"The great Lord of Shadows is watching everything from the shadows!"
The figure in the fog laughed shrilly, like the cry of an owl. "However, you need to offer a sacrifice to satisfy the great Lord of Shadows, just like what you did 20 years ago!"
The Duke of Wellington closed his eyes in pain.
It was that year that he did not hold a high position in the family. The one who had the right to inherit the family was his elder brother, the one who seemed to have gathered the glory of the gods.
In order to obtain the supreme power, he fought for the throne of the heir. After failing miserably, the Duke met this organization that called themselves the 'Hand of Shadows'. They served a god called the 'Lord of Shadows'.
Under the temptation of the evil power, he made his request and sacrificed his beloved... From that day onwards, although he became the Duke of Wellington as he wished, he felt that his heart had fallen into darkness.
"What do you want this time..."
His voice was dry, like a desert traveler who was dying of thirst.
"The souls of all your children!"
The person in the shadows gave a price.
"What?"
The Duke of Wellington was shocked. "The price is too high. I am doing this to protect the family, but if I die without heirs, the House of Wellington will eventually fall into the hands of others. What is the point of this to me?"
"You may not understand what I mean... I am talking about the souls of all your children!"
The figure in the shadows laughed cruelly, with a hint of unwillingness. "My Lord needs sacrifices, the stronger, the better... Originally, if your little Arthur was still here, whether it was his soul or the stone sword, it would be enough to make my Lord happy and fulfill any of your wishes. But now..."
"Then I have another request. You must rescue Arthur!"
The Duke of Wellington knew the power of the Lord of Shadows. Although it was not well-known in the Seer Continent, the Hand of Shadows was a huge dark organization, with influence in almost all regions.
The power of the Lord of Shadows was real, at least he could perform some miracles. Compared to the gods who only had names but no power, he was much more powerful.
Perhaps, only the True God of the Church who had once displayed miracles could be compared to him.
"Deal..."
The black figure smiled, and the black card immediately burst into flames.
The dark green flames danced wildly in the darkness, like the carnival of demons and devils...
…
"Your Majesty, as long as we climb over that mountain, we will be able to see Lionheart City!"
In the barracks, after a day of marching, the 20,000 soldiers set up camp and rested in an orderly manner. Viscount Baylor brought the report of the scouts.
Because of the map and the fact that Casia and a bunch of surrendered Highland Dukes were spies, the Blue Dragon Alliance's advance on the highlands was rather smooth.
"The other party has gathered tens of thousands of people. It seems like they are prepared to resist to the end!"
Viscount Baylor seemed rather excited. "Why don't we directly surround Lionheart City and send other troops to sweep the entire highlands?"
"Not a bad plan!"
Wu Ming nodded in praise.
Once the highlands were taken, only Lionheart City would be left. Even if they had tens of thousands of soldiers, it would be useless.
"It's just … a bunch of peasants and serfs. Do you think you can stop me?"
He smiled and said, "Viscount Baylor, I can assure you that Lionheart City's tall city walls won't be able to stop me for even a moment!"
"Our wooden cannons have been used many times, and a large number of barrels have been damaged. We need to rebuild them …"
Viscount Bayer was a little puzzled. He didn't know where Wu Ming got his confidence from.
"Do you really think that all I've learned in the past few years is wooden cannon technology?"
Wu Ming looked at his departing figure and was somewhat speechless.
Even if wooden cannons were not enough, with gunpowder, he could dig a tunnel and blast it under the city walls. It was an excellent way to attack a city.
Of course, he had other preparations. When the time came, he wouldn't need to fear Lionheart City's powerful defenses at all.
The red lions relied on the protection of the city walls and gathered tens of thousands of people to turn Lionheart City into a quagmire that would hold him back. How could this wish be realized?
"It's just that …"
Wu Ming frowned.
The power of the people in his body was surging violently, almost not inferior to the Conquest King's. There was also the perception from his truesoul, giving him a sense of danger as if there was a dagger at his back.
It was as if a plot specifically targeting him had already taken shape.
"This plot should be dangerous for me …"
Wu Ming's eyes were filled with excitement. "I almost thought that no one in this world could do anything to me!"
"Men!"
He thought for a moment and gave the order.
Immediately, a few knights came in and bowed respectfully. "Bring Arthur here. Also … guard the tent closely and be on standby. All Watchmen, guard my vicinity!"
In terms of the current situation, even if Storm Corner or some other feudal vassals rebelled, Wu Ming would have enough time to deal with them. Hence, his only weakness was his own safety. Arthur was also an unstable factor.
After taking this into account, he could naturally take targeted precautions.
It was the same for summoning the knights and wizards who could fight. He had no intention of fighting the other party alone. As the leader of an organization, he naturally had to use mountains and seas of human lives to overwhelm his opponent. He had to bully the weak and outnumber the few! If he still gave the enemy a fair duel at this time, it would be a complete sin.
Nightfall.
Bonfires were lit in the military camp.
In the main tent, a golden plate was placed in front of Wu Ming. On it were lamb chops that were roasted to a golden color, borscht, and after-dinner fruits.
Across the table, Arthur's face was pale, but he could still maintain the etiquette of an aristocrat. He first bowed respectfully, his eyes unconsciously staring at the sumptuous dinner. He gulped. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have dinner with you this time!"
"Sit!"
Wu Ming waved his hand for the page boy and the guards to leave.
In any case, Arthur was no match for him, so these people were quite at ease.
However, this kid seemed to be a little unwilling. At least half of the appearance of him wolfing down the food was an act to deceive his sympathy.
Wu Ming was rather speechless. He immediately pulled out a broken stone sword.
The moment he saw it, Arthur's movements became sluggish.
"The Lionheart King's Proof of the King. It only recognizes the True King's Holy Sword in the Stone!"
Wu Ming smiled as he displayed the radiance of the sword. "It once belonged to you!"
Arthur was truly shocked. It was already incredible for the Conquest King to be able to pick up the Sword in the Stone. However, the Sword in the Stone back then was just an ordinary sword carved from stone.
Now that it was glowing, it meant that it could already use its power.
"Am I not the True King?"
This was an unparalleled blow to Arthur.
Although Wu Ming appeared calm on the surface, he was rather solemn inside. His powerful mind was suppressing the Sword in the Stone's call for its master.
"The seal on the Sword in the Stone can be divided into four layers. The first layer is the Contact Curse. Those who are not recognized by it are unable to touch it!"
"The second layer is the Personal Enhancement. Once activated, the Knight's various abilities will be greatly enhanced."
"The third layer is a small-scale enhancement. The fourth layer should be the Heroic Spirit summoning, which will greatly enhance the area of the battlefield!"
At present, Wu Ming had only managed to analyze the second layer of the seal. However, with his original qualities, no Knight would be able to withstand a single slash from the Sword in the Stone.
"Now, it belongs to you!"
Arthur put down the knife and fork in his hand and stared at the radiance of the Sword in the Stone. His voice was hoarse.
The moment he said that, Wu Ming immediately felt the resistance of the Sword in the Stone weaken by a notch. He already had a guess. "Contract and ritual?"
Some magical weapons needed to defeat the original owner and gain his approval before they could truly change owners. It was just like a magic ritual.
Of course, the core of the Sword in the Stone was not that simple.
"Arthur, as my captive, I give your father the right to redeem you. However, before that, everything about you is under my control!"
The approaching shadow caused Wu Ming to stand up and come before Arthur. His oppressive gaze fell on him. "Now … I want a cup of your blood!"
Under his intense gaze, even Arthur had no choice but to yield. He cut his palm with a knife and poured his blood into the silver cup.
"Very good!"
Wu Ming picked up the silver cup. His eyes shone as he thought to himself. "Using the blood sacrifice method should be able to break the third layer of the seal. This will greatly increase the power of the Sword in the Stone. Aside from being unable to summon heroic spirits, it should be able to withstand my full power."
Whoosh!
At that moment, a cool breeze brushed past them and moved a corner of the tent.
A black stream of air flowed in from the gap. Layer upon layer, it formed a human figure.
This strange scene made Arthur feel as though his throat was being strangled. He was unable to speak for a long time.
"A shadow?"
Wu Ming was unfazed. He glanced at the shadow indifferently. "You dare to assassinate me? Are you not afraid of the guards outside?"
"Keke … guards? You can try under my Barrier of Silence! "
The shadow had a humanoid figure. Its blood-red eyes looked at Arthur. "Very good … all of you are here!"
"Who are you?"
A vague possibility appeared in Arthur's mind, causing him to feel ecstatic.
Xiu!
In the next moment, the black shadow rushed in front of Wu Ming like a flash of lightning, and a snow-white dagger appeared in his hand.
Dang!
Wu Ming raised his sword to block the attack. The Sword in the Stone burst out with golden flames. The moment it made contact with the dagger, the dagger was shattered. The flames did not diminish in the slightest as it descended upon the shadow.
"Argh!"
A blood-curdling screech sounded out as the black shadow whistled through the air, and the shadow on its body dissipated significantly.
"Too weak! Too weak! Not you! Let the real one come out! "
Wu Ming held the sword with one hand and said solemnly.
"My … my Lord …"
The shadow roared out a few words and the aura on its body suddenly changed!
A vast and evil will suddenly descended upon them!
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