For the next few days, Han Shuo stayed deep underground, collecting the magic crystal ores with the help of Ancient Lizard King Dagassi.
Only when Han Shuo's space ring could no longer hold any more magic crystal ores did he emerge from the ruins of Gourd Mountain. Han Shuo's harvest from this trip to the underground world was bountiful. Not only had he killed Celt, but he had also gained the friendship of the lizardmen.
Han Shuo's space ring was also completely filled with spoils of war. During this trip to the underground world, Han Shuo had taken all the spoils of the Redbud Knights as his own, as well as Celt's many years of savings, including several pieces of dark elf Arlen's magic equipment. His total harvest this time, if converted to gold coins, was at least two million.
"Alright, I'll leave the underground world first. I'll come back next time to collect the remaining magic crystal ores. The next time I come, I'll bring more weapons for you to use to resist the dark elves' invasion. "Han Shuo said to the lizardmen leader.
"The next time you come, I won't be in the underground world. I hope we'll meet again, and I hope you can take care of them for me." Ancient Lizard King Dagassi looked at Han Shuo, who was preparing to leave.
"Don't worry, I'll help you take care of them." Han Shuo solemnly promised.
In these past few days, Dagassi had told Han Shuo many things that Han Shuo was interested in. He was just like a benevolent old man. Unknowingly, Han Shuo had developed a favorable impression of Dagassi. Now, he was a little reluctant to leave. From Dagassi's words, Han Shuo knew that his departure this time wasn't as simple as leaving the underground world. He seemed to be planning on leaving the Profound Continent.
Dagassi was a little vague about these deeper secrets, and didn't explain too much to Han Shuo. Han Shuo couldn't understand the thoughts of a demigod like Dagassi, nor did he pursue the matter. Han Shuo only vaguely understood that Dagassi's enemies were probably just as powerful.
Han Shuo's performance in parting with Dagassi was carefree and unruffled. After leaving this area, Han Shuo didn't continue to stay in the underground world. Relying on his amazing memory, he followed the original path to the surface world.
Han Shuo didn't encounter anything special along the way. Occasionally, he would encounter some races that tried to rob Han Shuo, but they were all killed by Han Shuo with lightning speed. He easily returned to the Dark Forest.
After staying in the underground world for more than ten days, Han Shuo felt a sense of satisfaction when he suddenly saw the sun hanging high above his head. The warm sunlight shone down, making Han Shuo feel extremely comfortable.
The lush vegetation of the Dark Forest was mixed with a few exotic flowers and rare herbs. They overflowed with a delicate fragrance that refreshed the heart and refreshed the mind in this warm spring. Feeling the warmth and comfort that was different from the dark and damp underground world, Han Shuo headed straight for the cemetery of death.
After returning to the Cemetery of Death, Han Shuo didn't linger and directly returned to the city lord's mansion in Brettel City. Having reaped a bountiful harvest, Han Shuo immediately called for a small meeting, summoning little fatty Jack, Dorcas, Faulke, Chester, and the others to come see him.
"You've been gone for more than ten days, where have you been?" Jack was the closest to Han Shuo, directly asking as soon as he arrived.
"Hehe, I made a trip to the Dark Forest. Oh right, has Brettel City been stable lately?" Han Shuo smiled faintly. He didn't conceal his trip to the Dark Forest this time, only that he didn't reveal the existence of the Cemetery of Death.
Although the Redbud Knights and the dark elves of the underground world had suffered heavy losses, a small portion of the Redbud Knights had still managed to escape. These people should also know of Han Shuo's identity. His actions in the underground world this time must have been known beforehand.
Dick, the person in charge of the Dark Mantle here, bowed respectfully to Han Shuo and said, "My Lord, I have some information to report to you in a moment."
"We're all on the same side, there's no need to hide anything. Speak directly." Han Shuo knew that Dick must have received some information from above. Jack, Dorcas, Faulke, and Chester were all people Han Shuo could trust. Although Faulke had been sent here by Lawrence, Lawrence should have also mentioned Han Shuo's identity as a member of the Dark Mantle to Han Shuo. Therefore, Han Shuo didn't need him to avoid suspicion.
Jack and Dorcas had interacted with Dick for a long time these days, and more or less knew some of Dick's background. The existence of the Dark Mantle wasn't a secret in the Lancelot Empire. Although many people wouldn't openly discuss it, they still had a general idea in their hearts.
"Lord Candide has sent a message, expressing high praise for your actions in the underground world. The Dark Forest is the border of our Lancelot Empire. Although the Brut Merchant Alliance will be extremely indignant at the heavy losses suffered by the Redbud Knights, they won't take any drastic actions. Lord Candide wants you to be at ease." Seeing that Han Shuo didn't have any misgivings, Dick directly reported.
Nodding his head, Han Shuo smiled and said, "Continue."
Dorcas, Jack, and Faulke were completely baffled by Dick's words. They didn't understand what Dick was talking about, but Faulke and Dorcas had heard of Candide, one of the three heavyweights of the Dark Mantle. From Dick's words, the two knew that Han Shuo and Candide's relationship wasn't shallow. They were both astonished.
"Lord Candide said that your contributions this time were very great. With His Majesty's approval, from now on you will be the Second Dark Sun Envoy. As long as you visit the Dark Mantle headquarters next time, we can change your position on the badge. Congratulations, Lord." Dick's face was full of worship. He himself was the first to become excited.
"A Second Dark Sun Envoy, hehe, it looks like Cecilia didn't hide my contributions. This woman can be considered to have some connections." Han Shuo was also in a good mood as he muttered to himself with a smile.
From Star Envoy to Moon Envoy was one rank, from Moon Envoy to Sun Envoy was another. From Sun Envoy to Star Envoy, each rank was as difficult as ascending to the heavens. Becoming a Second Dark Sun Envoy meant that from this moment on, Han Shuo had taken another step forward in the Dark Mantle. The special treatment he could enjoy was also a level higher. He could even recruit his own subordinates and control an area.
"My Lord, a Second Dark Sun Envoy has the right to appoint Star Envoys on missions. He also has the right to directly give Star Envoys merits and raise their status." Chester excitedly looked at Han Shuo and reminded him.
"Don't worry, I naturally won't forget your benefits after becoming a Second Dark Sun Envoy." Han Shuo laughed heartily as he said to Chester. He then looked at Dick with a smile and said, "Apart from this, did the higher-ups say anything else?"
"Lord Candide said that you don't need to worry about other things. He will be responsible for helping you deal with those unfavorable comments. My Lord only needs to take care of the matters in Brettel City." Dick hesitated for a moment before replying.
Nodding his head, Han Shuo expressed that he understood. He was clear that Cecilia had truthfully reported the situation this time. She'd naturally also told him about how he'd intercepted Cecilia's Forest Troll operation.
"Alright, I understand." Han Shuo looked at Dorcas and Faulke and asked, "What's the situation in Brettel City recently? Have the mountain people all come down from the mountains? Has the seven grand duchies taken any action against Brettel City?"
"A total of twenty thousand mountain people have come down from the mountains and are currently living in Brettel City. The five mountain leaders have actively cooperated with us, allowing the operation to go very smoothly this time. The seven grand duchies have slowly calmed down during this time. Only Helen Tina of Helon Duchy is still annihilating the rebels in her duchy. However, she's also nearing the end of it. "Dorcas replied.
Ever since Dorcas had entered the army, he'd gradually replaced Faulke's position through his own efforts and Han Shuo's meticulous arrangements. Dorcas was a pure soldier and didn't conceal his ambition for battle. Due to all the formal military education he'd received for so many years, he was much better at leading troops than Faulke, who'd been born a knight.
Faulke also understood in his heart that Dorcas was indeed more skilled in this aspect. Add to that the fact that Dorcas had gained Han Shuo's deep trust, there was nothing he could do about this gradual change in authority. Fortunately, Han Shuo didn't mistreat him. He'd formed a troop of a thousand knights consisting of Faulke's trusted aides and the strongest soldiers of Brettel City.
Han Shuo had built this troop of a thousand knights according to the most luxurious equipment. Their armor, weapons, and accessories were all the most expensive in all of Brettel City. Han Shuo had invested a lot into this troop of knights, using the best materials that could be purchased from the market. Han Shuo had already invested three hundred thousand gold coins. Apart from the lack of warhorses, this troop of knights wasn't inferior to the regular knights of the Empire in terms of equipment.
Of course, compared to the top ten knight regiments of the Profound Continent, this troop of knights was still far inferior in terms of both combat power and equipment. However, in the current Brettel City and even the seven grand duchies, this newly formed troop of knights couldn't be underestimated.
As a pure knight, there was nothing more tempting than having control over such a regular troop of knights. Therefore, Faulke didn't express too much displeasure at the loss of military authority. Instead, he poured all of his enthusiasm into training this troop of knights.
"It seems that the seven grand duchies won't have the energy to make a move against us for the time being?" Han Shuo said with a smile.
Dorcas nodded and said with certainty, "Right now, it looks like the seven grand duchies won't make a move for at least a month. However, if the seven grand duchies do make a move against us this time, it definitely won't be a single one. News of the disastrous losses suffered by the four bandit bands has already spread throughout the seven grand duchies. Although the combined strength of every single one of the duchies isn't something the four bandit bands can compare to, I think that with this example, they won't dare to act blindly without full confidence. "
After a pause, Dorcas continued, "In other words, either the seven grand duchies don't make a move, or if they do, I'm afraid it'll be another fierce battle for Brettel City!"
"Humph, the seven grand duchies have always treated Brettel City as their hunting ground. I think they need to change this concept. Only by killing every time they come will they remember." Han Shuo said with a cold expression. After a moment of silence, he suddenly said to Dorcas and Faulke, "Take advantage of the fact that Brettel City is still relatively safe during this period of time to train your soldiers. Our targets are the bandit bands that have invaded Brettel City in the past few years. I know that apart from the four bandit bands, there are also seven or eight bandit bands of various sizes that have attacked Brettel City. Think of a way to make them spit out everything they've plundered."
Dorcas' eyes shone with an ominous glint when he heard Han Shuo's words. He immediately replied, "Don't worry my Lord, I know what to do."
"Heh heh, after this trip to the underground world, I suddenly realized that the fastest way to quickly strengthen Brettel City is to plunder the fruits of others' labor. On one hand, we can train our soldiers, and on the other hand, we can plunder their resources. This is truly the best of both worlds." Having made a huge fortune in the underground world, Han Shuo finally understood why there were so many bandits in the seven grand duchies, and why even the Redbud Knights, one of the ten great knight orders on the Continent, didn't hesitate to travel thousands of miles to the Dark Forest.
"My Lord, I have some interesting news." Dick laughed vulgarly at this time as he spoke to Han Shuo.
When Han Shuo saw Dick's wretched smile, he knew that the words coming out of his mouth weren't some serious news. He said unhappily, "What interesting news? Look at you smiling like that, I really want to beat you up."
"Heh heh, the Narsen Duchy that was originally on friendly terms with the Helon Duchy seems to have fallen out with them recently. Even Duke Benedict of the Narsen Duchy didn't help Helen Tina in annihilating some of her opponents. Does my Lord know the reason for this? "Dick said to Han Shuo with a sinister smile.
Frowning, Han Shuo asked, "What reason?"
"Speaking of which, it's all thanks to you, my Lord. The seven grand duchies now know that you've raped Helen Tina. Benedict, who's been pursuing her all this time, naturally also heard about this matter. Grand Duke Benedict has pursued Helen Tina bitterly for so long, but Helen Tina never agreed. Who would've thought that my Lord would rape her just a few months after arriving at Brettel City?
To Benedict, a woman who's been used by someone else naturally loses the taste she should have. Therefore, Benedict's attitude towards the Helon Duchy has changed greatly. He even watched with folded arms when Helen Tina was fighting with her internal enemies. " Dick explained with a strange smile, then sighed in admiration, "My Lord is truly far-sighted, splitting apart two of our most solid allies without shedding a single drop of blood."
"Indeed, my Lord is truly far-sighted. We are far inferior to my Lord in this aspect. We must learn from my Lord!" Chester also had a look of admiration on his face as he shook his head and sighed.
Han Shuo's expression darkened. Looking at these filthy fellows, he snorted and said, "This news came from your mouths. I'm not as despicable as you think."
Chester and Dick laughed dryly without saying a word. Jack, on the other hand, was full of interest as he said enviously, "Brian, I heard that woman is very beautiful. You are truly blessed."
It seemed that these people wouldn't believe Han Shuo's explanation. Han Shuo didn't spend too much time on this topic. He took out Celt's space ring and took out the armor of the Redbud Knights as well as a large amount of magic crystal ore. He said to Jack, "This space ring contains the armor of the Redbud Knights, as well as a large amount of magic crystal ore. When you put the goods into the warehouse later, leave this space ring behind."
"This space ring, is it for me?" Jack was pleasantly surprised as he looked at the space ring Han Shuo handed over, his voice a little high.
"Yes, this space ring originally belonged to Celt, the commander of the Redbud Knights. The space inside is enough for you to store items." Han Shuo said to Jack with a smile. He then handed over fire mage Marceau's space ring to Jack, saying, "There are some crystals and various jewels inside, as well as nearly a million gold coins. All of them will be used as Brettel City's operating funds. I'll leave them in your hands."
Jack took Celt's space ring and sensed the large amount of magic crystal ore and armor stored inside. He smiled at the excited Faulke, saying, "Faulke, now you have even better armor to use. The magic crystal ore inside is enough for our magic crystal cannons to use for a while."
"That's great! The city lord's trip was really fruitful." Faulke exclaimed with joy when he heard Jack's words.
Celt and Marceau's space rings were filled with the magic crystal ore they'd excavated this time, as well as the armor that the dead Redbud Knights had stripped off, as well as the crystals, jade, and gold that Celt had collected from the underground world. As for the magical equipment and the divine weapon "Starry Sky", as well as the tent with the magical space, they'd all been stored in Han Shuo's space ring ahead of time.
All that was given to Jack were gold coins and items that could be sold for gold coins that didn't have much practical value to Han Shuo. For Han Shuo, Brettel City was his most important capital. How to make Brettel City stronger was his true concern. These gold coins would definitely be put to good use in Jack's hands.
"Alright, it's up to you guys how to use these things." Han Shuo said to Jack and the others. He knew that Brettel City would become even more powerful with these things.
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