Chapter 375: Sudden Attack

Luo Ning stayed on Rapids Island for five days.

During this time, he inspected the Oaken Woods and visited the Original Laren Society and White Flower Society, renaming them Azure Sea Town and Blue Sky Town respectively.

This was an indirect way to weaken Laren’s influence there, for naming places after him had inevitably made him somewhat arrogant.

Besides, he took Kalaada and Lusen aside to emphasize the precautions for potato cultivation and instructed Rapids Island to allocate some people to clear wasteland.

Fresh water was abundant here, so growing crops posed no issue, and the island’s cherries, a specialty fruit, could also be expanded.

On the sixth day, Luo Ning rode Karlos toward the Amethyst Earl’s domain under Kalaada and Lusen’s gaze.

"Truly terrifying!"

Lusen dared not even breathe in the dragon’s presence. "I never thought Lord Luo Ning could conquer a dragon. You know, these past nights, I’ve dreamed of Karlos’s massive dragon head—it’s terrifying!"

"Now you can put your doubts to rest, right?"

Kalaada said with a smile. "The lord hasn’t forgotten Rapids Island; on the contrary, he values it greatly."

"I have no doubts left!"

Lusen declared firmly. "Following Lord Luo Ning is the best decision I’ve made since turning thirty-five!"

Kalaada’s eyes gleamed with ambition. "This is our chance, Lusen. Let’s get to work and shape Rapids Island into what Lord Luo Ning desires."

He thought of the girl in his heart. Wait, Misi, everything here is getting better!

...

The Amethyst Earl’s domain lay in the northern kingdom. Though smaller than Ubei Domain, its value was immense.

Not to mention, as the site of the largest magic crystal vein in the Audin Kingdom, the annual sale of magic crystals brought immense wealth.

Though many coveted the vein, they could only covet it.

Not to mention Berola’s formidable strength; over the years, his students and friends had become formidable figures.

For instance, Miloslav of Wushan Domain was very close to Berola.

If anyone dared challenge Berola, Miloslav would not stand idly by.

Luo Ning came not only to seek materials for the awakening potion but also to pay respects to Berola Silva, rumored to have likely become a Grand Mage.

The dragon sped across the strait and entered the Amethyst Earl’s domain.

Luo Ning used his map as a reference, corrected his course at a town, and arrived at the domain’s capital, Crystal City, that afternoon.

From the air, the city was vast, at least twice the size of Wushan City.

Moreover, Luo Ning noticed the city was well-planned, with orderly houses and roads, uniform architecture, unlike the haphazard Wushan City.

If Marsh Fort and Wushan City were backward rural towns, this was undoubtedly a modern city.

Luo Ning found a forest, and after Karlos confirmed no one was there, they descended silently.

Unnoticed by them, when the dragon descended to low altitude, it seemed to breach a spherical film.

At the same time, in a castle’s laboratory, a massive perception sphere fluctuated violently. An old man with white hair and beard looked in surprise. "What flying beast has entered Crystal City?"

A beast entering the city signified slaughter and death.

If not stopped promptly, the negative consequences would be severe.

Karlos folded his wings and landed in a secluded forest.

"Finally safe!"

Luo Ning sighed. "Karlos, stay outside the city for now."

"Yes, master."

Karlos flapped his wings and rose into the air.

But then, an abrupt change occurred. A terrifying pressure descended from the sky, snapping tall trees with crackling sounds. Karlos, about to soar, was hit first and fell to the ground!

"Who!"

Luo Ning was shocked. He hadn’t expected an attack here, and a sixth-level dragon was felled instantly.

With the Flame Flow Sword in hand, he searched for the enemy.

"A dragon?"

A voice of disbelief and wonder came from the sky, then the man laughed. "I never thought dragons truly existed in this world!"

Only then did Luo Ning see the man’s appearance.

A white-haired old man in sky-blue robes.

Most striking were the ethereal wings on his back.

This was the seventh-level wind magic, "Wings of Wind."

Meaning he was at least a seventh-level Wind Grand Mage.

But the previous attack was powerful; this man was certainly more than seventh-level.

Combined with his appearance, Luo Ning guessed his identity.

His tone held respect. "Might I ask if you are Lord Berola?"

But the man either focused entirely on Karlos or simply ignored Luo Ning, offering no response.

"Roar!"

Karlos roared, spewing scorching flames at the man in rage.

The old man waved his hand, and a massive wind wall appeared, blocking the flames.

Luo Ning’s pupils contracted. The man had cast the sixth-level magic, "Wall of Sighs," with a mere wave!

After becoming a Grand Mage, one could cast spells instantly.

Luo Ning had previously cast first- and second-level spells instantly, like Gentle Breeze. Now, with his mage progression, he could cast third-level spells instantly, enhancing his combat prowess.

"Let me see how strong this dragon is!"

The old man in the air swiftly drew the runes for the fourth-level magic, "Wind Tendrils." In a breath, dozens of tendrils formed around Karlos, coiling rapidly.

This magic was far stronger than usual, filling Karlos with dread.

It roared, spreading its wings and snapping the tendrils with immense force.

"Whoosh!"

The old man descended, drawing his sword and slashing, sending dozens of wind blades cascading down.

Seeing this, Luo Ning frowned. Ignoring his question was one thing, but attacking was another.

Luo Ning no longer hesitated. He dashed into the fray, slashing his sword. Flames surged upward, dispersing the wind blades and sending embers toward the old man’s face.

Not stopping there, he unleashed instant fireballs, flame explosions, and wind blades at the opponent.

He didn’t aim to harm, only to buy time.

"Go!"

Luo Ning leapt onto Karlos’s back. The dragon spread its wings and soared into the sky, racing away.

He had no notion of the other's intentions; best to withdraw for now.

The elder blinked in surprise at the abrupt interloper.

Yet he remained unfazed, unleashing an instant fifth-level Wind Howl that deflected every spell and martial technique Ronin had cast.

The thunderous collision sent scattered flames tumbling into the woods, igniting a roaring inferno.

"Fascinating!"

The white-bearded elder raised a hand to extinguish the forest fire, a faint smile touching his lips as his ethereal wings unfurled and propelled him forward at blinding speed. (End of Chapter)