Carian Manor

"Haha, goodbye, Brother Luo!"

The two walked with their arms slung over each other's shoulders, eating large shrimp and chatting. The more they talked, the more animated they became.

Lin Luo gestured with his hands as he spoke. Shrimp Bro wore a hat, so his expression couldn't be seen, but his excited tone was evident.

If Melina hadn't pulled Lin Luo away at the end, they probably would have sworn brotherhood.

Thinking about how timid Shrimp Bro had looked when he first saw Lin Luo, and comparing it to now, with him calling Lin Luo "Brother Luo" one after another, it was as if he were more devoted than a mother.

"Goodbye, goodbye! Next time I visit Stormveil Castle, I must eat your shrimp!"

Lin Luo mounted Torrent and waved to Shrimp Bro.

"Alright! I'm heading to Stormveil Castle right away! I definitely won't disappoint Brother Luo!"

"I will definitely make Brother Shrimp's... no, Brother Luo's roadside stalls all over the Lands Between!"

"What exactly did you say to him..."

After leaving Shrimp Bro's humble abode and walking for about ten minutes, Melina finally asked curiously...

"He looked so excited, almost like he was about to cry..."

"Uh... it's hard to describe..."

Lin Luo scratched his head.

"It's like the Greater Will painting a picture for these Tarnished, telling them to become king!"

"It's just that Shrimp Bro really has the talent for it... Hmm, his shrimp dishes are indeed quite delicious."

Lin Luo licked his lips, still savoring the thought.

Seeing Lin Luo like this, Melina found it somewhat amusing.

She let out a soft hum and her figure vanished once more.

Lin Luo didn't mind and continued on his way.

Ranni's Sorcerer's Tower is located next to Carian Manor, above Liurnia.

To reach Ranni's Sorcerer's Tower, one must first pass through Carian Manor, the residence of the Carian nobles.

Originally, Carian Manor was guarded by a very powerful royal knight - Loretta.

But she is no longer here. Only an illusion of hers guards the Moonfolk Ruins within the manor.

It is said that she went to find a place of refuge for the child of Miquella.

She eventually went to Miquella's Haligtree and is likely a guardian of the Haligtree now.

But in reality, these things didn't matter much to Lin Luo.

If he wasn't afraid of the main body, he certainly wouldn't be afraid of an illusion.

However, to be fair, Loretta's magic was quite powerful, especially her ultimate skill, Loretta's Slash, which could deliver a fatal blow to the enemy if four arrows hit precisely.

But Lin Luo never felt that anyone could be his opponent, not because he looked down on the heroes of the world, but because he had enough confidence in himself.

He followed the small path on the cliffs of Liurnia forward. There were no ignorant soldiers or Demi-humans blocking the way, so Torrent's speed was not affected.

After several hours of a monotonous journey, they finally reached their destination.

Lin Luo also saw an "acquaintance."

Not far from Carian Manor, an Ogre sat on a large stone platform, a cloak behind him and a strange helmet on his head. The helmet was made of several rectangular glass pieces. If Lin Luo remembered correctly, the helmet was also made of crystallized mirrors – used to prevent interference from the Greater Will.

He held a book in his hand, flipping through it quietly. The giant forging table and the quiver full of swords before him also indicated his identity.

At this moment, Lin Luo walked over.

Torrent's voice drew his attention to the movement over here.

"...Oh? A visitor... How rare."

The blacksmith said with a hint of disbelief.

"You look like a Tarnished. Is there anything you need?"

If you like this book, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.

The blacksmith paused for a moment, seemingly feeling a bit impolite.

He added with slight apology: "Oh... sorry, it's really not appropriate to speak in such an inquisitive tone."

"It's fine..."

Lin Luo smiled, indicating he didn't mind.

"My name is Lin Luo, a Tarnished. May I know your name?"

"Of course."

The blacksmith said with a smile, "My name is Iji. In the past, I served the Carian royalty as a blacksmith..."

"...And then, even though my blacksmithing skills declined, I didn't want to retire, so I stayed here to quietly work as a blacksmith..."

"How much skill does this old man still possess... Should we find out?"

"Hmm..."

"Not for now..."

Lin Luo waved his hand.

"I'm heading to Carian Manor shortly, so I won't be staying here for long."

"Tarnished... please heed my advice..."

Iji said.

"This land was originally the territory of the Carian royal family. Further ahead is the manor where members of the royal family reside..."

"After Raya Lucaria Academy betrayed the royal family, many Carian Knights began attacking this place... After destroying it, they pressed on towards the manor."

Iji looked towards Carian Manor not far away and continued, "However, despite the surprise attack, the Carian royal family was still capable of repelling the knights."

"It's just that the magical traps they used back then are still in place, so... Tarnished, don't go near the manor..."

"You wouldn't want to follow in the footsteps of those foolish knights, would you..."

"I'm sorry you said so much, but I've still decided to go..."

Lin Luo rubbed his forehead, a bit helpless.

"I'll find a way to deal with those magical traps... I have a reason I must go to Carian Manor..."

"Is that so..."

Iji nodded slightly.

"Since you, Tarnished, have made your decision, it means you have enough confidence..."

"If you must go... you can try staying close to the cliff face as you pass by. There shouldn't be many magical traps over there."

"Is that so..."

Lin Luo stroked his chin. "Thanks."

"You're welcome, it's no trouble at all..."

Iji smiled and lowered his head, continuing to read the book in his hands.

Lin Luo naturally didn't intend to expend so much energy charging through. Since he could skip this part, why force his way?

Besides, Torrent surely wouldn't want to be struck by lightning either.

Lin Luo patted Torrent's back and mounted him again. The man and horse headed towards the cliff on the far side, sticking close to the rock face as they slowly moved.

Although lightning occasionally struck, they were all too far away.

The bolts dissipated halfway, and only small wisps of electricity would dart out, startling Torrent.

They proceeded slowly like this, and before long, they arrived at the entrance of Carian Manor.

By this time, the magic had finally stopped attacking Lin Luo. The lightning from earlier seemed as if it had never happened.

Lin Luo recalled Torrent with his Spirit Calling Bell and lit up the Site of Grace at the entrance.

That "legendary weapon" – the Sword of Li- no, the Sword of Night and Flame, was here.

Lin Luo truly enjoyed this feeling of improving his strength. A long time ago, his power had already stagnated. It was only when he merged Great Runes and acquired these weapons that Lin Luo felt his strength had slightly advanced.

Lin Luo changed out of his Sorcerer's Robe and put on a set of silver-white armor. After all, his clothes were as thin as paper and offered no protection whatsoever.

After doing all this, Lin Luo stepped through the main gate of Carian Manor...

If you find this book good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you don't lose it next time.