Chapter 244: Cavalry Regiment

When they came to the palace gate, the mysterious carriage had already driven into the inner courtyard.

The surrounding guards and servants were all kneeling on the ground, and no one dared to look directly at the carriage emitting weird energy fluctuations.

The runes on the carriage body flickered with subtle light in the sun, each symbol carefully designed, combined into a complex and harmonious whole.

The monster pulling the carriage was even more chilling, its deep green complex eyeballs sweeping over the kneeling crowd, as if evaluating the value of these fragile lives.

The carriage stopped, and the door opened slowly.

A figure in a black robe stepped out, his face indifferent, his eyes deep.

With his appearance, the surrounding air seemed to become heavier, and many servants even felt difficulty breathing, their faces turning pale.

August could clearly feel the powerful magical power fluctuations emanating from this young man.

That feeling was both familiar and strange—familiar was the pressure unique to a formal wizard;

Strange was the purity and intensity of this pressure, far exceeding any mentor he remembered.

He could even see how the air around the young man twisted because of the high concentration of magical power, forming a peculiar visual effect, like a mirage when heat waves rise.

"Wizard Luo En."

Andre bowed slightly, his eyes full of awe and joy: "Welcome to the kingdom."

The black-robed figure stopped in front of Andre, nodded expressionlessly: "Andre."

His voice was not loud, but carried a heart-palpitating power, directly branded on the listener's soul.

Then, the black-robed wizard's gaze turned to August on the side, just glanced lightly, then moved away.

It was this glance that made the old prince feel a bone-chilling cold, spreading from his spine to the top of his head.

That feeling of being completely seen through was like an ant being placed under a microscope for careful observation, both naked and helpless.

But facing Luo En's near-ignoring reaction, August felt a strange sense of relief in his heart.

... At least, he didn't need to worry about how to deal with this terrifying existence.

"Let's go in and talk." Andre said to Luo En, then turned to the carriage: "Do you need to arrange accommodation for your... assistant?"

Luo En shook his head slightly, his eyes indifferent as water: "Ailan will stay in the carriage, she has her own affairs to deal with."

He turned to the monster pulling the carriage and said a few words in a strange language in a low voice.

The creature seemed to understand Luo En's instructions, let out a low humming sound, then bowed its head respectfully, indicating understanding and obedience. 【244

Andre nodded to August, leading Luo En through the ornate corridors of the palace; the servants and guards all around bowed their heads, not daring to even breathe loudly.

The two arrived at the most secluded secret chamber in the palace.

This was a space protected by multiple arrays, with complex sound-insulating runes engraved on the walls.

The heavy oak door closed slowly, sealing off all sound and sight from the outside world.

The moment the door was completely shut, Luo En's indifferent mask suddenly underwent a subtle change.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and the coldness in his eyes melted a little.

His entire temperament underwent a marvelous transformation—from that unapproachable, stern majesty to a more approachable state.

"It seems you've been doing well during your time in the capital, Andre."

Luo En's tone became relaxed, and that suffocating sense of oppression also lessened significantly:

"You played a good game of borrowing a knife to kill; let me guess, you knew about Alick's escape plan all along, didn't you?"

A glimmer of cunning flashed in Andre's eyes, and he also relaxed:

"I won't lie to you, that is indeed the case. That fool thought I didn't know about his little tricks and even kept an ace up his sleeve."

He smiled, a light of wisdom flickering in his golden pupils:

"I had intended to handle it personally, but since you are here, why not use this opportunity to show everyone our alliance? Let them know that challenging me is equivalent to challenging a formal wizard; that is more effective than any threat."

Luo En nodded, his tone carrying a hint of approval:

"Your growth has indeed exceeded my expectations; the experience of kingdom politics has made you much more mature than when you were in the Black Fog Jungle."

His gaze swept across the secret chamber and finally landed on Andre:

"However, treating your own family this way, aren't you afraid of leaving behind some psychological trauma?"

Andre chuckled, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes:

"Family? In the royal family, there is no such thing as family, only allies and enemies. Alick sent people to assassinate me three times; if not for the protection of the Crimson Blood Dragon bloodline, I would have already met my end."

His tone carried a chilling calmness, as if he were discussing something perfectly ordinary:

"In this royal game of survival of the fittest, mercy only leads to death. I believe you understand this better than anyone, Luo En."

Luo En nodded slightly and stopped pursuing the topic.

He truly understood Andre's predicament and choices.

In this world, power is everything, and the best way to protect oneself is to nip threats in the bud.

"Back to business." His gaze became sharp again:

"Is the final inheritance of the 'Corona Breathing Art' ready?"

Andre nodded solemnly:

"I have already arranged for people to open the royal treasury; all secret manuals and inheritance items related to the 'Corona Breathing Art' will be presented before you."

Luo En nodded with satisfaction, a glimmer of expectation flashing in his eyes.

This was the main purpose of his trip—to obtain the complete inheritance of the 'Corona Breathing Art', especially the cultivation method for the legendary highest realm, the 【Corona Knight】.

"There is one more thing." Andre said suddenly, a hint of hesitation appearing on his face:

"Regarding the situation in the kingdom... there are some things I would like to consult you about."

Luo En looked at this old friend, waiting for him to continue.

Andre took a deep breath, a rare flash of confusion appearing in his eyes:

"I have now gained control over most of the kingdom's power, but there is still resistance in some places. Especially the several border earls in the north; they refuse to acknowledge my authority and are even colluding with neighboring countries in secret, attempting to provoke a war."

His voice was low and heavy:

"Normally, I should concentrate my forces to eradicate them completely, but doing so would leave the northern border empty, giving neighboring countries an opportunity. What's more troublesome is that the most powerful military force in the north is the Icefield Orc Cavalry Regiment."

Luo En raised an eyebrow: "Orc Cavalry Regiment?"

"Yes." Andre nodded, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes:

"This is an elite cavalry composed of several hundred icefield orcs, each possessing several times the stamina and strength of an ordinary human soldier. They are almost invincible on the battlefield and are the trump card of the northern earls."

A glimmer of interest flashed in Luo En's eyes: "Several hundred orcs? That sounds very interesting."

His thoughts turned to the charging progress of the Thousand-Change Phantom.

If he could absorb the souls of these orcs, it might provide the Thousand-Change Phantom with a large amount of energy, accelerating its advancement speed.

Andre seemed to see through Luo En's thoughts and spoke hesitantly:

"But there is one problem... according to my understanding, the School Alliance has an agreement that formal wizards must not slaughter ordinary people on a large scale to avoid causing unnecessary panic."

Luo En chuckled; he certainly knew about this point:

"Orcs are not ordinary humans; they are extraordinary creatures, and the agreement does not mention that one cannot deal with such beings."

A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes:

"Furthermore, if they are the ones who challenge me first, then there is even less of an issue regarding violating the agreement."

Andre's eyes lit up: "You mean..."

"I need a show of force, not a war."

Luo En looked straight into Andre's eyes:

"Lure those orc cavalry to a place suitable for me to cast spells, and let me handle it. It will solve your northern problem, and for me, it will be a very good opportunity for spell experimentation."

His fingers tapped lightly on the table, an inexplicable light flickering in his eyes:

"Besides, the souls of these orcs should be quite valuable... they will be very helpful for some of my special research."

A glimmer of shock and awe flashed in Andre's eyes.

Although he had long known that Luo En was someone who would stop at nothing in his pursuit of power, discussing soul harvesting so bluntly still made him feel a chill.

However, he quickly composed his emotions and regained that calm, leader-like demeanor:

"Then it is settled; I will arrange for people to lure that orc cavalry into a suitable encirclement, and the rest will be left to you."

He paused and added:

"But there is one issue; most of those icefield orcs are skilled in frost-type spells, and although their power is not high, they should not be underestimated."

Luo En smiled slightly, a glimmer of confident light flashing in his eyes:

"Frost-type spells? It just so happens that I can test my newly researched spell applications."

The two looked at each other, both seeing satisfaction with the future plan in the other's eyes.

"There is one more thing." Luo En suddenly changed the subject:

"The inheritance of the 'Corona Breathing Art' is only the foundation; I also need some other things."

Andre was slightly surprised but quickly nodded in agreement: "As long as it is something the royal family possesses, I can prepare it for you."

Inside the secret chamber, the conversation between the two young men lasted for a long time.

Their voices were low and calm, yet they were enough to change the fate of the entire kingdom.

August stood alone in the corridor, looking at the tightly closed door, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

He suddenly recalled his days as a young man in the Black Fog School.

How he had to grovel before those high-and-mighty formal wizards, and how he had to be cautious before that terrifying old witch in the herb shop.

And today, even though he was one of the most respected people in the kingdom, possessing a pivotal status.

Yet, before that young wizard, he still felt the same insignificance and powerlessness.

"Mortals are, after all, just mortals."

The old prince sighed softly, his voice filled with helplessness and resignation.

At this moment, he seemed to have finally recalled this eternal truth:

Mortals, even high-level apprentices, must look up to and obey wizards.

A wizard's ruling power and strength are absolute; a single thought is enough to make any rebel's brains explode.

And this is the iron law of this world.

………………

At dusk, the Ralph family's castle, under the illumination of the warm golden sunset, displayed a primitive and solemn beauty.

The towering towers, the thick stone walls, and the family flag fluttering in the wind all spoke of this family's long history and noble bloodline.

Luo En's carriage slowly drove into the castle gate, the wheels making a rhythmic sound against the stone road.

He could feel that from the moment he stepped into the family territory, countless pairs of eyes were observing him in the dark.

Those gazes, whether curious, awestruck, or inquisitive, followed this family member who had returned after a long absence like a shadow.

... Or more accurately, this formal wizard.

The family mansion had taken on a new look, with festive ribbons hanging at the entrance, and every window had been wiped spotless, reflecting the afternoon sun.

Those once-familiar details now seemed so strange in Luo En's eyes, as if separated by an invisible curtain.

In the inner courtyard of the castle, a team of people was already lined up neatly, waiting for his arrival.

At the head were Luo En's father, Earl Ralph, and his eldest brother, Edmond.

His father was still as tall and upright as in his memory, only with a few more strands of white hair at his temples;

Edmond was even more majestic and steady, his eyes revealing a maturity and wisdom gained after experiencing the ways of the world.

The carriage stopped, and Ailan jumped down lightly, respectfully opening the carriage door.

The Earl's knuckles, gripping his cane, turned white, and his eyes shifted, clearly nervous to the extreme.

Luo En stepped out of the carriage calmly, his black robe fluttering in the wind, his whole body exuding an indescribable aura of majesty.

In an instant, the entire inner courtyard seemed to go quiet, and even the wind did not dare to be too noisy.

"Father, Brother." He nodded slightly.

Earl Ralph and his eldest son looked at each other and then bowed to Luo En.

That respectful posture was less like that toward a son and more like awe toward a great figure.

"Welcome home, Lord Luo En." His father's voice trembled slightly, a glimmer of complex emotions flashing in his eyes:

"The whole family has been looking forward to your return."

This completely estranged sense of awe made Luo En sigh slightly in his heart.

He could understand his father's restraint.

After all, he had been away from the family for several years.

Now that he had returned, he had already become an extraordinary being, and the life levels between the two were completely different.

This change in address made him sigh slightly in his heart.

Before, he was just "little Luo En," and was even affectionately called "our family's little troublemaker."

But now, even his own father could no longer interact with him in the intimate way of the past.

The moment he became a formal wizard, the world's definition of him had already changed.

The fear and awe that ordinary people feel when facing a wizard is an instinctive reaction carved deep into the soul, which cannot be changed by simple surface intentions.

Just as a cat will never get close to a tiger, even if that tiger was once raised by it.

Luo En stepped forward, and after restraining the radiation field on his body, he gently hugged his father.

The old Earl's body stiffened visibly, and he almost held his breath instantly.

Only then did he cautiously raise his hand and pat his son's back lightly.

It was as if he were touching some fragile treasure, fearing that his rough movements would cause offense.

"I know everything is different now."

Luo En said softly, his tone carrying a rare gentleness:

"But no matter what I have become, here, I am first and foremost a member of the Ralph family."

The old Earl nodded with emotion, but he clearly knew that even if his son said so, the chasm between wizards and mortals could not be easily crossed.

Edmond stepped forward, his tone carrying a bit of caution:

"Brother... no, I should call you Lord Luo En. Your achievements have spread throughout the kingdom, and Father and I are incredibly proud of you."

Luo En looked at this elder brother who had covered up his mischievous behavior countless times in the past, yet was now as cautious as if facing a stranger.

He shook his head slightly and said:

"In front of family, these empty formalities can be dispensed with. If you really cannot interact with me as you did before, then at least in private, I hope you can call me by my name, rather than some 'Lord'."

His father and eldest brother's expressions relaxed slightly, but that deep-rooted awe was still difficult to eliminate completely.

Luo En understood that this would take time, perhaps a very long time.

"The family banquet is already prepared, just waiting for your arrival."

The Earl led the way respectfully:

"The kitchen has specially prepared the freshest ingredients for the roast lamb chops you like."

Luo En nodded and followed his father toward the castle hall.

Ailan followed closely behind; that peculiar plant aura attracted many curious gazes, but no one dared to look closely at this strange attendant by Luo En's side.

At the banquet, the atmosphere was a bit stiff at first.

But as the fine wine flowed and the conversation gradually unfolded, the old Earl and Edmond gradually relaxed and began to talk about the family's development and changes over the years.

Over these years, due to the batch of key funds he had sent back to the family when he first became a junior apprentice.

Coupled with the joint efforts of his father and eldest brother Edmond, the Ralph family's sphere of influence had expanded.

Because of those two shops in the capital, the family's industries had also become more diversified, and their overall strength was steadily improving.

"The most important change is the attitude of Crown Prince Andre toward our family."

Edmond said excitedly:

"Since you established a connection with the Prince, our family's status has had a qualitative leap. Many resources and channels that were difficult to access in the past are now open to us."

Luo En nodded slightly, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

The seeds he had sown when he left had already begun to bear fruit.

"Speaking of Andre."

Luo En put down his wine glass, his tone becoming formal:

"On this trip home, besides visiting you, there is one more important matter that needs to be discussed with the family."

His father and eldest brother sat up straight upon hearing this, their eyes full of expectation.

(End of chapter)