"Allen's Thorn Flower banner has completely replaced the Feiyan banner, and Allen now owns the entire Feiyan City.
After capturing Feiyan City, Allen didn't continue his previous advances. Instead, he allowed people to cultivate within the city and planned to lead them out to deal with the lesser nobles.
As for why he didn't attack the Marquis?
It's simply because he's not strong enough.
If he had tens of thousands of troops, he might consider challenging the Marquis of Nutao, one of the three major marquises of the Blue Moon Principality. It's said that the marquises are all eighth-level or even ninth-level top powerhouses, and they command numerous golden knights.
Given that Allen's strength isn't sufficient for such a feat, he decided to wait for reinforcements. Once he has enough troops, he believes he could face even a grand duke in battle.
In just two days, both Allen and Viscount Tiemu enjoyed themselves in Feiyan City. These former small nobles were used to ruling over small towns and villages. Though they occasionally visited Thorn Flower City, they had never indulged themselves so much.
But that was different now. With their newly acquired territory and Allen's lenient approach, they acted like local emperors, relishing in the abundance of food and comfort.
Occasionally, Allen went out to earn merit points and practiced daily.
Two days later, a significant group of troops arrived outside Feiyan City. Upon seeing Thorn Flower banners everywhere, confusion arose among the troops. A burly middle-aged man in golden knight armor, accompanied by a lion emblem, was bewildered. "Is this the third city? Could Albert's main force be here?"
A golden knight from the Principality of Lane spoke doubtfully, "No, aren't they stationed near Wind Chime City?"
The leader, known as the Marquis, had a quizzical expression on his face.
The Marquis's vanguard force had faced stiff resistance and endured a tough battle. How could this smaller force from his family emerge as a dominant force, conquering all opposition? Furthermore, the information suggested that they had taken Feiyan City.
"Do you know who's leading the opposing force?" the Marquis inquired.
"It's Baron Allen, the second son of Earl Albert. He was known for his mediocre talents, but recently, he seems to have undergone a significant change. During the naval offensive, his sea cavalry defeated the maritime power of the Blue Moon Principality. He also advanced to the seventh level, becoming the youngest golden knight in our Principality."
The man beside the Marquis conveyed the information rapidly, though a hint of doubt lingered in his eyes. Despite his reservations, the information came directly from Prince Lenerson, leaving no room for doubt.
The question now centered on Allen. "The youngest?"
The Marquis stroked his beard, emanating an unpredictable aura. "How old is this boy?"
"Sixteen!"
"What?! Sixteen?!"
The Marquis of the Principality of Lane was flabbergasted. Not even the Thorn Flower banners in Feiyan City had fazed him, but learning that Allen had achieved the seventh level at the age of sixteen left the Marquis breathless.
"Sir..."
Those around wore uneasy expressions, with some soldiers even turning pale and trembling.
The Marquis's aura was overpowering, making it difficult for even fellow golden knight earls to withstand.
The conversation continued, with Allen suddenly standing up in Feiyan Castle, noticing the approaching army. Swiftly leaving the city, he observed a massive army with the flags of the Principality of Ryan and a lion emblem.
Allen's tension eased—these weren't enemies. "Are you Allen?"
Before Allen could respond, a burly man with a beard shouted across the way.
The man's voice was rough yet domineering, carrying a hint of peculiarity.
Allen nodded, and the man continued, "You're the one who led the cavalry, right? Damn, you're that powerful, becoming a seventh-level knight at sixteen?" The Lion Marquis's wide eyes reflected curiosity and astonishment.
There was also a sense of admiration for genius.
Allen was taken aback but approached. "Lord Marquis, please let's head into the city to rest. Your soldiers seem exhausted, and I've prepared plenty of food."
The Marquis agreed, and as they entered the city, he remarked to Allen, "You're not just talented, but also an adept commander. I initially planned to destroy two earls before facing the formidable old fellow, but it seems things won't be so complicated now."
The Lion Marquis laughed, patting Allen's shoulder. "You're the most remarkable young man I've encountered. I'm rooting for you. Once we defeat the Blue Moon Principality this time, I'll ensure you receive all the credit. Maybe even make you an earl, not just a viscount, huh?"