Facing this sudden top predator, the Ironclad Earth Dragon, though terrified, did not retreat; instead, it showed a hint of ferocity.
Its thick tail swung violently, the bone hammer at its tip cutting through the air, vigilantly aimed at the sky.
Unfortunately, the difference in rank was immense.
The Wyvern let out a disdainful cry, its dive speed not decreasing in the slightest.
It precisely avoided the Earth Dragon's swinging tail hammer, descending like a raptor pouncing, its two strong and powerful hind claws gleaming with cold light, viciously striking the Ironclad Earth Dragon's back!
"Clang! Clang!"
Claws collided with thick armor, emitting a harsh metallic screech, even sparking a few flames!
The Ironclad Earth Dragon's proud defense, though not immediately torn apart by the Level 4 Wyvern's sharp claws, still bore several deep claw marks.
"Awoo!"
The Ironclad Earth Dragon roared in anger and pain.
It struggled violently, its massive body twisting, trying to shake off the enemy on its back.
Its thick tail swept wildly, directly snapping several small trees nearby, and the ground was pounded into shallow pits.
But the Wyvern's claws were like iron tongs, firmly gripping the gaps in the Earth Dragon's carapace.
No matter how the Earth Dragon struggled, it could not break free.
Immediately after, the Wyvern violently flapped its huge wings, creating a gust of wind.
It actually managed to lift the incredibly heavy Ironclad Earth Dragon off the ground!
"Roar! Roar!"
The Ironclad Earth Dragon twisted futilely in the air, its limbs flailing, letting out desperate roars.
Its massive body appeared somewhat helpless in the Wyvern's grasp.
Lei Luo, Ed, and the Pegasus Knights high in the sky were all stunned.
This scene before them was full of primal, violent beauty, yet it also shocked them.
The Wyvern, gripping the desperately struggling Earth Dragon, quickly ascended, flying to an altitude of nearly a hundred meters.
Then, it released its claws!
"Whoosh!"
The heavy Ironclad Earth Dragon fell straight down into the valley below like a meteor!
"Boom!"
An earth-shattering roar echoed, and the entire valley seemed to shake.
Dust filled the air on the ground, and broken stones flew.
When the dust settled slightly, the Ironclad Earth Dragon, which had been so mighty just moments ago, was now sprawled on the ground, its thick scales shattered in many places, blood gushing out, its body unnaturally twisted, clearly beyond saving.
Falling from a hundred meters, even the incredibly defensive Ironclad Earth Dragon could not withstand such a terrifying impact.
The Wyvern in the sky circled once, letting out a victorious cry.
It swooped down again, landing beside the dead Ironclad Earth Dragon, nudging it with its claws to confirm the prey was completely dead.
Then, it re-grabbed the Earth Dragon's massive corpse with both claws, flapped its wings again, and flew towards the distant horizon, quickly disappearing into the clouds.
In the valley, only a mess and a faint smell of blood remained.
Lei Luo and his group hovered in the air, speechless for a long time.
The cooked duck...
No, the magic beast they had set their sights on, just flew away like that.
And it was snatched away by an even more powerful existence, in such a shocking manner.
Ed's face was a bit pale, "A Level 4 magic beast... to appear here..."
This was completely beyond his expectations.
Although Blackstone Territory was located on the border, its core area was relatively safe, and high-level magic beasts generally operated in deeper wilderness or dangerous terrains.
Lei Luo's expression was also a bit grim.
Previous intelligence had mentioned a Wyvern active within the territory, but he hadn't expected it to appear today, and even snatch his prey.
A Level 4 magic beast was not so easy to deal with.
Lei Luo had no such intention, nor did he currently possess the strength to confront this fierce Wyvern.
"Let's go back."
Lei Luo said.
The group changed direction and began their return journey.
On the way back, the atmosphere was somewhat somber.
As their thoughts drifted, the familiar outline of Blackstone Town already appeared on the horizon.
The Pegasus Knights skillfully lowered their altitude, flying towards the castle square in the town center.
As soon as they landed, Barrett hurried to greet them.
"My Lord, you're back! Good news!"
Lei Luo dismounted, handed the reins to a nearby attendant, and looked at Barrett, "What good news?"
"Just today, following Thor's promotion to a formal Knight, five more Knight Apprentices successfully awakened their fighting qi seeds and were formally promoted to Knights!"
This news was like a clear spring, instantly washing away the gloom brought by the Wyvern.
"Oh?"
Genuine joy also appeared in Lei Luo's eyes.
"Five? Very good!"
Ed and the other Knights also smiled.
Five formal Knights!
This was undoubtedly a shot in the arm for Blackstone Territory, which was currently severely lacking in core strength.
Every formal Knight meant a substantial improvement in the territory's defensive power.
Lei Luo immediately said, "Send word down, have all newly promoted Knights gather in the castle hall; I want to see them personally."
"Yes, My Lord!"
A moment later, inside the castle hall.
Five young people, dressed in brand new leather armor, their faces still showing a mix of youthfulness and excitement, stood somewhat stiffly in a row.
They were the Knight Apprentices who had successively broken through their bottlenecks and successfully advanced in the past few days.
Lei Luo's gaze swept over the five young faces, and he could feel the newly condensed, still somewhat unstable, but definitely present fighting qi fluctuations on their bodies.
He nodded.
"You have done very well."
Lei Luo's voice clearly echoed in the hall.
"Through your own efforts and sweat, you have earned the glory of a Knight. From today onwards, you will become a strong force guarding this land."
The five newly promoted Knights excitedly puffed out their chests, their faces flushed.
"Glory belongs to Blackstone Territory!"
They responded in unison, their voices loud and full of vigor.
Lei Luo continued, "As a reward for your successful promotion, and as partners for your future duties, I have decided to bestow upon each of you a warhorse!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the side door of the hall was opened, and five warhorses were led in by attendants.
The annihilation of the Blood Wolf Band had provided Blackstone Territory with a batch of excellent warhorses and packhorses, and the previously scarce horse resources suddenly became abundant.
The eyes of the newly promoted Knights instantly lit up.
They knew all too well what a good warhorse meant to a Knight.
"Thank you, Lord!"
The five bowed again.
Lei Luo stepped forward and personally handed the reins to each new Knight.
After the reward ceremony, Lei Luo encouraged the new Knights a few more times, then let them go to familiarize themselves with their new partners.
In the following days, Blackstone Town returned to its usual calm and busyness.
The small castle was slowly being built and was nearing completion.
While Lei Luo handled various territorial affairs, he also did not relax his own cultivation.
This morning, Lei Luo was in his study researching the map of Blackstone Territory, planning the next step of its development, when a guard's announcement came from outside the door.
"Lord, an envoy claiming to be sent by the Lord of Boulder City has arrived outside the castle and requests an audience."
