Chapter 356: The Unwilling Jesus

After staying in Chishan Town for several days, Luo Ning did not return directly to the Northern Wuhai Domain—he chose instead to head south toward the Shore City.

He had once dared not come here, fearing that Jesus would send assassins to kill him.

But now, as a dual-attribute Level Seven Adept, it was nearly impossible to assassinate him.

Beyond this reason, Luo Ning was the Fifth Knight Order’s commander, personally appointed by Rulans.

Though for so long the Fifth Knight Order had been under Ridal’s command, and he had paid it no heed, he still needed to make an occasional appearance.

With Karllos’s speed, Luo Ning landed swiftly within the castle of Shore City.

Since the city had no lord, the officials dispatched by Wushan Fortress and many knights from the knight order had taken the castle as their residence.

Fortunately, the castle was large enough to accommodate them all.

In the castle’s training yard, Luo Ning met Ridal and the others, who were both startled and delighted by their lord’s arrival.

From Ridal, he learned that three knight squads had been stationed around the castle’s perimeter, five others scattered throughout the city—among them, the chaotic West Street, where numbers were greatest, received his special attention.

The final two squads were stationed in the southernmost village of Shore City, the only route leading from Moonlight Valley to the city.

“Since taking over Shore City, there have been several large-scale conflicts. Upon careful investigation, all were linked to families or factions that had collaborated closely with the Polant Bandits. Fortunately, our numbers are sufficient—they’ve stirred no great upheaval.”

Ridal and Luo Ning conversed in the parlor, and Luo Ning came to understand the city’s recent state.

Having been under bandit control for so many years, law and order had certainly deteriorated. Only through violent suppression could a semblance of peace be achieved in such a short time.

“Any movement from Moonlight Valley?”

Ridal shook his head. “None so far. But I’ve observed that trade between Shore City and Moonlight Valley remains substantial—especially in grain. Shore City’s harvest cannot meet its consumption; it relies heavily on the valley. The officials sent by Wushan Fortress have no intention of severing the trade routes.”

Luo Ning nodded. Shore City was not his domain—he needn’t concern himself overly.

Yet it remained Wushan Fortress’s territory, and to prevent chaos, he offered a warning: “Remind those officials to manage the grain supply properly. If something happens in Moonlight Valley, they must have contingency plans—avoid unrest caused by famine.”

“I’ve already warned them,” Ridal smiled. “Magistrate Sanzhu said he would report to Wushan Fortress and stockpile grain in advance. He’s also actively promoting cultivation here.”

Shore City was a plain settlement, rich in pastureland.

During Polant Bandits’ rule, livestock farming had been heavily promoted—thus, cattle and sheep were abundant.

Amicus relied primarily on livestock trade with Moonlight Valley.

Of course, Luo Ning suspected this arrangement had been orchestrated by Jesus—to use Shore City to offset Moonlight Valley’s weaknesses.

“You’re meticulous in thought. I trust this place entirely to you.”

Ridal, after all, was a commander—his ability was unquestionable.

Luo Ning summoned his attribute panel. Ridal, through self-cultivation, had reached Gold Rank (87/2500).

Ridal’s progress far outpaced Elron and Macken’s.

After days of daily check-ins, Luo Ning’s energy essence had accumulated to 6,550 points. Reserving the 4,500 needed for Elron, he devoted the remaining 2,050 entirely to Ridal.

“Lord? What is this?”

Ridal felt his cultivation surge violently. After a moment of shock, he understood.

But hadn’t the plan been to strengthen Elron first?

“Elron is already a Magus?”

Ridal stared at Luo Ning in astonishment—and then felt a faint, oppressive aura emanating from him.

Ridal’s heart jolted. Clearly, the lord had broken through.

“Soon,” Luo Ning chuckled. “Stationed here on the frontier, strength is security.”

“Thank you, my lord!”

Ridal bowed in knightly salute. “There is one more matter to report.”

“Speak.”

Ridal smiled. “While cataloging the major factions in Shore City, I recruited twelve mid- and junior knights, and tasked Joffrey with forming a knight squad loyal to the Northern Wuhai Domain.”

The Fifth Knight Order was ultimately Wushan Fortress’s asset—he would hesitate to use it freely.

But forming a Northern Wuhai knight squad was far more convenient.

He added, “Moreover, Joffrey’s talent is exceptional. A month ago, he successfully broke through to Bronze Knight.”

Luo Ning’s eyes brightened. He had always recognized Joffrey’s potential—and now, it had not disappointed him.

“This is excellent. The Northern Wuhai Domain needs more knight squads.”

Luo Ning spoke with clear satisfaction. “When Joffrey returns, have him come to me. He likely still lacks a proper martial qi scripture, yes? Also, arrange for the Fifth Knight Order to meet with me.”

“It may take two or three days to gather them all.”

“No matter. I’ll take the opportunity to tour Shore City.”

That night, Luo Ning summoned Joffrey. He encouraged him, then bestowed upon him the *Wushan Martial Qi Scripture*.

Over the next two days, accompanied by Magistrate Sanzhu, he wandered the city, observing.

Strange as it seemed, though Shore City was chaotic, its population was substantial. Sanzhu estimated it exceeded seventy thousand.

Pity—he was not a Northern Wuhai official. Otherwise, Luo Ning would have ordered a full census.

The next morning, as Ridal assembled the Fifth Knight Order, word of Luo Ning’s arrival reached Jesus’s castle in Moonlight Valley.

Jesus had ruled Shore City for years. Though the Polant Bandits were gone, hidden factions could not possibly be eradicated so swiftly.

“That fool Luo Ning dares come to Shore City!”

Indeed, one defeat after another had left Jesus, normally arrogant and brash, seething—especially when facing the smug, mocking tone of Maclean of the Fleming family. His rage burned hotter each time. He longed for a successful assassination to prove himself.

“Ramsay, last time you went to Shore City, you came back empty-handed—Luo Ning slipped away. This time, he won’t escape!”

As commander of Moonlight Valley’s First Knight Order and Jesus’s son-in-law, Ramsay knew his father-in-law’s stubborn nature.

He frowned slightly. “I hear Luo Ning has summoned the Fifth Knight Order. If I go, there may be many knights gathered there.”

“Are you afraid of them?”

Jesus sneered. “The Fifth Knight Order has only Ridal as a Gold Knight. The other two are unknown Silvers—probably pulled from some corner by Rulans to fill ranks. Even together, they’re no match for you.”

Ramsay countered, “It’s not fear of their combined strength. I worry about exposing my identity and bringing trouble to Moonlight Valley. You know—Luo Ning is now Rulans’s favorite, and has been formally appointed by the King. If he dies so soon, Rulans will demand answers—and so will the King.”

“Then wear a mask.”

Jesus considered. “Stellar Knights are rare, but not nonexistent. Move under cover of night. Strike swiftly. They’ll have little chance of identifying you.”

Ramsay pondered, then finally nodded.

“Very well. I’ll return to prepare.”

Watching his son-in-law’s retreating back, Jesus curled his lips into a cold smile.

The Wushan Domain, once loose, even crumbling, had begun to coalesce because of Luo Ning’s sudden rise.

Tonight, if Luo Ning died, would the Wushan Domain not soon descend into chaos again? (End of Chapter)