Tata!
Dozens of fine horses stepped on the road, producing dull sounds.
Six knights and over ten warhorses—such a configuration clearly marked an elite noble legion. Their equipment alone was extraordinary; perhaps even a knight was hidden among them. With excellent mobility, they were extremely difficult to provoke in the wilderness, even deterring ogres.
As night fell, Wu Ming and his companions set up tents. Of course, as a noble and lord, Wu Ming didn’t need to do such tasks. Awa eagerly prepared everything for him, Jack took watch, Malek went ahead to gather supplies and scout, while Karitan prepared dinner. As for Beatrice? Her small hands were now massaging Wu Ming’s shoulders, easing the fatigue from the day’s journey.
When the pot began to boil and white foam rose from the meat broth, Wu Ming took out a spice bottle and sprinkled several seasonings inside. An enticing aroma immediately wafted through the air.
“This is nutmeg, fine salt… Goodness, even black pepper! A single grain of black pepper worth one golden dron!”
Karitan’s eyes widened with indescribable amazement, as if a commoner had just witnessed the extravagance of a wealthy noble.
Were it not for the fact that she knew her looks and beauty couldn’t compare to Beatrice’s, she might have already entertained thoughts of seducing Wu Ming herself.
The seasoned meat broth was incredibly delicious. Paired only with plain bread, it still satisfied the group immensely.
After devouring their meal, Wu Ming gathered his companions: “You probably already know the purpose of this journey. I’ve obtained a treasure map and am preparing for an expedition. As for our target, it lies in the Eagle’s Nest Mountains!”
“So that’s where it is!”
Jack, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, only slightly moved even by the black pepper. “No wonder you only brought us few along, my lord!”
“Those are the most treacherous mountains in the north. Ordinary people can’t even climb them. I’ve heard some places are so narrow that only a single boot can fit, with deep cliffs on both sides. Only eagles with wings can ascend to the peaks.”
Karitan added calmly.
“Yes, precisely there.”
Wu Ming nodded. “Therefore, mobilizing a large army is an unrealistic idea. I can only rely on you all…”
With Karitan present, gaining the witch’s legacy might be possible with a bit more effort.
However, Wu Ming, having read extensively, regretfully found that witchcraft required not only a specific bloodline but also gender restrictions, which was quite inconvenient.
He had already grasped the world’s power system.
Arcane professions were rare, and supernatural powers often came with restrictions. How difficult it was to seize that slim opportunity?
He also had no desire to undergo a blood knight’s initiation and become a knight.
Thus, his remaining options were indeed limited.
“Still… there’s a backup plan!”
Wu Ming glanced at Beatrice, feeling somewhat reassured.
Conquering the world required immense power, which mere knight initiation couldn’t provide.
If the clues he faintly possessed, and even the scrolls contributed by Alfred couldn’t grant him such power, then he would have to take the alternative route—refining blue blood and becoming a sorcerer.
At least, judging from Beatrice’s reaction, the physical and stamina enhancements provided by the blue dragon were no less impressive than those of ordinary knight initiation. Moreover, that icy arcane power was also promising.
Inside the tent, Wu Ming unrolled the scroll.
The map on it, along with dark brown text, pentagram arrays, etc., had already been fixed using special potions, eliminating the need for Beatrice’s blood every time it was read.
“Year of Blossoms and Green Leaves, the third Harvest Moon…”
Wu Ming scratched his head. Admittedly, the world’s calendar system was laughably primitive. Even now, he could only roughly deduce that it referred to a harvest year within the past few years. As for the exact time, even gathering all the scholars from the University City might not be able to decipher it.
“The Five Ancient Kings refer to the five rulers who once conquered the Wind Firefly Plains, Highlands, Storm Cape, University City, and Emerald Harbor—five special regions—and established a kingdom. Did they even make a covenant?”
“As for the World-Ending Serpent, it seems to only exist in myths, apparently the origin and also the end of the world…”
“And that ‘Power of the People’ refers to a legacy of strength, which should be extremely powerful, as it was prepared to combat the world-ending calamity.”
This was the best legacy Wu Ming had discovered so far, likely also the highest level.
Just to confirm this map, he had spent years narrowing the location down to the Eagle’s Nest Mountains.
Now, it was time to reap the rewards of his efforts.
…
“Is that the Eagle’s Nest Mountains? They’re really high!”
A few days later, Beatrice gazed at the endless range of mountains in the distance, their sharp peaks piercing straight into the clouds, and let out a sigh of admiration.
“My lord, I’ve found traces of an ogre settlement ahead!”
A shadow flickered, and Malek’s figure appeared, his expression quite grim. “I think they’ll attack us.”
Even ogres, despite their savagery, possessed wisdom and wouldn’t provoke those clearly beyond their strength.
“I don’t think they dare approach. Even if they do, a few charges from me will send them screaming into hell!”
Jack, polishing his greatsword, snorted coldly.
“Malek is an excellent scout. if he makes such a judgment, there must be a reason!”
Wu Ming waved a hand and looked at Malek, his voice low and steady.
“Because I saw someone who looked like an ogre warlock!”
Malek took a deep breath and slowly said.
“What?”
Awa blurted out. “An ogre warlock? Isn’t that just a legend?”
“If witches exist, why can’t an ogre warlock appear?”
Karitan smiled smugly, clearly enjoying the sight of this little brat who showed no respect for witches being taken aback, which greatly pleased her.
Still, upon seeing Wu Ming’s expression, she quickly shared what she knew:
“Ogres worship the god of flames and the spirits of their ancestors. They believe that by consuming a part of their enemy, they can gain that part’s strength. Among ten thousand ogres, there will be one lucky individual who establishes a connection with ancestral spirits, or perhaps the god of flames, or some other being we cannot detect or predict, thereby gaining magical power!
Of course… they call it a blessing from the ritual. Such individuals who successfully ascend are called ogre warlocks—absolute leaders and sages in large tribes, sometimes also serving as witch doctors.”
“Such ogre warlocks are extremely dangerous. Each appearance usually signifies the unification of ogres into a massive tribe. In previous eras, once one was discovered, even ongoing wars would pause as all lords mobilized their armies to hunt down and kill the warlock.”
Karitan fixed Wu Ming with her gaze. “I suggest you immediately summon an army and notify the local nobles, my lord!”
“Unfortunately!”
Wu Ming shrugged. “The nobles of the Wind Firefly Plains have long forgotten such traditions. As for Count Bluehill and Viscount Garcia? Not a single one can be persuaded to return.”
“Then, I suggest immediate retreat!”
Karitan bit her lip.
“I’ll go observe first, Malek!”
Wu Ming stood up, grabbing his Dragonheart Longsword.
Awa instinctively shrank back, although he knew full well that without undergoing a knight’s initiation, this lord could never break his limits. Theoretically, he shouldn’t be much stronger than himself. Yet for some reason, the moment the lord grabbed his sword, Awa felt his hairs stand on end, as if the blade could slice his throat at any moment.
“My lord truly deserves to be the champion of the martial competition—the legendary commoner sword sage!” he thought to himself, watching Beatrice rise as if wanting to follow, but Wu Ming persuaded her to stay back: “Two people are enough for reconnaissance. None of you are to go anywhere.”
“Let’s go, Malek!”
Wu Ming and Malek arrived at the foot of the Eagle’s Nest Mountains, then abandoned their horses and began traversing the mountains.
Malek silently led the way.
Upon closer inspection, one would notice that his movements almost perfectly mirrored Wu Ming’s—not only moving swiftly through dense forests but also avoiding leaving many traces.
In fact, Wu Ming’s actions possessed an even more fluid grace, surpassing Malek’s skills.
His martial techniques had originally been refined under the guidance of this lord.
And that painful experience had deeply instilled in him a sense of loyalty, never daring to betray again.
“My lord, look!”
After cresting a hill, an ogre encampment came into view before Wu Ming.
Compared to those nearly beast-like ogres, this encampment was surprisingly well-constructed. Thick tree stumps had been sharpened and erected in rows, forming the walls of a stockade, complete with simple gates and obstacles.
At first glance, it resembled a bandit camp rather than an ogre tribe.
“And… the numbers are quite large. There must be over a thousand…”
Observing the ogres coming and going, Wu Ming couldn’t help but exclaim.
An ogre tribe of over two hundred was already considered quite large, but this one was five times bigger!
“Indeed unusual!”
Wu Ming observed carefully, his vigilance growing steadily.
This ogre encampment was clearly newly built, with many scattered ogres still joining in, continuously increasing their numbers. Such a scale would indeed greatly hinder his exploration of the Eagle’s Nest Mountains.
“The ogre warlock… he’s coming!”
Suddenly, Malek whispered lowly.
Wu Ming crouched down and saw another ogre tribe approaching from afar. Leading them was none other than an ogre warlock!
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