Chapter 531 - 504: The Border-Crossing Army

Chapter 531: Chapter 504: The Border-Crossing Army

Outside Golden Feather Palace, Arsenno and the other Ministers of the Kingdom walked out. They looked up at the setting sun and the few red clouds staining the horizon.

"This scene... it’s like the Oduin Kingdom itself, now in its twilight years."

Arsenno looked at the Minister of Justice, Texas, who was beside him. "You just jumped out to stop the Crown Prince. Knowing his personality, your days ahead will be difficult."

Texas shrugged nonchalantly. "My good friend Oak was assigned by His Majesty to be the Crown Prince’s tutor for a time. He didn’t return for the annual celebration this year, and there have been no letters. I’m afraid..."

"You should be thinking about yourself. Once the Crown Prince formally inherits the throne, you probably won’t be Minister of Justice for much longer."

"I’ve already thought it through."

Texas smiled helplessly. "When I get back today, I’ll have my children and grandchildren go to the Gistana Duchy, or maybe just flee to the Wubei Territory for refuge. If something really does happen, at least my clan won’t be wiped out."

"I wouldn’t go to the Wubei Territory."

Luther said with a smile, "From the looks of it, Ronin’s treason charge is about to be set in stone. That place is destined to be engulfed in the flames of war. You could, however, seek protection from Duke Valgis."

"Oh, give me a break!"

Texas retorted with a laugh, "If I recall correctly, your daughter Missy is with Ronin. What, are you going to write a letter telling her to come back now?"

"That was His Majesty’s arrangement!"

Luther said, "The Cox Clan always obeys His Majesty’s arrangements."

"Alright, alright."

Arsenno sighed. "Let’s not be too hasty. Let’s see how Ronin reacts first. Anyone can see this is a trap. I wonder if he’ll come?"

"If he dares to come even knowing that, I’ll have to truly admire him!"

When they left Golden Feather Palace and returned to their respective manors, they discovered that news of Ronin killing His Majesty Bruno was spreading like wildfire throughout Golden Feather City, Horn Bay, and other areas, causing a massive uproar.

It was obvious that Garrett had spread the news first. His goal was likely to destroy Ronin’s reputation and force the entire Kingdom to see him as an enemy.

But in this society, no matter how much the common people discussed it or how much of a frenzy they were in, as long as those at the top didn’t make a decision, the impact of public opinion wasn’t as great as one might think.

Aside from those who had already firmly sided with Garrett, most of the nobility were likely still taking a wait-and-see approach. After all, they had all witnessed Ronin’s power firsthand.

If Ronin ended up at a disadvantage in this incident, many would probably jump on the bandwagon, answer the Crown Prince’s call, and join the army to crusade against the Wushan Clan.

Conversely, if Ronin displayed sufficient strength during this turmoil, the observers would continue to observe for a while longer.

When a Proud Sun Knight went berserk, an ordinary noble’s castle couldn’t possibly withstand the assault. Compared to the prospect of carving up the Wushan Family’s assets, they had to consider the risk of being the nail that sticks out.

...

Ronin had already arrived in Mist City. He and Ridder went to the Kingdom’s border together.

As his Spiritual Power blanketed the mountain forest below, Ronin could clearly sense the state of the enemy forces hidden by the trees.

"There are over ten thousand personnel down there. Excluding the common soldiers, the number of Transcendents is indeed equivalent to three Knight Orders."

"Judging from the Energy fluctuations coming from them, there should be one Silver Moon Knight and seven Meteor Knights. Their overall quality isn’t bad."

Ridder scanned the area below. Although he too was now at the Mage Level, he couldn’t project his Spiritual Power. Lacking a Fire Attribute Perception Magic, he couldn’t get a clear grasp of the situation below.

"My Lord, with our strength, we can easily sweep through the three Knight Orders below. Shall we strike directly?"

Even if the enemy were all Flame Seal Knights, capable of erupting with the strength of a higher Level, they would still be no match for two Legendary-level experts.

To say nothing of anything else, a single Ninth Level Magic, Destructive Storm, cast by Ronin would be enough to tear the Knight Orders below to shreds.

"We could, but I’m curious about this group’s objective. No matter how you look at it, they don’t seem to be in a hurry to attack."

Ronin glanced at the sky. It was still two or three hours until nightfall. A normal marching army wouldn’t be making camp at this time, yet the group below had already stopped to prepare for the night in the forest.

’Besides, Ronin had already killed Grand General Aluba and so many of his men. Did they really think they could attack Mist City with a force of this caliber?’

"It is a bit strange."

Ridder’s brow furrowed. "Perhaps they’re waiting for other troops from Mo’er City? Or maybe... other reinforcements?"

’Reinforcements?’

’Looking around, the only city of any scale on the enemy’s front line is Mo’er City. Where would their reinforcements come from?’

’Could they be waiting for some noble from the Oduin Kingdom to rebel behind Mist City, allowing for a pincer attack?’

"We’ll know once we go grab their leaders and ask."

As he spoke, Ronin flew straight down toward the forest below.

It wasn’t that he was being too arrogant; it was that his and Ridder’s power was enough for them to act with impunity in front of three Knight Orders.

At that moment, the three Knight Order Leaders from Mo’er City were gathered in a large tent, gulping down hot wine. Though it felt good going down, their mouths were full of complaints.

"I don’t know what the higher-ups are thinking, making us provoke Mist City with such a small force. If Ronin leads his men out, won’t we all just die out here in the wilderness?"

"Yeah, even Grand General Aluba died at Ronin’s hands. At our level, he probably wouldn’t even have to act himself. He could just send a few of his Knights to deal with us."

"It feels like ever since His Majesty Tyrone ascended the throne, many of the orders seem like nonsense. He doesn’t have a shred of the previous king’s wisdom..."

Although the three of them were Leaders, they were still only Honorary Knights. In the past, they would have certainly wanted to use meritorious service and war to expand their influence and climb the ranks.

But they weren’t idiots. Faced with an unbeatable enemy, they too would complain and hesitate.

But just as the three were talking, a terrifying Power descended from the sky. The resulting gale ripped their sturdy tent apart and blew it away, leaving the three of them completely exposed.

The three were aghast, shielding themselves from the strong wind with their hands while struggling to survey their surroundings.

The gale swept through the camp, throwing men and horses into chaos.

After a moment, the fierce wind gradually subsided. The three men recovered their senses, their hearts still pounding with fear.

But when they got a clear look at the two figures slowly descending from the sky, a terrifying, dreadful feeling once again enveloped their hearts.

"You... Who are you?"

Sanburn’s voice trembled slightly. He was a Silver Moon Knight and also had the ability to fly. But the way these two men flew was completely different from a Silver Moon or Proud Sun Knight.

He couldn’t detect any fluctuations of Fighting Qi or Magic from either of them.

’What kind of ability is this?’

"This is the Conqueror, Duke Ronin."

Ridder introduced him. "Although there are many of you, I advise you not to make any rash moves. Otherwise, the consequences will be beyond your imagination."

Sweat dripped from Sanburn’s forehead. In all his years of fighting, he had never seen an enemy commander and Lord come alone into an enemy camp.

But he had no choice but to believe Ridder’s warning.

’These two... are dangerous!’

"Everyone, do not approach! Stay away from here!"

Sanburn shouted the order. The members of the Knight Orders who had been gathering toward them were momentarily at a loss.

"Didn’t you hear the Commander’s order? What are you standing around for?"

The other two Leaders shouted.

’What a joke! We’re only seven or eight steps away from two Proud Sun Knights! One wrong move and we’ll be dead on the spot. What a bunch of clueless idiots.’

Ronin glanced at the space between the three men’s eyebrows. There were no Flame Seals, nor were there any abnormal Energy fluctuations from their bodies.

"You’re quite sensible."

Ronin said with a smile, "I’m very curious. How exactly were you planning to use these three Knight Orders to attack my Mist City?"

"No, no, no!"

"Your Grace, please don’t misunderstand! We have no intention of attacking Mist City!"

"Yes, my Lord, we were just... just here for fun..."

Ronin glared at the Meteor Knight who said that last part. "You have quite the interesting hobbies. I’d like to know your name."

"Ca... Caton!"

The Meteor Knight Leader hung his head and replied listlessly.

He was also cursing himself for his stupidity. ’Bringing three Knight Orders out "for fun?" How could I say something so idiotic? Am I brainless?’

"Caton. That’s a good name, too."

Ronin said, "Since you claim you’re not here to attack my Mist City, how do you explain this act of crossing the border?"