Chapter 397: Intimidating Black Python City

The port of Wubei was under furious construction when, on this calm day, four ships gradually appeared upon the tranquil sea and slowly approached the wharf.

Lis, responsible for guarding this area, grew instantly wary. According to prior agreement, only two vessels were expected from Rapid Island—but now four sailed into view.

He strode onto the dock, pulled out the telescope Roanin had gifted him, and adjusted the eyepiece to peer through it.

Each time he used this device, he marveled at its ingenuity and felt deep admiration for Roanin. How could any mind conceive such a miraculous invention?

Yet what he saw next made his heart leap in alarm.

"Skull-and-bones flag—the Ghost Tide Pirates!"

Lis gasped aloud, immediately shouting: "Everyone, stand to arms!"

His sudden cry sent tension rippling through the worksite. Though some timid laborers fled toward the rear, the recently trained soldiers swiftly drew weapons and took position.

"Lis, what's happening?"

Hamet, who had just delivered another batch of workers to Wubei Port, stepped forward to inquire.

"There—those ships fly the banner of the Ghost Tide Pirates!"

Hamet’s eyes widened. He unsheathed his longsword in one fluid motion. "Dare pirates attack noble territory?"

They considered many possibilities—perhaps someone wished to sabotage the completion of Wubei Port.

But then a figure leapt swiftly from the ship and landed lightly upon the pier.

"Lord Roanin!"

Seeing Roanin himself arrive, everyone relaxed. Workers who had begun fleeing were called back to resume their tasks.

"My lord," Lis asked, puzzled, "why do those two ships bear the pirate flag?"

Roanin briefly recounted his encounter at sea, then said, "I intend to send you and Lusen to lead a strike against the Ghost Tide Pirate base—to wipe them out completely."

Lis froze for a moment, then a gleam of excitement lit his face. Combat was what he lived for.

"At your command!"

Soon, the four ships reached shallow waters.

Under Emon’s direction, they began docking one by one. However, due to the limited length of the wharf, only two could berth simultaneously, making the process slow.

"Oh, my lord, there is something I must report."

"Speak."

Lis continued: "Two days ago, Tom came here saying Wushan Fortress had sent you a letter, requesting you visit Wushan Town upon your return."

Only then did Roanin shift his attention from the docking ships.

Since the last incident, Roanin had allowed Elron to screen incoming correspondence during his absence.

"To Wushan Town—not Wushan Fortress?"

"Yes. At first, I thought Tom might have misheard, but the messenger confirmed the letter specifically instructed you to go to Wushan Town."

Lis added: "Elron also told Tom to relay that before heading there, you should return to Marsh Keep and bring with you high-grade healing spell scrolls. It seems Master Miloslav has been injured."

Now Roanin understood. Likely, Lord Rulans was already in Wushan Town—that was why they wanted him there too.

"It appears the old dean truly was attacked."

Not long ago, Rulans had informed Roanin of suspicions that the old dean might be targeted by Black Serpent City. At the time, lacking direct evidence, Rulans could only apply pressure indirectly.

Now, with Miloslav returning wounded, the suspicion gained strong support.

If Osen and others had indeed openly assaulted Miloslav, and now a victim stood before them, the Hyde family would be impossible to exonerate.

After all, the old dean’s status was incomparable to Roanin’s former position as baron of a remote mountain village. His rank, power, lineage, and influence far surpassed Roanin’s early standing.

Thus, though both cases involved assassination, the consequences differed vastly.

And most crucially—Rulans had recovered, and he now intended to move against the Hydes.

In such circumstances, if Osen refused to sacrifice pawns to save the king, or worse, chose open defiance, the Hyde earldom itself might be stripped away.

"Lord," Lis ventured cautiously, "with unrest stirring beyond our borders—is Wushan Land headed toward war again?"

"Perhaps."

Roanin gave no definite answer; whether war would come remained uncertain.

"I leave matters here in your hands. Assign the timber on board to Emon, and let skilled shipwrights begin construction."

With a roar that split the heavens, Karlos took flight. Roanin mounted him mid-leap and soared toward Marsh Keep.

Lis watched the dark speck vanish into the sky, awestruck. "To have a flying mount—what a dream!"

Snapping back to reality, he reminded himself: regardless of whether war erupted in Wushan Land, Roanin had already set plans in motion. His own battlefield lay upon the sea.

Wushan Town.

Today, this quiet town welcomed an unexpected guest—the master of Wushan Land, Lord Rulans.

Truthfully, when the Marquis arrived riding his Thunderwind Beast, Melonicca was utterly astonished.

Back when Wushan Academy of the Arcane was founded, Rulans hadn’t even attended. Now, because Miloslav was gravely wounded, the Marquis himself had come?

Was it deep friendship? Or did Miloslav’s fate directly concern the Marquis?

Neither.

"Milord… you’ve truly recovered?"

Melonicca, usually so composed, trembled with emotion. It was as if the legendary Thunder Marquis had returned from exile.

Rulans nodded. "How stands the knightly order?"

Melonicca reported at once: "Grain and supplies are fully stocked. Our forces are stationed along the border of the earldom. At your word, we can launch the assault immediately."

Rulans gave a slight nod. "The hour of attack is not yet come."

Though Melonicca and Kabir’s knightly contingents were ready, Toru and Sandro’s units had not yet arrived.

Most critically, the mages of Silva Mana Trading Company had not yet reached Wushan Town.

"Milord," Melonicca asked hesitantly, "will we truly go to war with Black Serpent City?"

War between liege and vassal was rare indeed.

Rulans narrowed his eyes. "That depends on Osen and Barlton’s choice."

"They must have heard of your movements—your mobilization of knights. They’ve had ample time to consider their response. Yet still, no reply comes."

He snorted in displeasure. "Do they truly believe that, healed and backed by two Meteor Knights, they are invincible? Hmph. Even without me, even without the mana mages—I tell you, Black Serpent City still cannot match Wushan Fortress!"

Roanin and his knights were Rulans’ ultimate trump card.

"You’ve shown Osen great mercy," Melonicca said.

"I hope he does not squander the time you’ve granted him."

"Enough of them."

Rulans leaned habitually on his cane. "Come. Take me to see Miloslav. Let me see how badly this old comrade has been hurt." (End of Chapter)