Chapter 272: Enhancement and Improvement

Chapter 272: Enhancement and Improvement



"High Priestess, this time, the Dark Flame Church claims to have discovered an ancient creature, the Earth Serpent, slumbering in Master County. Do you think this information is true or false?" The middle-aged man with a black serpent symbol on his forehead asked.

The High Priestess, with a ring-shaped serpent symbol on her lips, smiled and stared at him with her yellow vertical pupils, saying, "We're going there to confirm if it's real or not, aren't we?"

"But I think they're probably telling the truth."

The middle-aged man nodded excitedly, "High Priestess, it would be wonderful if it's true!"

"According to the ancient records of our church, the Earth Serpent's excavation ability is among the best among all giant beasts."

"With it, we can quickly dig tunnels to connect our various branches, and it will also be easier for us to explore those deeply buried ancient sites."

"So, Bloodburner, although it's hard to believe, it seems like it might be true."

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"Yes, my lady." The Dark Flame cultivator slowly retreated.

Ren immediately brought up his skill panel and focused his attention on Blade Storm.

The High Priestess extended her hand and pointed to the left rear side of the carriage, saying, "Hmm? The Empire's little bug? Leave it to me!" Holand removed his hood, revealing his bald head adorned with various mysterious symbols, and chuckled.

"However, it does seem difficult to spread it too far with just high-speed airflow."

How could this be? I'm definitely going to be questioned by the higher-ups!

"In that case, it means that only 6 Golden Skill Points are needed to upgrade 'Blade Cyclone: Revised' to a top-tier Great Technique."

Both the four iron wood dummies five meters away and the one ten meters away all fell to the ground.

"It seems I need to find Freeman. The Serpent Sect's arrival is quite timely." Raksool seemed to have thought of something, and his serious expression immediately relaxed.

—In the city of Master County.

It was indeed because of this.

However, if that's the case, things will become tricky. Even if I take action personally, it might not be enough to handle them, and there's a risk of failure.

"Bloodburner, the latest news from Wales County is that Lady Galina has failed!" The black-robed cultivator reported with a grim expression.

In a hidden underground cave.

Ren made several adjustments, fine-tuning the thickness of the metal wires to the perfect degree. They were neither too thick, preventing escape due to rotational inertia, nor too thin, causing them to break free and fall short of power during rotation.

Of course, this method wasn't without drawbacks.

Although it was called the Earth Serpent, its head didn't resemble a snake's head. Instead, it was more like a petal with teeth, possessing incredible biting and crushing strength, and it could dig through the ground at an astonishing speed.

What the hell is going on? How could a countess's daughter have such a powerful bodyguard? The Imperial Royal Academy! Could it be that the young expert is the heir of some major noble in the capital, pursuing the countess's daughter, Kraya?

"Karam, speaking of which, should they have reached Master County by now?"

"Doesn't she look down on the countess's daughter, allowing her to escape?" Raksool smiled, swirling the dark red vintage in the transparent glass cup and taking a whiff.

It must be because of this.

As Ren unleashed the skill, the seventy to eighty densely packed four-pronged darts on the greatsword, driven by the powerful rotational inertia, broke free from the metal wires on the sword's blade and shot out rapidly.

Now that I think about it, it doesn't sound like that at all!

It's especially costly in terms of hardened electrum! The seventy to eighty four-pronged darts were all deformed from hardened electrum, meaning that with each use of Blade Storm, Ren lost about ten kilograms of hardened electrum!

"This time, Lady Veronia is unable to come to your aid. She is currently one of the channels for information exchange between the Empire's coastal areas and the Navy. It will be difficult to find a suitable replacement in a short time."

"Hmm, very well."

"Knock knock knock!"

"With that calculation, it requires a total of 3 Golden Skill Points, and the points are just enough."

In an instant, Ren held the greatsword and spun it like a top, creating a powerful sonic boom around him. The airflow was filled with tiny black particles.

"Come in!"

"Yes, my lady." The Dark Flame cultivator slowly retreated.

Ren immediately brought up his skill panel and focused his attention on Blade Storm.

"Not bad at all. Conditions two and three have been met, and the attribute point issue isn't a major concern."

After all, the other party was a top student of the Imperial Royal Academy and the daughter of an Earl, possessing some life-saving abilities. It was understandable that she managed to escape from Galina's grasp.

However, upon seeing the faint traces of over a dozen white lines on the wooden dummies, Ren furrowed his brows slightly.

He had assumed that Galina had underestimated the situation and was caught off guard, leading to her demise.

Ren focused his mind on the two-handed greatsword in his hands.

"Yes, Bloodburner. According to the intelligence, the escort team for the Earl's daughter, Kraya, just arrived in Maestus County this afternoon."

From a distance, a rapid popping sound, like frying beans, emanated from the iron wooden dummy.

Several seconds later, after the dust settled, Ren approached to inspect. Five meters away, he found four iron wooden dummies, each bearing over a dozen deep horizontal slashes, several inches deep.

"Blade Storm!"

Moreover, with the exposure of the Colossal Guardian, the Empire would likely pay more attention to the Church's activities. Perhaps the Empire's counterattack was already brewing, one troublesome matter after another. Raksool struggled to accept this answer.

It was quite an expensive endeavor.

As for the choice of four-pronged darts, Raksool's mind was in turmoil.

Given Galina's proficiency in illusion magic, even if it were him, defeating her might be manageable, but killing her would be extremely difficult.

"This..." The black-flame messenger's expression turned peculiar upon hearing Raksool's words, unsure how to continue the report.

The messenger from the Swordsman Division, a robust young man in leather armor, arrived once again.

The wealth and power of the Dragon Empire's Great Nobles were beyond the imagination of ordinary people, so it was no surprise that they could cultivate such formidable young talents.

But he had never imagined that Galina, his once capable subordinate and now the High Priestess of Wales County, would lose her life over a simple request from him.

"Is Earl Habus' daughter, Kraya, that formidable?" Raksool asked in a low voice after regaining his composure.

"Yes, Bloodburner." The black-flame messenger bowed slightly, replying.

'Blade Storm!' In an instant, Ren's two-handed greatsword spun like a top, generating a powerful whirlwind that seemed to explode in the air, sweeping the surroundings with a shockwave!

"What's important is whether they found a mature Earth Serpent, its condition, and if it can be ritually awakened. That's why I came personally."

Galina took Raksool's request seriously, bringing along the strong 'Wild Bull' Berda and their secret weapon, the Colossal Guardian.

"What?" Raksool's pupils contracted, and he stood up abruptly, his face filled with disbelief.

After several minutes, Ren surveyed the numerous iron wooden dummies lying around, nodding slightly.

He then proceeded to examine the four iron wooden dummies ten meters away.

If the greatsword had directly struck the dummies, there was no doubt that they would have been cut into multiple sections.

Otherwise, if the Black Flame Church could control the Earth Serpent themselves, they wouldn't be so kind as to share this information.

The next moment, on the surface of the two-handed greatsword, appeared a series of four-pronged darts similar to those used by ninjas, connected to the greatsword by thin wires.

"Sir Ren, the two of them expressed their deep apologies."

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

The depth of the slashes reached over five centimeters, similar to the cutting effect of the high-speed airflow within the six to seven-meter radius.

"Miss is not yet a Great Knight, so she can't consume it temporarily. Also, although this elixir is precious, the stock in the mansion is limited, but there's still enough for two or three Great Knights to use for cultivation."

"What? Was Galina that careless?"

"Additionally, Miss said that you are her Guardian Knight, and your strength represents her safety, so please don't be reserved."

Ren pondered for a moment, then said, "Actually, there is one thing. I'd like to trouble you to send someone to my mansion to invite a knight named Shadiya to come here."

The ironwood, with its hardness and toughness, could bear over an inch of sword marks, which was comparable to the effect that could be achieved on well-forged steel.

"If there are no issues, then even if we agree to their request, what's the problem?"

Moreover, ever since yesterday, Ren had been eager to test the newly learned Arcadia Sword Technique's basic technique, 'Blade Storm'.

In other words, with Ren's modification, the attack range of Blade Storm was instantly enhanced from the original six to seven meters to thirty to fifty meters! Seeing this result, a smile appeared on Ren's face.

When he first heard the report, several possibilities crossed his mind, including the Earl's daughter, Kraya, escaping.

Then, he arrived at the center of the Iron Wooden Dummy and took a deep breath.

However, a few minutes later, the Dark Flame Sect disciple, Kalam, returned with a report.

"My Lord, we received a message from the Serpent Cult. Their High Priestess, Abbad, has entered the Minster Province from the Nom Province. In about two days, she will reach Maestus."

"Her power is indeed formidable, but the attack range seems not as wide as I imagined."

"My Lord, it's not about the strength of the Earl's daughter. According to the two surviving Dark Flame Sect disciples, she is probably just a Peak Knight."

"Alright, then thank you, Miss Kraya," Ren smiled and said.

As Ren entered the training room located in the main building of the villa, he found various weapons inside—swords, hammers, shields, bows, and more—almost everything one could ask for. There were also training dummies and archery targets, all in perfect condition.

The next moment, he was in a speeding carriage, and suddenly opened the door and leaped out. - Maestus, Wild Wolf Hills.

The damage to the Iron Wooden Dummy was not caused by the greatsword in Ren's hand, but by the Essence Power on the greatsword, which affected the air at an incredibly fast speed, creating a high-speed airflow that caused the damage.

"Isn't Miss Kraya using it herself?" Ren asked, taking the greatsword and looking at Shadiya.

"I didn't believe it at first, but in Wales County, they used mind control and truth serum on the two surviving Dark Flame Sect disciples, and their statements remained unchanged."

The reporting Dark Flame Sect disciple was also shocked upon learning this news, and it took him a while to recover.

".To advance to the Intermediate Technique, the Breath Technique requirement is already met. It still requires Arcadia Sword Technique level 14 and 2 Golden Skill Points."

"Additionally, I've already had a few insiders in the Habus Earl's Manor investigate her background quietly."

The next moment, the hardened electrum covering his knight gauntlet instantly transformed into a two-handed greatsword.

Ren didn't have to worry about being disturbed by others here.

Of course, the most important thing was that as a Serpent Cult, they had a special method to control the ancient creature, the Earth Serpent.

"Oh? The Serpent Cult's High Priestess is coming in two days? And she's coming herself?" Raksoor's face showed contemplation, and a plan formed in his mind.

Ren nodded slightly, indicating his understanding.

"Hmm? What's wrong? Did something happen?" Raksoor's expression turned serious, and the blood-colored flame mark on his forehead flickered.

Now, he intended to try it out immediately.

Holand, praised by the High Priestess, smiled, but soon frowned and said, "However, even if this news is true, according to the Dark Flame Church's nature, they will still try to squeeze us."

Half an hour later, Ren finally showed a satisfied smile.

The ancient creature, the Earth Serpent, grew to nearly a hundred meters in length and several meters in diameter as an adult, an absolute behemoth.

"Ren, Lachmond Harbor is under attack by Sea Giants. The situation is not good. Before, when your family was in the Manor, I couldn't leave, but now, please forgive me! Has,"

As the highest administrator of Maestus County, the Habus Earl's Manor naturally had training grounds, including two indoor training rooms and the largest outdoor training field in the county city.

"A Has Knight? Alright, Lord Ren," Shadiya slowly stepped back.

As his subordinate spoke, Raksoor's expression turned from grave to shocked. "What? You mean Galina used even the secret weapon, the Colossal Guardian, and still couldn't defeat them? Instead, she was defeated?" Raksoor's face showed disbelief.

This training room was originally for the exclusive use of the Habus Earl and Kraya, but now, with one severely injured and the other having a breakthrough, it was no longer needed.

As Shadiya spoke, she handed Ren a letter.

The position of the High Priestess was similar to that of a Great Bishop in the Goddess Church, and she was in charge of all church activities within the province, making her an absolute high-ranking member.

The High Priestess smiled slightly and said, "Holand, this isn't really important."

After some contemplation, Ren decided to test it out and see the effects.

"As a top-tier area-of-effect Advanced Technique, 'Crushing Hammer,' it still requires 2 Golden Skill Points. This is the benefit of combining the innate Sorcery, 'Metal Morphurgy,'" Ren thought to himself.

"Not bad! The fact that you thought of this shows that you've matured a lot. This is something a qualified High Priest should consider," the High Priestess nodded.

[Ding! 'Blade Cyclone: Revised' naming successful. Synchronized adjustment with related Advanced Techniques complete.]



"I estimate they will likely propose a request for cooperation or something similar."

"The damage radius only expanded to about seven meters, still lower than expected, but the killing power within the radius is considerable. The Iron Wooden Dummy within a three to five-meter range was directly cut in half."

Ren nodded slightly.

The young man carefully considered the information he had read multiple times in the intelligence report. He immediately came to report his findings.

Ren had been contemplating the stability of the Four-Pronged Dart after its rotation, which was superior to the Yuya Shuriken. When unleashing Blade Cyclone, he wouldn't have to worry about the angle of the greatsword.

Hmm? Did she leave?

At that moment, Shadiya, dressed in a black maid outfit, approached with a brown wooden box in her hands, a smile on her face. "Lord Ren, Miss Galina prepared this special elixir, 'Fortifying Elixir', for you before she went to the secret room. Usually, only the Earl consumes it in the manor, and it has proven beneficial for the Great Knight's cultivation."

"Lord Ren, Knight Has isn't in the manor, but he left a letter for you."

Ren's mind flashed with insight.

Ren's eyes lit up! Regarding the name, since it's an improvement, let's call it 'Blade Cyclone: Revised'! Ren felt naming it was a lazy approach.

Ren immediately focused on the Weapons Master (Legendary) profession panel, and examined the details: Blade Cyclone: Revised (Advanced Steel) Effect: Based on the Round Slash, it combines Essence Power and Sorcery Metal Morphurgy. Wielding the special greatsword, it releases metal darts amidst high-speed airflow, striking all enemies within range.

Once the dust settled, Ren examined the area again. This time, he found seven or eight iron wooden armored men placed against the wall, thirty meters away. Each man had three to four four-pronged darts embedded in their bodies.

Ren, with the assistance of Viscount Seril, arranged for four iron wooden dummies to be placed around him, four to five meters in front, behind, and to his sides. Then, he placed another set of dummies ten meters away.

After making preliminary arrangements for the defense of the Earl's Manor, Ren headed to the indoor training room on the first floor of the main building.

Venonica, a disciple of Master Aeneas, had a natural familiarity with naval communications.

"Ding, ding, ding!"

Ren's forearm was covered in dark green scales, resembling snake skin more than human skin.

"An effective attack radius of just five meters is a bit limiting."

Suddenly, a system prompt appeared: [Ding! Intermediate Steel 'Blade Cyclone' combined with Sorcery 'Metal Morphurgy' successfully. The effect is comparable to Advanced Steel. Please name the new Advanced Steel.]



"Investigate their origins and report to me as soon as possible." Viscount Seril nodded in agreement.

"Then let's cooperate. The more they stir up trouble in Maestus, the better it is for us. However, Holand, you need to deal with a few imperial pests first."

Within half an hour, he could dig a tunnel as long as his body beneath the ground.

Shadiya, the head maid, entered the room, her eyes curious as she glanced at the scattered iron wooden dummies on the ground, each pierced with metal darts. "

The next morning.

Holand's expression relaxed, and he nodded, "Indeed, I heard their plans in Maestus have been hindered."

"Yes, Lady Galina has fallen in battle!"

"Hmm?" Ren's eyebrows furrowed as he hadn't expected Kreatya to be so thoughtful.

With this explanation, everything made sense to Raksoor, his face revealing a moment of realization.

At that moment, a knock sounded from outside the training room.

In large-scale battles, maintaining communication is of utmost importance."

"Regarding the matter you mentioned earlier, Lord Angus and Lord Viery have sustained varying degrees of injuries in their previous mission and are currently recuperating. It's unlikely they can recover within a short time." The leather-armored man apologized.

Hmm? At this point, Ren's eyebrows knitted together, "So, no personnel can come over within a short time?"

"Not exactly." The leather-armored man paused, then continued.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end