Chapter 85: A Close Call

In the central command tent, Xu Feng met the long-renowned commander of the Northern Legion. Duke Assur, also one of the empire's three great dukes, was unlike Walter, the leader of the southern nobility; he exuded a fierce, soldierly bearing. Though over fifty years old, he remained energetic and vibrant, just as vigorous as any young man.

The two dukes had completely different temperaments—one cultured and elegant, the other resolute and unyielding. Yet, as high-ranking figures, both possessed a distinct aura of authority that commanded respect without the need for anger.

Xu Feng observed this legendary figure. Duke Assur's current status was not merely due to his illustrious lineage; his own abilities were beyond doubt. Otherwise, he would not have become the son-in-law of the Late Emperor. This duke was one of the empire's most famous generals.

Duke Assur also looked at Xu Feng with interest. Though stationed far in the northern borderlands, he had often heard people speak of this legendary Viscount recently. Well, seeing him in person was better than hearing about him—this young man was indeed extraordinary.

Appreciation flashed in the duke's eyes. Most people who met him felt uneasy and nervous—that was their common trait. But this young man... how to put it? Even under his gaze, his heartbeat did not quicken in the slightest, appearing completely composed.

"Your Grace!"

Xu Feng placed his right hand over his chest and bowed respectfully.

"Please have a seat." Unexpectedly, Duke Assur, known for his strictness and lack of leniency, appeared remarkably amiable at this moment.

Xu Feng did not decline. Holding Arola's small hand, he sat down on a chair. In contrast, the usually strong-willed Young Princess was now very obedient and quiet. Relations between the empire and the Orc Kingdom had long been strained. Though no major wars had broken out in the past twenty years, skirmishes were frequent, with the Northern Legion bearing the brunt. As the commander of this elite legion, Duke Assur's reputation in the Orc Kingdom was far greater than most imagined. This hero of the empire was described as a devil among the orcs. Seeing him in person now, the Young Princess felt deeply afraid.

"The one beside you is a Snake Woman, isn't she?"

Xu Feng was taken aback for a moment, but after a brief thought, he understood. Although Snake People girls with royal blood were nearly indistinguishable from humans, Duke Assur had dealt with orcs for decades, so it was no surprise he recognized her.

Denial was meaningless. Xu Feng nodded. "Correct!"

His honesty somewhat surprised the duke, but it also raised his estimation of this young man. Honesty was a precious quality.

Originally, Duke Assur had wondered why Xu Feng, as a rising star among the New Nobles of the capital, wasn't enjoying life in Alsace but had instead come to the border for no apparent reason. Seeing this beautiful Snake Clan girl nestled beside him, he understood...

He had been young once. It seemed this Viscount had fallen for the Snake Woman beside him.

Duke Assur did not pursue the matter of their crossing the border. Instead, he invited Xu Feng to join him for breakfast. For such an honor, the officers of the Northern Legion were secretly amazed. In all these years, this was the first time they had seen the Marshal hold someone in such high regard. This Xu Feng, who had risen to fame in the capital in just a few short months, indeed had his exceptional qualities.

His future was truly promising!

"Thank you for your hospitality, Your Grace." Xu Feng stood up and bowed to Duke Assur. "I have matters to attend to in the Orc Kingdom. I'd like your permission to cross."

"That won't do!"

Without a second thought, the duke firmly refused. Though he personally believed Xu Feng was not a spy, as a military commander, he understood the importance of adhering to protocol. Moreover, young men were often impulsive, and the Snake Woman beside Xu Feng was exceptionally beautiful—the possibility of a seduction had to be guarded against.

As a Transmigrant, Xu Feng was more adept at reading expressions than his peers. Seeing Duke Assur's expression, he guessed what he was thinking and sighed. "Your Grace, Xiaoya is not a spy either. She merely wishes to return to her homeland."

However, leniency was not easily granted. Duke Assur was famously impartial and strict. Though he had a favorable impression of Xu Feng, getting him to relent and allow the two to cross the border was impossible.

This is bad, do we really have to turn back?

Just as Xu Feng was feeling troubled, Duke Assur's eyes suddenly gleamed. "What is that on your hand?"

"This?" Xu Feng was taken aback, looking at the spatial ring on his index finger. "This is a gift from my teacher."

"You are Master Kelaibafei's disciple?"

"Your Grace knows my teacher?"

Just when all seemed lost, a new path appeared. Judging by the Legion Commander's reaction, perhaps he had ties with his teacher.

After Xu Feng described some details about his master, the powerful duke nodded. "So you truly are the master's disciple. In that case..." He pondered for a moment. "Then I grant your request. I will see you across the border."

As one of humanity's only two remaining Archmages, Kelaibafei was a revered Saint Expert. By chance, he had once saved the duke's life. Of course, Duke Assur's decision now was not about favoritism but because he trusted the master's judgment. How could the disciple of an Archmage be a spy, much less fall for a seduction?

The sudden change in Duke Assur's attitude left Xu Feng momentarily stunned, then overjoyed. He hadn't expected that, despite being a Viscount personally ennobled by the emperor and the most sought-after figure in the capital, the other party would show no regard for his status. Instead, he placed such importance on his identity as the disciple of an Archmage.

Strength truly commanded more respect than status. While sighing inwardly, Xu Feng also made a silent resolution: he must work hard and diligently explore the mysteries of magic. Only then could he live a better life and embrace more gold coins and beauties.

Without delay, Duke Assur signed an order allowing Xu Feng and Arola to leave the border safely.

"Your Excellency, ahead lies the Northern Wasteland. According to our agreement with the orcs, we cannot enter that area. We can only escort you this far."

The one leading the cavalry escort was still Commander Gordon. This general's expression now held even more respect. Having earned the Marshal's favor, this young man was sure to become a remarkable figure in the future. Maintaining friendly relations with him was the wisest choice.

"Thank you for your trouble, General." Xu Feng smiled and expressed his gratitude.

"The Northern Wasteland is teeming with magical beasts. Please be careful, Your Excellency. May you have smooth sailing."

After speaking, Commander Gordon saluted Xu Feng and led the cavalry away.

"Xiaoya."

"Hmm?"

"Stop daydreaming. Let's go."

Gazing at the endless expanse of wasteland before him, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Xu Feng's mouth. The arduous journey had only just begun.

As a buffer zone between the empire and the orcs, the Northern Wasteland was not actually very large. On foot, it took about two days to cross. Yet it was called the Forsaken Land. The wasteland lacked water sources, the soil was saline and alkaline, and vegetation was sparse. Logically, such an environment was similar to a desert, with few animals able to survive. Yet, paradoxically, this place was a paradise for magical beasts.

From first-tier slimes to ninth-tier terrifying creatures, everything could be found here. This completely defied biological common sense. However, Hailanxing was a magical world, and such oddities existed.

During wartime, even the fiercest magical beasts could not withstand human or orc legions. But in peacetime, magical beasts posed great dangers to merchants.

Crossing here usually required several merchant caravans traveling together, hiring large numbers of mercenaries for protection. Even then, encountering large groups of attacking magical beasts could lead to total annihilation. Only world-famous experts dared to cross alone.

To be fair, Xu Feng and Arola were not weak, but attempting to traverse the Northern Wasteland was still very dangerous.