...

...

"It's my failure to gather intelligence in time that made you rush back."

In the manor's hall, Durant lowered his head, his voice full of guilt.

Rein also stood with his head lowered to one side, Avril's expression was somewhat distressed.

After learning everything from Vivian's mouth, Luo De immediately set off back to the manor.

But before he could reach halfway, new information was delivered to Frost Leaf Town.

Frost Bone Wasteland only had demolished towns, with no sign of the Lizardmen.

"It's my fault, please punish me."

Durant was full of remorse, knelt down on one knee, with his head lowered even further.

"Stand up."

Luo De waved his hand, "It's not related to you."

His tone was peaceful, without a hint of reproach.

Delayed intel gathering is quite normal.

No one possesses the power of a prophet.

Durant slowly stood up, his eyes flashing a hint of gratitude.

"I returned to bring you with me to deal with those Lizardmen."

Luo De looked at the map,

"According to the patrol team's information, this is the perfect opportunity to counter the Lizardmen, something we must do."

Upon learning the town was destroyed, Luo De had doubts in his mind.

He had the patrol team repeatedly confirm one detail

— There was no corpse or remains in that town.

This made Luo De more certain that those Lizardmen were gathering power, forming a monster army.

After interrogating the lizard creature last time, Luo De knew those Lizardmen could enhance their power through flesh, or rather, create lizard creatures.

Now the town was destroyed, yet no corpses left behind, nor any human bones left after eating.

What does this suggest?

It suggests that this flesh is their key material, all taken away by them.

And the target these Lizardmen are accumulating power against is naturally revenge on Black Pine Ridge.

"Durant, how is the investigation I tasked you with?"

Luo De looked up and asked Durant.

Durant immediately responded, "The lynx people searched in the Icefield Mountain Range but found no traces of Lizardmen."

"Only remnants of living evidence were found, as if they relocated their original camp."

"The lynx people are going deeper into the Icefield Mountain Range for further search."

Luo De nodded, speculating, "These also prove that the Bloodscale Tribe is deliberately avoiding us."

"They know they can't defeat us, intentionally avoiding Black Pine Ridge, letting the legion attack other towns in the west."

"So, should we eradicate them before they gather power?" Durant asked.

"Exactly!"

Luo De looked at the map, "Before returning, I had Prophet Bai Shuang do a divination, and indeed our enemy is in this northwestern region."

"Have Frozen Bone Wasteland's patrol team advance to search, make sure to find traces of those Lizardmen."

Luo De instructed, "But don't let the enemy notice, wait for our army."

"Is the army prepared?"

According to your instructions, it is already in wartime state, ready to set off at any moment."

Durant responded seriously.

"Good, have the army set off west, once we get news, we immediately attack."

Luo De instructed decisively.

Now both Frozen Bone Wasteland and Ice Blade Valley are in a lordless state, Luo De's army can move freely.

"Yes, my Baron!"

Their response was more resounding.

"Tell Lawrence, don't hold back on supplies at this time,"

Luo De emphasized, "All resources should be invested in the army."

As he was speaking, Luo De suddenly remembered something.

"Has the message been sent to the towns in the Ice Breath Hills in the west?"

"The message has been sent out."

Durant's voice was somewhat hesitant, "But the specific location of the towns on Ice Breath Hills… none of us know."

"We can only let them endeavor to search, deliver the message as soon as possible."

"That's unavoidable."

Luo De spoke with a hint of helplessness, "The Desert is so vast, none of us have been to the northwest, we can only do our best."

Luo De waved his hand, "Go prepare now, we'll depart after a while."

"Yes, my Baron."

Durant and Rein bowed and exited.

Avril walked over and sat beside Luo De, taking Luo De's hand,

"Going to deal with those Lizardmen again, this time, can I go with you?"

"No need,"

Luo De held Avril's hand in return, gently squeezing, feeling the softness in his palm, smiled and reassured,

"Don't worry, even if we wipe out their nests, I won't bring back female Lizardmen, I'm not interested in them."

Avril froze for a moment, then burst out laughing,

"If you actually found them attractive, then it must be the fault of me and my sister."

"Hahaha."

Luo De couldn't help but laugh too, reaching out to pinch Avril's cheek,

"You're right."

"How does the crab taste?" Luo De asked casually.

"I've never had such delicious crab before!"

Avril's voice was bright, laced with excitement,

"Absolutely delicious!"

"Freshly steamed crab meat is soft and fragrant, I ate a big bowl."

Avril gestured with her hands.

"Glad you liked it."

Luo De watched Avril's expression, feeling happy himself too.

The recipient's joy can make the giver feel fulfilled.

"I brought some back, all for you."

"Thank you, dear!" Avril happily kissed Luo De's cheek.

"Remember to handle the giant crabs' innards after you finish eating."

Luo De instructed Avril, "They're already stored in the ice cellar, make sure to deal with them promptly."

"The task of configuring the ice-resistant potion also falls on you."

"No problem!"

Avril seriously promised.

Luo De jokingly smiled, "The gratitude you previously promised, I can't temporarily receive, just work a bit more."

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