Chapter 749 Ash’s Rope Art

The chapter title is "Chapter 0749: Ash's Binding Techniques (Fifth Update, Alliance Leader Supplementary Update 1/56)." Due to an operational error, the title is currently being revised, but the content naturally follows the previous chapter, so readers may continue without concern.

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The Magic Guild had been established precisely to accommodate magicians pilgrimage from various regions, so the addition of Kenli-Truth hardly made an impact.

Regardless of her background, anyone arriving in Flame Territory assumed the status of a laborer.

After seeing off the envoy delegation and the Crown Prince's entourage, only four days remained until the New Year’s celebrations. The territory's atmosphere showed no change—all industries continued normal operations without holiday interruptions.

The castle, however, remained lively with residents including Marquis Merlin, Lady Penelope, Meopo and his wife, Li Vera, and even Lytton, whom Lady Mary had insisted on keeping.

Despite their mutual dislike, they were still half-brothers.

Thus, Liszt assigned him to the Knight Academy for training under Sky Knight Fox.

During these four days, Liszt successfully developed the second technique of the *Fire Dragon Knight—Dragon Aura Manual*: *Skyburn*. This exquisitely crafted move demonstrated tremendous offensive power when practiced with Leo. Its principle lay in harnessing the Fire Dragon's rolling motion to execute a sweeping lance strike.

The first technique, *Dragon Slash*, emphasized a vertical cleaving force—like splitting Mount Hua.

The second technique, *Skyburn*, focused on horizontal devastation—a wide-arcing lance sweep.

While his growing strength was commendable, the Light-green Gem Dragon's prolonged slumber troubled him. He had sacrificed one or two *Milon Mind Fruits* to rescue this dragon, yet it remained unresponsive. Mounting the Dragon Tooth Platform allowed him to sense their mental link, but the dragon gave no answer.

Whether due to severe injuries or complications during their psychic battle, its awakening remained delayed.

Fortunately, the Light-green Gem Dragon's vital signs remained stable with no deterioration.

Snow blanketed Dodo Island, leaving only the volcanic crater's black rim exposed. Leo immediately plunged into the magma upon arrival, absorbing the high-purity magic condensed within—this vent's energy significantly accelerated his growth.

Yet as Liszt stood at the crater's edge, the acrid sulfur smell filling his nostrils, his expression darkened with concern.

The magma pool had visibly shrunk, its temperature markedly lower—not from seasonal cold, but from the volcano's apparent descent into dormancy.

"Acheronides, how long would you estimate Dodo Island's volcano can sustain?" he asked the young sorceress beside him.

Snowflakes dusted her azure hair, enhancing her delicate charm. After studying the crater's magic distribution, she shook her head. "Brother, insufficient data prevents a conclusive assessment."

"Very well. Instinct suggests this volcano may go dormant within a year... I hope I'm mistaken."

He genuinely dreaded that possibility.

Should the volcano fail, sustaining Leo's magic refinement through potions might bankrupt him. Though theoretically, the Fire Dragon's *magic power*—currently fueling glass, porcelain, brick, and charcoal production—could generate sufficient revenue if operations expanded sufficiently.

Descending the slope, Acheronides produced a broom to clear snow from the Light-green Gem Dragon while Liszt withdrew tarpaulin covers from his spatial ring. After she cleared each section, he draped the protective layers across the dragon's scales, even constructing a small wooden shelter over its head against the snowfall.

These measures were superfluous for a creature of draconic resilience.

But Liszt sought to convey his care—riding privileges didn't equate to mastery. Only through continuous bonding could they forge the unbreakable emotional tether required for the First Dragon Knight's psychic imprint.

Assuming, of course, they never encountered that plot-armored anomaly.

By dusk, when the work concluded, Liszt suddenly mused aloud: "I wonder about the Eagle Kingdom's Dragon Knight selection progress. Maintaining the charade of possessing a Light-green Gem Dragon must have consumed half a year already."

Daily reports detailed mainland affairs.

The Dragon-Slaying War's aftermath proved unexpectedly tranquil. The weakened Eagle Kingdom's strategic retreat from border zones had created equilibrium with Blastfurnace Kingdom, together counterbalancing Steel Ridge Kingdom—mirroring China's Three Kingdoms era where Wu and Shu allied against Wei.

"However, the Kingdom of the Eagle must be quite anxious. More and more of their ships are harassing the Sapphire trade fleets at sea, and the scope of harassment is expanding... For now, things can still hold. My industries haven’t fully expanded yet, and trade is mainly conducted within Sapphire, so the impact hasn’t been too severe."

The current situation.

Steady development is most suitable.

Liszt is still quite satisfied.

...

Returning to Black Horse Island, good news arrived promptly.

Two new varieties of Thorn Bugs had been transported back from the outer islands. Liszt immediately summoned Jie La, who had been irritable lately due to the arrival of the Pea Grand Sprite Ash.

"Wah!"

"Stop being so grumpy. Come on, gather the pheromones. The sooner you evolve, the sooner you can face Ash. Otherwise, you’ll have to stay quiet and not disturb her... I can’t always bail you out when she clobbers you." Liszt couldn’t help but chuckle as he spoke.

Ash seemed meek, mild-mannered, and unremarkable.

But after Jie La repeatedly provoked her, Ash suddenly took action. She fetched a carefully woven bundle of Hemp Rope Vine from the castle’s storage, bound Jie La hand and foot, and hung her in the bug room’s corridor—since then, Jie La never dared to yell at Ash again.

It must be said.

Every Grand Sprite is no pushover.

When Liszt saw Jie La tied up like that, he realized this Pea Grand Sprite was undoubtedly a refined master of ropework.

"Wah!" Jie La complained that Liszt didn’t stand up for her.

Liszt shook his head. "You provoked Ash first and got owned. There’s no reason to side with you. Quit whining—hurry up and gather the pheromones."

"Wah..." Jie La reluctantly collected pheromones from the two new Thorn Bugs.

Once done, she slunk back to her bug room, perhaps to sulk. But when Liszt summoned the Smoke Task, he suddenly understood—Jie La wasn’t sulking. As a diligent spirit bug, her nature didn’t allow for negativity.

"Task complete. Reward: one Thorn Grand Sprite."

"In the bag!"

Liszt clenched his fist in excitement. Since the Smoke Task had granted the reward, it meant Jie La’s evolution into a Grand Sprite was assured—failure was theoretically impossible.

This Thorn spirit bug, nurtured from a Thorn Bug, once again showcased her grit.

Truly a one-of-a-kind spirit bug.

"But it’s not enough yet. We must keep searching for new Thorn varieties to shore up Jie La’s evolution. That way, after Giant Kelp Grand Sprite Parker and Pea Grand Sprite Ash, I’ll have my third Grand Sprite—Thorn Grand Sprite Jie La!"

He drew a deep breath.

Checked the new Smoke Task.

"Task: Another year’s end approaches. Having succeeded in dragon riding, you are on the cusp of greatness. Yet the vast world still holds many uncharted wonders, whether at sea or on land, awaiting your discovery. Just hang tight till year’s end. Reward: Unknown reward.") Folks, keep following!