Everyone subconsciously looked up.
In the high sky, a massive dark silhouette was rapidly flying past.
The figure was agile and graceful, its scales reflecting a cold metallic luster under the setting sun, and each beat of its huge dragon wings brought a silent pressure.
That was a dragon!
A giant dragon, completely black!
Its size didn't seem particularly massive; it looked like a young dragon that had just reached adulthood.
But even so, its fluid lines, ferocious head, and the oppressive feeling it brought as it swept past still tightened the hearts of everyone on the ground.
Moonlight, who had been lazily sprawled on the horse's head, uncharacteristically stopped, raised its head, a complex, difficult-to-discern light flashing in its eyes, its body slightly lowered, and a low, threatening growl emanating from its throat.
The black dragon seemed not to notice the tiny group of people on the ground, or rather, disdained to notice them.
It simply flew directly over their heads, heading deeper into the Black Stone Mountain Range, quickly turning into a small black dot and disappearing into the distant horizon.
Only when the invisible pressure completely vanished did the knights finally breathe a sigh of relief, cold sweat unknowingly seeping from their foreheads.
"A dragon... it was actually a black dragon..."
A young knight murmured, his voice trembling with disbelief.
Ed's expression was also somewhat solemn: "Black dragons... they are not friendly neighbors."
On the return journey, the atmosphere was noticeably much more subdued.
Even Moonlight, who had been lively and active before, was uncharacteristically quiet.
Lei Luo reached out and gently stroked its smooth fur, his fingertips feeling its slightly tensed muscles.
This little fellow seemed particularly concerned about that black dragon.
Upon returning to Blackstone Town.
Before nightfall, Lei Luo went to check on the castle's construction.
The castle's foundation was now complete, with dark, hard rock forming the fortress's stable base.
Dozens of craftsmen and conscripted townsfolk were busy, with the clanging of hammers and the shouts of stone movers rising and falling.
The walls had already begun to be laid upwards, using hard rock quarried from the Black Stone Mountain Range, which, after initial polishing, were stacked block by block, already taking preliminary shape.
According to Lei Luo's requirements, the fortress's design was simple and practical, prioritizing defensive capabilities.
With Blackstone Territory's current financial resources, getting the castle's main framework built first to ensure the safety of himself and his people was the top priority.
Old Buck was also on site, directing workers to move a huge flagstone.
Seeing Lei Luo approach, he quickly put down his work, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and came forward.
"My Lord, you're back!"
Old Buck's voice was a bit hoarse, but he was full of vigor.
"You see, the walls have already started construction, using the best black stone, absolutely sturdy!"
"Good progress."
Lei Luo nodded in affirmation.
"Don't worry, My Lord!"
Old Buck patted his chest in assurance.
"The quarry on the mountain has already increased its workforce to ensure supply! For safety, Captain Ed has sent a few guards to watch, so there won't be any mishaps."
Late at night, when all was quiet.
Lei Luo stood by the study window, overlooking Blackstone Town under the Moonlight.
Moonlight had jumped onto the windowsill at some point, sitting beside Lei Luo, its tail tip occasionally brushing the window frame.
"Little fellow, you seemed very tense today when you saw that dragon?"
Lei Luo asked softly, his fingers scratching Moonlight's chin.
Moonlight comfortably narrowed its eyes, a purring sound coming from its throat, but in response to Lei Luo's question, it only rubbed its head against his hand.
The night passed without a word.
The next morning, when Lei Luo woke up, Moonlight was nowhere to be found, having gone off to play somewhere.
"Daily Intelligence Update"
"1: An apprentice of the deceased alchemy Master Balin, reportedly carrying some of his mentor's manuscripts, has appeared in a town in the neighboring Silver Moon Territory."
"2: Deep within the 'Weeping Canyon', about fifteen kilometers southeast of Blackstone Town, a rare 'Dragon Thorn Fruit Tree' will ripen tomorrow at dawn. Its guardian beast is a third-tier magical beast, the Frostfang Serpent. Dragon thorn fruit is a precious fruit, said to be born only when irrigated by dragon blood essence. Magical beasts that consume dragon thorn fruit can break through bloodline shackles and have a certain probability of advancing their rank."
"3: Deep within the Deadwood Forest, about five kilometers southeast of Blackstone Town, beneath a giant oak tree, is buried a box left by an adventurer, which may contain some valuable magical items or gold coins."
"4: In the western hilly area of Blackstone Town, an adult Wyvern has been frequently active recently, attacking several human towns and camps. Wyvern is a fourth-tier magical beast, powerful, and can spew acid."
"5: ..."
"6: ..."
"7: ..."
"8: A caravan, while crossing the 'Mist Forest', claimed to have seen signs of Tree Spirit activity."
"9: In the edge area of the Blackwater Swamp, magic fluctuations are abnormal, and adventurers have reported finding huge, moss-covered reptilian footprints, suspected to be the awakening of some powerful water or earth elemental magical beast."
"10: A Pegasus herd will pass by the Blackwater River on the southwest of the Black Stone Mountain Range tomorrow afternoon to replenish water. They are startled by the newly appeared black dragon in the Black Stone Mountain Range and will leave the Black Stone Mountain Range to find a new habitat."
The morning sun shone through the window frame, casting dappled light and shadow.
Moonlight was still nowhere to be seen; this little fellow seemed to be getting more and more independent recently.
He walked to the study door and instructed the attendant outside: "Go and ask Barrett to see me."
"My Lord, you called for me."
Barrett quickly arrived.
"Barrett, please sit."
Lei Luo gestured to the nearby chair, getting straight to the point.
"I received news that in a town in the neighboring Silver Moon Territory, there is an alchemy apprentice, a disciple of Master Balin. The Silver Moon Territory is currently heavily guarded, and after much thought, since you have been among the common folk for many years, you are the most suitable person to go."
Barrett stood up, his expression solemn: "My Lord, rest assured, I will bring him back."
"Very good, depart as soon as possible."
Lei Luo gestured.
After seeing Barrett off, Lei Luo didn't stop, and called Old Buck over again.
"Old Buck, I have something for you to do, and it needs to be done quickly."
"Your command, My Lord!"
Although Old Buck was older, he had always been in good spirits.
"I need a large quantity of snares and hunting nets, the more the better, the sturdier the better. Organize people immediately, especially the skilled women in town and the old hunters who are good at weaving, and have them focus all their efforts on making these two things."
"Alright! No problem!" Although Old Buck didn't fully understand, he always resolutely carried out the Lord's orders.
"I'll go arrange it right away! I guarantee it'll be perfectly done for you!"
Watching Old Buck hurrying off to relay the command, Lei Luo's lips curved into a slight smile.
If he could acquire this Pegasus herd, his Pegasus Knight order would begin to take shape.
Pegasus are not so easy to capture, but with enough sturdy nets and snares, plus a little strategy, there might be a chance.
Only after handling these two matters did Lei Luo have time for breakfast.
As soon as breakfast was served, Moonlight seemed to have smelled it, appearing out of nowhere.
It jumped onto the dining table and unceremoniously enjoyed the meal.