Chapter 509: Section 296: Another Gift for the Dragon-man Youth
The Dragon-man youth guessed that Bu Quan had his own logic.
He knew that Bu Quan was an alchemy master and that he owned several Alchemy Workshops within Snowbird Port. With such status and strength, it was easier for him to produce a Gold-level potion than it was for the average person.
He also knew that Bu Quan had sent him an invitation letter, mentioning that there was a mercenary task to discuss, which provided motivation.
Combining these two points, the Dragon-man youth made this guess.
But Zi Di slightly shook her head, telling him and Zong Ge, “The one who sent the golden potion wasn’t Bu Quan, but the City Lord of Snowbird Port.”
That very morning, after talking with the Dragon-man youth, Zi Di actively spread the news that the Dragon-man youth needed to rest and recover.
Upon learning about the injuries the Dragon-man youth sustained under the influence of Penetration, the City Lord of Snowbird Port sent over this set of potions.
Zong Ge said, “Penetration is rare, but the ability of the City Lord of Snowbird Port to immediately produce a targeted potion speaks to the difficulty of the task.”
Zi Di analyzed, “According to the intelligence we investigated earlier, the City Lord of Snowbird Port comes from a large Nobles family in the Ice Sculpture Kingdom.”
“Clearly, he has connections and channels that surpass those of the Saber Gang.”
The Dragon-man youth nodded slightly, agreeing.
Among the four Gold-level powers at the top echelon of Snowbird Port, the City Lord was recognized as the foremost. It could be said that he was the most powerful individual in Snowbird Port.
Zi Di continued, “Not only did the City Lord send over the set of golden potions, but he also conveyed his invitation for the squad leader to attend the evening banquet once more. The messenger specifically mentioned: ‘Attending this banquet will certainly make you feel your time was well spent.'”
“However, I have once again politely declined on your behalf.”
The Dragon-man youth said, “You did the right thing. Since we have announced a period of rest, we must fully implement it. If we were to make an exception with the City Lord, it would be difficult to explain to others.”
Both the Dragon-man youth and Zong Ge considered this little more than a minor incident.
After lunch, they resumed their sparring practice.
The Dragon-man youth’s progress was remarkably noticeable!
Because this time, his assistance came not just from the Big Arena Badge but also from Zong Ge.
Zong Ge was indeed a qualified teacher.
To be precise, he was an excellent instructor!
He had a real knack for training troops. When it came to training the Dragon-man youth, the results were equally effective.
“Just one afternoon’s worth of time, and your mastery of the Short Spear has leaped from a blank slate to an experienced level. Under normal circumstances, a warrior would need at least five years to reach the skill level you’ve achieved now.”
The Dragon-man youth’s substantial progress moved Zong Ge deeply.
“There’s something else,” Zong Ge said, his gaze towards the Dragon-man youth becoming a bit complicated.
“You are a natural-born warrior!”
“You excel at learning, with a high level of comprehension. You are the most perceptive individual I’ve ever seen.”
The Dragon-man youth spoke with some hesitation, “Is that so? The more I use the Big Arena Badge, the more I realize its value. During training, many things are hard to express in words or are unclear when described. But when I experience the relevant combat knowledge directly through the Big Arena Badge, I come to understand the essence of it internally, a shortcut that bypasses language barriers.”
Zong Ge, however, shook his head, “That’s not what I mean. Don’t forget, I’ve used the Big Arena Badge too, and I know what kind of help battle experience can provide.”
“Your learning talent is very strong, something you might not have fully realized yourself.”
“Many times before you used the Big Arena Badge to absorb combat experience, just a little guidance from me helped you grasp the essentials of movement, and you were able to apply it broadly during our sparring.”
“More importantly, I’ve noticed that once you master a move, you can make subtle, fine adjustments.”
“Really?” The Dragon-man youth’s eyes widened, puzzled.
Zong Ge assured him with certainty, “You haven’t noticed it yourself, but that’s what’s precious.”
“Because it’s your body’s self-correction, your own adjustment.”
“The movements I teach you come from my own practice. But my body is different from yours.”
“These moves are suited for me, honed through my countless practices, while you’re just starting to get a handle on them.”
“But after mastering it for just a short while, your body can adjust on its own. The adjustments are minimal yet sophisticated. After such an adjustment, they become something that’s suited specifically for you.”
“Don’t underestimate this.”
“Many people don’t progress like this and spend their lives using someone else’s techniques.”
“The more outstanding ones also go through long periods of rigorous practice, and it’s through combat and battles that they achieve such adjustments.”
“A warrior’s talent is not just about the mind but also about the physique.”
“In this respect, it’s different from Scholars.”
“I can be certain that your warrior talent is very strong, exceptionally strong.”
The Dragon-man youth couldn’t help but feel amazed, “The bloodline of the King of Flame Dragon truly lives up to its Legendary status!”
Zong Ge went on, “Now, thinking back to when you mastered Penetration.”
“Your warrior talent must have played a very important role.”
Zong Ge had trained many soldiers and, having been born into a Great Nobles family, had a broad perspective and been exposed to a variety of elite individuals since a young age.
His assessment of the Dragon-man youth’s talent was undoubtedly fair and reasonable.
As the sky filled with the evening glow, Zong Ge took the initiative to stop the sparring.
“Judging by today’s progress, you’ll need just three days to deeply master the techniques I’ve taught you.”
“You would then be completely prepared for actual combat.”
“Such progress is unprecedented in my lifetime. Do not reveal it carelessly, especially not to other mercenaries in our group.”
“It would negatively impact their daily training, dealing a heavy blow to their morale.”
Zong Ge made sure to caution before he left.
If others knew that what they had strived for over five or six years, someone else could achieve in just three or four days, their spirits would certainly be greatly disturbed.
The Dragon-man youth achieved this astonishing training result relying on the Big Arena Badge, Zong Ge, as well as his own exceptional warrior talent.
The Dragon-man youth and Zong Ge entered the dining hall together to eat.
At that time, Zi Di approached them.
She brought over a blanket and placed it on the dining table.
Both the Dragon-man youth and Zong Ge were drawn to it, their curiosity piqued.
The blanket was a reddish-brown, with a soft velvety surface. Tightly knit, it featured exquisite patterns and exuded a Silver Level aura.
Zi Di took the initiative to explain, “This is a Warm Stream Blanket. It doesn’t have any healing properties by itself, but it can enhance the effects of potions. It spreads the efficacy of Magic Potions evenly throughout the body or can concentrate it on a wounded area.”
“Conservatively estimated, the Warm Stream Blanket’s supportive role can increase healing efficiency by at least 30%.”
“Its practicality is beyond question. It can assist in the treatment of any potion.”
The Dragon-man youth, upon hearing this, immediately understood.
“This is a very practical piece of equipment, one that should be quite rare on the market.”
“Let me guess, this isn’t something we purchased today.”
“Could it be another gift from the City Lord?”
“You’ve guessed right,” Zi Di replied with a forced smile, worry evident on her face. “It was a gift brought this evening by a messenger from the Snowbird Port City Lord, intended for your healing, Squad Leader.”
For a moment, both the Dragon-man youth and Zong Ge furrowed their brows.
At noon, the Snowbird Port City Lord had sent a Golden Level potion. And now in the evening, he had sent over this highly practical Silver Level treasure.
The City Lord’s enthusiasm was excessive.
As the saying goes: excessive favor from a Superior often belies an ulterior motive.
“What exactly does this City Lord want to do?” Zong Ge wondered.
“That is also my concern,” Zi Di added. “The messenger who brought this gift also delivered a message. The City Lord of Snowbird Port intends to visit the docks personally tonight to check on Squad Leader’s condition.”
The Dragon-man youth paused in his chewing, his brows deepening even more.
He sensed a strong insistence behind the warm demeanor of the Snowbird Port’s City Lord.
The Dragon-man youth had previously declined the City Lord’s banquet invitation, only to find the City Lord now planning to make a direct visit.
As the biggest local tyrant and a Golden Level fighter in Snowbird Port, his fervor towards an outsider like the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps was abnormal.
What exactly did the City Lord have in mind?
The world has never known love without reason, nor hatred without cause.
What could he possibly want from the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps?
After a moment of thought, the Dragon-man youth grew restless.
After all, his Penetration injuries were a ruse.
Following the Snowbird Port City Lord’s pace and method of action, it was likely his next step would be to bring a physician to treat the Dragon-man youth.
But of course, that wasn’t the main concern.
The main concern was what did the Snowbird Port City Lord really want?
The Dragon-man youth couldn’t help but take him seriously.
Not only did the Snowbird Port City Lord possess noteworthy personal power, but he also held actual authority.
His attitude and actions could greatly influence the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps.
After pondering for a while, the Dragon-man youth said, “There’s no need for the Snowbird Port City Lord to make a personal visit. I’ll take the initiative to attend the dinner instead.”
Having the City Lord personally visit would draw more attention.
Excessive favor from a Superior often invites unpredictable negative consequences.
Better that the Dragon-man youth take action himself.
And every day after that, he would attend an invitation, conducting negotiations with some major powers.
In doing so, others would realize that the injuries of the Dragon-man youth were not so severe.
It would shorten the time the Dragon-man youth had to prepare for battle.
But at the same time, it would reduce the negative impact as much as possible.
It was a more prudent move.
Zong Ge looked on with a profound gaze, “The City Lord of Snowbird Port once mentioned in the invitation letter that he wants to discuss a matter of great importance with the squad leader.”
“Whatever this matter is, I already smell trouble.”
Clearly, this trouble was unavoidable.