The Mighty Dragons Are Dead

"Sky Knight?" Levis's mouth fell open in disbelief, "Father, are you saying that Liszt has been promoted to a Sky Knight?"

Loria clutched his arm, equally agape with astonishment.

As the future lady of Tulip Castle, she had always believed that Levis was the most talented member of the Tulip family, and that the promotion to Sky Knight would be led by him. Unexpectedly, it was Liszt, who had once been entangled with her sister, who suddenly erupted.

Lady Marie's eyes widened, and though she made no sound, her eyes were filled with distrust.

Her son Lidun could hardly hide his own terror, despite Lady Marie's teachings that he must respect his second brother. His talent, which had earned the Earl's favor, had always made him believe he was the true genius.

Without a doubt, in his eyes, Levis was merely mediocre, and Liszt was once considered a good-for-nothing.

Yet at this moment, he heard the terrifying news: the once useless second son of the Tulip family had become an exalted Sky Knight.

This was a lofty height many knights dreamt of but could never reach.

Even those with talent struggled to attempt this level without ample resources.

"Why is this happening?"

"Why is this happening?"

"Why is this happening?"

Lidun's head felt dizzy, echoing the question.

He felt as if all his strength had dissipated, barely able to stand still, anxious and choked, deeply uncomfortable. However, no one cared about how he felt at that moment, not even his mother, Lady Marie, who was tensely watching Liszt, eager to hear him say "Sky Knight" himself.

Lady Penelope held onto Liszt's hand tightly: "My boy, is what your father said true?"

Li Vera rushed over as well, seizing Liszt's other hand: "My dear brother, are you truly a Sky Knight now, a mighty knight who can soar through the skies?"

Faced with everyone's concern and anticipation.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Liszt wanted to wipe the nonexistent sweat from his forehead; he was a bit overwhelmed by his family's enthusiasm—he preferred quiet adulation to warm inquiries.

Nevertheless, he maintained his usual demeanor, showing just the right amount of standard noble smile: "Yes, Grandmother, I have been promoted to Sky Knight, having completed it during my recent voyage. Now I am a common-tier Sky Knight who can ascend to the heavens and wield Advanced Dou Qi."

His answer.

Relieved those who were expectant, hit those who were jealous like a hammer, but regardless, the scene instantly erupted into ecstatic cheers. His family, no matter who they were, kept sending blessings, with Lady Penelope particularly embracing him and vigorously patting his shoulders.

He was tall and had to bend down so Lady Penelope could embrace him.

It was a while before Lady Penelope let go, her eyes shimmering with tears: "Knightly glory has looked upon us; our Tulip family has finally given birth to a new Sky Knight. Our family's brilliance will not fade but will flourish even more!"

"Yes, Mother, the Tulip family will grow stronger and larger." The Earl, supporting Lady Penelope, announced loudly to those around, "The ceremony of the triumphal return is now concluded. Knights, disband on the spot and return to your own lands, to be reunited with your families. Everyone else, back to Tulip Castle!"

Liszt straightened up, just about to mount Loki.

But he was stopped by Levis: "Liszt, I simply don't know how to address you. Sky Knight, you've achieved the height I've always dreamed of! Tonight, you must discuss with me until late, I have so much about cultivation that I need your opinion on."

Clearly.

He wouldn't be able to return to Fresh Flower Town today, so he could only reply: "Brother, if Loria doesn't mind, I would be happy to share my insights on cultivation with you."

Loria came over with a smile, "I don't mind, Liszt; I hope you and your brother can have a pleasant chat."

Li Vera also came over, "I want to join in too."

Liszt smiled, "No problem." Whether it was one person or two, it was still an exchange; he didn't mind sharing his successful experiences with his relatives—although he thought his successes were not worth emulating, at most he could tell them some cultivation tips he had summarized.

He was adept at taking notes and used scientific methods to summarize and deduce problems that arose from cultivation.

A thought crossed his mind, "Perhaps I could write a 'The Earth Chronicle of Liszt' as an heirloom to provide a scientific reference for future generations' cultivation."

At that time, urged by Lady Marie, a somewhat pale-faced Lidun approached, forcing a smile, "Brother Liszt, I would like to join you too, even though I am not an Earth Knight yet, but I am eager to receive your guidance."

"No problem." The Earl was not far off, and Liszt couldn't bring himself to refuse, no matter how much he disliked the boy, Lidun.

He had to consider the Earl's feelings and maintain a superficial brotherly affection.

And so.

He was escorted back to Tulip Castle.

Using the excuse of needing to instruct his followers about some matters, he managed to extricate himself from Levis, Li Vera, and Lidun's entanglement and called for Marcus, "Teacher Marcus, the planning for the territory's development, especially the planning for the new town on Black Horse Island—I mentioned it to you on the boat; you remember it all, right?"

Now before Liszt, Marcus had become increasingly cautious and careful.

Back when they were both Earth Knights, Marcus hadn't felt it, but once Liszt became a Sky Knight, he experienced tremendous pressure and boundless motivation, "Yes, my Lord!"

"I might not be able to return to Fresh Flower Town immediately these next few days, pass my thoughts on to Officer Blair, and have him send someone to survey a suitable location for the new town. Additionally, have Captain Abagon from the Fresh Flower Caravan come here immediately; I have some questions for him."

Abagon's Fresh Flower Caravan was not only engaged in trade but also involved in information exchange.

It essentially acted as "Fresh Flower Town's office in Coral City," and if there was anything that needed to be understood, he was the fastest way. Moments later, Abagon rushed to Tulip Castle to report the latest situations in Fresh Flower Town and Black Horse Island to Liszt.

First and foremost was the issue Liszt was most concerned about—had the Corn Minor Elf been born?

Abagon answered, "Lord Landlord, I am unaware of the Corn Grass Bug situation, as such information is confidential within the Castle, and I dare not inquire carelessly. However, I have not heard of the Castle recently having any new Minor Elves born; perhaps you need to ask Mr. Carter or Consultant Goltai."

Indeed, that was the case.

Elves were important assets to a Lord and could not simply have their information revealed carelessly.

Therefore, Liszt could only wait for Consultant Goltai, who was to be notified, to hurry to Tulip Castle and bring him news of the Corn Minor Elf.

After listening to most of the construction status of Fresh Flower Town and Black Horse Island, he sent Abagon away.

He became the focus of everyone in Tulip Castle once again.

It was apparent that with each visit to Tulip Castle, his treatment changed slightly. In the beginning, after he had first crossed over, he was practically invisible; after that, his significance grew once he obtained the Intermediate Magical Beast and the Thorn Minor Elf; and then he became a pivotal figure in the Castle having been successfully ennobled as the Lord of Black Horse Island.

Now.

The treatment he enjoyed was almost on par with that of the Earl—his family vied to show closeness, and the servants expressed endless respect.

Holding a cup of fresh milk, he relaxed and leaned back in his chair, thinking, with a pleased mood: "This is the status that comes with power."