Chapter 365: Evil Purification

Before setting out for Wushan Fortress, Ronin had to take the gifts.

This time, he hadn't prepared silk fabrics—not for lack of time, but because this year's silk could barely fulfill the capital's noblewomen's orders, and Ronin dared not use more.

This time, he brought porcelain—a hundred tall-footed cups adorned with black leaf patterns.

According to Jim, these black leaf patterns were created by firing black pigment made from iron powder.

He had merely tried it out, but the crystalline white cups with black patterns proved visually striking, earning Ronin's immediate approval.

At the Golden Feather City banquet, silk had taken a step forward.

For the upcoming Wushan Fortress banquet, Ronin planned to let his porcelain step into the world.

Of course, making cups and tableware wasn't all porcelain could do; Ronin also intended for Jim and his team to craft porcelain sculptures.

For instance, a one-to-one replica of a dragon sculpture (though that might be too difficult), so they'd start with the Black Tiger.

Ronin ordered the porcelain workshop to create a sculpture based on the Storm Wolf.

If it captured five or six parts of its essence, it would have collectible value—being rare and a symbol of status.

"My lord, Miss Clami and the others have returned. They're waiting in the hall with Baron Hammet of Thorn Town."

Upon returning to Swamp Castle, Garen rushed to report.

Ronin's eyes lit up; after nearly three months of surveying, results were likely in.

He hurried to the hall, where a dusty, exhausted group awaited.

Especially Clami, who had survived three months in the wild; even as a mid-level knight, her face was worn thin.

Baron Hammet was deeply invested in this matter.

First, Viscount Vittorino had entrusted him with it; if successful, he'd represent House Denis in overseeing the port construction.

Second, his domain's specialty, thorns, had been heavily purchased by Elron, which would ease his financial strain.

Regardless of the reason, Hammet hoped the North Wushan port would break ground soon.

Fortunately, this survey yielded promising results.

According to surveyor Eamon Dawson, there were three possible sites for the North Wushan port:

One slightly northeast of Swamp Town, another near the upper-middle section of the North Wushan coastline, and the third directly north.

Due to the large amount of rocks needing clearance at the northern bend, only two sites were feasible.

Based on this intelligence, Ronin privately took Clami to inspect the sites.

Swamp terrain was difficult to develop; before any transformation, life and transport there were extremely arduous.

The upper-middle coastline location was decent; westward, the terrain was relatively gentle, with a sizable basin in between—perfect for city-building.

Moreover, the site wasn't far from the Mysterious Valley; using that magic array for fishing later seemed promising...

Thus, after careful consideration, the port site was chosen at the upper-middle section of North Wushan's eastern coastline.

With the decision made, Wilson needed to quickly mobilize construction teams to set up temporary camps for workers from North Wushan and Spire City.

And Hammet would return to lead the Spire City craftsmen over.

After a round of hospitality, Ronin and Elron finally set out for Wushan Fortress on the 26th.

This time of year, Wushan Fortress hosted many guests; even nobles unable to attend in person would send their sons or knights with lavish gifts and tax payments.

Oddly, in two years as lord, Ronin had never paid taxes to Wushan Fortress, and it seemed they hadn't asked—nor even sent a tax official to North Wushan.

Carlos descended in a roar, and Ronin and Elron came down from the back mountain.

"The dragon's speed is incredible!"

Elron marveled; when first summoned, it had taken him days to reach Forest Town, not to mention the journey's hardships.

Now?

In less than two hours, they'd traveled from North Wushan to Wushan Fortress.

"My lord, when the king grants you griffins, be sure to give me one!"

Ronin looked exasperated.

Since learning Rydar and Macken each had griffins, Elron's envy had been palpable.

"My Archmage, you've repeated that countless times on the road."

Ronin chuckled. "Don't worry—even if the king reneges, I'll steal one for you!"

They chatted and laughed, descending the mountain path.

Perhaps due to the rain, the mountain air was damp; in the whistling cold wind, Elron felt a chill.

Familiar with the route, Ronin arrived at Rulans' courtyard.

After the guards announced them, the old steward Moster came out to greet them.

"Young master, you've finally returned! Lord has been asking after you these past days!"

"Some matters delayed me."

Ronin gestured to Elron beside him. "This is my domain's mage. I plan to introduce him to Grandfather."

"Naturally, that's no problem."

Moster led them in. "Good, Miss Macinnis and Lord Carbil are here too. You can chat with them."

Upon entering Rulans' room, Ronin was hit by a wave of heat, like stepping into an overwarm air-conditioned room in winter—his breath caught.

"Ronin, you're here!" Macinnis rushed forward, embracing him warmly.

Carbil stepped up. "I heard you're now Baron of Torrent Island. Congratulations!"

Ronin greeted them with a smile, then entered the room.

Rulans sat propped up on the bed, his appearance more haggard than their last meeting.

The colder the winter, the stronger the cold's invasion, the weaker his body became.

Hence the room's high temperature.

"Grandfather, how are you feeling?" Ronin asked.

Rulans opened his eyes slightly; since December, he'd barely slept.

The cold's invasion and physical torment had left him utterly drained; perhaps his earlier estimate of seven or eight more years was overly optimistic.

"Same as always. Don't worry."

Rulans forced a smile, then glanced at Carbil and Macinnis in the room.

"You two leave first. I need to speak with Ronin alone."

Carbil and Macinnis exchanged a look, nodded, and left.

Only then did Rulans speak. "Tell me about the two griffins in Shoreside City? What did Moonlight Valley do to you?"

Ronin wasn't surprised the old man knew about the griffins.

After all, Governor Sanzo of Shore City is from Wu Mountain Fortress; any situation there, he can report to Wu Mountain Fortress.

"Minor matters."

Ronin sat on the edge of the bed. "Compared to Moonlight Valley, I have something far more important to attend to now!"

He pointed at Elron. "This is my follower, the light-aligned mage Elron Faou."

Rulans nodded. "I recall he's a high mage, isn't he?"

He was puzzled why Ronin had specifically introduced a high mage.

"No, he is not a high mage."

Ronin smiled mysteriously. "Let me introduce him properly—he is the first eighth-rank Archmage of Wubei Domain!"

Rulans' pupils contracted, his usually calm face showing shock.

"You're certain he's an Archmage?"

Archmages! In all of Audoin Kingdom, they are as rare as phoenix feathers, each one a noble of extraordinary status or a great figure.

How could such a person follow Ronin, humbling himself in Wubei Domain?

"May the Light protect you, Your Grace, the Marquis!"

Elron bowed respectfully. "Lord Ronin brought me here for your ailment."

CRASH!

The words struck like thunder in Rulans' ears, leaving him momentarily stunned.

He had suffered the Soul-Eater's Surge for half his life, tried countless remedies, yet none had cured him.

As death loomed, hope arrived unexpectedly?

He found it hard to believe—after all, even Silva had been powerless.

But then he recalled Elron's attribute—a light-aligned Archmage. Perhaps it was possible?

"Is this true?"

Rulans' voice trembled. Who would choose to die in such misery when life was still possible?

"Of course!"

Ronin gestured for Elron to begin.

The light-aligned Archmage raised his hands, and under the influence of his mental and magical energy, a holy radiance enveloped him.

Complex, intricate magical runes materialized in the air before his fingertips. As the runes neared completion, the room's light grew denser.

Rulans' pupils trembled; he felt a soothing presence.

As the runes completed, the light surged.

In an instant, a milky-white column of light enveloped Rulans, bathing him in its glow as dark mist rose from his body.

This was the effect of the eighth-rank spell 'Purification of Evil.'

"It's truly dissipating!"

Rulans' heart trembled; he felt the dark energy rooted in every corner of his body rapidly vanishing.

He had tried light-aligned healing and purification spells before, but none had worked like this.

This proved Elron's magic was effective!

Rulans' eyes welled up. He had dreamed of this moment, never expecting it to become reality.

The column of light persisted for a long time until no trace of dark mist remained, at which point Elron ceased his spell.

"How is it?" Ronin asked.

Rulans kept his eyes closed, meticulously sensing the changes within.

Muscle, sinew, bone—every part of him was clear in his perception, free of dark energy.

The Soul-Eater's Surge was gone!

"Hahaha!"

Rulans laughed heartily, a sound that left those outside utterly bewildered.

For years, they had never heard the Marquis laugh.

McKinney glanced back at the room. "It seems only my brother can bring joy to Grandfather now."

Kabir nodded in agreement.

"Ronin is truly extraordinary now. His experiences and deeds leave me in awe."

He thought of his son. "If Martin were as old as Rognar, Ris, or Yusef, I would send him to Ronin for training."

McKinney rolled her eyes. "Martin is only five! And I'm Ronin's sister—does that mean Martin can be like Rognar and the others?"

Kabir chuckled. "True enough."

In the room, Ronin felt Rulans' aura rising steadily. Soon, the frail old man before him was transformed into a powerful Starflow Knight!

Suddenly, Rulans shuddered, his battle aura dissipating, a look of shock and horror spreading across his face.

"What's wrong, Grandfather?"

Ronin's heart clenched. Could something have gone wrong? (End of Chapter)