Qishi.

"You think you can kill me with just the two of you?!"

He let out a sudden roar, and the Bronze Battle Qi within his body began to burn frantically in a bizarre manner!

His aura climbed steadily at a speed visible to the naked eye!

In the blink of an eye, it reached the peak realm of a Bronze Rank Knight!

Although this was only a temporary burst, he would inevitably pay a heavy price afterward.

But at this moment, Ka'erluo Qishi was undoubtedly powerful and dangerous!

"Die!"

The cross longsword in Ka'erluo Qishi's hand, carrying an aura of destroying everything, slashed fiercely toward Roko and Hart!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The intense sound of metal clashing rang out continuously within the banquet hall!

Roko and Hart joined forces, barely managing to withstand the storm-like onslaught of Ka'erluo Qishi.

But on both of their faces, expressions of gravity appeared.

Having burned his Battle Qi, Ka'erluo Qishi's strength was truly extraordinary.

Roko was still alright; after all, he was also a powerhouse at the mid-stage of the Bronze Rank Knight, and could somewhat contend with that Ka'erluo.

However, Hart looked a bit strained.

Under Ka'erluo Qishi's violent attacks, Hart only felt his arms go numb, and the web between his thumb and index finger ache faintly.

"Be careful!"

Roko said to Hart with a calm gaze.

Afterward, he released the 【Great Sun Blazing Slash】 in rapid succession.

Each move and style carried scorching flames.

Although he was temporarily at a disadvantage, he did not panic in the slightest.

He was waiting for an opportunity.

Waiting for the moment when Ka'erluo Qishi exhausted his strength.

The battle entered a white-hot stage in an instant.

Inside the banquet hall, sword Qi was constantly released, and Holy Light shone incessantly.

Led by Talos and Fula, the Storm Knights charged fearlessly at Chris Shenfu's Holy Light Barrier.

Although every charge was repelled by the powerful Holy Light, and some were even injured.

Yet not a single one of them retreated.

Because they knew their young master was fighting a powerful enemy.

They had to buy time for the young master!

"Roar!"

Talos let out another earth-shattering roar; on his burly body, muscles knotted and veins bulged as an even more violent and powerful force erupted from within his body!

His realm, at this moment, had actually broken through!

Zhanshi Chuji!

"Break for me!"

The giant axe in Talos's hand, carrying an unstoppable momentum, slashed fiercely once again onto Chris Shenfu's Holy Light Barrier!

Crack!

A crisp shattering sound rang out!

On that indestructible Holy Light Barrier, a fine crack had actually appeared!

"Good chance!"

A flash of brilliance shone in Fula's eyes!

Her figure shot toward Chris Shenfu once again!

The longsword in her hand was fast as lightning, stabbing fiercely along that crack!

!

A soft sound of a sharp blade entering flesh rang out!

A spray of blood shot out from Chris Shenfu's shoulder!

"Ah!"

Chris Shenfu let out a painful scream, the ferocious look on his face growing more intense.

"You damned ants! I will tear you into ten thousand pieces!"

The Holy Scripture in his hand flared with light once again!

"Holy Light Judgment!"

Just as Chris Shenfu prepared to release an even more powerful magic, the battle on the other side also underwent a startling change.

Seizing the moment when Ka'erluo Qishi's attack missed, Roko stabbed his Knight longsword toward the opponent's ribs at an incredibly tricky angle!

"Flame Slash!"

Pfft!

The scorching flame sword Qi instantly pierced through Ka'erluo Qishi's armor, leaving a wound deep enough to see bone on his ribs!

Fresh blood sprayed out!

"Ngh!"

Ka'erluo Qishi let out a shrill scream, his body stiffening abruptly!

The power brought by burning Battle Qi began to fade away at this moment.

"Now is the time!"

A cold light flashed in Hart's eyes, and the Knight longsword in his hand, carrying the force of a thunderbolt, slashed fiercely toward Ka'erluo Qishi's neck!

"Bronze Slash!"

Crack!

A teeth-gritting sound of bone fracturing rang out!

The head of Ka'erluo Qishi flew high into the air, his face still bearing an expression of incredulous terror and unwillingness!

Fresh blood sprayed wildly from his headless neck!

It dyed the floor of the entire banquet hall red.

"No!"

Seeing Ka'erluo Qishi being beheaded, Chris Shenfu let out a desperate roar.

He knew that the situation was lost.

Alone, it was simply impossible for him to escape this banquet hall filled with murderous intent.

"Rocco Raymond!"

Chris Shenfu's eyes stared fixedly at Roko, his voice filled with venom and madness.

"You actually dare to kill a priest and a Knight of the Temple of Holy Light!"

"The wrath of the Temple will completely burn you and your territory to ashes!"

"I will be waiting for you in hell!"

Roko looked at him expressionlessly, his gaze as cold as frost.

"Noisy."

The Knight's longsword in his hand thrust out without hesitation!

Pfft!

The sharp sword tip pierced Chris Shenfu's heart with absolute precision.

Chris Shenfu's body shuddered violently.

The light in his eyes rapidly dimmed.

He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something more.

But in the end, he only let his head hang powerlessly, his life force extinguished.

The battle was over.

The entire banquet hall was in a mess.

The air was permeated with a thick, bloody stench.

Roko slowly withdrew his sword and let out a long, heavy breath.

His gaze swept over the Storm Knights, who were exhausted but filled with excitement and worship in their eyes.

It swept over Talos and Fura, who were wounded but still brimming with fighting spirit.

It swept over Hart, who had silently walked to his side with eyes full of concern.

A trace of a smile finally appeared at the corners of his mouth.

"Pass on my order."

"Raze that eyesore of a church to the ground for me!"

"From this day forward, there shall be no more Temple of Holy Light in my Vanguard River Valley!"

Meanwhile.

Far beyond the Black Kingdom, inside a magnificent temple floating above the clouds.

In the deepest part of the temple, a massive Holy Light altar was emitting a soft and holy radiance.

In the center of the altar was enshrined a statue of the God of Light whose face could not be clearly seen.

Beneath the statue, an old man wearing simple linen robes, with white hair and beard, sat cross-legged, eyes closed in meditation.

Suddenly, on the Holy Light altar, the beam of light representing the diocese of Xin Feng Province flickered violently a few times,

and then completely dimmed.

The meditating old man suddenly opened his eyes!

His gaze was incomparably profound, as if it could discern all the falsehoods in the world.

"Xin Feng Province...

,

"Chris....

The old man murmured in a low voice, his fingers performing a few calculations, his brows slightly furrowed.

"There are heretics who have blasphemed the glory of God."

His voice was calm and waveless, yet carried a heart-palpitating majesty.

"Pass on my divine oracle."

"Thoroughly investigate this matter."

"Any heretic who dares to provoke the majesty of the Temple of Holy Light shall receive the most severe judgment."

The next morning.

The people of Vanguard River Valley discovered with shock.

That church, which had just been completed not long ago and symbolized the majesty of the Temple of Holy Light, had turned into a ruin overnight.

Opinions varied regarding the reason for the church's destruction.

Some said it was those brutal horse bandits who had ransacked the church.

Others said it was an evil deed committed by the "Poison Scorpion Society," which had been causing a stir in Xin Feng Province recently.

Martina cleverly utilized these rumors and announced to the outside world.

That it was the forces of the "Poison Scorpion Society" who had raided the church under the cover of night, killed Chris Shenfu and Ka'erluo Qishi,

and looted all the property inside the church.

Although this explanation was full of holes.

However, in this chaotic era, it could barely be justified.

More importantly, for the vast majority of the residents of Vanguard River Valley, that high and mighty church, as well as those arrogant and rude clergy members, had long since filled them with dissatisfaction.

Now that the church had been destroyed, and Chris Shenfu and Ka'erluo Qishi had "met with an untimely death."

Far from feeling sorrow, they instead felt a sense of relief and fortune.

At the same time, Roko took this opportunity to announce a reduction in some of the territory's taxes for this year and strengthened patrols and security within the territory.

These measures quickly won the support and love of the residents.

The hearts of the people in Vanguard River Valley became, invisibly, more united.

Lingzhu Fu, inside the council chamber.

Roko summoned Fula, Hart, Martina, Falco, and Talos.

To summarize the operation from last night.

"Last night's battle was a complete victory."

A satisfied smile appeared on Roko's face.

"Most importantly, we are all safe and sound now."

He looked at Falco, his eyes carrying a hint of approval.

"Falco, you did well last night."

"Not only did you successfully attract attention to the outskirts of the castle, but you also forged a perfect alibi for us. It seems that bringing you out of the Red Flame Fruit Manor was the right decision."

Praised in public by Roko, Falco showed a shy smile on his face, but his heart was filled with excitement and pride.

"This is all thanks to Young Master's brilliant command!"

Roko looked at the Minotaur Talos again, his eyes also filled with appreciation.

"Talos, your performance last night also made me look at you with new eyes."

"Not only did you successfully break through to the Zhanshi Chuji, but at the critical moment, you also shattered Chris Shenfu's Holy Light Barrier, winning us a precious opportunity."

"From now on, you will also have to put more effort into the defense of our Vanguard River Valley."

Talos scratched his head honestly and said in a muffled voice.

"Don't worry, Master, Talos will definitely protect everyone!"

Watching the happy group, the worry in Martina's heart dissipated quite a bit.

Although they had offended the Light Temple, the road ahead would inevitably be full of thorns and bumps.

But as long as they were united, it was not impossible for them to carve out a new world.

"Roko, has there been any new news from the scouts?"

Martina asked.

Roko nodded, the smile on his face gradually fading.

"The situation in the Kingdom has completely spiraled out of control."

"Several large-scale battles have broken out between the various princes, resulting in heavy casualties."

"The Poison Scorpion Society has taken this opportunity to capture many important cities, and their sphere of influence has further expanded."

"Even the Dark Temple, which has always been hiding in the shadows, has begun to surface and stir up trouble within the Kingdom."

Hart's brows furrowed tightly.

"In that case, the entire Bulake Kingdom has already descended into chaos."

"This can actually be considered good news for us."

"At the very least, for a short time, no major power will have the energy to pay attention to our small Vanguard River Valley."

Roko agreed deeply.

"That's right."

"The more chaotic the Kingdom is, with outside aid cut off, it is actually a rare 'development vacuum period' for our Vanguard River Valley."

"We must seize this opportunity to rapidly strengthen ourselves!"

His gaze became sharp and profound.

"From today on, our Vanguard River Valley will enter a state of full preparation for war!"

"Martina, all affairs within the territory will remain under your full responsibility."

"I have only one requirement, and that is to maximize the comprehensive strength of our territory in the shortest possible time!"

"Whether it is food reserves, weapons and equipment, or population numbers, I want to see significant growth!"

Martina nodded solemnly.

"Don't worry, Roko."

"I will definitely do my best."

Roko looked at Hart and Talos again.

"Hart, the expansion and training of the Storm Knights will be left to you."

"I don't care what method you use, I want to see a stronger and larger knight order in the shortest possible time!"

"Yes, Young Master!"

Hart responded in unison.

"Talos, Falco."

Roko's gaze turned toward the Minotaur Talos and the Guardian Knight Falco.

"Your talents are both top-tier."

"In the coming time, you must also intensify your cultivation and improve your strength as quickly as possible."

"The future of Vanguard River Valley needs your strength."

Talos and Falco also nodded heavily.

"As for the development of military industry..."

Roko pondered for a moment, a trace of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

"Nowadays, the teleportation arrays within the major provinces have all been destroyed; wanting to travel to other provinces is simply as difficult as ascending to heaven."

"Although the Xin Feng Province is not small in area, its population is the smallest among all the provinces in the Black Kingdom."

"Even with money, it is a difficult matter to purchase various artisan slaves."

"However, if we could establish mutual connections and friendship with the dwarves in the Dwarf Mountains..."

Martina listened to these words, and her eyes suddenly lit up: "Roko, you mean..."

Roko nodded.

"The dwarf race are natural master blacksmiths."

"If we can obtain their help, the weapons and equipment of our territory will certainly be able to improve by a grade."

"Moreover, I have heard that in the depths of the Dwarf Mountains, there live some even more ancient and more powerful dwarf tribes."

"If we can establish contact with them, perhaps we might even have unexpected gains."

A thoughtful expression appeared on Martina's face.

"The Dwarf Mountains are far away, and the terrain is complex; I am afraid it will not be easy to establish contact with them."

"However, within the Mist Forest, there are some special 'factions' that we might be able to try to make contact with."

"Oh?"

A flash of interest appeared in Roko's eyes.

"Within the Mist Forest, besides Magic Beasts, there are other intelligent races?"

Martina nodded.

"According to some ancient records, in the depths of the Mist Forest, there seem to live some isolated Jingling tribes."

"They revere nature, detest strife, and rarely have contact with the outside world."

"But it is said that they possess many unknown secrets and powerful nature magic."

"If we can obtain their friendship, it would be of great significance to us."

Roko fell into deep thought upon hearing this.

Jingling?

This was indeed unexpected news.

"There is no rush for this matter; we can plan it slowly."

Roko said.

"Currently, our most important task is still to improve our own strength and stabilize the defense of the territory."

Suddenly, a scout ran in again in a hurry.

"Young Master, there is new intelligence!"

"The Temple of Light has already issued a wanted notice within the Xin Feng Province targeting 'members of the Poison Scorpion Society'!"

"Although the wanted notice does not name names."

"But according to the description, it seems, it seems to be hinting at our Vanguard River Valley!"

Roko narrowed his eyes slightly upon hearing this.

"It seems the Temple of Light has already begun to suspect us."

"However, just as we expected."

"Because the teleportation arrays were destroyed, relying only on the Temple's forces within the Xin Feng Province, they cannot take direct action against us for the time being."

"This is our opportunity!"

The scout hesitated for a moment and continued.

"Recently, some scattered Orc troops have appeared over at the Beidi Orc Wasteland."

"They seem to be testing the defenses of our border."

"Although their numbers are not large, their movements are secretive, and they have already caused some trouble for our patrol squads."

,

Orcs from the Beidi Orc Wasteland?

Roko's brows could not help but furrow again upon hearing these words from the scout.

The Orcs from the Beidi Orc Wasteland had just suffered a major defeat previously.

Who would have thought they would make a move so soon?

It seems that in these chaotic times, wanting to develop steadily is indeed not an easy task.

With the Temple of Light eyeing us from the front and the Orcs stirring behind us.

It is difficult! It is difficult!