Chapter 111: 112 Double Happiness

Chapter 111: 112. Double Fortune

Ro Ning successfully sold the curved-plow and promoted the products of the Ironwood Workshop—not merely due to Rulans’s influence, but because his wares held genuine value, not empty promises.

With these two matters settled, his journey to Wushan Fortress was nearly complete.

Once the treasurer, Kuri, handed over three thousand gold coins, and the quartermaster provided the official purchase order, Ro Ning could begin planning his return.

For the next two days, he rested within the castle, studying the new magic he had acquired and sparring with Macken to sharpen his combat skills.

Ever since, whether with Macken or Redar, Ro Ning had been overshadowed by the strength of his subordinates—even in friendly duels, they held back their power and lethal techniques, leaving him starved for the thrill of true confrontation.

He would have to wait until he reached the peak of the Senior Knight rank before engaging Macken in a full-out, no-holds-barred battle.

“Lord, Treasurer Kuri has arrived,” announced the Wushan Fortress guard, stepping into the courtyard.

Woton and George had been dispatched to Wushan City to recruit craftsmen.

Whether master artisans or apprentices—carpenters, masons, blacksmiths, potters—anyone willing to relocate to Shannlin Town, even with their entire families, would be compensated generously, and Ro Ning would assist them with the necessary paperwork at Wushan Fortress.

Though he currently possessed only thirty-five gold coins, that would soon change.

“Have him wait for me in the parlor.”

Ro Ning sheathed his sword, summoned the servants waiting outside for hot water and towels, washed his face, changed his garments, then proceeded to the parlor.

“Good afternoon, Baron.”

Kuri rose immediately upon Ro Ning’s entrance, bowing with deep respect.

Ro Ning gestured for Kuri to sit. “Have you completed the matter you came for?”

“The caravan has departed to various territories to market the curved-plows. We expect returns.”

As he spoke, he signaled to two subordinates behind him.

They stepped forward and placed six leather sacks upon the table. The crisp clinking within revealed their contents: pure gold coins.

“Lord, here are the three thousand gold coins owed to you. Please count them.”

Ro Ning was stunned—not because of Kuri’s words, but because two lines of text suddenly appeared in his vision:

【“Fortune Abounds” Achievement Unlocked: Attribute Points +50, Energy Essence +100】

【“Fortune Abounds” Achievement Unlocked: Attribute Points +100, Energy Essence +200】

A moment of disbelief passed, then clarity struck.

There was only one explanation—

These three thousand gold coins had simultaneously fulfilled both the current “Fortune Abounds” achievement and its upgraded version.

He recalled: the current requirement was a single receipt of one thousand gold coins. The next tier must be two thousand—or three thousand.

He opened his interface to check. The new “Fortune Abounds” achievement read:

【Fortune Abounds】: Receive five thousand gold coins in a single transaction. Reward: Attribute Points +250, Energy Essence +500

Judging by the reward scaling, the previous tier must have required two thousand gold coins.

Combined, the two achievements demanded exactly three thousand gold coins—precisely what he now held.

“I didn’t expect to chain them.”

Ro Ning smiled.

He casually picked up one of the sacks, weighing it in his hand. “I trust your word, Master Kuri. No need to count them.”

“Your trust is an honor I shall never forget!”

Kuri spoke gently: “Over the past two days, I’ve had Wushan’s artisans begin crafting the curved-plows. But even after completing one, it still falls short of the example you brought. Might I trouble you to offer your guidance?”

“Of course.”

Ro Ning replied as if it were obvious. “Technical support is part of the deal. Though the Shannlin craftsmen aren’t here, I can still instruct them.”

“Arrange the time—preferably tomorrow or the day after. Delay further, and you’ll have to send those artisans to Shannlin Town to find me.”

Kuri hurried to respond: “Then tomorrow morning? Would that suit you?”

“Perfect. I’m free.”

After a few more pleasantries, Kuri took his leave.

Ro Ning opened his stat panel.

After logging in on the 14th and 15th, he received his second Warm Gift of October—plus the rewards from the two newly completed achievements.

His reserves had swelled considerably:

【Level】: 3—Senior Knight (0/300); 3—Senior Mage (58/400)

【Attribute Points】: 177

【Energy Essence】: 557

By month’s end, his Energy Essence would surpass six hundred.

He wondered—if he poured all these Essence points into Redar or Macken upon breaking into the Senior rank—would either leap directly from Bronze Knight to Silver Knight?

Then he’d face a dilemma: whom to empower first?

Redar was destined for the frontlines—his strength would command respect.

Macken was to remain at his side as bodyguard—his prowess would mean survival in sudden peril.

He weighed it briefly.

How likely was it that the enemy would dispatch a Silver-class assassin from the outset?

After all, to the outside world, he was merely a novice who had just awakened his Battle Seed, and Macken was only a Senior Knight. Sending a Bronze Knight was already generous.

Night descended.

Servants of Wushan Fortress prepared dinner for their scattered lords. Woton and George returned to the courtyard, having completed their mission in Wushan City.

“Lord, George and I have made progress recruiting craftsmen.”

Woton presented a list. “The scribe accompanying us recorded it.”

As Ro Ning took the parchment, he murmured, “I have no shortage of knightly retainers, but few who can write.”

The former barbarian tribesmen who had surrendered—only Jenny’s family possessed literacy. The rest were illiterate.

Even Tom, who claimed his father was a titled knight, could barely write three names—barely literate at all.

“Illiteracy is terrifying. Once we return to Shannlin Town, you two, David, Dandi, Tomasch, and Gisley—you will all learn. At minimum, you must master basic reading and writing.”

He paused. “Let Eileen teach you. She’s bored enough already.”

Woton and George grimaced at the thought of calling a thirteen-year-old girl their teacher.

Yet they could not deny: compared to Eileen, they were crude, ink-stained fools.

Forcing them was difficult.

But among the short, one might find a hidden talent—and better to have someone capable than to carry a scribe everywhere.

Ro Ning unrolled the parchment, scanning the list, his brow furrowing.

“Why are all these craftsmen apprentices?”

Woton scratched his head, helpless.

“Master artisans either have large families settled in Wushan City, or stable clients—they won’t leave, even for your high daily wage.”

George added: “These apprentices only agreed to relocate after hearing of your name and deeds.”

Luo Ning frowned. Such a situation was only natural—after all, who would risk their life leaving home for the unknown when they could barely survive in their own land?

These craftsmen were not slaves; they were free citizens of Wu Mountain and the Kingdom of Auduin, entitled to choose their own lives.

Luo Ning could, of course, drag them away by force—but that would tarnish his reputation and give his enemies ample grounds for condemnation.

Nobles sometimes flouted the kingdom’s laws without consequence, but if someone truly sought to pursue it, it would become a most troublesome matter.

“Four carpenter apprentices, seven mason apprentices, three blacksmith apprentices, two potter apprentices…”

Luo Ning shook his head. “Too few. Not enough. We must continue recruiting tomorrow!”

He knew well that the few extra copper coins added to daily wages held little allure. To draw skilled craftsmen to his domain, he would have to pay far more.

“Tell them: any apprentice who travels to Shanlin Town will receive one gold coin as relocation fee. A full-fledged craftsman will receive five. The payment will be made upon registration and before departure from Wu Mountain City. Additionally, I will cover all food and lodging along the way.”

Apprentices and full craftsmen earned roughly this much annually—Luo Ning’s offer now amounted to a year’s salary for simply agreeing to move to Shanlin Town, without lifting a finger.

Luo Ning paused, then added: “If there are Master Craftsmen or Grand Master Craftsmen, I will pay even more!”

Master Craftsmen and Grand Master Craftsmen were artisans of exceptional skill, those who not only mastered their foundational arts but also extended their knowledge across disciplines.

Especially Grand Master Craftsmen—they could forge unique artifacts using magical materials: armor and weapons crafted from beast scales, fortifications like Wu Mountain Castle, and more.

Yet Luo Ning doubted such individuals would ever consent to settle in a backwater like Shanlin Town.

“As you command, my lord!”

Woton and George immediately bowed.

They believed this new incentive would surely draw far more applicants.

(End of Chapter)