On the morning of February 8, Bai Zhengnan left Torch Dragon Territory. Zhang Su and Tang De subsequently left Mysterious Heaven Peak as well. Zhang Su was heading to Mysterious Heaven City to begin forming the Torch Dragon Legion and integrate the local defense forces within Torch Dragon Territory, while Tang De was about to begin his first formal inspection of Zhang Tie's territory. In Tang De's words, since he had become the chief steward of Torch Dragon Territory, he had to know every last detail of it—its population, resources, land, the tax accounts of every city, and all the local prominent clans and country gentry. He had to have it all clearly accounted for.
Fortunately, Tang De had brought several capable and reliable assistants he had found over the past few years at Golden Roc Bank. With people helping him, he could slowly straighten out the financial and operational affairs within Torch Dragon Territory.
Lu Zhongming and his wife also left. However, what the couple revealed to Zhang Tie before departing made him cry out that his character must have exploded.
Lu Zhongming and his wife wanted to join the Iron Dragon Sect. Whether for Zhang Tie or for the Iron Dragon Sect, this was no small matter.
Naturally, Zhang Tie welcomed the couple's decision with both hands raised. There was no reason not to welcome it—these were two knights. With Lu Zhongming and his wife joining, the Iron Dragon Sect's knightly strength would leap from three knights to five: two Earth Knights and three Black Iron Knights. Such strength already made them a major power in You Province and throughout the Northeast Protectorate.
Lu Zhongming and his wife were leaving Torch Dragon Territory to return to Gu Province and settle matters concerning the Minling Sword Sect. Once they