Chapter 85 - 81: The Southern Army Shrouded in Luck

Chapter 85: Chapter 81: The Southern Army Shrouded in Luck

Lian had been having too much good luck lately.

It wasn’t just that the war was proceeding exactly as he had predicted; other things were also going exceptionally smoothly.

For instance, he had stumbled upon the escaping Tree Monster cubs that even the scouting corps couldn’t find.

For instance, he learned from Sally that black market merchants were about to hold an auction in the Green Shade Territory, and a rare Succubus would be up for sale.

For instance, while he was practicing his One-Sword Style in the woods, the ground suddenly collapsed to reveal a cave. Inside was a hidden treasure left by some unknown person. While it wasn’t a massive hoard, it was enough for two chests of gold and jewels, suddenly giving him the confidence to buy the Succubus at the black market.

Things like this were happening so frequently that Lian started to feel like his fortunes had completely turned around, creating the illusion that he was blessed by good luck.

What was even stranger was that Lian discovered it wasn’t just him—the people around him were also becoming incredibly lucky.

Sophie had unexpectedly found an injured little bird. The bird, originally on the verge of death, miraculously recovered by her side and now always hovered around her, becoming her new Pet.

Robson became the fiancé of the Goblin noblewoman, Aisha. Aisha was even generous enough to allow her other sisters to marry him as well, letting him enjoy the blessings of having multiple wives.

Cobb found a Refined Iron Ore Vein while leading a patrol.

Simo received the good news that the Lord Bishop would be staying in the Imperial Capital for another month.

Sally noticed that Simo had more Power every night recently.

The Guards, too, had all experienced some good fortune, to varying degrees.

The entire Southern Army seemed to be blessed by a Celestial God, with everything going their way.

If one person’s luck could be explained as them being a child of fortune, then what about the luck of an entire army?

This was just too strange.

’Ruling out the possibility of a super Lucky One in our ranks, it must be the influence of some external object.’

’Could it be Old Deng using the Eye of the Future again? Did he choose to sacrifice some mistress to steer the Southern Army in the most advantageous direction?’

Lian felt a vague sense of unease but quickly dismissed this possibility.

Since Old Moria had chosen him to be the new Lord of the Green Shade Territory, he surely wouldn’t use the Eye of the Future to interfere with his choices again. Wasn’t he afraid that this interference would lead the Green Shade Territory toward a different future once more?

In theory, Old Moria shouldn’t continue to interfere in the military affairs of the Green Shade Territory.

Besides, he was currently busy searching for the Witch at the High Tower. How could he have the time to meddle in the Bone Forest war?

Lian believed that gifts from fate always came with a price, and this was an unnatural gift.

The Southern Army’s recent streak of good luck had to be from the influence of some external object.

’Could it be the effect of some Gift?’

According to current intelligence, there didn’t seem to be any Gift that could bring a person infinite good luck.

Lian couldn’t figure it out, so he summoned Captain Cobb, who was in the middle of a "Lightweight Party," along with the numerous squad leaders, the Priest, and the Nun to his tent to brainstorm.

"Lord Lian, are you perhaps overthinking this? Our plan was flawless to begin with. Isn’t it normal for things to proceed as rehearsed?"

Jerry, a squad leader in the Southern Army, didn’t think there was anything wrong with the recent good luck. He considered himself a Lucky One.

"There have been rumors of treasure scattered throughout the Bone Forest for a long time. It’s just that we never managed to explore this deep into its heartland, so we never found any," Cobb added.

"This only proves that the God of Tiger is watching over us."

Robson said excitedly, "Most importantly, He’s watching over you, because you are destined to become a Legendary person."

Everyone silently glanced at Robson. The young man had made a wig from horse mane to cover the bald patch on his head.

Robson had performed exceptionally well in the Bone Forest campaign. He had been promoted from an Elite Guard to an officer, joining the ranks of squad leaders and earning the right to participate in military council meetings.

But his blind adoration every time he saw Lian still made Cobb a little uncomfortable.

’Feels like this kid got promoted by kissing ass and selling his own.’

The other squad leaders also had their complaints about Robson. Although they also greatly admired Lian, Robson’s recent good luck was truly enviable.

"Priest, you don’t think there’s a problem either?"

Lian looked at Simo.

"It does sound a bit strange, but I’ve never heard of any Gift in the Empire that can raise everyone’s Luck Value in such a short time."

Simo looked at Sally.

The Succubus Sally seemed to have thought of something. "I heard an old legend when I was a child."

Lian’s eyes brightened slightly. ’It seems my decision to gather everyone for a discussion was the right one.’

Sometimes, one person’s knowledge is limited, and you need to rely on the perspectives of others.

"The Corpse Monsters in the Bone Forest were once a human army. They fled during a war and hid in the Bone Forest. Then, they greedily began to dig for treasure, slaughter the forest’s animals, and cut down trees wantonly, destroying the environment. In the end, they angered the Spirit of the Forest," Sally said seriously.

Lian and the many captains all gulped, their Adam’s apples bobbing.

’Digging for treasure, killing animals, cutting down trees... isn’t she talking about us?’

Lian had dug up treasure, Sophie had slaughtered Tree Monsters, and the army was logging and mining.

It all seemed to line up.

Sally continued, "To punish them, the Spirit of the Forest stitched their bodies together with the bodies of animals, turning them into monsters. It left them forever trapped in the Bone Forest to suffer endless torment."

"Are you saying the Spirit of the Forest has come for us?"

Lian rubbed the space between his eyebrows.

Sally looked at Lian sternly. "Please don’t interrupt me."

"You may continue."

Lian spread his hands, gesturing for Sally to go on.

Sally cleared her throat. "Because the Corpse Monsters are creatures cursed by the Spirit of the Forest, killing them earns you the Spirit of the Forest’s blessing. Perhaps our recent good luck is from that very blessing."

"A blessing?"

Simo stroked his chin. "If what you say is true, then this is a good thing."

Sally nodded. "It’s the only explanation I can think of."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at the same time. They were completely convinced by Sister Sally’s words, believing that all their good luck came from killing so many Corpse Monsters and earning the approval of the Spirit of the Forest.

But Lian and Simo both frowned at the same time.

They looked at each other, seemingly reading each other’s thoughts.

"Father Simo, what are you thinking?"

"Many legends circulate about the Bone Forest. Some say that killing Tree Monsters will get you cursed to become one, while others say killing Corpse Monsters will bring you blessings and good luck. The only common thread in these legends is that they prove the existence of the Spirit of the Forest."

Father Simo said, "If the Spirit of the Forest truly exists in the Bone Forest, then her Status should be below that of a pseudo-god, equivalent to an Angel."

"And for an Angel to continuously gain Power, she must ensure her Believers are maintained at a balanced number."

"Whether it’s the Tree Monsters to the north or the Corpse Monsters to the west, they have all lived in the Bone Forest for a long time. In theory, they are all Believers of the Spirit of the Forest."

Simo analyzed the situation from a Theological perspective and arrived at a conclusion closest to the truth.

He looked at Lian and suddenly asked,

"If your Believers were suddenly reduced by half, what would you do?"