Chapter 1083 - 162: Expansion of the Maiden’s Ring (2)

Chapter 1083: Chapter 162: Expansion of the Maiden’s Ring (2)

The Lord of Mud Crown Castle’s territory is vast, stretching from the Green Moss Swamp to the Black Water Vortex, from Dragonbone Shallow to the Dusk Mountain Range, and finally, there is a Pale Cave—all these areas belong to him.

Although this makes him very powerful, there is one advantage: as long as Su Li can open up this territory and defeat this lord, there will be no strong enemies to obstruct him.

Su Li can essentially take over the entire Northern Border Province, which encompasses three major city regions: the area represented by Mud Crown Castle, the basin represented by Blue Mirror Territory, and the region represented by Hesse Territory.

Once he conquers these three main areas and cities, the small outposts nearby will be of little concern and can be easily subdued by a peripheral force. Then they will surrender to Su Li’s rule, paying vassal taxes and enfeoffment taxes.

In terms of time, Su Li is estimated to launch an offensive against the Swamp Territory next year. Given the course of war, even if it takes a year to conquer this territory, it will only be 3–4 years before he can share a bed with Lady Bayonetta.

Considering Su Li’s long lifespan, that time really isn’t long.

However, in the face of such a holy opportunity, anyone can hardly refrain from eagerness. They want to get closer to the beauty sooner.

But as for the means, Su Li hasn’t quite figured it out yet. Perhaps once everything is stable, he can visit Marle Castle again this winter or next spring.

Not long after he started thinking, the Maiden’s Ring was already in sight; after all, this holy land is located on the outskirts of Heisen Castle.

The Griffin flapped its wings, quickly leaving the hustle and stone walls of Heisen Castle behind. Below, the city outskirts’ landscape transitioned from orderly farms and scattered farmhouses to a carefully managed, spiritually charged farming zone.

In the midst of autumn, the colors of the Maiden’s Ring were far from withered. Outside the core area, large flower beds that were meticulously cultivated bloomed vibrantly, chrysanthemums revealing golden and deep purple hues, tuberoses emitting a sweet fragrance, and cold-resistant sage swaying its blue-purple spikes, harmoniously contrasting with evergreen shrubs. A clear creek flowed from above, winding like a silver ribbon through various rings, glistening in the sunlight before flowing into irrigation channels at the slope’s base.

Su Li immediately noticed the brand new Moon God Moon Mulberry Tree on the highest, most central platform. This spiritual tree exuded a quality entirely different from the Empire. Its trunk was gnarled and ancient, its bark bearing mysterious purple patterns. Most peculiar were its leaves—not the usual green mulberry leaves, but instead a deep and noble dark purple, with veins shimmering with flowing silver light. At this moment, nuns from the Dawn Church and carefully chosen young women, dressed in simple blue linen garments, were gingerly picking these precious purple leaves from beneath the tree or on small ladders. The air was filled with a unique herbal scent, cool and slightly sweet. Small, intricate silkworm houses were evident along the hillside, housing the Moonlight Celestial Silkworms that fed on these purple leaves. These silkworms were entirely crystalline, as if formed by moonlight, and the silk threads they produced shimmered with an iridescent glow—materials for crafting the unparalleled Rainbow Silk. This area was filled with a busy yet sacred production aura, a vital extension of the holy sanctuary’s power.

The circular platforms were connected by stone paths teeming with wildflowers. An array of ancient stone lanterns lined the paths, which illuminated with gentle holy light at night. Simple stone benches and wooden pavilions were scattered throughout for rest, meditation, or prayer. Pilgrims and those seeking purification walked quietly between the rings, faces bearing expressions of reverence and hope. They sat in silence beneath the Star Dew Sweet Orange trees, feeling the ineffable purifying power, or stood in awe outside the Moon Mulberry platform, watching the magical purple leaves being harvested.

The entire Maiden’s Ring was bathed in the warm autumn sunlight, with vibrantly colorful flower beds, clear streams, mysterious purple-leaved mulberry forests, and at the center, the Star Dew Sweet Orange tree radiating a holy silver glow, jointly composing a harmonious and sacred tableau.

The Griffin’s wings stirred the air currents, landing steadily on the dedicated open space at the edge of the Maiden’s Ring. Su Li dismounted, and as his feet touched this land imbued with a sacred aura, an indescribable feeling of refreshment permeated him from outside to in. It wasn’t just the air’s freshness; it felt as if his soul had been washed by gentle spring water, with the breezy sensation of flying and the complex thoughts lingering in his mind instantly soothed and calmed.

Almost simultaneously, Vandar Oak—the Minister of Agriculture and the Shepherd Leader of the Dawn Church—who had been waiting nearby, approached with a group of calm, blue linen-clad nuns.

Vandar’s appearance had greatly changed; many wrinkles on his face had disappeared, and he was full of vitality. His deep green shepherd robe was embroidered with the emblems of dawn and oak leaves. He bore an expression of heartfelt reverence and joy.

"Lord, welcome to the Maiden’s Ring. May the light of the Dawn Goddess forever shine upon your robe," Vandar bowed in greeting, and the nuns behind him bent in unison, revealing smooth, white legs and supple, delicate beauty.

"At ease," Su Li waved his hand, his gaze already surpassing the crowd, once more falling upon the Star Dew Sweet Orange tree and the Moon God Moon Mulberry in the core area. "The transformation here is more astounding than I imagined. Just standing on the edge, one can feel the cleansing power sweeping through one’s body and mind."