Chapter 631: Return with a Full Load

Lee William and Mexiro continued tracking the beast's trail ahead, while Liszt followed lazily behind, instructing Emily on cultivation and combat techniques.

Though he himself was still just an ordinary sky knight aside from his dragon knight identity, he had faced numerous opponents in battle. Particularly with the formidable power of Dragon Aura, he could calmly observe how other sky knights fought.

Using scientific methods to summarize and analyze, he had not only written *Liszt's Earth Notes* but was now also contemplating *Liszt's Sky Notes*. In the field of knightly cultivation, he believed his ideas were centuries ahead.

Emily was an excellent student—intelligent, persevering, never complained or wasted words. She remained humble and reverent toward him, which was especially important. Liszt disliked those who flaunted their talents or acted arrogantly, and he especially loathed those who thought themselves geniuses.

His dislike for Lytton stemmed from the latter’s frequent display of a genius’s haughty demeanor. No one dared claim genius before Liszt!

"Elite Earth Knights depend heavily on potions. Once the Pioneering Decree concludes and we return to the territory, I will provide you with sufficient magic potions. Additionally, you must carefully study *Liszt's Earth Notes*, my cultivation guide. It will instruct you on precise potion dosing and breaking through bodily limitations."

"Yes, Lord!"

"Moreover, you must also learn archery—it’s a standard skill for knights. However, the *Multiple Arrows* I practice isn’t suitable for you. I will select an archery instructor from the elite Earth Knights to teach you other types of archery." Liszt’s *Multiple Arrows* relied on the gem space’s "unlimited arrows" exploit, allowing him to fire three arrows in a single shot. Ordinary knights couldn’t match this even with a full quiver.

In his view, the creator of *Multiple Arrows* must have possessed a spatial gem; otherwise, they wouldn’t have invented such an arrow-consuming technique. If one only aimed for the dual-arrow level, *Multiple Arrows* would be a fine choice. But Liszt’s expectations for Emily went far beyond just becoming an elite Earth Knight.

Emily didn’t ask why. "Yes, Lord!"

"Also, if your arithmetic is lacking, I can assist in measuring your body’s tolerance and adaptability to potions. Precise potion dosing ensures minimal waste and maximum gains, helping you break free from earthly constraints sooner."

"Yes, Lord!"

Emily no longer expressed her gratitude to Liszt verbally. In her heart, she had already pledged that everything she was and would be belonged to him. Mere thanks meant nothing—devoting herself wholeheartedly to the Lord was the sole focus of her life from now on.

...

To the Earl’s disappointment, the entire hunting party ultimately lost track of the powerful magical beast. By nightfall, no useful clues had been found.

After a full day’s journey, the only notable prey was a single mid-tier beast—a Spineback Boar.

This Spineback Boar was lightning-attributed and highly aggressive. Liszt tore through its lightning cloak with Dragon Aura before knocking it out.

He asked the Earl if he wanted the Spineback Boar as a mount.

The Earl stared silently at the long, lance-like spines on the beast’s back. Upon returning to Dragonbinding Mountain, the evening feast featured platters of savory Spineback Boar roast. The Earl picked up a rib and crunching through bone and all.

"Such a shame."

Liszt, gnawing on a Spineback Boar thigh, sighed regretfully. "Actually, if we’d removed the spines, it could’ve been tamed as a mount."

But it was too late now. Might as well eat up.

And so, soon five days had passed.

Before long, Liszt had spent five days stationed at Dragonbinding Mountain. It was time to depart. The *Sunset*, assigned for transport, made its way up the Howling River. Captain Marcus led the Blacksteed Knights in a flurry of activity, loading the mountain of looted supplies onto the ship.

The elite knights dispatched by the Crown Prince had taken over Dragonbinding Mountain’s defense. Their leader, a Sword Saint, was more than capable of holding the fortress.

"Viscount Garcia, Viscount Fox, once the knights withdraw from Dragonbinding Mountain, your letters will be sent simultaneously. Once your families or lords send someone with the ransom to Ironhoof Island, you’ll regain your freedom... For now, you’ll be guests on Coral Island."

"Understood."

The two sky knights responded weakly; they were both followers of Alonso Cyclamen. They were not from prominent families but had grown up in the Cyclamen family's orphanage. They had only recently become sky knights, so apart from one or two spirit bugs, they possessed nothing else.

Liszt had them write letters, primarily addressed to Alonso, demanding Alonso pay a ransom of two ordinary spirit bugs per person or one grain-type or magical beast-type spirit bug.

Seizing his iron mines, recruiting his knights, and now forcing him to pay a ransom—Liszt showed no mercy toward this potential opponent in the dragon-slaying battle.

The Sunset departed.

Eight attendants of the blood order also left, having already transported 500,000 tons of iron ore from Dragon Trapping Mountain, which was now entirely handed over to the crown prince's knights.

The Marquis did not board the Sunset but instead traveled aboard Mexiro's royal swift-sailing ship.

The two stood at the bow, gazing at the distant Dragon Trapping Mountain and sighed. Mexiro remarked, "With our withdrawal, the remaining battle merits will be divided among many noble houses. What a pity."

Lee William chuckled. "No one can take the share of battle merits that rightfully belongs to me."

"Indeed, Liszt's strength is formidable. As heir to the Ghost Swordsman legacy, he is more than capable of safeguarding Coral Island's portion of the battle merits. However, given how young Liszt is and the brilliant achievements he has helped you secure, many nobles will likely be driven mad with jealousy upon your return."

"Only those who excel above others invite jealousy. My second son, Liszt, is destined to become the cornerstone of the Blue Gem. For now, they may envy him, but in a few years, they will change their minds—because Liszt will make them understand that jealousy cannot destroy a genius."

"True."

Mexiro leaned on the railing. "If Liszt were still weak, inheriting the Ghost Swordsman's legacy would not be a good thing. But he is already strong enough to protect himself. Even the Grand Duke would have to treat him with the utmost respect... Perhaps in a few years, he will join the ranks of Marquis, just like you and me."

The Marquis stood with his hands clasped behind his back and spoke in a composed tone, "Let us see how he develops."