...

...

Sunlight cascaded over the armor, glinting with a warm silver glow.

A gentle breeze stirred, carrying the early spring chill, infusing one with energy.

Luo De paused his blacksmithing work and stepped into the training ground.

Luo De and the Knight Squad together reveled in the thrill and joy of enhanced power.

Achieving milestones instills a love for undertaking something.

The same holds true for Breathing Technique Cultivation.

Ever since Gang Le sensed the existence of "Qi," his enthusiasm for training soared.

Every morning, he rose early, wielded his axe, and assumed a training stance in the training ground,

even when sweat soaked through his clothes, he grinned all day long.

"Greetings, my Lord!"

Gang Le ran to Luo De's side, saluted, and grinned sheepishly, "You mentioned last time about forging that Magic Steel War Axe for me... does that still stand?"

Luo De glanced at him, stopped training, and handed the Great Sword to a Guard.

"Didn't you not want it before?"

"Heh heh..."

Gang Le chuckled awkwardly, "Things are different now!"

He scratched his head, "Now I have Qi as well, I can unleash part of the Magic Steel War Axe's power, surely better than this broken axe!"

"You've missed the chance, now wait, I have other tasks at hand."

Luo De patted him, "We'll talk once I'm done."

"Alright, no rush, no rush!"

Gang Le quickly agreed, then flattered, "How about I keep you company for a while?"

Just as Gang Le finished speaking, the Frost Iron Guard approached with heavy steps.

After saluting, he reported,

"My Lord, Vika requests an audience."

"Oh? Returned after just half a day of rest?"

Luo De seemed surprised, then beckoned, "Let them in."

"As you command, my Lord."

The Frost Iron Guard retreated, allowing Vika to enter.

Vika bowed in salute.

"Good day, esteemed Lord."

"Rested already?"

Luo De, with a smile, assessed Vika, "Came back so soon?"

"Yes, my Lord."

Vika respectfully replied, "The journey wasn't tiring, and the assassination went relatively smoothly, so we hurried to report to you."

"Hm, you did well this time."

Luo De nodded, "The wild chickens and sparrows sent to you yesterday, how did they taste? Did you like them?"

"Thank you for your generosity! The children loved it!"

Gratitude flashed through Vika's eyes, "Your thoughtful care is admirable."

Lynxes naturally love bird meat.

Therefore, Luo De specially gathered some wild chickens and sparrows to gift to the lynx tribe.

"It's a pity there aren't the snakes, locusts, and bugs you like to eat."

Luo De shook his head, "Come summer, I'll have the women in the town catch more for you."

"Thank you very much!"

Vika bowed deeply, his face full of joy.

"Alright, enough about that."

Luo De signaled and gestured for a Guard to bring over the Hand Crossbow, handing it to Vika,

"Try this out."

"This is..."

Vika took the Hand Crossbow, examining it closely.

"A hand crossbow."

Luo De briefly explained how to use it, and Vika understood right away.

After all, it's similar to a Bow and Arrow, and you just need to hold it with one hand and pull the trigger.

With Luo De's guidance, Vika loaded a crossbow bolt, aimed at the target, and fired.

The bolt hit the target accurately, though not the bullseye.

Vika's eyes lit up, "My Lord, does this work on the armor worn by the Frost Iron Guards?"

"Ordinary armor shouldn't withstand it, especially at close range."

Luo De thought for a moment, "As for the Frost Iron Guards, I haven't tried."

"How about you go test it on them?"

"Ah, I was referring to the armor of ordinary people."

Vika quickly shook his head, correcting his words.

He sneaked a glance at the Iron Guards behind, unfortunately unable to see any expression under the bucket helmets.

"No worries, just a joke, don't be nervous."

Luo De chuckled, resisting the urge to pat this lynx on the head.

Vika awkwardly smiled, lowering his head to continue fiddling with the Hand Crossbow,

"With this, executing your assassination missions should be much more convenient!"

"Yes, these will be provided to you."

Luo De nodded, adding with a smile, "For close-range assassination, it's portable, and will become the basic equipment for you lynxes."

"Thank you!" Vika, once again excited, bowed deeply in salute.

Luo De waved, "There are five crossbows prepared for now, take them back for your clan to get familiar with."

A Hand Crossbow for every Shadow Guard of the lynx tribe was planned, though not yet made.

"Then I shall take my leave."

Vika bowed and stepped back.

Before he could depart, Gala from the Eagle Feather Tribe rushed over.

"Saint Master!"

He appeared flustered, gasping as he called out, "An urgent report from the north!"

Gala stumbled, nearly falling, but managed to present the wooden tube to Luo De.

Luo De quickly took the wooden tube, unsealed it, pulling out the letter for a thorough read.

His brows knitted tighter, then he tossed the letter to a Guard,

"Cease training, all military units to assemble immediately!"

Luo De's commanding shout sent everyone's heart racing as they quickly sprang into action!

Frost Leaf Town, like a war machine, started operating at once.

Soldiers quickly donned various sets of Armor, Arrow quivers, Shields, and boxes of dried meat and fruits were hauled from the warehouses to the camp.

"First Battalion of the Foot Soldier Corps, one hundred and ten, assembled!"

"Second Battalion of the Foot Soldier Corps, ninety-eight, assembled!"

"Hunting Corps, one hundred and nineteen, assembled!"

"Reservists, three hundred, assembled!"

"Militia, two hundred and thirty-four, assembled!"

"Long Spear Throwers, two hundred, assembled!"

"Knight Squad, Knights and squires total of eighteen, assembled!"

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