Chapter 635: Startled

"There are quite a few sky knights at the perfection stage in our country. Basically, as long as members of a Marquis's family aren't too foolish or incompetent, they can rely on magic potions to push one to the perfection stage of sky knight. But no Domain Knight has ever been born—this is no longer something resources alone can achieve."

Nesta Dahui Orchid shared quite a bit of valuable information, likely because Liszt had reached a certain level, making him feel it was worth currying favor: "Previous generations of the Duke all attempted to trade for the cultivation heritage of mana domains from the Kingdom of Steel Ridge, but without exception, they failed."

"Was the price offered insufficient, or was it due to the Kingdom of Steel Ridge's knowledge embargo?"

"You see the issue clearly. Indeed, it wasn’t that the Duke was unwilling to pay a heavy price, but rather that the Kingdom of Steel Ridge didn’t want to see Sapphire grow too powerful. When the first Duke failed in the Dragon-Slaying War, no one could have imagined that one day the Sapphire Duchy would dominate the seas, to the point where even the Kingdom of Steel Ridge felt threatened."

The fast-as-the-wind Sapphire fleet, capable of raiding deep into the heart of mainland kingdoms and retreating with ease, was indeed something to be wary of.

"Then, did the Duke not consider seizing the mana domain heritage from lords who possessed it?"

"The Duke cannot easily take action, and without his intervention, it’s difficult for us to deal with a domain knight. Perhaps once you’ve grown stronger, you could suppress a domain knight and find an opportunity to seize the cultivation heritage of mana domains." Nesta fixed Liszt with a burning gaze.

Anyone with eyes could see the value of the Ghost Swordsman inheritance.

Though the trend of the era was that knights overwhelm all others, with all ancient mage inheritances and ancient warrior inheritances gradually dying out, swallowed by the knightly traditions, the Ghost Swordsman was also a vestige of a waning civilization, destined to vanish in the river of history.

But under the current circumstances, ancient warrior inheritances still represented a very important combat force.

"My strength comes more from the residual spiritual power of Mentor G.S.D rather than my own cultivation. It will likely take me a few more years to truly comprehend the Ghost Swordsman’s cultivation system. By then, if the opportunity arises, I am gonna personally act to seize the mana domain heritage."

Liszt gave a noncommittal response.

Half an hour later, after an exchange of diplomatic niceties, the conversation ended. Liszt declined Marquis Nesta’s dinner invitation and left the castle to return to the Sunset.

Without staying overnight in Oxhoof City, the Sunset set sail directly for the open sea.

Four days later.

The Sunset arrived at Black Horse Harbor. Having departed on July 20th and returned on August 27th, this over a month could truly be described as "like meeting a new man after three days apart." Upon his return to his territory, Liszt was warmly welcomed by the officials and commoners of the land.

Advisor Gort, in particular, piled on the flattery like waves.

"The glory of knighthood shines upon you, my lord—"

"Enough. Save the empty pleasantries. I’m gonna be very busy upon my return. So, Advisor Gort, coordinate with the territory officials and give me a detailed report on the territory’s development tomorrow. For now, I have many spirit bugs to settle into their herb gardens as soon as possible."

Nine spirit bugs were each held in jade boxes by squire knights, following behind Liszt.

Wheat, sisal, peperomia obtusifolia, millet, coptis, apple, potentilla, pine, and tobacco—the nine spirit bugs had all awakened from their slumber.

They flew out of their boxes, circling around Liszt, some curious, some bored, some cautious, some bold, as they took in their new surroundings. Their forms and temperaments varied, their chirps ranging from high to low, but all were exquisitely beautiful, a feast for the eyes, instantly lovable.

Seeing so many spirit bugs at once,

Gort and the others' eyes nearly popped out: "M-M-My lord... this..."

"I captured a few sky knights—these are their ransom. Now, let me tell you their species. You must quickly designate locations for their herb gardens on Black Horse Island... Also, this is Yevich Shui Huasheng, styled as the Clearwater Sword Saint. He is my follower."

Yevich immediately stepped forward, giving a slight bow and greeting in somewhat clumsy Serpent Tongue: "Yevich greets you all."

"What? A Sword Saint?!"

"A Sword Saint master?"

"My lord’s follower is actually a Sword Saint master?"

"By the gods!"

The officials were all in shock and awe. To them, even an ordinary Sky Knight was an unattainable existence, let alone a Sky Knight of Sword Saint caliber.

However, Liszt was quite dissatisfied with their reaction.

If they made such a fuss over a mere Sword Saint, wouldn’t they faint from shock if they had witnessed how he crushed a Domain Knight?

Of course, Liszt didn’t blame them, nor did he brag—his knights would do that for him. The knights who had followed him on the expedition and returned would eagerly spread tales of his glorious achievements, ensuring every resident of the territory knew just how powerful their lord truly was.

Having a Sword Saint as a follower? Just another Tuesday.

He cut a sharp look at the flustered Gort. "Yevich also has two Spirit Bugs plus fourteen others, all of which will be cultivated on Black Horse Island. You must coordinate their arrangements... Commander Marcus, later, show him around Black Horse Island’s environment."

Gort hurriedly replied, "Right away, my Lord!"

Marcus also responded, "Yes, Lord!"

Liszt continued the introductions. "This is Alvin Eaglesword, an Iron Knight and also my follower. He will teach Iron Knight courses at the Knight Academy. Advisor Gort, you must arrange this carefully."

"Ah, yes, Lord!"

"These two are Viscount Garcia and Viscount Fox, both Sky Knights. They are foreign guests. Arrange residences for them in Port Town." Liszt didn’t need to clarify their identities—their faces said it all: they were prisoners.

Gort froze for a moment, his brain short-circuiting.

Only when Marcus leaned in and whispered an explanation did Gort finally understand, stammering, "M-my Lord! Please rest assured, I w-will arrange everything." After speaking, he swallowed hard—today was too damn much.

Later, he would need to find a tavern to sit down and calm his nerves with a cup of flower wine.

But his ordeal wasn’t over yet.

From the Sunset, seven or eight mages in spellwoven cloaks disembarked. Among them was a female mage with a ghostly pallor, who curiously surveyed Black Horse Port and softly asked, "Lord, is this your territory, Black Horse Island? The residents here are all smiles."

Beside her, Blair, equally stunned, suddenly had a flash of inspiration and quickly replied, "Esteemed Mage, the happiness of Black Horse Island is entirely due to the benevolent grace of our Lord!"

The ass-kissing was blunt but far more satisfying than Gort’s earlier barrage of praise.

Liszt smiled at Bloody Mary and said, "I hope you will all come to enjoy life here. Mary, escort the three Archmages with me to the Magic Power Academy in the Mage Tower. From now on, you will reside there."

"Your will be done."