Eradicate the Roots!

In the middle of the Harvest Moon (September), the Harvest Festival took place as scheduled.

This is the grand celebration in the Duchy of Starlit Stars, second only to the New Year.

At this time of year, all the noble territories host festivals to celebrate the year’s harvest and pray for abundant crops in the coming year.

Starting from the beginning of the month, caravans and travelers have gradually entered Shining City.

By the day of the Harvest Festival, Shining City was bustling with people, filled with a lively holiday atmosphere everywhere.

Inside the banquet hall of the Shining Castle, adorned with lights and decorations, invited guests were enjoying themselves, and laughter was unending.

In the corner of the hall, a group of young men and women gathered, eating delicious food and chatting enthusiastically about gossip.

“I heard that Count Storm is still in a coma and hasn’t woken up yet. His sons are almost fighting to the death for the title.”

“That’s normal. After all, it’s a count’s title. If it were me, I would definitely fight tooth and nail for it.”

“It’s said that Count Storm’s wife even invited a wizard to treat the Count. Tsk, tsk, who would have thought that the wizards in legends actually exist.”

“Hehe, they’re just a bunch of charlatans, only capable of tricks like magicians in circuses. I also heard that the so-called wizard couldn’t cure Count Storm in the end and was ultimately killed with a sword by the Count’s second son.”

Legends of wizards have a considerable market in high society.

As the topic unfolded, many people showed interest, raising their glasses and joining the conversation.

“Speaking of which, apparently there’s also a wizard in Blackstone City.”

“Are you talking about Su Nan, the second son of the former Baron of the Shining Lands? I heard Blackstone City developed into what it is now because of his efforts behind the scenes.”

“Really?”

When Brother Ke Yi and Su Nan were driven out of Shining City and effectively exiled to Blackstone City, hardly anyone believed in the unfortunate duo.

After all, Blackstone City is located at the border of Jinyan Province, with a poor geographical position and the Black-scaled Lizardmen as a lurking threat, giving it pitifully low development potential.

With a miserable hand, the brothers stood no chance against the current Baron of the Shining Lands.

They were expected to be dealt with once Owen consolidated territorial forces.

In everyone’s eyes, the brothers were almost like dead men.

Yet the subsequent developments took a dramatic turn, surprising many.

Not only did Blackstone City restart the Blackstone Mine leading to continuous income in gold coins, but they also eradicated the Black-scaled Lizardmen.

Today, anyone can see the vibrant and thriving development potential of Blackstone City.

If allowed to continue developing, in a few years, it might become one of Jinyan Province’s foremost cities.

Many are exploring the reasons behind Blackstone City’s transformation.

Hearing it might be related to Su Nan, many present were skeptical.

After all, Su Nan’s shy and introverted personality is not a secret in noble circles, and compared to his talented elder brother, he’s far from exceptional.

Such a person could hardly be the mastermind behind Blackstone City’s changes.

“Talk of wizards is nonsense.”

A young man sneered dismissively.

“Su Nan is just a waste who can’t even practice breathing techniques. What major thing could he possibly accomplish?”

“Blackstone City just got a bit lucky; it can’t become a threat. Owen doesn’t even need to act personally; my father could easily handle them.”

Someone recognized the young man as the son of Lord Zorf, the first to ally with Owen, and smiled without refuting.

The conversation quickly shifted to other topics.

Although Blackstone City has recently been in the spotlight, as Lord Zorf’s son said, no one believes Blackstone City can contend with Baron Owen, who virtually controls the entire Shining Lands.

There’s no need for Baron Owen’s elite cavalry; any of the three lords could easily deal with Blackstone City.

Meanwhile.
In the council hall, Owen sat facing three lords.

“Those two nephews of mine are really surprising; quietly stirring up such a commotion, it seems I have underestimated them before.”

Owen gently swirled the wine glass in his hand, the crimson liquid shimmered captivatingly under the light.

“Restarting the Blackstone Mine, exterminating the Black-scaled Lizardmen, forming a cavalry regiment… If we let them grow further, they might really become a force strong enough to rival me.”

“My lord jests. Forming a cavalry regiment isn’t so simple. Even if Blackstone City has sufficient gold, they wouldn’t have the means to purchase enough warhorses, forming a cavalry regiment is ultimately just a fantasy.”

Zorf, a tall burly man with a back like a tiger and waist like a bear, spoke in a muffled tone.

His breathing technique focused on physique, making him particularly robust and burly, standing close to two meters tall.

During the term of the previous baron of Shining City, Zorf was already a renowned warrior, and recently, after becoming a peak knight, his fame grew even more.

“Indeed, training cavalry is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In such a short time, even if Blackstone City manages to form a cavalry regiment, their combat strength would be very limited, not a cause for concern.”

Devon said with a smile, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.

If forming a cavalry regiment were so easy, he would have done it himself.

Two immature brats, dreaming big just because they have a bit of money, truly don’t know the limits of the sky.

Seeing his colleagues speaking up, Norwood was not to be outdone and chimed in a few words.

Owen squinted his eyes and took a sip of wine.

Unlike Zorf and the others who speculated based on rumors, Owen had confirmed intelligence that Blackstone City had trained a new type of mount, seemingly possessing some combat capability.

It was precisely with this new type of mount at the core that Blackstone City had formed a cavalry regiment.

According to reports from spies, Blackstone City suffered minimal losses in their campaign against the Black-scaled Lizardmen.

It was likely due to this cavalry regiment.

Seeing it this way, this cavalry regiment could not be underestimated.

Given time, they might truly develop into a formidable elite force.

At this thought, a trace of restlessness involuntarily welled up within Owen’s heart.

This could not continue any longer! It was time to root out the problem, to eliminate the final threat!

Once the brothers were dead, the Shining Lands would become entirely his, and there would be no more worries about upheaval!

“What are your thoughts on Blackstone City?” Owen asked nonchalantly.

The three lords present were all cunning individuals, and as soon as they heard this, they immediately understood Owen’s plan.

Zorf was the first to speak, “As long as you give the order, my lord, I am willing to lead troops to attack Blackstone City.”

Devon and Norwood, though a step slower, cursed inwardly. This big guy, with his thick eyebrows and large eyes, was surprisingly smooth-tongued, with skin as thick as city walls.

Despite their silent curses, they were not slow to act, each eagerly volunteering for the mission.

Seeing the ‘loyalty’ of the three, Owen smiled contentedly and waved them off, “An open military attack would be too overt, and while Blackstone City’s military strength isn’t strong, overcoming them would still cost a fair number of troops.”

The three looked at each other.

Devon hesitated, “Then what do you mean, my lord?”

Owen gave a cryptic smile and said, “Once Brother Ke Yi and Su Nan are dead, Blackstone City will naturally return to my control.”

The three immediately understood, showing expressions of sudden realization.

Assassination!

This was almost a universal skill among nobility.

However, such things were generally not carried out by one’s own people, to avoid being caught red-handed.

But if not sending his own men, from where did Owen plan to hire hands?

It’s said Brother Ke Yi has advanced to a great knight.

Attempting to assassinate a great knight is no small feat!