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Ten days later, the first batch of bricks was completed. Perhaps due to the magical essence they contained, these massive dark-green bricks shimmered with a bronze-like luster, exuding an impression of robustness and weight. When struck, they produced a deep, resonant echo akin to that of a bronze bell.

"Lord Xuanfeng, the characteristics of these bricks are unprecedented in my lifetime of city construction. It seems that the combination of the same source of fire and earth has resulted in a crystalline structure within the bricks. Their hardness and tenacity might be approaching that of metals. Coupled with their inherent resistance to magic, they would undoubtedly build an immortal city that could stand for a thousand years."

"Indeed, it exceeds imagination. However, we'll need to test them to understand their true capabilities."

I was also deeply intrigued by these new bricks and decided to test their performance personally. Focusing on the experimental green brick, I activated my Nine Yin White Bone Claw to its fullest extent. The claw sank three inches into the brick before meeting resistance. Back when I had first mastered the Nine Yin Meridian and Bone Tempering Scripture, I could only penetrate an inch and a half of pig iron with the White Bone Claw in the Snowstorm Hut. Now, having advanced to the second level of the scripture, my strength had improved, indicating that the hardness of these bricks was not far from that of pig iron.

Withdrawing my hand, I then struck the brick with my Heart Shattering Palm. I felt the yin force in my palm being decomposed layer by layer by the brick, leaving only a uniform ring of cracks on its surface. Next, I had the female mage, Hai Ruo, cast various spells on the brick, confirming that the magic energy embedded within made it highly resistant to magic. Even Hai Ruo's "Thunderous Heavy Cannon," which once assaulted me, could only create a depression half a foot deep. I couldn't help but marvel, the words "Impenetrable Wall, Unyielding Fortress" echoing in my mind.

"Lord Xuanfeng, there is one concern I have. Although we've grasped the manufacturing technique, if the craftsmanship isn't meticulous enough, there's a high chance of defective products. However, our current workforce of artisans is insufficient, and..."

"I understand. You're worried about the half-orcs cutting corners, right?"

"Yes, Your Excellency is perceptive."

"Rest assured, Mr. Arusis. I've already prepared for this."

"Oh? Has Your Excellency found a solution?"

"Ankara, from this moment on, select the strongest half-orc laborers. For every kiln of bricks produced by their assigned group, they must test the strength of the brick with an iron spike. If the spike pierces the brick to the depth of one finger, the artisan will be executed, and the laborer shall enjoy a feast while returning to the mother half-orc camp for ten days. If the spike doesn't penetrate a finger's depth, the laborer will be killed, and the artisan will have the feast and return to the camp for ten days."

"Yes, Master."

"Lord Xuanfeng, this..."

"Do you have any questions, Mr. Arusis?"

"Oh, no, none at all."

"That's good. After you've taught the techniques to the other craftsmen and half-orcs, focus entirely on designing the new castle. By the way, I have the blueprints of Fontainebleau, which I procured from Shaman Romeo through coercion. Additionally, there are some city designs I drew myself that you can use as references. On the site of the former 'City of Degradation,' construct a complete triple-layered fortress, prioritizing military might to secure both land and water routes. Between the dock and the castle, establish residential and commercial areas, ensuring ease of transportation and fostering commercial growth. The specifics are in your capable hands."

"Yes, my lord, I'll spare no effort. As for the name of the new fortress..."

"The name... A fortress built with stone as strong as bronze shall be called 'Qing City,' the 'Fontainebleau' of our land, Qing City."

Chapter 16: Jade Chest Unveils Tiger-Glazed Light

While we were engrossed in our work, the "Lustful King of the Alliance," Shaman Romeo, made another appearance.

To be honest, I initially assumed that this smooth-talking fellow was all talk or that his years at the War God Temple had reformed him. Yet, during his last visit to confer me my rewards, he seduced no less than half a dozen "beautiful" young maidens, widows, and matrons within two days. While I scoffed at the orcish concept of beauty, I had to admit that his prowess in chasing women wasn't mere fabrication. Thus, when he returned, my subordinates launched an operation of their own volition: "Impenetrable Defense, not even a single female fly should enter Romeo's sight." Even the humans were affected, causing the entire "Fontainebleau" to be on high alert, with chickens and dogs fleeing in panic – it was quite a spectacle.

Shaman Romeo was, once again, dispatched by the War God Temple. Thanks to the victory in reclaiming Fontainebleau and the capture of the swamp passage, my Rank 3 Blade Knight was promoted to Rank 1 Scepter Knight.

The War God Temple's knight hierarchy consisted of four ranks. The lowest rank, Blade Knights, could be obtained through significant military accomplishments. Similarly, every noble would only inherit their title after being granted the Blade Knight accolade, resulting in relatively lenient criteria. There were over ten thousand Blade Knights across the alliance, primarily serving as a display of the temple's authority.

Rank 2 Magic Armor Knights were the backbone of the temple's forces. They were elite warriors selected and specially trained from a young age. Although their numbers were scarce, their combat strength was astounding, playing a crucial role in the temple's balance against the Beastman King and major races.

Rank 1 Scepter Knights were titles reserved for heroes recorded in the annals of Beastman history. Only those who had rendered unparalleled services to the Beastmen would be bestowed this position. Regardless of their original race or status, they would be elevated to high-ranking nobles with territories, receiving the "War God Scepter" personally bestowed by the temple and a divine weapon preserved within its halls.

Above all this, there exists the supreme rank of "War God Paladin," a title established only a century ago. It was bestowed upon the sole Martial Ancestor among the orcs who transcended the Sword Emperor realm – the "War Saint" Leimen. Rumor has it that his combat prowess nearly matches that of a Super Magical Beast. He has countless disciples, including the current Orc King, thus granting him a status and prestige in the entire Orc Alliance that surpasses even the Elder Council and the Temple of War. If he had any interest in power, he might have become the founding emperor to reunite the orc tribes and establish the Empire of Orcs.

In short, bestowing me the title of "Scepter Knight" by the War God Temple acknowledges my sovereignty over "Fontainebleau." However, in return, I must accept certain implicit conditions from the temple, such as allowing a high-ranking Red Robe Shaman to reside in "Fontainebleau" and responding accordingly to the temple's summons when called upon.