The lords he faced were of a higher rank, making it exceedingly difficult for Arthur to vanquish them alone.

As the skeletal dragon departed, Lu Yao let out a sigh of relief.

It was indeed a troublesome foe to contend with.

She suspected that had it not been for the sheer number of her allies, the dragon would have relentlessly pursued her.

Fortunately, the magical restraints imposed by Lia and Shure Yao were formidable enough to bind it, perhaps prompting its decision to flee.

Control magic certainly held its allure.

Brother Lynn was indeed formidable, and the frail looking sickly one proved to be the best among them.

Lyn Jan regained his composure, and as Lia approached to flatter him, Lyn Jan remained silent, his gaze fixed on Lia's injured shoulder.

Lia fell into silence.

Brother Lynn, shall we consider raiding that vampires lair? Lu Yao suggested now that they were aware of the location of the enemy's castle, especially since the opposition was not a match for them.

Lyn Jan glanced at the injured Lia and the weakened Sher Yao, shaking his head.

Their reinforcements had not brought any troops, and with the other two nearly devoid of combat capability, it would be perilous for just the two of them to infiltrate, especially uncertain of how many vampires remained under Yelang<unk>s command.

A village could easily harbor over a thousand inhabitants.

If I had slaughtered them and possessed the ability to transform them into vampires, his castle could house no fewer than a thousand undead.

Such numbers could easily exhaust even the most robust of warriors, leading to their demise when their stamina ran dry.

Lyn Jun had no desire to unwittingly deliver a premature package.

Lu Yao, seemingly oblivious to these concerns, was nonetheless met with Lia as more prudent thoughts.

Let us postpone that for now.

Once I've healed and we ve gathered all our forces, we can ensure a foolproof plan.

By the way, how formidable is that undead lord? Lynhan suddenly recalled the specters he had encountered earlier and inquired of Ljia.

After a moment's contemplation, Lia replied, "Very strong.

I have yet to witness her unleash her full power.

But there is no doubt that the vampire lord we just faced would fall short against her.

Her strength lies not only in her personal prowess, but also in the terrifying might of her castle.

" Seeing the seriousness in L Jia s expression, Lingen understood that he was not jesting.

Lia conveyed that the undead lord was the most formidable leader he had encountered thus far.

This implied that in a one-on-one confrontation, none of them would stand a chance against her.

Of course, Lynn Jehan did not include himself in that assessment.

Though he harbored no arrogance, he believed that even if he could not defeat the undead lord, he would not be so easily overcome.

Very well.

Let us return to the castle for now.

Chapter 124.

The commencement of expansion happening state.

The Bay Mountain Range.

At this moment, Bayou had returned to the castle.

After soaring through the skies at Topper Griffin, she observed the endless mountains surrounding her.

Xiao Yinua's castle was indeed fortunate to be situated at the heart of the Bayen Mountain Range.

Distant from potential dangers.

The Bayan mountain range, while unremarkable in the context of Hapne State, could even be described as desolate.

Its peaks, much like its name suggests, were barren and devoid of greenery, rendering it inhospitable for most forms of life.

Perhaps this desolation contributed to the remarkable safety of Xiao Liu's birthplace, albeit with scarce resources.

Thankfully, the existence of a trading system mitigated the risk of starvation in such an isolated place.

As Bayu dismounted from a griffin, Sun Shia Sha rushed forward to greet her.

Sister Bai, she called, waving enthusiastically.

Xiao Yian Shua, upon seeing Bayou, froze momentarily.

Wait, why is the esteemed one change her attire? Is it possible that she is clothing available here? No, that cannot be right.

This is clearly modern apparel.

Bayou was clad in a loose- fitting white short-sleeve top paired with casual long pants, her hairstyled in a high ponytail.

Xiaoin distinctly recall Bayou wearing a dress the previous day.

How infuriating.

Her own stockings were still hanging on the balcony to dry while the esteemed one had effortlessly changed outfits.

Had she anticipated the journey and prepared multiple ensembles? Bayou was taken aback to see Son Shia Sha accompanying Xiaoli and Shua.

Even before landing, she could sense their tense demeanor, indicating an unpleasant rapport.

Sister Bi, my castle has reached level six.

Look at the reward I received.

Son Sha Sha brandished her staff, presumably the weapon awarded for her castle's advancement.

Bayou chuckled softly.

Ah, you resemble the great sage equal to heaven even more now.

Son Xiaos Xiao beamed at the compliment, her spirits lifted, while Xiao Yianua internally grumbled, recognizing Son Xiaos Xiao<unk>s youthful exuberance.

It appeared that the esteemed one held a soft spot for Sun Xiao Xiao, whose castle was conveniently located nearby Yuse, unintentionally obstructing her expansion.

This realization ease Xiao Liane concerns regarding Sun Xiao Xiao<unk>s contributions.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Bayou noticed Gray returning, likely bearing news.

Approaching Bayou, Gray reported, "My lady, I have located several wandering dwarf compatriots in other villages.

They are eager to relocate, but require some time to gather their belongings.

Well done, Gray.

Continue managing this matter.

I wholeheartedly welcome our dwarf brethren.

We have ample food here, though they must earn their keep through labor.

After all, this is not a charitable institution, and we do not harbor idlers.

Please ensure they are informed of this beforehand, by you said, clearing her throat and adopting a serious demeanor, feeling very much like a devoted public servant.

On behalf of them, I extend my gratitude, my lady.

Rest assured, there are no slothful individuals among the dwarfs.

Should any arise, I will promptly see them expelled, Gray assured her.

Gray perceived by you to be a truly benevolent individual.

Those who spoke of the human race as inherently treacherous were evidently mere rumors.

Go on.

Bayou dismissed him.

For with the assistance of these dwarves, he could reliably procure iron ingots, alleviating his concerns about upgrading the castle.

As for sustenance, Bayu's warehouse boasted over a 100,000 rations, steadily increasing each day.

Was that not ample for their needs? Furthermore, Bayou did not intend for them to remain in the mountains indefinitely.

He had his eye on the Firebeard clan.

After all, do nobility and royalty not stem from the same roots? If those dwarves could ascend the clan nobility, why cannot these common dwarves? Yet, it remained uncertain what strength the Firebeard clan possessed, and whether he could triumph, relying solely on his own might.

Once he secured a clan of dwarves, resources would surely flow abundantly.

The first step of his plan was to venture beyond the White Rock Mountains.

After hours of reconnaissance, bolstered by the increasing influx of specters under Byu's command, they finally discovered a lord's castle.

Esteemed queen, we have located a lord's castle to the west.

Reaching the very edge of the white rock mountains, not far from a dwarven mine, the specters reported respectfully.

Xiaoin stood in surprise.

She had not anticipated that within a day these spirits would uncover a stronghold.

Was a lord not in conflict with the dwarves given their proximity? What perplexed by you is precisely this.

If there was a dwarf in mind, surely a military presence would guard it.

How could this lord coexist with them? Esteemed queen, I am uncertain.

They appear to be coexisting harmoniously, the specters explained, having observed from a distance, lacking deeper intelligence.

A harmonious coexistence.

What a curious situation.

Bayou had never before heard of local forces and a lord coexisting peacefully.

His own encounters were marked by immediate violence.

Shall we engage them? Xiao Lianu inquired.

Indeed, we shall strike.

Look, these 2,000 undead knights are already prepared.