Chapter 759: Chapter 351: Conception of the Teleportation Array (Part 2)

The asset seizure in the Western Province hasn’t concluded yet; Gang Le is currently overseeing the border defense with Kael, while Luo De isn’t hurried about the coronation ceremony.

At least, the coronation ceremony should wait until everything has settled and stabilized.

"The Northern Territory is indeed quite far from us, alas."

Selena sighed helplessly, lamenting, "If only there were teleportation arrays like in Ancient Times."

"Teleportation arrays are a bit too fantastical; can we, with our extraordinary prowess, touch upon such things?" Luo De asked with a smile.

Luo De also desired these teleportation arrays; the strategic importance of long-distance transportation facilities is timeless.

"Teleportation spells and teleportation arrays are different."

Selena explained, "Teleportation spells are very advanced spells, whereas teleportation arrays are basic infrastructures."

"In Ancient Times, we found teleportation arrays in temples, Wizard Towers, and wizard laboratories—both complete and incomplete."

Selena said, "We don’t lack information on teleportation arrays, but we are missing the Demon Crystal stones required to drive them."

"So, if we had Demon Crystal stones, we could rebuild the teleportation arrays?" Luo De asked in surprise.

"If the materials are complete, I will personally research their construction and send more people to assist,"

Selena replied confidently, "It might take some time, but it will succeed, especially the single-user teleportation array."

"If we could indeed build teleportation arrays, that would be wonderful."

Luo De mused with a smile.

Selena, being a high-level wizard apprentice, just might have the capacity to build these arrays.

"If there were Ancient Times’ teleportation arrays, would it be simpler?" Luo De asked. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Of course, then you would just need to repair them; even the complete ones just need replenishing with Demon Crystals to be usable."

Selena added with a smile, "Provided there are two teleportation arrays and their spatial coordinates are known."

"I am aware of that."

Luo De’s eyes glimmered, "You start researching the teleportation arrays, as for the Demon Crystal stones...

Arrange some people to explore and search around the mountains nearby; perhaps somewhere a Demon Crystal vein might emerge, given the mutations in beasts and plants."

"Perhaps the veins will mutate too."

If nothing else works, Luo De could transport Demon Crystal stones from the Northern Territory, despite the distance.

Upon finishing, Selena was slightly stunned, eyes gleaming with joy.

At this moment, she realized that since Luo De mentioned it, there is a solid possibility of it happening.

"Alright, I will arrange it right away."

After speaking, Selena bowed slightly, turned, and left swiftly.

After Selena’s departure, Luo De continued his work.

Not too long after, Durant arrived at the council hall.

"Lord Duke."

Durant greeted respectfully.

"It seems there’s quite a bit to handle today."

Luo De waved dismissively, signaling Durant to dispense with formalities, "Is the army work finished?"

"Not yet; the reorganization is only halfway through. I am here to report another matter."

Durant’s expression turned serious; he stepped forward and reported, "The Church Hunters captured Man Xiu while arresting clergy."

The name "Church Hunter" is derived from "Witch Hunter," which was a specialized group within the Holy Council that dealt with witches.

Correspondingly, the Church Hunters are a group dedicated to capturing clergy.

"Man Xiu..."

Luo De leaned against the high-backed chair and sighed slightly.

Man Xiu is a believer of the Dawn Church; Luo De knew this when he first met Man Xiu.

However, Luo De always thought of Man Xiu as a mere casual believer, not expecting him to be involved in such actions.

"What happened?" Luo De asked.

"The Church Hunters were apprehending those hidden clergy in Oak City, and Man Xiu hid three deacons and one priest within a caravan, attempting to evade capture, but our people discovered them."

Durant reported, "The leader of the Church Hunters was from our Frost Leaf Town, and he recognized Man Xiu, thus reporting it."

"Is Man Xiu closely connected with the Dawn Church?" Luo De inquired.

Durant sternly reported, "Previously, he donated quite a sum of money and resources to the Dawn Church; a priest personally treated his mother’s injury once; nothing else came through during interrogation."

Luo De fell into silent contemplation.

Aside from his past friendship with Man Xiu, merely a donation connection would typically warrant no severe punishment from the Church Hunters, at most a fine.

But hiding clergy constitutes a grave crime.

"Alright, given our old friendship, let’s give him a chance."

Luo De directed, "Bring him here; let’s hear what he has to say."

"Yes, my lord."

Durant nodded in assent.

...

...

The next day, Man Xiu, dressed in his burlap prison garb, was escorted by Durant alone to the Emperor’s private garden.

This garden was now off-limits to everyone except Luo De.

"Lord Duke, good day."

Man Xiu knelt before Luo De, who sat by a stone table, lowered his head, speaking with great reverence.

"Rise, Man Xiu."

Luo De said gravely, waving a hand towards Man Xiu,

"Things shouldn’t have come to this, Man Xiu. I was planning to entrust the trade routes of the Western Province to you."

"You are my most trusted merchant, Man Xiu, but now you disappoint me greatly."

Luo De frowned, his tone filled with the frustration of one seeing someone fall short of expectations.

This was not mere rhetoric, but Luo De’s heartfelt sentiments.

The flow of materials is crucial, especially during this time of reformation in the Empire.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t want this either, my lord."

Man Xiu, lowered his head and gritted his teeth in pain, "But they truly are innocent."