Chapter 142 Getting Started
Since the 10th day of the journey, Gray Earth Village has ushered in a lively day - the first knight and guard competition in Hillwood Town hosted by Elrond has officially begun.
According to the rules set by Elrond, the competition is divided into preliminaries and finals.
Those who defeat their opponents in the qualifiers advance to the next round until the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and championships are determined.
The schedule of the preliminary meetings was not tight enough to ensure the daily patrols and defense of the territory, so two or three fights were held in the square every evening.
According to Elrond's arrangement, the final will be held on the morning of the 28th as a performance prepared by the lord for the annual celebration.
Rhonin also brought news to Elrond through Ridal. He allowed all the people in the territory except the guards, whether they were free people, serfs, or slaves, to enjoy a day off on the anniversary day and come to watch the game.
Doing so would raise their expectations, and Ronin could use this collective activity to strengthen the cohesion between the people and the Hillforest Castle.
In addition, when people watch the competition, some people always fantasize about standing on the stage to participate in the fight and receive generous rewards, which can stimulate their fighting spirit.
Having a few more people with fighting spirit would benefit Roning.
Not to mention the lively atmosphere in the territory; after everything was arranged, Roning set off for Wushan Castle with only McKen and Tom.
In fact, with his current strength, he would not have to worry about being threatened by wild beasts or monsters in the wilderness, even if he traveled alone.
However, considering the possible dangers of going to Wushanbao this time, Roning still chose to bring McKen with him, strengthening the other party's resolve.
Therefore, Hillwood Town had its first Silver Knight.
From around October 8th to mid-December, McKen relied on his practice to improve his progress from 285 to 294/300.
He only increased by nine points in nearly two months, which was not fast. This was also a reflection of his low qualifications.
But it doesn't matter. After Roning consumed 806 energy points, McKen transformed from a high-level knight to a silver knight.
McCann's panel at this time:
[Macan Saliton]: Silver Knight Earth (0/1500) +
After his breakthrough this time, in addition to acquiring new fighting skills and mastering the secret book of fighting spirit, he also gained certain memory fragments.
However, these memory fragments were just some scenes of daily life and battles; nothing was special about them. After asking briefly, Roning did not try to find out more.
After using 806 energy essence points, Roning still had 381 points left.
He did not continue to invest these energy essences in McKen. After all, the level progression of 1,500 points was too long.
He planned to use them on Redar or Elrond next. The former could help him reach the silver level as soon as possible, while the latter could be promoted to a fourth-level great magician.
Although the combat capability of a light magician is limited, having a great magician in the territory is also a foundation. When Elrond needs to contribute, he becomes stronger.
The three of them drove and soon came to a three-way intersection.
Ronin pulled the reins and looked at the road heading east.
It was a pity that the rising hillside on the road blocked his view, and he couldn't see what was happening there.
However, Roning had already learned where that place was from the map Hallwart gave him.
"We should be able to reach Sen Territory soon after crossing the mountain ahead."
Luo Ning said: "I think we will go there and sit down when we have time."
"But Baron Leisen may not be very welcome," McKen said with a smile.
Luo Ning's lips curled up slightly, "Maybe he is not the master of Sean County by then?"
Tom sat on his horse and listened to the lord and guard's conversation. Although he was not qualified to participate in the discussion on many things, the lord's purpose of taking him to Wushan Castle this time was clear and definite.
So he was sure that the lord also wanted to become the master of Sen Territory.
For other barons, annexing other barons' territories might be a very difficult task. Still, Tom didn't know why he was particularly confident that whatever Lord Ronin did would always be successful.
"Let's go!"
Luo Ning pulled the reins, and the Cloud-Stepping Horse neighed happily and set off again.
Traveling light, they only needed four or five days to reach Wushan Fort.
But before that, Roning first went to the Horse Herding City.
He arranged for Tom to go to Viscount Ironhoof's castle to deliver a visiting card and took Tom to the other two places.
Viper Exchange.
As soon as Steward Anthony heard that the Baron of Hillwood Town was coming to visit, he immediately trotted out.
"Long time no see, Lord Baron. Your arrival brings glory to our Viper Exchange!"
Anthony was sharp-eyed and saw Roning's mount at a glance. He was secretly shocked. He didn't expect that Roning could own such a priceless cloud-stepping horse.
"It's been a long time since we last met, Mr. Anthony. You look as energetic and smart as last time."
Roning handed the horse to McKen and entered the slave exchange under the guidance of the steward.
Anthony raised his eyes. The last time the baron entered the Viper Exchange, he was accompanied by many guards. But today was different. Not only was there only one guard, but this guard was not accompanying him.
Is this trust in the Viper Exchange?
Thinking of this, Anthony smiled and asked, "Is Baron Ronin coming here to buy another batch of slaves this time?"
Roning nodded.
Anthony was even more enthusiastic. "Haha, to be honest, I have just trained a group of slaves here. They all met your requirements last time. Do you want me to take you to inspect the goods?"
Merchants are like that; whenever customers come in, they always say they have a new batch of goods.
Luo Ning shook his head. "No need to look at it. I want to ask you, how many slaves do you have now?"
Anthony's heart skipped a beat. After asking this question, he feared he would have to buy a lot.
"Honestly, sir, I have more than 300 slaves here. If you need more, I can get you 500 or 600 within a month!"
Roning now has money in his hands, and he needs to convert part of it into labor.
"Five or six hundred is still too few. I need at least a thousand slaves!"
He stated his expectations, "I require that there be two to three craftsmen for every hundred slaves, and the overall ratio of men to women should not be too different. Can you do that?"
Anthony was stunned. He was shocked by the demand figures reported by Roning.
One thousand slaves is a very rare large order for the Viper Exchange. Many branches don't have the chance to receive one in a year. Unexpectedly, this lucky thing fell on him.
If he wins this order, Anthony's position in the Viper Exchange will be more secure. The annual celebration is coming soon, and he can use this order to ask for a bonus from the higher-ups.
Roning looked at Anthony, who was slightly stunned. Meeting such a large demand seemed difficult.
"Why is it difficult?"
Anthony was startled and immediately returned to normal. He couldn't let the customer feel he couldn't pay the order.
"No, no!"
He firmly denied: "Sir, you must believe in the strength of our Viper Exchange. Let alone a thousand people; even if you want ten thousand, I can get them for you!"
Salespeople always have to brag, and Luo Ning is not surprised.
"When will you be able to prepare these 1,000 people?"
Luo Ning smiled and said, "I will not take the slaves back this time. Your exchange will escort them to Shanlin Town. I require them to arrive alive."
"Sure, no problem!"
Anthony pondered and said, "Sir, slaves are prone to death when transported in winter. I suggest that we send them to you before April next year."
"You can escort them in batches to ensure we can gather all 1,000 people before April."
Roning suggested that it would be easier for him to arrange them if they were sent in batches. Cramming in a thousand people at once is too much for Wilson, Chahar, and others.
"Your idea is very clever!"
Anthony agreed immediately. After confirming the transaction's feasibility, the next issue to be discussed was the price.
Roning planned to chat about long-term cooperation with the other party at the Viper Exchange.
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