And the guards' qualifications are not as good as Gang Le's.

If they were to drink it, more preparations would be needed.

Otherwise, it could end up losing both the wife and the soldiers.

Besides, Luo De still has the Knight Squad.

Pouring resources into training them first is the priority.

The six members of the Knight Squad all have decent qualifications, but aside from Sao, Luo De only gave them half a dose each.

Sao's training speed is swift; he has already sensed the presence of Qi, his qualifications comparable to Durant's.

Of course, they also felt great pain after taking the potion, but none were as exaggerated as Gang Le.

Once the pain subsided, the Knight Squad could resume training as usual.

Just as Luo De was evaluating the Knight Squad's improvement, Durant came to report that the group of refugees had been brought over.

...

...

Luo De stood on the observation platform at Frost Leaf Town, scrutinizing the long line below.

Hundreds of refugees gathered densely in the snow.

They wore thin clothes, carried tattered bags on their backs, looking haggard.

The men carried the bags while the women held or led the children.

Each family had two or three children.

Of course, these were the ones in better condition among the refugees.

The worse-off ones were wrapped in rags, skinny like skeletons, huddled together miserably.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that these refugees didn't belong to the same group.

Nevertheless, the refugees remained quiet, neither noisy nor crowded, just gazing distantly at Frost Leaf Town.

Luo De estimated that the chilling armor and sharp longsword of the Frost Iron Guard at the town gate kept them from acting rashly.

"Have their identities been checked?"

Luo De asked Durant beside him.

"Yes."

Durant nodded emphatically, "Found twenty-three spies."

"So many?"

Luo De frowned slightly, "How many refugees in total?"

"Seven hundred and twenty-one."

Durant replied, "The refugee group originally came from Xiliu River Town, none were spies there."

"The spies mixed in along the way."

"Some targeted us, others belonged to intelligence-gathering organizations."

"Alright then."

Luo De nodded slightly.

The Broken Rock Empire isn't the only one developing intelligence organizations.

"We'll need to screen them again later."

"As for the captured spies, interrogate them well, then send them to mix manure and mine."

"Yes, I've already arranged it," Durant responded.

"Eh?"

Luo De suddenly realized, "Why did that Xiliu whatever town come straight to us?"

"It relates to Miss Linda."

Durant hesitated, "They have a leader; should I have him explain to you?"

"Alright."

Luo De agreed.

Durant bowed and withdrew, soon bringing over a tall middle-aged man.

"Good day, esteemed Baron Black Pine Ridge."

The tall middle-aged man bowed deeply, his voice humble and sincere.

He carefully tidied his lapel, appearing nervous,

"My name is Makulu Wheel, a merchant from Xiliu River Town."

After speaking, Makulu's hands trembled slightly, he took a quick peek at Luo De and then hurriedly lowered his head.

"My knight briefed me about your situation, mentioned Linda."

Luo De asked calmly, "What's going on?"

"Yes, Baron."

Makulu nodded respectfully,

"Indeed, Miss Linda guided us here, even gave us ninety-seven Silver Coins and thirty-seven Copper Coins."

"She said that only a benevolent lord like you could shelter people so pitiable."

Makulu's eyes were full of hope, tinged with a bit of unease.

Luo De smiled, ignoring Makulu's flattery,

"I can accept you, but you must not bring trouble to me."

Luo De looked at Makulu, "You have among these people twenty-three spies, did you know this?"

"I, I knew, my lord."

Makulu lowered his head, then quickly pulled out a piece of burlap from his arms,

"I've also noticed some suspicious people in this group."

Speaking, Makulu laid out the burlap, offering it to Luo De with both hands.

Luo De squinted his eyes and scanned lightly; the fabric was densely packed with names.

Luo De glanced at Durant, signalling him silently.

The latter understood immediately, took the burlap from Makulu, and checked it carefully.

"There are a few we missed on here."

Durant's sharp gaze caught a surprising glimpse at Makulu.

"Go, bring them all out."

"Yes, my lord."

Durant grasped his sword at his waist, signaled with his hand, and led a squad of soldiers to charge towards the refugees.

Luo De looked at Makulu, nodding slightly,

"You've done well."

"Thank you for your recognition."

Makulu bowed again, pulled out another piece of burlap,

"This lists the craftsmen and farmers among the refugees, my lord."

Makulu offered the burlap to Luo De, regretting slightly, "It's a pity the blacksmiths and tanners were all retained by the army…"

Luo De said nothing.

He took the burlap and looked at it a moment; it categorized the refugees by skill.

It somewhat resembled Lawrence's way of doing things.

"You have some ability."

Luo De looked at Makulu and asked, "But why did Linda appoint you as the refugee leader, and why would you trust her?"

"I have a bit of history with Miss Linda…"

Makulu lowered his voice, briefly explaining to Luo De.

Linda had once been hunted by nobles, abandoned by villagers, and it was Makulu who helped the wandering Linda.

Makulu found Linda a hiding place, occasionally brought her food, and led her to the town where the Dawn Society was located.

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