226: assassination

At the end of September, Renn and Dora completed a thorough inspection of the Black Corridor.

They had awakened a total of over nine thousand newborn Treants, including three Gold Rank Treant Elders. Combined with the original ten thousand members of the Treant Clan who had migrated there, the forest area of the Black Corridor now held nearly twenty thousand Treants and eighteen Gold Rank Treant Elders.

Fifteen of these eighteen Gold Rank Treant Elders hailed from the Cui Weng World. They had all received Dora's blessing, which significantly enhanced their strength. Among them was a special Treant Elder whose power had even reached the Gold-rank Peak.

This special Treant Elder was Ivern, the War Ancient Tree. Unlike other Treant Elders who were often over a hundred meters tall or even taller, Ivern stood only about forty meters high. However, his combat prowess was far superior to Treant Elders of the same rank.

Ivern was not only proficient in Nature-type spells to manipulate plants for combat, but he also mastered Earth-type spells to harness the power of the land. Renn had seen him crush the bodies of magical beasts with violent stone projectiles and split the earth to trap and bury his enemies.

By nature, Treants do not live huddled together, as that would weaken them. The Treants scattered throughout the area were led by these Treant Elders. Each Treant Elder governed a section of the forest, leading the surrounding Treants to live within their respective territories.

Renn appointed Ivern as the Great Elder of the Treant Clan. With his formidable combat power and relative ease of movement, Ivern was responsible for daily patrols throughout the forest to protect the Treant Clan.

There were currently no more powerful enemies within the Black Corridor. Any threatening creatures that could be found had already been eliminated by Renn, so the area was temporarily free from major danger.

However, Dragon Peak existed within the Black Mountain Range, and large numbers of Dragon Kin could pour out from there at any time, so Renn told the Treants to remain cautious.

If dragons were to attack again in the future and were too powerful to handle, Renn instructed the Treants to remain dormant in place rather than fighting the dragons head-on.

When dormant, the Treants were indistinguishable from ordinary large trees. If they couldn't defeat those Dragon Kin, they could simply hide on the spot.

Having settled the Treant Clan, Renn had only been back at Red River Fortress for a few days of rest when a world-shaking event occurred in the North.

Inside Renn's study at Red River Fortress, Klimp, dressed in black, stood quietly and respectfully before Renn.

“Are you certain?”

Renn stared at Klimp, his aura fluctuating unsteadily.

“I can only confirm that it did happen. After the assassin successfully completed the assassination, he managed to escape outside Rage Bear Fortress. Many people witnessed the entire process with their own eyes.”

“There were six assassins in total who targeted the Grand Duke. Only that one escaped. Of the remaining five, four were killed on the spot, and one was captured alive.”

“Before leaving, the assassin who escaped shouted loudly that the Grand Duke of the Raging Bear was dead. He claimed the assassins were Shadow Assassins from the Assassins Court, and he identified himself as Number Five.”

“The Grand Duke's strength rivals a Legend. Did that Shadow Assassin have the strength of the Legendary Realm?”

“He did not. According to the news sent back by our people, the assassination was divided into two parts. The other five assassins first carried out an assassination attempt on Lord Belmont in another location and nearly succeeded. That assassination drew away the vast majority of the guards' attention at Rage Bear Fortress.”

“Once everyone's attention was drawn to the assassination attempt on Lord Belmont, the Shadow Assassin calling himself Number Five carried out the assassination against Lord Karl in his study at Rage Bear Fortress. The process was extremely stealthy; no fluctuations of a Legendary battle were felt.”

“It seems as though even normal combat fluctuations didn't occur. If that assassin hadn't intentionally shouted before escaping, perhaps no one would have even discovered his act.”

Renn's expression grew solemn. To be able to silently infiltrate the innermost core of Rage Bear Fortress, assassinate Karl, and then leave safely—regardless of whether Grand Duke Karl was actually harmed this time, this assassin's strength and methods already made Renn feel wary.

Renn had only heard of the Assassins Court before and hadn't paid much attention to it. He hadn't expected them to pull off such a major event. If the assassination was successful, never mind the North, the entire kingdom would be shaken.

“Is there any news of Lord Karl?”

“Not long after the assassination, Lord Volrigard appeared at Rage Bear Fortress. The entire Rage Bear City is now under lockdown. Undercurrents are surging within the city, and Grand Duke Karl has yet to make an appearance. However, the fact that the Grand Duke has not shown his face already suggests some problems.”

“That is to say, even if the Grand Duke wasn't killed, he is likely seriously injured and can no longer support appearing in public to manage the situation. Or perhaps he has other schemes? What are the plans?”

Countless thoughts flashed through Renn's mind in an instant. The news Klimp brought was too sudden, catching even Renn somewhat off guard.

“Continue to increase your focus. Have the Shadow Guards continue to infiltrate all walks of life in Rage Bear Fortress to gather all useful intelligence.”

“Also, be careful not to let others notice the Shadow Guards or our Red River Territory. The Red River Territory is not yet ready to step onto the front stage.”

“Yes, My Lord, I understand!”

Klimp withdrew, and Renn immediately summoned Ross and the others.

The army of the Red River Territory had reached over seventy thousand men, with twelve ordinary Field Legions and the Three Titled Legions stationed in the territory. All Alien Tribes and wild magical beasts within the territory had been wiped out by the powerful army of the Red River Territory.

“My Lord!”

As soon as Ross and the others arrived, Renn issued his orders.

“Order the Storm Steel Feather Legion to move into Blackstone City. The Frostfang Legion is to patrol the eastern part of the territory, focusing on the movements of the Stag Territory. The Gale Claw Legion is to remain on standby in Red River City.”

“The twelve major Field Legions are to enter a state of combat readiness and remain on standby!”

“Yes, My Lord!”

“My Lord, are we going to war with someone? Is it the Stag Territory?”

Seeing Renn order the state of combat readiness, Ross and the others were extremely excited, all eager to give it a try.

It is said that when one holds a sharp weapon, the desire to kill naturally arises. The current strength of Ross, Alger, Dean, and the other veterans of the former Iron Wall Fortress who followed Renn was worlds apart from what it had been at the beginning.

The massive increase in their strength made them all long for a battle to prove themselves, to showcase their power through a glorious victory, and at the same time, to accumulate merits for themselves.

Everyone was holding back a surge of energy; the daily clearing of a few Alien Tribes could no longer satisfy the appetites of these powerful warriors.

“There has been a change at Rage Bear Fortress, which will likely lead to some turmoil. There might be some movement from the Stag Territory as well. We must be prepared to face challenges from the outside world at any time!”

“Your strength has improved rapidly, and the strength of the major legions and the Three Titled Legions is also very high, but compared to those old-established Grand Duke families, our foundation is still relatively shallow.”

“Do not think you are invincible just because your strength has improved quickly. Even I don't have the confidence to say I am invincible, let alone you!”

Renn took the opportunity to knock some sense into Alger and the others, whose confidence was overflowing. The powerful pressure of a Legend sent a shock through their hearts.

“You are right, My Lord.”

Renn specifically said this to ensure everyone didn't become arrogant. He didn't want the talents he had painstakingly cultivated to suffer losses due to arrogance and carelessness.

“Gold is merely a starting point; only a Legend can be called a truly powerful expert. In the eyes of the Golden Royal Family, perhaps even ordinary Legends amount to nothing.”

“Remember, our goal is not just this small patch of land in the Red River Valley. In the future, we are destined to stand on a much broader stage.”

“Everyone, you must work hard and not be misled by these small achievements before you!”

Renn's words made Ross and the others' blood boil with excitement!

“Yes, My Lord!”

“Wherever My Lord's blade points, we shall follow unto death!”