1945 - 1954
Chapter 1945: Meeting Ockham Again
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
It was deep night and tranquil. The deep place of the pitch-dark mountain cave reverberated with the sound of water dripping off stalactites that hung upside down from the top of the mountain cave. A salamander was silently creeping on the bank of a pond and capturing fleas in water in the gloomiest and most humid environment.
As they had been used to such a dark environment, these salamanders' visual sense had completely degenerated; however, their olfactory sense was still very sensitive.
All of a sudden, that salamander suddenly stopped catching fleas as it instantly fled into crannies of the rocks and dared not expose his head as if it had seen something dangerous.
Not knowing why, a cluster of mist had already appeared in this mountain cave. When the mist faded away, a person showed up like a specter.
He was thin and tall. His entire body was covered with a black cloak. In a golden mask, he looked mysterious and terrifying. Under the golden mask, there was a pair of glittering eyes, which were observing the environment here meticulously with alert.
His hands were inside the black robe. He was ready for the fight. Before a drop of water fell onto his body from the top of the mountain, it had been bounced off by a layer of invisible protective battle qi.
Besides alert and prudence, his eyes also contained a bit of shock and doubt.
"Long time no see, Ockham…" A voice suddenly entered his ears. He quivered once as he instantly turned around and looked ahead.
10 m ahead, Zhang Tie slowly exited the "invisible" state.
There was no invisible Shen bead in this world. Therefore, when he saw Zhang Tie's body becoming real from transparent, undoubtedly, he was greatly shocked.
After several decades, Zhang Tie's looks still remained as same as before. However, his qi turned more unfathomable.
He slightly quivered with fear and shock. After a few seconds, he instantly recalled something as he hurriedly knelt down by one knee in front of Zhang Tie and lowered his head. Meanwhile, he picked off his golden mask and greeted in a hoarse tone, "My respect to you, owner, I'm Ockahm…"
"Unexpectedly, you're already in the 7 change realm of shadow knight. You've made great progress too…" Zhang Tie sighed while continuing, "You don't have to kneel down there. Get up. I will not eat you…"
When he saw Zhang Tie, this holy light bishop of the Holy Light Empire felt weak all over and even lost his bravery to revolt just like how a new-born mouse caught sight of a cat. When Zhang Tie took him in, Zhang Tie was only an earth knight. Zhang Tie became world-renowned at the bank of Weishui River and slaughtered demons as if they were dogs. Later on, he "died" with a sage-level knight of Taixia Country at Yinhai Desert. From then on, Zhang Tie's name had been a legend over the past decades.
Over the past years, all the others thought that Zhang Tie was already dead; except Ockham. If Zhang Tie was dead, the effect of the god's baptism rune on him would be relieved. However, the effect of the rune was not relieved yet; despite that he couldn't sense Zhang Tie's existence.
When he saw Zhang Tie again, Ockham's head buzzed with confusion. Before coming here, he was worried and doubted that it might be a trap. However, he dared not disobey Zhang Tie's order. When he came here and saw Zhang Tie again, Ockham knew that it was not a trap. Therefore, his shock was beyond words.
Ockham had confirmed two things in the shortest period of time. This Zhang Tie was real. He appeared to be more powerful than before. Not knowing whether Zhang Tie had promoted to a heavenly knight or a semi-sage knight, even though Zhang Tie didn't make any progress in his cultivation base, he could also easily kill Ockham given the bond between them because of the god's baptism rune.
Although he still had a lot of questions, Ockham had figured out his own role in the shortest period of time.
"It's so nice to see you back, owner…" After standing up, the holy light bishop instantly "choked". Closely after that, his eyes turned red as he dropped off tears. Meanwhile, he watched Zhang Tie with excitement as he behaved like a humble slave…
As long as a person promoted to a knight, it was too easy for him to control his tear gland. Zhang Tie didn't want to learn whether Ockham's tears were real or not; because it was meaningless. He only needed Ockham to be loyal to him. Ockham's performance didn't let Zhang Tie down either.
After being "excited" for a short while, Ockham stopped dropping off tears. Zhang Tie then spoke in a serious way, "After falling in the space crack, I almost couldn't come back. When I came back, I found I was in Coldwater City. Additionally, I lost many things and couldn't contact my family for the time being. Therefore, I called you here to ask you some questions!"
"Owner, do you need me to contact Jinwu Palace?" Ockham asked Zhang Tie carefully. Being not a fool, Ockham didn't ask Zhang Tie why he didn't go back to Taixia Country and found his family; because he was crystal clear about Zhang Tie's enemies. Each of the three major sects of Taixia Country was a huge mountain that couldn't be rocked. Now that Zhang Tie had come back, the sage-level knight which disappeared together with Zhang Tie at Yinhai Desert might not come back. As for a knight and a clan, it was as troublesome as facing demons for them to offend such an enemy.
"I don't want to contact my clan for the time being. I want to know the situation facing my clan over these years. Have they met any accident?"
This was indeed the question that Zhang Tie was concerned about the most. Over these days, although Zhang Tie had read the memories of dozens of people in Coldwater City, he didn't learn too much about the affairs of top powers as all the dozens of people were low-level roles, especially those lackeys being brainwashed by demons. He only learned some empty things and a couple of major events. Of course, Zhang Tie couldn't gather too much information from those people's brains.
After hearing Zhang Tie's question, Ockham hurriedly told Zhang Tie about all the information of Jinwu Palace that he knew.
Ockham paid closer attention to the information about Taixia Country and Jinwu Palace because of Zhang Tie; therefore, he knew more than ordinary people. Therefore, he poured out all the relevant information that he knew at this moment.
Over the past 30-odd years, Jinwu Palace didn't decline; instead, it developed into a super major clan being well-known across both Eastern Continent and the Western Continent.
Jinwu Palace's enemies in Taixia Country were Taiyi Fantasy Sect, Heavens Holding Pavilion and Qionglou Pavilion. Over the past 30-odd years, the three sects were totally incompatible with Jinwu Palace; however, they could do nothing to Jinwu Palace's rise.
After Elder Heavenly Chaos, also the owner of Heavens Holding Pavilion died in the battle at Yinhai Desert, Heavens Holding Pavilion's power declined heavily. As those grand elders of Heavens Holding Pavilion didn't reach an agreement about the next owner of Heavens Holding Pavilion, Heavens Holding Pavilion had been troubled with internal disputes over the past three decades. 6 years later after the battle between Zhang Tie and Elder Heavenly Chaos at Yinhai Desert, although the new owner of Heavens Holding Pavilion was selected with the interference of Old Man Taiyi and Elder Shenkong, he couldn't completely conquer the other two grand elders who were also semi-level sages.
On this occasion, that grand elder who ascended to the position of the owner of Heavens Holding Pavilion with the support of Old Man Taiyi and Elder Shenkong was killed by Yun Zhongzi, the sage-level elder of the Great Wilderness Sect. In that battle, Heavens Holding Pavilion suffered heavy losses.
Therefore, there was still no owner of Heavens Holding Pavilion even now. The other two grand elders who always wanted to scramble for the position of the owner of Heavens Holding Pavilion finally stopped; instead, they both developed their own force in Heavens Holding Pavilion. As a result, Heavens Holding Pavilion's reputation declined greatly. It almost dropped out of the top 6 sects in Taixia Country.
In this situation, nobody in Heavens Holding Pavilion felt like offending Jinwu Palace which was in the heyday.
By contrast, Taiyi Fantasy Sect and Qionglou Pavilion were both tired of coping with Yun Zhongzi, the elder of Great Wilderness Sect who treated them as his top enemies over the past three decades.
Over 30 years ago, on the day of the battle at Yinhai Desert, Yun Zhongzi had raided the headquarters of Taiyi Fantasy Sect, inflicting a heavy loss to the latter. In the following a few years, he raided some branches of Qionglou Pavilion consecutively and killed many elders and knights of Qionglou Pavilion. Those elders and knights of Taiyi Fantasy Sect and Qionglou Pavilion who went out to carry out tasks also became the preys of Yun Zhongzi. They would die for sure once they fell in the hands of Yun Zhongzi.
By now, Taiyi Fantasy Sect and Qionglou Pavilion finally knew that people in barefoot was not afraid of those in shoes. The two major sects were afraid of Yun Zhongzi so much that everyone felt insecure.
In the two major sects, besides sage-level knights like Taiyi Old Man and Elder Shenkong, almost nobody else could defeat Yun Zhongzi. The two major sects both had their bases; however, Yun Zhongzi, being such powerful, was alone. His trace was uncertain. Therefore, he always carried out guerrillas with the two major sects. Of course, the two major sects wouldn't be in danger every day.
Additionally, Yun Zhongzi's animal controlling skill was amazing. Old Man Taiyi and Elder Shenkong set two traps in vain because Yun Zongzi used his animal controlling skill. As for the second time, Yun Zongzi even met trick with a trick. He induced Old Man Taiyi out of Taiyi Fantasy Sect's headquarters and raided their headquarters for the second time. As a result, a lot of knights in the headquarters were heavily injured. Even the palace of the sect was destroyed again…
Chapter 1946: The Rise of Jinwu Palace
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
When the three major sects of Taixia Country were heavily disturbed by Yun Zhongzi who used to take action secretly and had terrifying battle force, Jinwu Palace which established connections with the royal households of Taixia Country through marriage had been rising in an irresistible way based on businesses of fiery-oil and all-purpose medicament…
As the holy war turned white-hot, the demand for fiery-oil and all-purpose medicament was increasing. In this situation, Jinwu Palace's position in Taixia Country became more and more important. It could be said that Jinwu Palace was as rich as a country. Besides fiery-oil, starting from the second year after the battle at Yinhai Desert, Jinwu Palace had already determined to produce all-purpose medicament together with royal households and some major sects through cooperation…
Zhang Tie was the son-in-law of Lord Guangnan's Mansion. Zhang Tie's sons were royal prince's son-in-law, son-in-law of Zuoqiu Ming, son-in-law of Guang Clan. Additionally, Zhang Clan had established close relations with Heavenly Fortune Sect, Gold and Power Law, Taixia military and local major sects across Taixia Country. Furthermore, almost all the air cavalries across Taixia Country were the disciples or disciples' disciples in Fiery-Dragon Bounty Territory.
Over the past 30-odd years since Zhang Tie left Taixia Country, Zhang Chenglei, Zhang Chengting and Zhang Chengpei had long promoted to earth knights. Soon after getting married, they had given birth to grandsons for Zhang Tie. Even many grandsons of Zhang Tie's, also the fourth generation of Jinwu Palace had been promoting to knights one after another. Jinwu Palace was full of talents. Additionally, many powerhouses were joining Jinwu Palace from all directions.
Yan Feiqing lived up to her identity as Zhang Tie's No. 1 wife. After the battle at Yinhai Desert finished for 14 years, Yan Feiqing had formed her fire chakra and promoted to a semi-sage knight. Bai Suxian and Guo Hongyi had promoted to shadow knights…
After the battle at Yinhai Desert, Jinwu Palace suffered the largest crisis. On the 914th year of Black Iron Calendar, a semi-sage wing demon knight assaulted Fiery-Dragon Bounty Territory. However, the final result was that the semi-sage wing demon knight was killed by golden sage and silver sage. Not until then did people across Taixia Country know that Jinwu Palace and Iron Dragon Sect had two super magical beasts on their back. Both magical beasts were close to semi-sage knights. However, their overall battle force was greater than that of a semi-sage level knight. Nobody could hurt them, except sage-level knights.
As for Ice and Snow Wilderness, O'Laura became the empress dowager of Sacred Iceland Kingdom. Andre, the son between Zhang Tie and O'Laura, officially ascended to the throne at 18 and had become the Tsar of Ice and Snow Wilderness. He had long promoted to an earth knight and had a lot of children.
Alexander, the son of Zhang Tie and Ms. Olina was called the king of islands. He owned 10,000 warships and had a big influence on the sea…
Additionally, Anatori, Victor, Igor, Oreg, Nigolas and Lev, the six sons between Zhang Tie and the six women of Spencer Clan, cleared all the obstacles in Fadiland, Western Continent where Zhang Tie once promised to gift them and founded a new kingdom called the Sacred Eschyle Kingdom.
Anatori, the son of Zhang Tie and Matia, became the first king of Sacred Eschyle Kingdom. All the other five sons became the princes of Sacred Eschyle Kingdom. The names of the six brothers had been spread over Sacred Eschyle Kingdom.
The first private city of Spencer Clan in Ice and Snow Wilderness was Eschyle City. Eschyle meant the land where their lord arrived in Ice and Snow Wilderness. Unimaginably, wise Spencer Clan finally turned this name into a country's name after dozens of years. The investment that Spencer Clan made in Zhang Tie at the beginning finally brought them a great harvest after dozens of years. Speaking of business and sagacity, Spencer Clan indeed ranked first in Ice and Snow Wilderness.
With the foundation of Sacred Eschyle Kingdom, the reputation of Spencer women also spread over the Western Continent.
Listening to the information about Jinwu Palace and his children from Ockham, Zhang Tie felt complex as he became silent for a while.
Zhang Tie was born as a grassroots in Blackhot City. However, he didn't imagine that even his sons could become kings one day. Over the past 30-odd years, even his grandsons had promoted to knights.
Zhang Tie was at a loss of whether to cry or laugh.
"What about Matveyev? I didn't hear any news about Matveyev." Zhang Tie suddenly asked Ockham after a short silence.
Matveyev was the son of Zhang Tie and Sabrina. Of course, he didn't forget about him.
Ockham replied with a bit flurried look, "Please forgive me, owner. I know very little about Matveyev. I only heard that Sacred Iceland Kingdom and Sacred Eschyle Kingdom both conferred Matveyev as a prince. Alexander even gifted a big island in Xiqin Waters to Matveyev. However, after promoting to a knight, Matveyev has not shown up in the public. I didn't hear any news about him over these years."
"What about Matveyev's mother Sabrina?"
"Ms. Sabrina's whereabouts is uncertain. 10 years ago, she traveled across the Western Continent. Later on, she was said to have been to Taixia Country. A few years ago, she was said to return to Wildbear City in Ice and Snow Wilderness. I've not received any news about her recently…"
'Has Wildbear Tribe founded a city?' Zhang Tie slightly shook his head. Matveyev was born to be restless and explore just like his mother. Perhaps Matveyev was looking for the life that he wanted. If something had really happened to Matveyev, Sabrina would never travel everywhere given her personality.
Zhang Tie then asked about Olina and the other wives. According to Ockham, they were all good. Everyone knew that they were Zhang Tie's wives. Given Zhang Tie's prestige among humans and the Jinwu Palace's influential position in Taixia Country, of course, nobody dared cast greedy eyes on their beautiful looks. Additionally, they were not common as they had means and forces to protect themselves. All of their sons were freaks who had promoted to knights at about the age of 18.
Over the past dozens of years since the holy war broke out, humans and Taixia Country were swaying in the midst of a raging storm. However, Jinwu Palace and Zhang Tie's bloodline were developing prosperously. That was all the information that Zhang Tie had acquired from Ockham.
After knowing all these, Zhang Tie heaved a deep sigh.
There was the last problem to be solved.
"I need you to arrange a free tower of time for me now at any price. It had better be on the Western Continent!" Zhang Tie told Ockham straightforwardly.
"Owner, you need a tower of time?" Ockham asked with great shock, "It's said that Jinwu Palace has a lot of towers of time in the south border of Taixia Country…"
"Due to some reasons, I don't want to expose my identity. Neither do I want to contact my family for the time being…" Zhang Tie interrupted with Ockham.
"There're very few advanced towers of time which could enable a person to cultivate in for over 50 years in Western Continent," Ockham replied with an embarrassed look, "There're two advanced towers of time in Holy Light Empire; however, they couldn't be available without the consent of His Majesty Pope…"
"I don't need such an advanced tower of time. I only need to cultivate 3-5 years in a tower of time. Can you find it?" Zhang Tie asked Ockham with burning eyes.
"A tower of time which could be available for 3-5 years?"
"Yes, I don't need to cultivate for too long!"
Ockham then rolled his eyes as he started to consider it rapidly. Half a minute later, Ockham raised his eyebrows and replied, "Owner, if you don't mind changing your identity, I might… find it…"
"Might?"
"No, owner, as long as you don't mind changing your identity, I can definitely find it!" Ockham clenched his teeth and said when he saw Zhang Tie slightly knitting his brows.
"Tell me about your plan…"
"Here's my plan…"
Listening to Ockham's words, Zhang Tie slightly relieved his brows…
Chapter 1947: Finding His New Identity
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
On the evening of July 18th, the 932nd year of Black Iron Calendar, in the mountains 200 miles away in the east of Coldwater City, Hicks Peninsula…
With a wuthering sound, a bolt flew over a 50 m high red pine in a valley and struck the people in front of the team who were groping their way and advancing among the rocks on the hillside.
The bolt instantly penetrated through the soft armor in front of that man's chest at lightning speed. Closely after that, the bolt ejected flames that covered that man…
Once being hit by such an inflammable bolt, nobody could survive.
The flames looked very eye-catching in the dark. It brightly lit the space over thousands of square meters in the valley.
The team being raided only had four people. When the one in front of the team was struck, the remaining three people instantly made a response as they all charged at different directions so as to avoid being the second target. At the same time, one of the three people who was holding a metal crossbow had already triggered his string. With a buzz, three bolts instantly shot into the leaves of that red pine where the bolt came from in the shape of a triangle.
With a muffled sound, a black shadow fell to the ground heavily from the high red pine.
"Crewe…" With a low growl, seven fighters of Sacred Alliance Empire whose faces were covered with the tattoo of snake scales suddenly rushed out of bushes and darted towards the remaining three people whom they were ambushing.
Among the 7 people, at least 5 of them had released their battle qi and revealed their battle qi totems——two black spiders, one centipede, one king serpent and a huge bloody scorpion.
Crewe meant "kill" in the language of Sacred Alliance Empire.
"Holy Light remains forever…"
The three people who had just charged at different directions roared in unison. At the same time, they took out their weapons and released bloody battle qi. Closely after that, the three people rushed towards the seven people of the Sacred Alliance Empire at the same time.
The battle was short, fierce and bloody. It lasted less than two minutes. In the blood sprays, muffled sounds of being pierced through by sabers and swords and people's growls, the team of three people instantly reduced to one people. By contrast, the team of seven fighters of Sacred Alliance Empire reduced to three people in the short period of time…
Finally, the one who had just fired three bolts in the team of three people stabbed his long sword into the heart of the most powerful bloody scorpion fighter in the team of Sacred Alliance Empire while being pierced through by three long swords. Closely after that, the two people rolled down the hillside and fell into the pitch-dark valley, leaving no sound anymore.
As a result, the team of seven people of the Sacred Alliance Empire was reduced to two people. The remaining two fighters didn't waste time. They rapidly cut off the heads of two enemies. After that, they took a look at the deep valley and the steep cliff. After gabbling a few seconds, they soon disappeared in the dark, leaving blood and corpses on the hillside…
…
Ten minutes later, Zhang Tie, being invisible, arrived at the battlefield. After taking a look at those corpses and the blood stains on the ground, he flew into the deep valley along the steep hillside and cliff.
The two corpses in the valley had been badly mutilated and completely lost their qi. However, Zhang Tie could still identify the identities of the two people.
The fighter who perished together with that fighter of Sacred Alliance Empire was widening his eyes with fury until death. Meanwhile, his face was covered with bloodstains.
Zhang Tie reached out his hand and lightly helped him cover his eyes. After that, he put his hand on this fighter's head. It took him less than half a minute to read all the memory of this fighter since he was born.
According to the secret skill of Bloody Soul Sutra, one's memory could still be captured even if he had just died.
This fighter was indeed a LV 9member of Sword of Brilliance, the most elite legion in the Holy Light Empire. His name was Fred.
"From now on, I will live with your identity and name for a period of time as the return. I could help you get revenge. Let me bury you now…" Zhang Tie sighed as he took off the metal nameplate which was hung over the fighter's neck. Then, he waved his hand and silently made a 2 m deep pit beside that fighter of Holy Light Empire. Zhang Tie then put the corpse of that Holy Light Empire into the pit before covering him with soil and stones. After that, he exited the "invisible" state.
At this moment, Zhang Tie was already as same as that late fighter of Holy Light Empire.
With a pair of black field boots, a leather belt, a sharp top-quality long sword, a short saber, a soft armor being close to his skin, a field leather waist container being exclusive to the legion Sword of Brilliance of Holy Light Empire, a field camouflage uniform and a standard color-changing field cloak, Zhang Tie was absolutely a member of legion Sword of Brilliance of Holy Light Empire.
Zhang Tie hung that nameplate over his own neck. After that, his body as a whole undulated like a ripple. In the blink of an eye, Zhang Tie had copied the look of Fred——over 20 years old, beige hair, light green eyeballs, flat nose, thin lips, fair fingers, prominent bone joints on his palms and a 3 cm long faint scar.
Fred was neither handsome nor ugly. He was just a common youth on the Western Continent. As a member of the legion Sword of Brilliance, he had experienced many things that outsiders didn't know. Therefore, his face looked a bit grim and solemn.
Besides the face, Zhang Tie also imitated his secret method and level at the same time.
When Zhang Tie turned into Fred, he suddenly heard trotting sounds approaching him from afar. The remaining two fighters of Sacred Alliance Empire had already come to the valley from another gentle slope. They were running towards here. Soon after they negotiated a huge rock in the valley, they had caught sight of Zhang Tie.
There were moonlight and starlight tonight. Although this valley looked a bit dark, they could still see clearly everything within dozens of meters.
At the sight of Zhang Tie, the two fighters of Sacred Alliance Empire instantly became stunned for a couple of seconds as if they had seen a ghost.
The enemy who was pierced through by three swords and rolled down with their captain was standing right in front of them safe and sound. By contrast, their captain's corpse was lying beside Zhang Tie.
As fighters had been familiar with many situations, they didn't think too much on this occasion. They found that Zhang Tie just stood there still. Therefore, after being temporarily stunned, they roared, "Crewe.." in a low tone before brandishing their long swords and rushing towards Zhang Tie.
Zhang Tie drew out the long sword from the sheath. Without using any powerful secret skill or battle skill, he charged at them like a tiger.
Zhang Tie waved his long sword, sending an enemy's head flying in the air immediately. After that, he slightly avoided the attack of the other enemy and prodded the long sword forward, piercing through the second enemy's chest. The battle soon came to an end.
After putting his long sword back into the sheath, Zhang Tie gropped over the two corpses for a short while. After taking two inflammable grenades, he took a glance at this place for the last time. Then, he jumped agilely and disappeared in the dense wood beside the valley…
After a few minutes, a pack of huge wolves appeared in the valley with green light in their eyes. After the pack of huge wolves left there, there were only some broken bones over there…
Chapter 1948: Leaving the Mountain Range
Translator:WQL
Editor:Aleem
Zhang Tie didn't leave that mountain range until 10 days later.
During this period, Zhang Tie joined more than 10 battles and chopped off dozens of heads in the mountain range. After ambushing a team of fighters of Sacred Alliance Empire, Zhang Tie who disguised himself as Fred suddenly found that he could light all the other surging points except those on his spine. After that, Zhang Tie exited that mountain range and prepared to go back to the camp at the order of the Sword of Brilliance.
The battles in the 10 days could be ignored as they were far from risks. Given his realm as a sage-level knight, even being weak, he still didn't have any sense of fulfillment by disguising as a LV 9 fighter and fighting demon lackeys at LV 9 or below LV 9. It was far from being satisfying.
There was only a relatively "risky" battle: Zhang Tie discovered a LV 11 battle master of Sacred Alliance Emperor in the mountain. After thinking twice, Zhang Tie felt it was too eye-catching if he killed him with the gap of two levels, therefore, Zhang Tie chose to "dodge" the battle master's chase through jumping off the "cliff" with an "unyielding" will...
2 days later after that "survival", Zhang Tie found that he had gained some breakthrough——he could finally light the surging points except those on his spine. Therefore, he finished the 10 days' "outing in the spring" in the mountain range and came to the next step.
Feinan was about 160 miles away from Coldwater City. Protecting a flank of Coldwater City, it was completely under the control of allied human forces compared to the deserted Coldwater City. Feinan was like a human camp. If the forces of Sacred Alliance Emperor wanted to occupy Feinan, they could only have two ways: pass the lofty mountains in the north of Feinan and come to the city gate of Feinan City or completely occupy Coldwater City and march eastward from Coldwater City so as to threaten Feinan.
As for the Sacred Alliance Emperor, each of the two ways was difficult. They had to pay a great loss whenever they marched one step forward.
Coldwater City had already become ruins; however, humans and demon lackeys were still scrambling for it. Additionally, the demon army couldn't move forward in the mountain range in the north of Feinan City as none of the heavy weapons could enter it. Therefore, that mountain range became another battlefield. Those who could fight in that region were all elites. They were mainly fighters above LV 6. Outside the mountain range, allied human forces were waiting for enemies in a series of defense line composed of battle fortresses. Even though the elites of Allied Sacred Emperor passed that mountain range, they would also be badly battered by the bloody forces in the steel battle fortresses.
...
"Stop..."
A gray-colored steel battle fortress was standing tall at a passageway in the south of that mountain range, controlling the main road leading to the mountain range. On the early morning of July 29, soon after the sun came out, Zhang Tie had caught the attention of the garrisons in the battle fortress. Some powerful steam crossbow cannons had already targeted at Zhang Tie silently. When Zhang Tie pulled off the hood of his field cape, revealing his bearded and experienced face, he caused the garrisons to be slightly relaxed. However, they were still gazing at Zhang Tie who was walking towards the battle fortress.
When Zhang Tie was about 70 m away from the battle fortress, he saw a red line on the ground. At this time, Zhang Tie heard a voice from the battle fortress, "Report the designation of your troop and your passcode!" from an officer in crimson military uniform hiding behind the arrow buttress.
"No. 76 squad, the 3rd brigade, designated corps in Hicks Peninsula, Sword of Brilliance Army Group, Sacred Light Empire. Passcode, Light in Mist..." Zhang Tie answered in a muffled voice.
After that, the officer went to check the passcode of No. 76 Squad. Within half a minute, the officer had finally responded in the battle fortress, "Correct designation and passcode. Permitted!"
After confirming Zhang Tie's identity, the crossbow cannon was moved upward, then changed to another direction. All the garrisons in the battle fortress were watching Zhang Tie with complex looks which was a sign of respect.
3 weeks ago, No. 76 squad entering this mountain range contained 6 people. 3 weeks later, only one of them survived back. Needless to say, the other 5 had died. Now that Fred could come back, he must be fortunate and competent.
In others' eyes, Zhang Tie was a survivor on the battlefield as he was wounded; besides, they could almost hear battle calls given Zhang Tie's look.
When Zhang Tie walked towards the battle fortress, no matter how poor he looked, he still stayed calm inside. As he walked, he squinted at those weapons in the battle fortress. Meanwhile, he sighed with emotions inside.
War was indeed the catalyzer of new technologies and achievements. Take this color-changing field cape being processed with mutated cuttlefish's body fluid as an instance. When he left this world, this equipment didn't exist among human troops, even troops in Taixia Country. Unexpectedly, more than 3 decades later, fighters of elite army groups in the frontier of the Western Continent had been equipped with it.
The weapons in the battle fortress were also much more powerful than that when he left. With the combination of new alloy materials and rune technologies, the pressure storage ability of the storage tanks of the steam weapons was one level higher than before, which meant a great improvement in destructive capability. With the invention of fiery oil, this battle fortress got a reserved dynamic system and some awe-stricken fiery-oil inflammable weapons.
If not take the air supremacy in advance, it would take demons or demon lackeys two times more lives than that needed over 3 decades ago to eliminate this battle fortress. However, if they took the air supremacy, they only needed a 1-ton heavy inflammable bomb to turn this battle fortress into a graveyard and the battalion of soldiers in the battle fortress into ashes.
Air cavalries gradually became more and more important in wars.
Zhang Tie looked up at the sky.
As was imagined, a formation of "battle eagles" was hovering in the sky. Besides protecting the battle fortress, they were also monitoring the situation facing the air territory above the mountain range...
Chapter 1949: Ockham's Plan
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
After passing the fortress, Zhang Tie found that the terrain in front suddenly became open. There were many well-paved broad roads leading to all directions. However, those broad roads were covered with black-green military vehicles and soldiers at this moment.
Fiery oil was an important strategical material, which could only be used at critical moments. In order to relieve stress facing fiery-oil supply, many military vehicles being responsible for communicating and freight were driven by steam engines like before. These steam engines were not picky. They could run with burning coal or firewoods and some water. They had very high adaptability and were convenient for maintenance. They were still useful on the battlefields.
Of course, some fiery-oil vehicles were also driving rapidly on the roads, leaving dust rising in the air. However, those fiery-oil vehicles were all exclusive to senior officers of troops. Zhang Tie met two fiery-oil vehicles on the way. All the officers in the fiery-oil vehicles were colonels.
The roadside fertile farmland had been deserted. If not war, the roadside farmland should be filled with gratifying maizes or wheat in July. At this moment, walking on the road, Zhang Tie found all the farmlands were filled with weeds. Many fields had been built into training grounds, camps or temporarily field airports. It was busy all over. Air cavalries would fly over those fields by airplane towards Coldwater City every once in a while. Those field airports were most busy.
When Zhang Tie walked on the road alone, many passing-by vehicles and soldiers took a glance at him. After that, they would just pass by. After a few minutes, a truck parked beside Zhang Tie with a full load of vegetables and some twigs on the broken fishing net over the vehicle.
An uncle with a brandy nose and unkempt beard in flaxen military uniform which smelt like coal ash exposed half head out of the window and shouted at Zhang Tie, "GI, do you need a lift? I'm heading for Feinan City…"
Zhang Tie turned around and took a glance at that middle-aged man. Then, he nodded silently and came to the other side of the driver's cab. After opening the door, he entered it.
The middle-aged man was fat. He occupied two seats in the driver's cab alone, leaving only one position close to the door to Zhang Tie. However, even that seat was already occupied by a cage which contained a big white goose.
"Just put that white goose on the back seat. Those privileged figures don't forget to enjoy the taste of goose liver wherever they are, even on the battlefields!" the middle-aged man mumbled. Zhang Tie then put that cage on the back seat and closed the door. The driver then took another glance at Zhang Tie before pulling the brake and starting the truck, causing loud noises.
"You're from Holy Light Empire?"
"Yes!"
"Why are you alone…"
"The others are dead!"
"Erm…"
After being choked by Zhang Tie's reply, the driver took another look at Zhang Tie. Then, he mumbled some words and started to drive attentively.
Fred's personality was solemn and distant. Actually, all the fighters in the legion Sword of Brilliance were like him. Therefore, it was nothing strange for Zhang Tie to behave like that.
…
10 minutes later, the truck passed a crossroad outside Feinan City. That crossroad led to a town nearby. At this moment, Zhang Tie uttered, "Let me out." The driver then pulled over the truck. Zhang Tie then got off the vehicle and closed the door. He didn't even appreciate the driver; instead, he just slightly nodded towards the middle-aged man. He then walked inside the town.
This town was the encampment of the third military unit of Sword of Brilliance of Holy Light Empire in the Hicks Peninsula. All the aborigines in the town had gone, leaving all the houses empty. Even though over 2,000 fighters of Sword of Brilliance of Holy Light Empire were living inside, it still looked empty here. However, it was also for the sake of air defense. If they scattered over the town, even though this town suffered the air attack of the air cavalries of Sacred Alliance Empire, they would also not suffer a great casualty.
After presenting his nameplate to the guards at the pass, Zhang Tie entered the town.
Compared to the other camps, this town that gathered the fighters of Sword of Brilliance of Holy Light Empire looked such tranquil; it was even a bit depressed. Besides some sounds from the training grounds, this town was as quiet as a remote area. All the fighters walking in the town were silent and barely communicated with each other. Those troops gathering around Feinan City were afraid of this town.
Zhang Tie didn't know what kind of church was in this town before. After the third unit arrived here, the mark of the former church on the roof had been replaced by the mark of Holy Light Church. After that, this church became the temporary headquarters of the third unit of Sword of Brilliance of Holy Light Empire.
After coming here silently, Zhang Tie introduced himself to those guards outside the headquarters. A guard then entered it to make a report. In less than half a minute, that guard had come out. After taking a look at Zhang Tie with admiration, he took him in.
…
A grey-haired elder in noble red robe embroidered with the pattern of brilliant golden sun and golden priest's crown similar to a fish head observed Zhang Tie with exploratory eyes.
"My respect to you, Your Honor Saguli. I'm Fred, the captain of the No. 76 squad. Wish your holy light remains brilliant forever…"
Zhang Tie made a bow towards that elder politely before greeting him calmly.
This elder was responsible for the 3rd unit of the legion Sword of Brilliance of Holy Light Empire in Hicks Peninsula, Fred's immediate superior and a brilliant priest of Holy Light Empire who had already promoted to a battle spirit. If this man could promote to a knight, he would become a truncheon chief priest, which meant that he would be one of the powers of the Holy Light Empire.
"You said you've sensed the god's favor?" Saguli asked Zhang Tie calmly.
"Yea, therefore, I return to the encampment in advance!"
"Prove it!" Saguli didn't test Zhang Tie's words himself; instead, he just implied a retinue to give a piece of red crystal in front of Saguli to Zhang Tie.
After taking that piece of red crystal, Zhang Tie inputted a wisp of battle qi into it. Closely after that, that piece of crystal gave out dim redlight.
After the retinue took away the piece of crystal, Saguli nodded. However, he still didn't reveal any smile on his stuffy face. He spoke reservedly, "Not bad, it seems that you've indeed got the God's favor. From now on, you don't need to execute tasks anymore. Take a rest in the encampment for a few days. Someone will pick you here!"
"Thanks, Your Honor!"
The brilliant priest then waved his hand, having people take Zhang Tie out of the room…
Saguli didn't ask Zhang Tie about his pals at all as if it had nothing to do with him…
…
After leaving the church for a few minutes on foot, Zhang Tie came to his rest place in his encampment. It was a two-storey common civilian building with a small courtyard covering over 30 square meters. Some firewoods were left in the courtyard by the former owner. There were some rooms in the house, which were previously the "dorms" of Fred and his pals. However, at this moment, only Zhang Tie lived in this house. Therefore, it looked deserted here.
After closing the gate of the civilian building, Zhang Tie came to the front of a room on the second floor near the staircase. He then took out a key through the chink on the doorframe. He then opened the door and entered it. After closing the door, Zhang Tie shook his head with a bitter smile.
There was no curtain in the room. The window was directly covered with a piece of wood. Only some slim sunlight penetrated through the chink on the wood. A simplified military sleeping bag was lying on the floor on the left of the door. Besides, nothing else could be seen inside the room.
After taking off his cloak, leather belt, luggage and long sword and hanging them over a hook, he took out a piece of remote-sensing crystal from a portable space-teleportation finger ring. After that, he sent a very simple message to Ockham——Fred.
Soon after receiving Zhang Tie's message, Ockham had replied——owner, please wait for a few days patiently. I've already arranged it well. Everything will go well…
After taking his remote-sensing finger ring, Zhang Tie sat on the ground with crossed legs and started to recover himself.
In the eyes of outsiders, the legion Sword of Brilliance of Holy Light Empire was an frightening force; because all the members of this legion were above LV 6. Most of them were LV 7, LV 8 and LV 9. Although this legion couldn't match that of a demon legion which was completely composed of LV 9 fighters, it was already powerful enough among human forces.
The fundamental reason that Holy Light Empire could have such a legion lay in that all the fighters of this legion were accelerated to be "mature" with an odd medicine by Holy Light Empire.
Previously, Fred was just a LV 5 soldier, which was even a bit distance from fighter. However, after bathing the favor of the God of Brilliance, he promoted to a LV 9 fighter in only half a year.
At that time, 50 common soldiers of the Holy Light Empire bathed the favor of the God of Brilliance with Fred. However, only 6 of them survived in the end. All the other 44 soldiers were summoned back to the heavenly kingdom by God after bathing the favor of the God of Brilliance.
Even though some of them could survive it. Most of them couldn't light any more surging point for the rest of their lives. They could at most promote to LV 9 fighters. Additionally, their life expectancy was very short. They could barely live longer than 70 years old…
However, there were very few exceptions among them. About one of 700-800 people could continue to light their surging points for further cultivation; additionally, they would make a spurt of progress in cultivation. Those exceptions would be taken care of by Holy Light Empire in special and be dispatched out of the legion Sword of Brilliance. As lucky dogs, they would own different destinies.
Very few people knew that one of the most important targets for the Holy Light Empire to dispatch Sword of Brilliance to the frontline was to select people like Zhang Tie besides fulfilling the obligation of defending demons.
As long as this defense line was not collapsed, fighters like real Fred would enter this encampment constantly and serve as fresh cannon fodder on the battlefields…
According to Ockham's plan, Zhang Tie would disguise himself as such a special person being favored by the God of Brilliance. Then, he would be dispatched out of Sword of Brilliance and get a new identity that could have a chance to touch the tower of time. Later on, it would be easy to deal with…
This plan was simple and effective. It could cover Zhang Tie's real identity well. Therefore, Zhang Tie agreed.
Chapter 1950: The Change of Zhang Tie's Identity
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Sometimes, small figures had their strong points, namely, nobody would remember them; neither would they meet any big trouble. Given their poor abilities, little responsibilities and small targets, they could barely catch the eyes of big figures. During these couple of days in the encampment, everything was calm. The 3rd unit of the legion of Sword of Brilliance in Hicks Peninsula appeared to forget about him. Zhang Tie also enjoyed leisure time. Besides taking food at two fixed periods per day, he just sat in the room with crossed legs and slowly recovered his battle force. Additionally, he would wash his clothes and clean up himself…
Almost all the fighters of the 3rd unit of the legion of Sword of Brilliance in Hicks Peninsula were dispatched from the other places across Holy Light Empire. Most of them were unfamiliar with each other. As more and more people fought to the death, fresh men constantly entered this unit. As a result, there were increasing fewer familiar people in the unit. Those comrades-in-arms whom Fred knew had already sacrificed in the mountain woods or were still executing tasks. Additionally, there were many strict regulations and commands in Sword of Brilliance such as members of Sword of Brilliance were forced to drink, act as pimps, gamble or gather up in a group of more than 3 people. It was desolate everywhere in the encampment. Zhang Tie just stayed in the small house alone. Nobody disturbed him at all.
On the 6th morning after Fred's return, a bodyguard of Sagula came to Zhang Tie's house and asked him to tidy up well and register at the gate of the headquarters.
After tidying himself up and his luggage as fast as he could, Zhang Tie followed the bodyguard of Sagula to the gate of the headquarters.
Sagula and a black colonel in regular uniform of Holy Light Empire whom Zhang Tie had not seen before were already waiting for him there.
"My respects to you, Lord Sagula!" Zhang Tie greeted Saguli. Closely after that, he made a salute to the two people.
In the armies of the Holy Light Empire, they always called clergies like priests lord. Those pure officers who assumed positions in the armies were called sir. There was no general in the armies of the Holy Light Empire. The highest rank in the armies of the Holy Light Empire was colonel; because those who could assume the position of general were all knights. If they became knights, they would promote to truncheon chief priest in the Holy Light Empire automatically.
"You're Fred?" the colonel asked as he took a look at Zhang Tie.
"Yes, sir!"
"Do you know why I'm here?"
"Yes, I do!"
"Hmm, get in the car!" The black colonel sent order as he pointed at a military SUV next to him.
Zhang Tie then sat on the front seat.
This vehicle was driven by dual-engine and fiery oil. In the theater of operations, it was the symbol of high identity.
After talking with Saguli for a short while, the black colonel made a salute to Saguli. After that, he got on the vehicle and started the car. Then, they left the encampment.
The black colonel was a bit reticent. He didn't introduce anything to Zhang Tie; neither did Zhang Tie ask any question.
They came straight to an expanded military airport in Feinan City. A large transport airplane with the symbol of the Holy Light Empire was waiting there. The hatch door of the warehouse at the stern of transport airplane was open. The SUV then directly drove into the warehouse of the transport airplane through the hatch door.
When the black colonel opened the door of the SUV, some fighters on the transport airplane had already fixed the wheels of the SUV onto the parking place with steel wire and metal buttons. Meanwhile, the hatch door at the stern of the transport airplane was slowly closing up.
"Sit here!" the black colonel said as he pointed at a seat inside the airplane. After that, he entered the cockpit, leaving Zhang Tie in this warehouse alone.
Disguising as such a small figure, Zhang Tie didn't mind it. Therefore, he walked to the front of the seat and sat down there before buckling up his seat belt. In less than one minute, the four engines of the transport airport had been started. With the earsplitting noises of engines, the transport airport slowly moved. After making a vertical turn, it started to accelerate on the runway. Finally, after moving over 1,000 m forward, Zhang Tie felt that the nose of the airport suddenly raised as the transport airport took off.
…
After over 8 hours' flight, the transport airport finally landed at the airport outside a big city which was 10 times larger than that of Coldwater City. After running for a while on the ground, it finally parked.
The black colonel then returned to the warehouse and asked Zhang Tie to get on the SUV. Then, he opened the warehouse and backed out. After that, he drove out of the airport at high speed. After driving dozens of miles, he took Zhang Tie to another camp with the banner of Holy Light Empire…
Everything was in the plane. Step by step…
It was Garby City, the capital of Sterland Republic and the encampment of the headquarters of allied human forces in the East Line of Western Continent.
Ockham was in this city. However, Zhang Tie was not here to meet Ockham. Given his current level, even though he was not cannon fodder anymore, he was still not qualified to meet the holy light chief priest of Holy Light Empire at his will.
Zhang Tie was here to acquire another identity.
…
Two days later, Zhang Tie changed a set of uniform with the military rank of fire lieutenant in the camp. After that, he was taken into a large tent inside the camp and stood well among two teams of high-level fighters whose level ranged from LV 10 to LV 13.
Given his low level, Zhang Tie could only stand close to the gate. Among the two teams of fighters, there were only 4 LV 9 officers like him.
All the fighters here were highly spirited. Chesting out, they were waiting for something. So was Zhang Tie.
Ten minutes later, two truncheon chief priests were welcomed in the large tent respectfully by some officers and guards.
One of the two truncheon chief priests looked gray-haired, the other looked in the prime of his life.
"Your Excellency Bordili, these people are all excellent officers in the encampment of Garby City. Please select them at your will. It's the God of Brilliance's favor for them to have an opportunity to be your personal attendant and follow your orders…" The gray-haired truncheon chief priest then pointed at the two rows of officers standing in the large tent and said in a passionate and ingratiating manner.
The young truncheon chief priest then nodded reservedly. After that, he slowly passed by the two rows of officers and scanned their faces one after another.
When this young truncheon chief priest passed by, all the officers held their breath as they all tried to display their best side.
The personal attendant of Bordili had already sacrificed in the battle in Fengzi City 3 months ago. In the same battle, Bordili killed a knight of Sacred Alliance Empire and won his fame immediately. He then became an elite among all the truncheon chief priests of Holy Light Empire in the frontline. It was said that he was even received by a holy light chief priest. His future would be unpredictable.
This time, Bordili would like to select a personal attendant from these people. It was a very rare opportunity for these officers and fighters who were still far away from promoting to knights to be a truncheon chief priest's personal attendant in the Holy Light Empire.
Under the silent gaze of everyone else, the proud truncheon chief priest stopped in front of Zhang Tie. He then glanced over Zhang Tie from his head to toe with sharp eyes as if he wanted to see through Zhang Tie.
"You are from Sword of Brilliance?" Bordili asked Zhang Tie in a low voice; however, it didn't feel oppressive. He appeared to have recognized Zhang Tie's identity given the latter's qi.
"Yes, Lord!"
"What's your name?"
"Fred!"
"How many people have you killed on the battlefields?"
"27!"
"How many on the same level?"
"3!"
"Not bad!" Bordili then nodded as he pointed at Zhang Tie and said, "I will choose you. Come over here."
"Yes, Lord!" Under the admiring, jealous and hateful eyes of all the others, Zhang Tie took one step back and stood on Bordili's side.
"Your Excellency Rooney, now that Fred comes from Sword of Brilliance, I think he could work as a good example for all the fighters of Sword of Brilliance on my side. Is there any problem?" Bordili told the old truncheon chief priest.
"No problem. Of course, no problem. All the members of Sword of Brilliance here will follow my arrangement. Even though Your Excellency Bordili doesn't favor anyone of them, they still couldn't go to the battlefield without receiving hard training. Of course, it would be better for any one of them with Your Excellency's guidance and supervision…" The truncheon chief priest called Rooney with a smile. Closely after that, he turned around and fixated onto Zhang Tie with a serious look, "Now that Your Excellency Bordili has selected you as his personal attendant, I hope you live up to the expectation of His Excellency Bordili and bear your responsibility in mind all the time!"
"Yes, Lord!"
"Your Excellency Rooney, I got get going!"
After saying these words, Bordili took a glance at him and walked out of the large tent, followed by Zhang Tie.
A pitch-dark limousine was parked somewhere not far from the large tent. An officer of the Holy Light Empire was standing beside the door of the vehicle. When he saw Bordili coming here, he instantly opened the door for Bordili with full respect and had Bordili sit on the back seat. After that, he closed the door. Zhang Tie came to the door near the co-pilot seat. As the personal attendant of the truncheon chief priest, he could only sit in front.
"Fred, come to the back seat. I've got something to talk to you.��
After hearing the truncheon chief priest's words, Zhang Tie sat on the back seat.
After Zhang Tie closed the door, the black limousine had started and left for Garby City outside the encampment. The glass between the front row and the back row of the vehicle had risen up. As a result, the backspace of the vehicle was completely isolated. No matter what the two people talked about in the back, the driver and outsiders could never hear or see it.
Licking his lips, Bordili watched Zhang Tie with deep curiosity. Zhang Tie then didn't behave meticulously and humbly anymore. He didn't even look at Bordili; instead, he took out a bottle of Brandy and two glasses in the car. He made two glasses of liquor, one for himself, the other for Bordili.
In this process, Bordili remained silent as he still gazed at Zhang Tie as if there were some rarities on Zhang Tie.
After being hesitant for half a minute, Bordili took the glass frankly.
After sipping a mouthful of liquor, Zhang Tie closed his eyes and sighed satisfactorily. "I've not drunk such a pure cherry Brandy for long. What a memorable taste!"
Chapter 1951: Garby City
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Garby City, the capital of Sterland Republic was a well-known magnificent city in the Western Continent. This magnificent city was even known as the capital of gold in the Western Continent. This city appeared to gather all the glory of the Sterland Republic.
The black limousine was running on the broad road with two flags of the Holy Light Empire on the nose. As a result, this vehicle looked such wild.
Drinking wine, Zhang Tie started to watch the scenery outside the vehicle through the dark one-way window. Being stimulated by the special liquid, many memories instantly became fresh. At this moment, Blackhot City, Kalur City and Brapei City in his memory appeared to be crumbed and turned into those building materials on the streets. Therefore, those buildings felt such intimate yet strange, fresh and solemn…
There were many vehicles on the roads, including steam vehicles and fiery-oil vehicles. Almost 1/3 of them were fiery-oil vehicles. Small flags were standing on the noses of many vehicles that represented different countries in the Western Continent.
There were also many military vehicles and soldiers on the roads. There were some camps outside the city. At some crossroads, Zhang Tie found that military policemen of allied human forces in white arm badges were paying special attention to those ordinary military vehicles and soldiers on the streets. Even armored vehicles were parking at some crossroads.
Perhaps because many big figures were gathering in this city at this moment, the streets were in good order. Although soldiers in different uniforms were mixing with so many ordinary people here, there was no chaos. Soldiers from different countries could even be seen at the gates of inns. Some boys were even circling around some armored vehicles jubilantly.
"Garby City has a high-quality gold ore which could rank among the top 10 in the Western Continent. Since the Catastrophe, the underground gold ore has been exploited for over 900 years. However, it was still not completely exploited yet. Being different than the gold ores in other places, the gold ore in Garby City has rich associated ores such as silver, copper, lead and zinc. The endless ores supported the prosperity of the entire Sterland Republic. The revenue of Garby City alone occupied half of the total financial revenue of the Sterland Republic as a whole. As a result, many countries mocked that there was only one city in the Sterland Republic!"
Finding that Zhang Tie was observing the streetscape outside the window with strong interest, Bordili the truncheon chief priest seized the opportunity to start the talk. To observe one's behavior and speech was not exclusive to small figures.
"A small country owns a huge gold ore which is equal to a treasure bowl. I wonder how the Sterland Republic survive itself over these years?" Zhang Tie turned around and asked Bordili instead of pretending to be profound.
Zhang Tie controlled Ockham with the help of god's baptism rune. Ockham controlled Bordili with the help of god's baptism rune too. Therefore, the relationship between Zhang Tie and Bordili the truncheon chief priest of Holy Light Empire was established in this way.
Zhang Tie knew the relationship between Bordili and Ockham. However, Bordili didn't know Zhang Tie's relationship with Ockham; neither did he know Zhang Tie's real identity. According to Ockham, Bordili must follow Zhang Tie's order after meeting him.
Zhang Tie was crystal clear about Bordili; however, Bordili was just a prop and costar.
Zhang Tie knew that Bordili must be very curious about his identity. However, now that Ockham didn't tell him about Zhang Tie's identity, Bordili didn't feel it was convenient to ask about it; instead, he wanted to judge Zhang Tie's identity and purpose through communication. As a knight, who could serve as truncheon chief priest of Holy Light Empire, of course Bordili was not a fool. He was smart and had his own way of existence.
"At the beginning, the surrounding countries and forces indeed wanted to encroach Sterland Republic; especially the emperor of Aoto Empire, who craved for occupying Garby City at any time. However, Rhesa Republic was on the back of the Sterland Republic. Therefore, the emperor of Aoto Empire didn't succeed. Finally Sterland Republic exploited the gold ore together with Golden Roc Bank. Golden Roc Bank took the greater part of gold coins and benefits that they acquired in Sterland Republic as long-term low-interest loan and investment for Aoto Empire and Rhesa Republic. Therefore, Starland Republic could survive on and Garby City could become the capital of gold."
"Oh, I see!" Zhang Tie nodded as he indeed admired about Golden King Bank's means.
"Over the past hundreds of years, almost all the golden ores 15,000 m under the earth of Garby City have been emptied. In the process of exploiting those golden ores, they discovered towers of time in an underground karst cave!" Bordili said as he made a glass of wine for Zhang Tie, "That karst cave is called the crown of gold. It contains four towers of time. The most precious one could enable people to cultivate 20 years inside; the inferior one could enable people to cultivate 10 years inside. The rest two towers of time could enable people to cultivate 5 years inside respectively. All the towers of time that were discovered across the Western Continent had been taken over by the headquarters of the allied human forces of the Western Continent two decades ago. Of course, the so-called "take over" is just for small countries, small forces and those common clans. As for the towers of time that were discovered in the territories of big countries or big forces like Rhesa Republic or Barbarian Alliance are actually still distributed to knights in Rhesa Republic and Barbarian Alliance; so are those in Holy Light Empire; although they were taken over by the headquarters of allied human forces and distributed to people according to their meritorious deeds nominally!"
Zhang Tie implied Bordili to continue as he drank his wine. Of course, Fred, as a cannon fodder, was not qualified to use tower of time. If "Fred" wanted to use a tower of time, he could only rely on someone else. Additionally, there was an easier solution——Zhang Tie directly turned into Bordili. However, if he disguised as Bordili, he couldn't read one's memory. Additionally, once he touched someone being familiar with Bordili, he probably expose his loopholes. Additionally, the knight was too eye-catching. By contrast, the identity of "Fred" was much more proper than the identity of "Bordili".
"I killed a knight of the Sacred Alliance Empire in Fengzi City a couple of months ago by good fortune. Plus my trivial meritorious deeds and the help of two holy light chief priests, I could have a chance to cultivate in the crown of gold. Even though, I could only cultivate 5 years in one tower of time, during which period, I could only form about 20 scales. It's my great honor to solve problems for His Honor Ockham!" Bordili started to ask about Zhang Tie's identity indirectly. "How do I call you, Your Excellency?"
"Just call me Fred!" Zhang Tie replied with a smile, "Don't worry! I guarantee that you will get greater compensation than your payment. You won't regret. Actually, it's a good job that Ockham has found for you!"
After hearing Zhang Tie directly calling Ockham's name without any respect, Bordili's heart raced once. On this occasion, he could never guess the relationship between Ockham and Zhang Tie.
"I only hope to not let down His Honor Ockham!" Bordili said meticulously.
"Oh, when did they arrange you to enter the crown of gold?"
"August 12!"
"8 days left!"
"Right, that tower of time will be available on August 12. We only need to stay in Garby City for a few days. By then, you can enter Crown of Gold with me as my personal guard. After that, you can enter the tower of time!"
"If someone finds that it's me who enters the tower of time instead of you, will it bring any trouble to you outside the tower of time?"
"Your Majesty, don't worry. Only the user of tower of time and two personal guards are allowed to enter Crown of Gold each time. When we enter it, there would be nobody else in the Crown of Gold. All the other three towers of time are still not available. Even if someone finds out, it doesn't matter; because I have the right to use that tower of time; I could dispose of it at my will. Some knights who have the right to use towers of time would even auction or transfer their right through some channels in order to acquire something else that they needed such as element crystals or secret items. It's normal!"
"Well, wish us a smooth cooperation…" Zhang Tie said as he raised his glass.
Bordili raised his glass too.
After clinking their glasses, the two people then bottomed up.
…
Only after a short while, the black limousine had parked outside the gate of a super five-star grand hotel called Moonlight Hotel in Garby City.
After the vehicle parked, Zhang Tie got off the vehicle first. Closely after that, he walked to the side of Bordili and opened the door for Bordili.
This grand hotel in the downtown area of Garby City had already become the residence of some senior personnel of Holy Light Empire. All the people inside the hotel were reliable ones from Holy Light Empire including guards, cooks, waiters, florists and handymen. Over these days, Bordili just lived here. It was said that the name of this hotel catered to the taste of Holy Light Empire; therefore, they chose this hotel as their residence.
Ockham and the other two holy light chief priests were also in Garby City. However, they didn't live in this hotel; instead, they lived in the luxurious mansions that Sterland Republic especially built for people above earth knights in Garby City. Of course, the residence of shadow knights should be more luxurious and safer…
Chapter 1952: The Banquet on the National Day
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
"This is Fred, my aide. Please prepare a set of proper field officer's uniform and find an etiquette teacher for him. On August 10, I'm going to attend the wine party of the national day of the Sderland Republic held in the presidential palace!"
Zhang Tie followed Bertiri to the door of a presidential suite on the top of Area A, Moonlight Hotel, closely followed by a priest. When they were going to enter the door, Bertiri told that priest calmly.
"Okay, my lord, I will arrange it right now. What else could I help you with?" the priest asked Bertiri with a big smile. To be honest, Zhang Tie had not seen anyone in clerical dress with such a kind of smile.
"I'm going to cultivate in my room these days. Don't disturb me unless it's an emergency!" Bertiri told that priest. Closely after that, he told Zhang Tie, "Fred, you'd better learn etiquettes for a few days. You could apply battle skills on the battlefield; however, if you follow me, you have to know how to get along well with nobles and big figures in many cases. A person with a long sword and good manners could go further in the future!"
"Yes, sir!" Zhang Tie bowed obediently.
Bertiri's "decision" to cultivate in the room satisfied Zhang Tie very much. In this way, the two people would barely expose themselves to the public and have few troubles. They could carry out the following plan smoothly. However, Bertiri had to attend the national day banquet on August 10. Therefore, Zhang Tie had to follow him there. However, that date was only 2 days away from entering Golden Crown. Zhang Tie didn't think that anything could happen in such a short period of time. Additionally, as an aide of a knight, in that kind of banquet, Zhang Tie was like a walking background wall. Very few people would pay attention to him.
After leaving some words to Zhang Tie and the brilliant priest, Bertiri opened the door and exited the room, leaving Zhang Tie alone.
When the door was closed from outside, the priest instantly hid 95% of his smile. With a faintly polite smile, he took a look at Zhang Tie and nodded before saying, "Please come with me, your room is over there…"
As the aide of Bertiri, a major priest, Zhang Tie also had his private room next to the presidential suite in Moonlight Hotel, Gabydu City.
The room was considerate. If the real Fred was here, he might really become a bit thrilled about this place; however, Zhang Tie just pretended to be "thrilled". Closely after entering the room, he had become very curious as he started to look around with strong interest.
The priest, who took Zhang Tie in the room, took a scornful look at Zhang Tie. When Zhang Tie turned around, he recovered his normal look as he asked, "I wonder how much do you know about etiquette?" The priest especially emphasized in case that Zhang Tie didn't get his point. "I mean court etiquette, diplomatic etiquette and knight's aides etiquette?"
"Ah? Are etiquettes so complex?" Zhang Tie pretended to be surprised.
"It seems that you should learn it from the scratch!" The priest took another look at Zhang Tie out of admiration and jealousy. After that, he said arrogantly, "There are only 6 days left from the national day wine party in the presidential palace on August 10, you cannot get hang of too much etiquette and regulations in such a short period of time. Fortunately, you don't have to talk to too many people on that day. You only need to come in with Lord Bertiri. After that, you should respond to the eyes and requirements of Lord Bertiri. Therefore, I will mainly teach you what you should pay attention to on that occasion. Am I clear?"
"Clear!" Zhang Tie nodded as he behaved like a dutiful, obedient aide…
Closely after that, the priest left Zhang Tie's private room. After closing the room, Zhang Tie even heard that guy sighing and muttering outside the door, "Sigh, why don't I have such a good luck? I'm not even qualified to attend the national day wine party."
Zhang Tie almost burst out laughing…
Although that priest admired and envied that Zhang Tie had become Bertiri's aide, he dared not offend him; instead, he had someone measure Zhang Tie's body. After that, he found an etiquette teacher for Zhang Tie. In the following days, Zhang Tie "tried his best" to learn how to not make his owner embarrassed in public as a knight's aide. Time passed by…
…
August 10 was the national day of Sderland Republic. Although the entire Sderland Republic couldn't commemorate it on a large scale because of the holy war, it was necessary for it to hold a banquet in the presidential palace of Gabydu City. If it didn't even hold such a banquet, it might arouse great disputes.
In the evening, Zhang Tie followed Bertiri to the presidential palace in Gabydu City by car in a wholly new crimson field officer's uniform of Sacred Light Empire.
It was a grand banquet. Sacred Light Empire assigned two sacred light major priests, 5 throne priests and over 10 major priests to attend this banquet.
Besides Sacred Light Empire's representatives, president and prime minister, ministers, generals, representatives of major clans and top-class celebrities of Sderland Republic attended it too.
The greater part of the influential figures in the eastern theater of operations of the Western Continent had arrived.
The fleet coming out of Moonlight Hotel directly parked outside the banquet hall of the presidential palace which could even match an imperial palace. After the car parked, some waiters in black swallowtail, high hat and white gloves opened the doors of the car. Zhang Tie then stepped onto the red carpet with the other major priests and their aides. After roll call, they entered the banquet hall of the presidential palace which had started to be boisterous.
Influential figures would always attend such banquets in the end.
"Wait for me at the entrance when the banquet is coming to an end…" The major priest left some words to Zhang Tie before walking towards those generals of Sderland Republic.
After getting Bertiri's point, Zhang Tie took a glass of cocktail from the tray of a waiter who had just passed by leisurely. Then, he walked to a corner of the banquet hall which was close to the band behind the fountain and waited for the end of this banquet…
Chapter 1953: A Secret Talk
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie was in a relatively remote place in the banquet hall. He was far from people's attention. This also favored his current identity. Zhang Tie was listening to music and drinking alone. Watching people accessing to the gate, he just enjoyed himself. Those personal attendants of the other chief priests who came in with Zhang Tie were either in a group of two or three in the far or went somewhere boisterous. None of them came here to invite Zhang Tie or would like to make friends with him.
In the Holy Light Empire, the circle of personal attendants of chief priests was also full of conflicts of interest. In the others' eyes, it was Zhang Tie's good luck to become Bordili's personal attendant. Few personal attendants of chief priests were below LV 10. Most of them were between LV 11 and LV 14. The former personal attendant of Bordili was a great battle master. Even Zhang Tie's experience was far from that of the other experienced personal attendants, not to mention his battle force as a LV 9 fighter.
Therefore, Zhang Tie was gradually isolated from the other personal attendants.
…
"It's said that he has just received etiquette training in the hotel the other day. It's a wise decision for him to stay aside…"
"Hopefully, that brat doesn't make any joke this time…'
"Hahaha, he might have been dumbfounded by such a grand scene!"
Those personal attendants in ceremonial robe were whispering afar. Every once in a while, someone among them would turn around and take a disdainful look at Zhang Tie.
…
There were only two days left from entering the tower of time to completely recovering his battle force. Therefore, Zhang Tie became relaxed. He just watched everything in the banquet like a calm onlooker as he didn't mind those discussions about him at all; instead, he felt that everything was ridiculous.
In the melodious tone of the violin, those well-decorated dignified celebrities and noblewomen in longuette entered the banquet hall elegantly. As a result, the entire banquet hall became boisterous soon.
Even in the holy war, in those places far from battlefield in the frontline, banquet and salon were also necessary for the daily lives of dignitaries and celebrities. Like salt in food, these necessary parts could be few in difficult periods; however, they couldn't be deleted.
Wars could change many things; however, there were some things that could never be changed by wars.
On such occasions, men could make friends with beautiful and sexy women; women could make friends with powerful men; influential men could obtain useful information and make many trades here. Beautiful women also shared many common topics. Additionally, if those expensive pieces of jewelry in boxes and brilliant longuettes in wardrobes that women collected were not exposed to light for long, many women would even worry that those items would go moldy.
Knights who made meritorious deeds on the battlefields could hear compliments and enjoy glory on such occasions. Big figures felt that such banquets and commemorations could boost morale and show people the twilight of victory. As for a few people, even though they couldn't go to the frontline, they would also feel like participating in the holy war or satisfied with making a contribution to the holy war only by talking with eloquence and toasting each other under the resplendent crystal lamps.
Holding a glass, Zhang Tie watched such a brilliant scene of a myriad of images with a faint smile.
Zhang Tie felt that he was just an onlooker and remained pretty low-key tonight; however, he didn't know that one could display his personality causally with a smile, an expression even a standing posture.
In someone's eyes, a low-key onlooker might be distinguished and had a special attraction.
When he just finished half of the drink, he had seen a beautiful maiden at her 20's in brilliant red bobtail swaying her buttocks towards him with golden, long hair which reached her shoulder, wearing a necklace. She asked Zhang Tie with a smile, "Are you alone?"
This blonde was young, sunny and had an awesome figure. Given her age and personality, she should have a nice family background. She should be a young married woman or a junior of a dignitary or celebrity who attended this banquet tonight.
Zhang Tie replied with a smile, "I was, but not now!"
At this moment, a waiter served them a plate. Zhang Tie then took a glass of champagne from the plate and gave it to the blonde.
"Thank you…" The blonde appreciated him with a brighter smile. Only after hearing one sentence and receiving one glass of drink from Zhang Tie, the blonde had been much more interested in Zhang Tie at once as her passion surged.
The blonde was called Reddies, the granddaughter of the president of Sterland Republic. She was an unmarried girl of a rich and influential family. She followed her father and the minister of finance of Sterland Republic to attend the banquet of the national day. Soon after entering the gate, she had caught sight of Zhang Tie. After that, she was attracted by Zhang Tie.
Only after having a half glass of drink in less than 3 minutes, the distance between Reddies and Zhang Tie had been much intimate like lovers.
…
Only after those chief priests' personal attendants ignored Zhang Tie for a few minutes, when someone among them turned around and looked at Zhang Tie, he had seen Reddies almost sticking herself to Zhang Tie with an amorous look…
…
Following after, Zhang Tie had seen Ockham.
In the brilliant and majestic robe of holy light chief priest, Ockham entered the banquet hall with someone else almost at the same time.
Zhang Tie saw a Hua man next to Ockham. In blue Hua people's robe made of boa silk, he seemed to be in his 40's. Being slightly fat, he had small eyes and a walrus mustache. Given his qi, he was not a knight; however, he had a strong qi field with a paramount look. Those beside him held him in great veneration.
That man entered the banquet hall together with Ockham; however, Ockham's feet never surpassed that of his. Meanwhile, Ockham remained at that man's side. Even the president of Sterland Republic closely followed after him and whispered to him while slightly inclining his body.
Zhang Tie once saw the half painting of the president of Sterland Republic; therefore, he could recognize him here.
Soon after they entered the banquet hall, a lot of people had surrounded them like how a myriad of stars surrounded the moon.
Ockham spotted Zhang Tie too. However, after an eye contact with Zhang Tie, he took a glance at the blonde beside Zhang Tie. Then, he moved his eyes away like nothing had happened without arousing the attention of anyone else.
"Who's that Hua man?" Zhang Tie whispered to Reddies.
"He's Taixia Country's ambassador in the Sterland Republic!" Candis had long leaned against Zhang Tie as her face turned warm due to love. When she talked to Zhang Tie, she almost exhaled her qi into Zhang Tie's ear.
"Why an ambassador is such prestigious? Why do I feel that all the others are flattering him?"
"Of course, Taixia Country's ambassadors in Western Continent have special positions. They focus wherever they are. However, this person is different than ordinary Taixia ambassadors. My father told me that this ambassador in the Sterland Republic has a very deep background in Taixia Country. He was born in a very powerful party in Taixia Country…"
"Are there also parties in Taixia Country?" Zhang Tie asked her after being temporarily stunned.
"My father told me about that. I'm not clear about it either. That party might have a very great influence in Xuanyuan Hill…"
Zhang Tie understood that Reddies referred to the Gobbling Party. Parties in Taixia Country were absolutely different than parties in republic countries like the Sterland Republic essentially. It was reasonable that Reddies couldn't clarify it.
After ten more minutes, the two people had finished two glasses of liquor respectively. Reddies' face had blushed evidently.
"How about breathing the fresh air outside…" Reddies whispered to Zhang Tie as her alluring red lips rubbed Zhang Tie's earlobes.
"Outside?" Of course, Zhang Tie was crystal clear about Reddies' hint. However, he preferred to stay with this lovely beauty secretly than waste a few hours in such a boring banquet. The former one might be more interesting.
"No, it's too noisy outside there. I know a garden upstairs…'
With the guidance of Reddies, the two people walked out of a side door of the banquet hall where there were two guards. After that, they twisted here and there before coming upstairs.
There were guards of the presidential palace on the entrances of corridors and staircases. Therefore, ordinary people could never assess them; however, as Reddies usually came to the presidential palace, of course those guards recognized her. Therefore, when they saw her coming here with Zhang Tie, they didn't stop them.
There was indeed an indoor small garden upstairs. It was covered with roses. The garden was tranquil and filled with fragrance of rose flowers. It was really a good place to "breathe fresh air". Candis directly took Zhang Tie to a small parlor being connected to this small garden…
…
Over 10 minutes later, they heard the next door being open and the president's voice, "Ambassador Sun, please come in. This is my private study room. Nobody would disturb us…"
There was a door between the small parlor and the study room. At this moment, the door was not completely closed; actually, it left a small crack, through which they could hear the talk.
Zhang Tie hurriedly made a hand gesture to Reddies and asked her to be quiet…
Chapter 1954: New Emperor
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
The Sterland Republic was a democratic country on the Western Continent. Its president England was not a knight. In the Sterland Republic, the position of president was always assumed by a literati. It was a political tradition of Sterland Republic in order to prevent someone with great battle force from turning the republic country into a monarchical country or a country under the rule of generals.
That Taixia's ambassador in the Sterland Republic was not a knight either; he was not even a high-level fighter. Because the position ambassador didn't have to be assumed by a knight at all; neither were there surplus knights in Taixia Country to be wasted. Therefore, the two people didn't hear the abnormal sound in the neighborhood when they entered the study room or notice that the door between the study room and the small parlor was actually not completely closed. As a result, the two people's talk could be eavesdropped by Zhang Tie and Reddies. If that door was closed, the sound-proof system inside the wall would work. What a coincidence!
At this moment, Reddies was hugging Zhang Tie tightly as she had already fallen in love with him. When she heard the sound from the study room, Reddies was also startled. She then slowed her breath. Unexpectedly, her grandpa was going to have a secret talk with the ambassador of Taixia Country in the neighborhood at this moment.
Zhang Tie had long released his spiritual energy, which formed a barrier in the room. As a result, the voices of Zhang Tie and Reddies were restrained in this barrier. Additionally, another wisp of spiritual energy "swam" into the neighboring study room easily and "saw" everything in the president's study room as if Zhang Tie was there himself.
The president of Sterland Republic was grey-haired and pot-bellied. Although this literati president didn't look as powerful as knights, he looked like an experienced politician.
Ambassador Sun who was closely related to the Gobbling Party still looked as domineering as before in the banquet hall.
Besides England and Ambassador Sun, nobody else was in the study room.
They were sitting on the same sofa in the study room with solemn looks.
"There's going to be an emperor in Taixia Country soon." Ambassador Sun broke the silence, which caused Zhang Tie's heart to palpitate once in an instant.
After being temporarily stunned, the president of Sterland President revealed a brilliant smile. Nobody could see through the disguise behind his smile. "Emperor Xuanyuan is coming back. This news is the best gift that Mr. Sun gave the Sterland Republic on the national day. It's an inspiring good news for both Eastern Continent and Western Continent. I believe that the battle situation facing Taixia Country would be improved soon. Congratulations…"
They were talking fluently in Hua language. In this age, those who didn't speak Hua language could never become top figures.
"It's not that Emperor Xuanyuan is coming back; but there's going to be a new emperor in Taixia Country!" Ambassador Sun immediately rectified it as if he had not noticed the well-disguised dumbfounded look of the president of Sterland Republic. "Since the holy war broke out, there was never any emperor in Taixia Country. This situation will soon be improved!"
"Hmm, I think so too. It's unimaginable for a country like Taixia Country to have no emperor for long!" The president of Sterland Republic replied meticulously as his passionate and brilliant smile faded away at once.
"When the new emperor ascends to the throne, I think the embassy of Sterland Republic in Xuanyuan Hill should convey its congratulations to Taixia Country immediately and present a letter of credence!" Ambassador Sun continued as he looked straight into the eyes of the president of Sterland Republic.
The president of Sterland Republic didn't reply at once this time. After a few seconds of silence, he took a wise look at Ambassador Sun before asking him, "May I know the new owner of Xuanyuan Hill?"
"The ninth prince of Taixia Country!"
England revealed a dumbfounded look; however, he didn't make any comment about it. After a few seconds of consideration, he nodded and replied, "If the ninth prince could really ascend to the throne, of course, Sterland Republic should convey congratulations to that with the relevant diplomatic etiquettes. We will never fall behind other countries on this point!"
"I want the Sterland Republic to be the first country which conveys congratulations to that among those countries in the Western Continent. Hopefully, you could serve as a good example instead of falling behind other countries. There should always be the first one before the second, the third." Ambassador Sun said aggressively, "If it's really like what you said, do you think there's any meaning about our talk here?"
"Have those top powers in Taixia Country reached a consistent opinion about the ascension of the ninth prince of Emperor Xuanyuan?"
"It's none of your business. I will notice you by then. You only need to ask the embassy of Sterland Republic in Xuanyuan Hill to do that!" Ambassador Sun replied as he waved his hand with a solemn look, "Cut the crap. Now, tell me whether do you agree or not!"
Under the gaze of Ambassador Sun, the forehead of the president of Sterland Republic oozed sweat at once. Such a small study room instantly turned into a torture room, which was even more perilous than the frontline of the war between humans and demons. When he thought about Xuanyuan Hill, the experienced politician's heart instantly froze with panic. He wanted to open the cigar box on the desk and take a puff so as to calm down; however, he found that his hand was quivering out of control. As a result, he couldn't even open the lock catch on the box…
The president of Sterland Republic knew that his stance at this moment might determine the fate of him and his clan. As a small country on the Western Continent, the most powerful ones in which were just black knights, Sterland Republic and its president would be devastated immediately once Xuanyuan Hill took any action on it. It was not that kind of game that he could participate in. However, he had to make a choice now…
When Ambassador Sun found that the president of Sterland Republic wanted to open the cigar box on the desk with quivering hand, he cast a stern glance at England before standing up with a gloomy look and walking towards the door.
"I… agree!" When Ambassador Sun almost touched the doorknob of the study room with hand, he finally heard a fatigued and quivering voice from behind.
Ambassador Sun then stopped as he turned around and spoke with a smile, "It's the wisest choice that you've ever made. Don't regret. Well, I gotta get going downstairs. I'm craving for your thrilling speech, Mr. President! Oh, you'd better not reveal what I told you just now to the public for the time being…"
After saying these words, Ambassador Sun opened the door and left there.
The president of Sterland Republic felt weak all over as he sat on the sofa with a pale look for 5 minutes. Then he took out of a vial of red medicament from another box on the desk, hand quivering. After drinking it for a short while, his complexion finally recovered. Then, he left the study room.
…
'Xuanyuan Lie, the ninth prince is going to be the new Xuanyuan Emperor?'
'Isn't Xuanyuan Hill commonly supervised by the three councilors and nine ministers?'
'Didn't Ockham say that those chancellors of Xuanyuan Hill want to select one of Xuanyuan Changying's sons to ascend to the throne? What happened? When did the Gobbling Party and Meng Shidao stand on the side of Xuanyuan Lie, the ninth prince?'
A lot of questions occurred to Zhang Tie.
According to the performance of Ambassador Sun, a member of the Gobbling Party, he appeared to want Sterland Republic to wave flags and shout battle calls behind them so as to make it an established fact. It seemed to mean that the situation facing Xuanyuan Hill was very intense. In Taixia Country, not everyone supported the ninth prince of Xuanyuan Emperor to ascend to the throne.
"Have my grandpa and Ambassador Sun left?" Reddies whispered to Zhang Tie as she hugged Zhang Tie. They hadn't heard any more voice from the neighborhood for a short while.
After taking a look at this blonde who had fallen in love with him and wanted to further develop the affection between them, Zhang Tie slightly stroked Reddies' head, causing her to close her eyes and fall asleep at once.
After having her lie on the sofa of the parlor lightly, Zhang Tie sat on the other sofa and thought about the affairs of Taixia Country with a frown.
'Something unknown must have happened in Taixia Country; otherwise, Xuanyuan Lie, the ninth prince would never ascend to the throne all of a sudden…'
Zhang Tie then took a remote-sensing crystal out of his portable space-teleportation equipment and sent a message to Ockham who was right in the banquet hall downstair——Has any major event happened in Taixia Country recently?
Only after a few minutes, Ockham had replied. "According to the intelligence that my moles in Xuanyuan Hill sent back, everything is normal in Taixia Country except that the war between humans and demons continued."
'As usual sh*t!'
'Something must have happened in Taixia Country; however, Ockham's moles didn't know about it, not to mention Ockham. When they know it, everything would have been established facts.'
——Do you need me to ask for any information?
When he received no reply, Ockham sent another message.
——Where's Meng Shidao now?
After a few minutes…
——Since Xuanyuan Changying, the royal prince was assassinated, Meng Shidao had been in secluded cultivation!
——Are you sure that Meng Shidao is still in secluded cultivation?
After a few minutes…
——My moles in Xuanyuan Hill said that they couldn't approach the place where Meng Shidao was in secluded cultivation. Therefore…
——Well, it's okay!
Zhang Tie didn't expect that Ockham knew any information about the top powers in Taixia Country anymore. A shadow knight of the Holy Light Empire on the Western Continent was nothing but sh*t for Taixia Country. His influence was nearly zero; even though not being zero, not to mention his moles in Xuanyuan Hill. Those moles might only tell Ockham about some major events that had already happened in Taixia Country; they knew nothing about those major events which have not happened yet in Taixia Country yet. If Meng Shidao didn't mean to let everyone know it when he finished his secluded cultivation, those moles might still not know about that even now.
…
After a while, Reddies finally woke up slowly. However, she couldn't remember what had happened just now at all. She only remembered that she had some drink and hugged Fred just now. Then, she felt drunk and lay on the sofa, being far away from a fair lady when she shouldn't be drunk at that moment.
Her clothes were still complete. She didn't feel strange at all as if nothing had happened to her after getting drunk.
"Ah, I'm so sorry. I didn't expect that I could be drunk so easily today…" Reddies immediately apologized to Zhang Tie after waking up. As for some men who always had strict requirements on others, they might have their spirits dampened facing a drunk woman.
"It's fine. Let's go downstairs. The banquet should almost come to an end…" Zhang Tie replied as he stood up. After slightly smoothening her ball gown, Reddies also stood up and returned to the banquet hall with Zhang Tie.
…
This banquet didn't come to an end until about 10 pm. After that, Zhang Tie and Bordili returned to Moonlight Hotel by car.
…
Two days later, Bordili took Zhang Tie to the entrance of the Golden Crown in Garby City…