"Hiss hiss..." Under the frozen magic, a white mist rose from the armor that had just been heated to a fiery red, followed by a continuous creaking sound. The white mist dissipated, and the knight stood motionless, his body numb from the rapid change in temperature.
The pile of scrap metal on his body, because of Ge Zheng's control of the heat, suddenly cracked under the sudden chill, with cracks all over the previously glowing armor.
Approaching, Ge Zheng tapped the knight's armor with the dagger he had taken from Cody, and with a "clang," the armor shattered into a pile of fragments, truly turning into a pile of scrap metal.
"Oops!" Miss Feifei was embarrassed and turned her head away, while Dinoira grinned, "So fair-skinned, not a strand of hair left." Shala was too embarrassed to stay there and waved her hand, "Get him a cloak, pick him up, let's go!" The sound of horse hooves gradually faded, and the knights of the Maris Grand Duchy burst into laughter.
Dinoira patted Ge Zheng on the shoulder, "Weirdo, it seems you're becoming more and more adorable."
"Master, why is everyone so happy? Did I miss something?" Grunya happened to arrive, and Dinoira's eyes lit up, immediately abandoning Ge Zheng to attend to Grunya.
"Teacher, thank you," Miss Feifei was a bit awkward and a bit reluctant, but no matter what, Ge Zheng helped her get rid of Shala today, so this thanks was sincere. Ge Zheng smiled and waved his hand, "Let's go."
Monzel expressed some apologies, "Miss Feifei, I'm sorry, it's because of my pursuit that you got into trouble..." Princess Feifei was in a good mood now, and said with a smile, "It's okay, I know you didn't mean to." Monzel realized that she had behaved badly just now, and didn't continue to be as attentive as she was yesterday, seeming a bit down.
Dekmont was not in good luck, he was scheduled to face a very strong opponent today, who was also recognized as a seeded player in the current tournament. In the previous match, Dekmont's opponent had fought on foot, and Dekmont had also fought on foot. There were rumors in the royal city that Dekmont's mount was injured and might not be able to participate in this royal challenge, and the fact that Anonda hadn't taken part in the previous match confirmed these rumors.
Today, his opponent had already declared that he would fight on horseback, and everyone thought Dekmont would lose.
Ge Zheng was delayed for a while, but when he arrived at the arena, the match hadn't started yet. There was a lot of talk and speculation all around, with everyone guessing that Dekmont would lose this match. Dinoira quietly said to Ge Zheng, "You helped him win five thousand gold coins from the gamblers again."
Finally, Anonda appeared in the limelight, limping onto the stage. The battle was thrilling and exciting, and Anonda's prosthetic was certainly not "up to par," but in the critical moments, it was Dekmont's twin moon blades that turned the tide, ultimately winning with a wobbly Beastmaster move that "accidentally" defeated his opponent.
The battle was full of ups and downs, and the audience below watched in rapt attention, cheering and shouting with enthusiasm. Anonda, seemingly like a hero, left the stage amidst the enthusiastic applause of everyone, drenched in sweat.
Ge Zheng whispered to Dinoira, "This Swift Wolf Lizard is quite an actor, truly worthy of being Dekmont's mount. This time, Dekmont can earn another five thousand gold coins in the next match." Dinoira nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, someone patted Ge Zheng on the back, "Master." When everyone turned around, "Norodon, why did you come?" Norodon smiled, "There's no one at the inn, and I guessed you all would be here."
Ge Zheng looked at Dekmont, who was still surrounded by those enthusiastic girls, and waved his hand, "Let's walk and talk."
"Master, I've prepared everything, especially selected the first batch of thirty salesmen. Their ancestors were once prominent in the big clans. Although they have fallen from grace now, their connections from the past are still there. With them taking the lead, we can directly enter the high-end market," Norodon said.
Ge Zheng nodded, "Yes, tell me what kind of goods you need."
Norodon continued, "Equipment and magical items are of course essential. Besides these, I think there are even greater profits to be made from some daily necessities."
Ge Zheng became interested, "Oh, can alchemy be used for everyday items? Tell me about them."
Norodon nodded, "Firstly, alchemical timers. Normal people use hourglasses, which are very inconvenient and easily forget the time. In fact, alchemical timers appeared about a hundred years ago, but they were too expensive, and there were too few people who knew how to make them."
Ge Zheng thought to himself: So it's a clock. "Alright, let me look into it."
"And there's the temperature-retaining plates. The royal city is located in the north, and the climate is cold. Although there are fireplaces for heating, if a banquet goes on for a long time, the food in the plates will still cool. The current method is usually to use magic arrays for insulation, but the effect is not ideal and is quite troublesome. Can a master like you make some temperature-retaining plates?" Norodon continued.
Ge Zheng quickly had an idea, "This is simple, leave it to me. What else?"
"There's actually something with a great profit potential, which is alchemical dolls. The nobles like to flaunt, if a certain family's child has an alchemical doll, then others will definitely buy one too, even if it is expensive, it is still in demand..."
Alchemy dolls! Ge Zheng suddenly had a flash of inspiration, finally remembering that he had seen those goods that day and why they looked so familiar: disaster dolls! He had seen the disaster doll in the hands of the small boy, Golfa, during their time in Wangshan City, and it was exactly the same!
Ge Zheng's heart tightened: If the Alchemy Curse were to break out in the Delson Royal City, and it was during the Royal Challenge, these are millions of lives at stake!
He disregarded other matters and pushed Norodon aside. "I have some matters to attend to. Dinala, Solgvelen, come with me!" Norodon was pushed aside, looking at Ge Zheng's rapid departure with a puzzled expression. "Master, what's wrong? If you feel it's beneath your dignity to make toys for children, we can stop this business..." Dinala shook her head and said, "It seems something has happened. You two go back to the inn and wait for us." "I'm coming too!" Groenia said. Dinala couldn't bear to let her take the risk and hurriedly said, "You stay and protect them." Then she quickly caught up with Ge Zheng, along with Solgvelen.
Solgvelen felt relieved: after doing so much, Ge Zheng finally remembered him. In the past, he would have been habitually forgotten.
In the face of great danger, Ge Zheng disregarded Solgvelen's suspicious identity. Moreover, since Solgvelen had saved him before, although Ge Zheng couldn't determine Solgvelen's true purpose, he was certain that Solgvelen would not become his enemy.
"Freak, what's going on?" Dinala caught up and asked. Ge Zheng looked around and said in a low voice, "Do you remember the plague in the Ruling City and Mountain City last time?" Of course, Dinala remembered; otherwise, how could she be involved with Ge Zheng?
"The plague spread from a certain alchemical toy. I saw that kind of toy again on the street!" Before Ge Zheng could finish, Dinala's face changed. "Where?" She suddenly remembered: "That time, I helped someone pick it up..." Ge Zheng nodded. Even though Dinala had a rough demeanor, she couldn't help feeling a chill down her spine.
The three of them, relying on their memory, arrived at the gate of the government office. Dinala stopped a passerby and asked, then returned with an unpleasant expression. "A neighbor said this is the Imperial Foreign Affairs Office, specialized in receiving envoys from various countries." Ge Zheng understood: "This is a huge conspiracy, very cunning!"
"Let's expose them!" Dinala rushed in without thinking. Ge Zheng didn't even have time to stop her. Solgvelen stood behind Ge Zheng, and Ge Zheng couldn't help but admire him: "You can stay calm too?" Solgvelen grinned: "Her word alone, how could those officials believe her?" Solgvelen thought to himself: with my intelligence, how could I not think of it?
Sure enough, in just a short while, unarmed Dinala was pushed out by the guards. Although she posed no less danger unarmed, she was barred from reporting, not fighting.
"Hey, what are you doing? What I said is true. Why don't you believe me? It's a big deal. At least you should send someone to check it out..." Dinala usually considered herself eloquent, but she couldn't get through to these stubborn people.
"Get lost! Scram!" The guards showed no mercy. One even wanted to kick her, but Dinala's glare made him retract his foot.
As Dinala turned around, she saw Ge Zheng and Solgvelen looking somewhat amused. She couldn't help but say in annoyance, "Wow, you find my misfortune funny, don't you?"
Ge Zheng quickly changed the subject: "Go find Demont." Dinala clapped her hands, "Right, how could I forget him? Let's go." Solgvelen thought to himself, this girl is even more scatterbrained than the men. It's hard to say whether it's Ge Zheng being cunning or Dinala being "simple-minded."
"Ding, ding, ding..." Demont was counting his coins in his room when Ge Zheng walked in. Demont hurriedly pushed the box under the bed and relaxed when he saw it was Ge Zheng. "Master, it's you." Ge Zheng grabbed him and quickly explained the situation. Demont was surprised: "Is that true? Oh, sorry, master, I didn't doubt you. It's just... it's really shocking."
Ge Zheng pointed to his head, "I can guarantee with my head!" Demont quickly made a judgment in his mind; it was his aristocratic habit to consider the pros and cons of matters.
The story sounded sensational, but he believed Ge Zheng. So the chances of the story being true were fifty-fifty.
If the story was false and he reported it, he would likely be accused of spreading false information and causing panic. At most, he would be scolded by the emperor and mocked by his noble colleagues during tea time.
If the story was true, his contribution would be enormous! Then, as the champion of the Imperial Challenge, plus this achievement, he would at least be granted the title of a count. With the status, he could potentially enter the core circle of power in the empire!
A gamble! The potential gains outweigh the risks!
Demont slammed his fist on the table, "Master, come with me to the General's Residence!"
The General of the Wangcheng Imperial Guards was responsible for the security of the entire Delson Royal City. Outside the General's Residence, horses rushed back and forth.
In fact, the head of the royal guard in the city was no easy job. With so many dignitaries in the royal city, it was difficult for a minor general like him to judge when the sons of the Minister of Commerce and the nephews of the Finance Minister fought. But, even with little influence, it was not so easy for Demont to request a meeting. If Demont had performed more splendidly at the Imperial Challenge, the general, considering his possibility of becoming the champion, may have shown him more respect. But as for now...
Demont slipped a bag of coins to the commuter soldier at the door, but ended up waiting inside the gatehouse. There were seven or eight other people waiting along with him, and they had all lined up one after the other.
“No problem, this is how it is in the royal city.” Demont was slightly embarrassed, "Don’t worry, it will be our turn soon.”
They waited for half a day without eating lunch, right up until the brilliant lights of the royal city at night, and finally the person at the front was called in. After waiting for a while longer, it was finally their turn.
The General had been busy all day, but he was still in good spirits. Unlike the civil officials, he hadn't gained weight and had maintained his figure.
After listening to Demont's anxious report, the general couldn't help but smile. He picked up a cup of tea and took a sip, "You're saying there is a huge conspiracy?" "Yes."
"Someone wants to turn Delson into a dead city?" "Exactly."
"They targeted the envoys of various countries?" "Yes."
"And the evidence?" the general asked casually. Demont was taken aback and quickly brought forward Ge Zheng from behind, "This alchemy master saw it with his own eyes!"
"Oh..." The general glanced at Ge Zheng's certification badge, "Level six alchemist, Baron Demont, you should concentrate on improving your martial skills, claim a good position at the Royal Challenge. That's the way to get ahead."
"Send them away!" The chief of staff at the door sang out, and the general got up to leave. Demont was flustered: "General, sir, what I'm saying is true, you have to believe me, I'm not making wild claims..."
"Is that so? So, you think I should believe a Level six alchemist just because of one look? I should assemble a large army, search the entire royal city, and surround the Foreign Affairs Office?" the general sneered and looked away.
"General, sir!" Demont wanted to say more, but the guards came forward to stop him with drawn swords, bluntly saying, "Your Lordship, please!"
Demont helplessly looked at Ge Zheng, who shook his head. They both despondently left the General's Residence. "Master, don't worry, my father has a friend in an important position in the empire. We can go find him..." Ge Zheng understood, "No need. No matter how much we say, they won't believe us. Baron, we only have one option now."
"What option?" Demont asked.
Ge Zheng looked up at the moon, "Last time their disaster dolls failed, so they must have made improvements. We must find a new disaster doll; I'll find a way to neutralize it. When the disaster strikes, it won't cause any serious harm." Demont pondered for a moment and nodded, "That's our only option then. What can I do?" Ge Zheng replied, "You think of a way to make the defenses of the Foreign Affairs Office relax a bit."
That night, a neighboring residence of the Imperial Foreign Affairs Office caught fire, causing chaos at the Foreign Affairs Office. The guards were roused from their sleep in the freezing cold, wearing only a thin shirt, and carrying wooden pails to put out the fire.
Taking advantage of the confusion, Ge Zheng stealthily entered the Foreign Affairs Office, quickly found the gifts—they weren't expensive items—and discovered three alchemical dolls. Upon closer examination, they were exactly like the dolls he had seen in Wang Mountain City.
He stuffed the three dolls into his storage space and quietly left. Back at the inn, everyone was waiting for him. Demont immediately asked, "How did it go? Did you get it?" Ge Zheng nodded, then asked, "What about the owner of the burned-down house?" Demont reassured him, "You don't need to worry. Before the house was burned, I bought it from them; their house is worth at most 150,000 gold coins, and I gave them 200,000." Demont had certainly gone all out.
"I won't be able to attend the upcoming matches." Ge Zheng said, "Once I find a way to neutralize the dolls, I will need your help." Demont thumped his chest, "Don't be polite with me!"
Groenia did not leave after learning the situation's details; it was a great opportunity for the Dark Temple. By saving Delson Royal City this time, it was equivalent to saving the entire Austa Empire and the envoys of various countries. For the Dark Temple, it was an unprecedented success.
Ge Zheng hastily gave a few instructions and then hurried into the laboratory.
...
"Lord Clos, the altar has been prepared according to your request. Would you like to take a look?" the old steward of the Rongheng Trading Company respectfully asked.
Clos tidied up a few small items on the table, "Good, take me over."
The commercial area occupies a large area. In this wealthy and prosperous area where every inch of land is precious, it's no wonder that it makes other merchants jealous. The entire Rongheng commercial area is divided into three levels. The outermost part is all shops, the middle part consists of warehouses and living quarters for the staff, which are off-limits to ordinary customers. The innermost level is the confidential area of the trading house, publicly claimed to store valuable goods. In fact, this area holds more secrets than is publicly acknowledged.
The old steward led the way, taking Klos into the most secluded room in the inner area. The room was furnished like a meeting room, with a huge round table and a dozen high-backed chairs.
The old steward peered under the round table, and a voice suddenly came from under the floor: "Who goes there?" "It's me, I have brought Lord Klos." The old steward stepped back, and the ground beneath him shook slightly. Then the circular meeting table slowly rose up...
Under the table, there was a set of concentric steps, with a soldier in full armor standing at every five-meter interval.
"Please, my lord," the old steward said. Klos nodded.
The two descended the circular steps, descending about ten meters, revealing a hidden world beneath the ground.
The entire underground of the Rongheng commercial area had been hollowed out, creating a vast underground plaza! In the center of the plaza, a low hexagram-shaped altar was constructed from a gray-green stone, with an area the size of a house.
"My lord, please," Klos sniffed the air, "Fine olivine stone, the stench of bird dung is neither strong nor weak—a good quality." Upon hearing Klos' praise, the old steward's furrowed brow relaxed somewhat.
Upon close examination of the altar, one could see that it was covered with strange patterns. Klos touched it and nodded in satisfaction, "The rune carvings are half a centimeter deep, just right."
Without warning, his body seemed to float like a balloon, his cloth garment crackling as he floated up to the altar. Peering down, he carefully examined it, "A hexagram with bloodstains, the blood of six kinds of poisonous snakes..." Klos frowned slightly. He crouched down and touched the bloodstains, then sniffed them. He turned to the old steward with a sinister look, "The blood of one kind of snake was not obtained on the spot!"
The old steward shivered, "My lord, when those snakes were transported, there was a blood accident on the way. Most of them died, and the blood quantity was insufficient, so I..."
"Enough," Klos snorted, interrupting him, "This slight flaw in quality has little impact on the overall situation. Consider yourself lucky."
Sweat dripped from the old steward's forehead.
Klos clapped his hands, "Not bad, you are working much more diligently now compared to when I first arrived." The old steward thought to himself, "How could we not work diligently? When you arrived, we had four stewards, now there is only me..."
"How many of those dolls have been sold in the past few days?" Klos asked.
"Following your instructions, we have been selling them at discounted prices, and have sold 300. But even at a lower price, the common people still aren't buying them," the old steward replied.
"Hmph," Klos sneered, "It doesn't matter whether those poor wretches buy them or not, as long as the wealthy nobles buy them." The old steward hastily said, "My lord, rest assured, we have been promoting them within Wàng City. There are still five days left until the final, and we will ensure that every wealthy household in the city will have one of our disaster dolls!"
"Good!" Klos' eyes glinted coldly, "On the night of the final, the Emperor of the Empire will be present and distribute gifts to the envoys of various countries. That's when we will make our move on that night!"