by Zhuang Bifan
Of course, with Gerian's shrewdness, he naturally did not expose it.
Everyone sat there and thought hard for a while before Ysera broke the silence. "If I remember correctly, the Demon Fall Valley should be the place that produces Warlock Herb…"
"Demon Fall Valley. No, no, that place won't do. It's too dangerous. We only seek wealth when doing business. There's no need to get into conflict with the Shadow's Nest, those ruffians…" Lin Li hypocritically spoke till this point, and brazenly added, "Why don't we do this. Let's wait for three to seven years. Wait for us, the Emerald Tower, to take back the Demon Fall Valley, and then we'll resume our talk about the partnership?
"…" Ysera almost vomited blood. He had always thought that he himself was shameless enough, but he did not think that he was nothing much in front of this young mage. He was obviously trying to drag the sixteen forces of Jarrosus along, yet he still hypocritically said something like "no no, it's too dangerous." F*ck, he even dared to say something so shameless like waiting for three to seven years. Why didn't he say that they'd wait for Shadow's Nest to leave first?
It was not just Ysera that was cursing wildly in the heart. At this time, at least eight out of the sixteen leaders were cursing in their minds. From their perspective, this was an obvious trap, and it was the type that would make people willingly jump into it. With the large incentive hanging in front, wouldn't you want to take it…
The temptation of the Arcana Potion was too dangerous. There was nobody present that could resist it, including Ysera. At the point when Lin Li's voice fell, almost everyone had a decision—take!
Furthermore, they were fighting to be first!
"How would do this work!" The first that stood up was Aaron-Mazi. "The whole Jarrosus knows that the Demon Fall Valley belongs to the Emerald Tower. On what basis can those bandits from the Shadow's Nest occupy the Demon Fall Valley? Mage Felic, don't worry. As long as the Emerald Tower decides to take back the Demon Fall Valley, the Blood Brotherhood would assist without holding back any time. For the pride of Jarrosus and for the friendship between our two families that goes way back, we, the Blood Brotherhood, will give it our all!"
"Well said!" The head of the Rolin Family also stood up. His face was filled with righteous indignation. "Mage Felic, as long as you say it, the Rolin Family will be able to send out a hundred mages. If you are to attack the Demon Fall Valley, don't forget about the Rolin Family!"
"Thank you for your kindness." Lin Li smiled, and did not say much. He was very clear what this guy was trying to say. When the Arcana Potion has been concocted, don't forget about the Rolin Family!
"Yes, yes, yes, Mage Felic. Don't forget about me, Old Odin!"
"That's right, and us too…"
"Mage Felic, actually I can do it too!"
Aaron-Mazi got the ball rolling, and the sound of the responses from the guild hall had a rippling effect. In an instant, the quiet guild hall had suddenly become very lively.
Ysera looked at those leaders that were fighting to be first, and then he looked at the young mage, who was full of smiles. In the end, he could not resist the temptation of the Arcana Potion, and he also stood up in haste. "Don't forget, there is also us, the Mannes Family!"
Chapter 285 - Simple and Crude
Under the temptation of the Arcana Potion, the crowd did not even put up a proper resistance. They just announced their defeat. It took less than thirty minutes, and the effects were terrifying. As for the plea that Lin Li had long prepared, it was not even used at all…
After the thoughts of the seventeen forces were united, all that was left were the details. For example, when they would attack, their roles once the attack commenced, how the rewards would be split, or how the decision which family ended up with the Arcana Potion would be made. All in all, these were all negotiations with the stink of money.
Lin Li was never good at negotiations, so he tactfully passed on the topic to Gerian, and retreated back into the pharmaceutical lab long ago.
As to why he hid inside the pharmaceutical lab, it was not because he wanted to sell it after creating a hype. It was not that he did not want to meddle around after concocting the Arcana Potion—it was because he could not. This thing, frankly speaking, was just a bait. It relied too heavily on the Warlock Herb, and there was a need to assure the freshness of the Warlock Herb. Before they took back the Demon Fall Valley, Lin Li could only watch even though he had the standards of a pharmaceutics guru…
The thing he had to concoct now was some low-level potions, just like what he'd done before he left Jarrosus back then.
Actually, most of the time, potions were the same as spells. The lower the level, the more commonly they were used.
Lin Li opened the Ring of Endless Storm, and took out herbs that he had prepared long ago. He then set up the crucible and lit a flame. After that, he worked monotonously while being loaded down with trivial details…
Lin Li was busy all the way until the sky started to break into dawn before he rubbed his sore neck, and walked out of the pharmaceutical lab.
Gerian was standing at the door for a while by then. When he saw Lin Li come out, he asked with concern, "Another sleepless night?"
"Yes…" Lin Li yawned; his voice exposed the exhaustion that could not be concealed. He raised one finger, pointing at the desk that was filled with glass bottles. "These potions were prepared by me yesterday. Distribute them later. I am really tired now, and need to find a place to lie down. Just call me when it's time to leave."
"Scram!"
Lin Li was woken up by the knocking on the door.
When he opened the door, he saw Gerian's fat face.
"How's it?"
"Waiting for you."
Lin Li knew that time was limited, so he did not pack much. He just picked up the Aether Staff that was at the bed and wore the Rune Robe before he left the Emerald Tower in hurry with Gerian.
This time, the Emerald Tower had departed in full force. Other than apprentices, all mages that were level-five and above were ready for combat. When they exited the main gate of the Emerald Tower, Lin Li could clearly see almost two hundred robed mages loading the carriages continuously. They went in the direction of the Demon Fall Valley, accompanied by dust and smoke.
It was almost at the same time that there was the sound of hooves clopping suddenly coming from Jarrosus City. There were countless carriages driving through the streets. Everyone that saw this exceedingly great scene could not help but open their mouths. They could not believe what they had just seen. The insignia on each of these carriages were representing the greatest sixteen forces of Jarrosus, from the six mage families to the six underground forces. These titans that would shed blood whenever they met usually had actually come together today to take action…
The news seemed to have grown wings, and had quickly spread all over Jarrosus.
Before the carriages could leave the city gates, discussions had already been started within Jarrosus City. Everyone was guessing what was the reason that brought these sixteen forces together and what was the power that could cause them to ignore their differences that had been acc.u.mulated for hundreds of years?
Could it be the Emerald Tower?
This unexpected guess scared many people so much that they broke out in a cold sweat.
It was especially so for the ones from the Merlin Family.
Evan Merlin's face was filled with anxiety. He paced around the living room for more than ten rounds before he gritted his teeth and called over a trusted subordinate, whispering a few orders into his ear…
At this time, the carriages had already left Jarrosus, and kicked up a plume of dust on the smooth highway.
The carriages from the Mannes Family were always the most luxurious and spacious. Despite an Aaron-Mazi that suddenly squeezed in, it actually did not feel cramped. As for why Aaron-Mazi did not sit in his own carriage and insisted on squeezing in with Ysera, he actually had his own troubles. There was no choice. Who told him to have a sub
ordinate that was so stupid that he blocked the Emerald Tower of all places. Furthermore, he had to do it in front of Mage Felic…
Thinking about this incident, Aaron-Mazi could not help but break out in a cold sweat.
While Mage Felic had already said that he would no longer investigate this issue, Aaron-Mazi was still worried. After all, Aaron-Mazi had seen Mage Felic's approach before. If he really were to have a grudge against the Blood Brotherhood, Aaron-Mazi would not be able to live in peace at Jarrosus anymore.
Aaron-Mazi thought about it, and decided to discuss it with Ysera. There was no choice. In the whole Jarrosus, only Ysera could say a thing or two to Mage Felic…
"I'll try my best to help you explain it, but as for whether Mage Felic is willing to forgive you, that I dare not intervene with…"
"Thank you, thank you…"
Ysera hesitated for a moment. "Actually, you asked me to help you explain it, but why don't you do a good job? Mage Felic's vision is more s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e than anyone can ever imagine. Completing the task he gave you is a hundred times better than me helping you to explain a hundred times…"
"Oh, yes…" Once Aaron-Mazi heard this, he immediately understood. Oh, yes, why didn't I think of it from the start? Mage Felic has already given me a chance. As long as I am able to find out the actual situation of the Demon Fall Valley, won't that be better than any explanations?
That's right, I'll do that…
When Aaron-Mazi thought about this, he could no longer restrain his excitement. He hurriedly asked Ysera to stop the carriage, and called over his trusted subordinates that were following behind.
"Spread my orders. All of the bandits in Blood Brotherhood will have to think of a way to sneak into the Demon Fall Valley. Get a clear read on the current situation within the shortest time. Remember, even if it's a magical beast's dung, you will have to find out how fresh it is!"
"Yes!"
After seeing off his trusted subordinates, Aaron-Mazi then got into the Mannes Family's carriage again.
"Leader Ysera, I really have to thank you this time, no matter what."
"Haha…" Ysera only laughed, and did not say much. For him, this was just a favor done at little cost. If it was the last time, Ysera would definitely not tell Aaron-Mazi what to do. The reason was simple. It was because everyone resided in Jarrosus City, and they all cast greedy eyes on the throne of number one force in Jarrosus. But now, all of that did not matter. The existence of the Emerald Tower had long crushed their hopes. What they needed to worry about now was not standing out from among the other forces, but maintaining a good relationship with the Emerald Tower. This was the first condition for whether a force could continue surviving in Jarrosus City.
"Oh, yes, Leader Ysera…" Aaron-Mazi hesitated for a moment before asking Ysera with uncertainty, "Do you have any idea why Mage Felic chose this time to attack the Demon Fall Valley?"
"Is there an issue with this timing?"
"This…" Aaron-Mazi carefully thought over his words. "You see, now it's broad daylight. We have so many people going towards the Demon Fall Valley, so wouldn't it give Shadow's Nest time to prepare?"
"It's unimportant whether they have time to prepare…"
"What?"
…
Aaron-Mazi definitely would not be able to imagine that at this time, Gerian was also asking the same question in the Emerald Tower's carriage.
"Let me say, what are you thinking this time?" Gerian sat in the carriage. His fat and flabby body shifted around with unease. "Of all times to attack, why did you choose this time, going over in broad daylight? Isn't this the same as telling those a*sholes from Shadow's Nest 'I'm coming, you'd better prepare for it!'?"
"This question of yours is really too ignorant…" Lin Li was leaning on the carriage's wall and shutting his eyes. When he heard Gerian's question, he did not even open his eyes. He just lifelessly replied, "If they want to prepare, then let them…"
"F*ck, you're so arrogant. Be careful not to lose out!"
"Fine, then. Let us make an assumption, President. Let's say we are all bandits that are good at being stealthy and hiding. Let's say we depart in the middle of the night. Let's say we have already sneaked into the Demon Fall Valley before anyone notices us. Then, President, could you tell me what we can do at that time?"
"What can we do? Of course we sneak an attack on them!" Gerian answered in accordance with what was right.
"President, please be mindful. Out of the 1000 people here today, at least 900 of them are mages. How can we launch a sneak attack on them?"
"This…"
"Additionally, don't forget that the main attack power of the Shadow's Nest comes from bandits that are good at being stealthy and hiding. If we really were to attack in the middle of the night, I wonder who would be sneaking an attack on whom. The reason why I chose this timing is to cripple their advantage by the largest degree possible. I don't believe that the bandits of the Shadow's Nest are able to stab anyone in the back in broad daylight—no matter how strong they are…"
"After listening to your explanation, it seems to make some sense…"
"What makes some sense? It makes a lot of sense, okay? Anyhow, just rest peacefully. Once we've reached the Demon Fall Valley, we'll bombard it with magic. When the Demon Fall Valley has been flattened by the bombardment, the battle will end!" Lin Li's simple words had decided this battle's simple and crude tone.
Chapter 286 - Enemy Attack
The Demon Fall Valley was situated in between Jarrosus and the Forest of Whispers. Heading north along the highway coming out of Jarrosus for over forty minutes, a short forest could be seen. Following the border of this short forest and heading forward for a few kilometers, the beautiful and bountiful valley could be seen…
It was just that the owner of the Demon Fall Valley had currently changed from the Emerald Tower to the Shadow's Nest.
Under the winding mountain range and in between the luscious greenery, there was a motley plain of tan. Breathing and shouting were continuously heard from the mountain caves. This was accompanied by the monotonous "dang, dang, dang" sounds, adding a tinge of cruelty to the Demon Fall Valley. There were ore carts coming out from the caves' entrances occasionally, and the carts were filled with a dense and heavy load of black-colored ore. Even though the Felan Kingdom was the least advanced in regard to mining technology, this was still the most primitive form, where humans were pushing carts to transport the ore.
"Hurry, you damn lazy pigs. You only know how to eat and be lazy. Isn't food that costs 5 copper enough to keep you full for the whole day? You still move so slowly while pulling carts with so little ore. Do you want me to use a whip to wake you up?" There were a few supervisors walking around the caves' entrances; the wh.i.p.s in their hands danced, giving off cracks. They were the lowest-ranking members of the Shadow's Nest. It was only natural that they did not get comfortable tents or have a relaxing patrol duty. Those were the privileges of the core members. Low-ranking members that had only joined for less than three years like them could only accompany the slaves under the blazing sun. The only privilege they had was only to use the leather wh.i.p.s in their hands.
The emaciated slaves moved the carts strenuously, dripping their sweat all over the luscious grass. In a further place, there were a few simple and crude furnaces that were set up temporarily. The order they had received was to refine as much mithril ore into mithril ingots as possible within the shortest time.
Ronald was forty-five years old this year. His early life of exile had caused him to lose an eye, but Ronald never regretted it once. It was because he had traded this eye for the control of the whole Shadow's Nest. The current him now stood on top a sentry tower, using his remaining eye to overlook the whole Demon Fall Valley. Under the torture of the blazing sun and leather wh.i.p.s, there were slaves collapsing at the side occasionally. Some struggled and stood up, while some never got back up again. Ronald watched everything coldly. For him, slaves were merely ex
pendable goods. Their value could not even be compared to a refined mithril ingot's. The only issue was that if too many slaves died, it'd disrupt the mining process.
"The output recently is not up to standard. I think we have to purchase another batch of slaves. Yes, the number of supervisors would have to increase as well. These good-for-nothings are too lazy, they need more wh.i.p.s to greet them…" Although he was complaining, his tone carried a sense of pride that could not be concealed.
It was hard to blame Ronald for being proud…
Ten years ago, he had developed his wild ambitions within the Shadow's Nest, but his ambition was hampered by barren lands. It wasn't until two months ago, when the Demon Fall Valley had been taken over, that he finally obtained sufficient capital. The enormous yield of the mithril ore had brought about a terrifying advantage for the Shadow's Nest. Probably not long later, he would be able to have an elite force armed to their teeth. When it reached that point, what could Jarrosus amount to? My wild ambition is to spread Shadow's Nest's influence throughout the whole Felan Kingdom. Even His Majesty would have to hand over protection fee if he were to venture into my area of influence…
"Ronald, don't count your chickens before they hatch. The real danger has yet to arrive. You need to prepare for battle…" The one standing behind Ronald was an old man with a frail voice. He was wearing a black robe, and his hood was pulled over. His face was thoroughly serious, and it was only under the shadow of the hood that his eyes had a sharp gleam to them…
"Haha, you are too careful, my old friend…" Ronald's laughter spread far and wide. His only eye was filled with complacency. "If it was the Emerald Tower from two months ago, I might worry for a bit. But now, they no longer have this right. Gerian is just a piece of trash now. When we burned the Emerald Tower, he did not even dare to emerge from his shell. Do you know, my old friend, that that fatty is afraid now? Haha, he is afraid now. He is afraid of Shadow's Nest's strength, and he is even more afraid of our powerful ally!"