Chapter 130: 130 Instigating Defection Plan

Chapter 130: The Defection Plan

Huitu Village.

After resolving the matter of Rayson, Luo Ning did not rush back to Forest Town.

In addition to consulting with Ridal, Macken, and others to finalize the training program, he also took time to inspect the kaolin vein.

Over the past month, Ridal and his team had conducted a rough survey and confirmed that the vein stretched approximately twenty li in length and six li in width.

As for thickness, since it was difficult to measure precisely, he had ordered workers to dig a pit seven or eight meters deep—and even at that depth, kaolin could still be extracted, indicating the vein’s thickness was at least seven or eight meters.

Such a reserve was enormous—more than sufficient for a small village like Huitu to mine for over a century, perhaps even longer.

Near the vein, Huitu’s masons and carpenters had already erected several buildings, and nearby flowed a river. All that remained was for Luo Ning to finalize his porcelain-firing method before construction could begin.

But preparations were still needed: stockpiling dry firewood, producing high-temperature charcoal, and above all, constructing a kiln.

Yet the kiln’s design had not yet been finalized—it required experimentation.

Forest Town already had a potter named Jim, who knew how to build open kilns for firing pottery.

But such kilns were far too open; the sealed kilns required for porcelain were entirely different.

Under Luo Ning’s guidance, Jim had already begun modifying the open kiln. With his experience and Luo Ning’s technical direction, constructing a small experimental sealed kiln should pose little difficulty.

“Lord, Sir Filiton from Sain’s domain has arrived.”

Tom sprinted in to report. “He brings the ransom and medical fees—and wishes to take Fenris and the others away today.”

“Rayson sent the money in just four days? He truly has integrity.”

Luo Ning smiled. “Once the money is paid, release them all. Have Elron receive him. I won’t be going.”

In recent days, Luo Ning had arranged food and drink for Fenris and the others, but their condition had not improved much.

If Rayson had delayed even a few more days, the men might not recover fully for one or two months after returning.

This was not cruelty toward prisoners—merely prudence. They were high-ranking knights; if well-fed and rested, they would regain strength and vigor, requiring capable guards to watch them.

“Also, have Macken finalize the recruitment of guards with Ridal as soon as possible. We’re returning to Forest Town.”

“Understood, my lord!”

Tom rode off.

...

Swamp Town, Rayson’s Castle.

Since the baron returned from his expedition, the servants felt as though a dark cloud hung over the castle, heavy and suffocating.

*Crash!*

A cup shattered on the floor, sending the footmen and maids waiting outside into trembling fear.

This was not the first cup the baron had smashed in days.

Earlier, a cleaner had spilled a basin of water while trembling—and Rayson had ordered soldiers to hang him publicly in the courtyard.

Another maid, while bathing him, had let water drip onto his wound—and was dragged out and whipped. She did not die immediately, but her wounds festered without proper care, and with winter’s biting cold, she would not survive.

For the past two days, everyone in Swamp Castle lived in terror, afraid that one misstep might cost them their lives.

Rayson slumped onto a plush sofa—its leather unknown, its comfort irrelevant—each memory of that day flooding him with rage and humiliation.

Letting Luo Ning seize the initiative against the barbarian tribes was bad enough. But to lead his own force and return defeated? Four days had passed, and his right shoulder still ached.

Every throb reminded him of failure. Every pulse echoed his disgrace before his men. Each heartbeat deepened his hatred for Luo Ning.

Now he recalled again: Ridal’s sword pressed against his throat.

He had not felt death’s breath in years.

Each time he remembered, his face turned ashen, as if fire burned within his chest. His left fist clenched, veins bulging.

“Luo Ning.”

He whispered the name through gritted teeth. If words could kill, he would have slain Luo Ning thousands of times by now.

At that moment, footsteps echoed outside.

“My lord, I’ve returned.”

Filiton appeared at the door.

Rayson drew a deep breath, tempering his fury slightly. “Come in.”

Filiton entered, carefully stepping around the shards of broken porcelain.

He offered reassurance. “My lord, temporary defeat means nothing. We hold absolute advantage over Forest Town. When the moment comes, we will capture and kill Luo Ning.”

“Of course,” Rayson replied, his tone calm with this long-trusted retainer, unlike his treatment of servants. “If I faced Ridal again, I am confident I could defeat him.”

“I believe in your strength!”

Filiton said, “And as you ordered, I’ve instructed Joffrey to draw closer to Ridal, conveying your goodwill.”

Rayson nodded. “I hope Ridal does not disappoint me. Serving me is his true path.”

His hatred burned only for Luo Ning. But for Ridal, after the fury passed, his first thought was to win him over.

Thus, when sending Filiton with the ransom, he gave Joffrey a secret command—

To approach Ridal, offering horses, beauties, servants, estates, gold—all to turn him.

“The conditions you’ve offered are generous,” Filiton analyzed. “And Ridal has served Luo Ning only briefly. There is no deep bond between them. He is highly likely to be swayed.”

“Luo Ning may become a second Viggins—if he retains his inheritance. But now that he’s lost it, any wise man knows following such a lord leads nowhere.”

“If Ridal is wise, he will understand: only by serving a lord like you can he achieve greatness.”

Rayson’s mood lifted slightly.

He picked up a letter from beside him and handed it to Filiton. “Take this personally to Viscount Tain of Purple Thunder Domain.”

Purple Thunder lay within Earl Hyde’s territory. Its lord, Viscount Tain, pledged fealty to Earl Osen.

Moreover, Tain’s daughter, Danika—renowned for beauty equal to young Diane and a high-level mage—was married to Barrington, Earl Osen’s son.

Filiton bowed deeply as he accepted the letter. “My lord, you intend to—?”

“Let Viscount Tain decide. I offer only a suggestion.”

“I understand.”

Filiton tucked the letter safely into his chest. “Then, my lord, I shall depart this afternoon.”

“Go swiftly, return swiftly.”

Rayson waved him off. “Bring me good news.”

Filiton bowed and withdrew quickly.

“Luo Ning… Luo Ning,” Rayson murmured, eyes narrowing. “Your greed is your downfall. Even if you now offered to surrender control of all three barbarian tribes to me, I would not let you live.”

(End of Chapter)