Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 455 The Vision of the Nobles: The River of Time

At this very moment, the important figures on the shores of Mirror Lake are unaware of what they have missed.

Perhaps, even if someone could travel through time and show them the opportunities they lost because of this decision, they might only be able to sigh and repeat today's choice.

Even if you can see the future, in the present moment, you can often only make the choice that is most beneficial to the current situation.

That's how people are. It's like even if you know that learning more now will make your future path smoother, you'll still choose to open a novel or play a game.

Because the present is certain and easy; the future is possible and difficult!
Chen Mo understood this situation. Although he didn't like Jinghu's style, he still chose to cooperate, which was the best option for him at the time.

The military action against the Green Pine Kingdom was, in a sense, a product of this "optimal solution" mindset.

To be fair, Han Hai's desire to acquire Green Pine is not urgent.

The current Han Hai Territory is like a rapidly growing, ferocious beast in its prime, enjoying a golden age of vigorous development. Meanwhile, the Green Pine Kingdom's hasty attack failed to conquer the Emerald Duchy, and its invasion of the desert resulted in unprecedented and devastating losses. With these shifts in power, time is on Han Hai's side.

Chen Mo is fully qualified to develop at his own pace and act with ease.

Even the most radical officials who had fled from the Cloud Mist Territory within the territory shared this view: In three to five years, the White Deer Plains would be stable, the people of the Stream Moon Lands would be won over, the three armed forces would be well-trained, and the technology of the Vast Ocean would develop rapidly…

When the time comes to deal with the pine trees, it will probably be as simple as waving a hand over one's sleeve.

However, timelines are often full of unexpected twists and turns, and unpredictable events.

The incident began when Lord Chen Mo was on his southward journey. Passing through the Bloodstained Corridor, Princess Liu Shuang, moved by the sight of familiar objects, uttered the words that she would lead her team to wipe out the Zircon.

Liu Shuang wanted to help Chen Mo relieve his emotions, so how could Chen Mo stop the little girl?

As a result, the army, eager to make a name for themselves, became somewhat impatient, and Green Pine quickly sensed this sentiment.

However, the current Han Hai is no longer the kind of war where Liu Shuang wields his spear and rides his horse, a single rider capable of taking on a thousand men. War requires coordination and cooperation from all sides, so military plans have been deployed in multiple rounds. Before everything is ready, the intensive preparations are ultimately just preparations.

At this point, the biggest variable comes from Green Pine itself.

As the top henchman of the Azure Sky Holy City, the Green Pine Kingdom was not kept in the dark. After the Vast Ocean basically recovered the Western White Deer Plain, the Green Pine Kingdom was on high alert, believing that it could be attacked by the Vast Ocean at any time.

While they were actively preparing for war, they were also seeking help from all sides. Every step Chen Mo took on his overseas visit made them hold their breath.

Is this a diplomatic maneuver? Is it an attempt to strategically isolate us?
After this state of high alert lasted for some time, news came from the south that Xiyue was carrying out large-scale construction.

The city most concerned about this matter was naturally Zircon Lookout Mountain City, which is right next to Silvermoon Forest. After hearing about the big commotion, it sent out more than a dozen groups of scouts, who finally brought back relatively accurate intelligence.

Finally, a relatively detailed intelligence report was pieced together. Wangshan City quickly reported it to Zircon Territory, and Zircon Territory quickly reported it to Green Pine Kingdom. In a very short time, everyone was alarmed. A group of royal nobles and military commanders gathered together to listen to the report and study countermeasures.

Facing the unfolded map and the erected magic stone tablet, Jax, the intelligence officer of Green Pine, submitted his assessment to his superior.

Jax worked his way up from the bottom and has quite a bit of skill. As for his appearance, someone in intelligence can't be too eye-catching; being too ugly or too handsome is a big no-no.

The ordinary Jax had his hair meticulously combed and his clothes neatly arranged. Facing this room full of royal nobles, his voice sounded exceptionally firm.

"Your Majesty, Your Highness, Lord, Your Lordship, and all esteemed officials!"

"After extensive verification, we can be fairly certain that what is being constructed within Xiyue territory is very likely a type of unprecedented weapon of war! And its target..."

He forcefully slashed his arm northward, pointing to the area representing the Green Pine Kingdom. "In my judgment, it's highly likely that this is my Green Pine Kingdom!"

"We must not be careless, sir!"

Several images of the scene were projected onto the magic stone slab, some near and some far. It could be seen that two long white lines ran parallel across the earth, with horizontal wooden planks in between, spaced evenly and neatly, exuding a sense of industrial order and beauty.

"Xi Yue calls this a railway!"

"Paving roads with iron is unheard of. For this reason, I once risked my life to sneak into Xiyue and take a closer look during their open day. These two thick tracks are made of the finest steel."

"Although I couldn't touch it myself and couldn't know the exact hardness, I secretly threw stones at it. Based on my subordinates' years of experience, I estimate that it's most likely no less than a hundred-times-forged red-veined steel!"

Upon hearing this, everyone around gasped.

In the Green Pine Kingdom, Hundred-Refined Crimson Steel is classified as "Armor Material," meaning it can be used to make warrior armor.

In a place like Green Pine, where martial arts are the foundation of a nation, the best steel is called "sword material," which is used to make weapons for high-level professionals, such as the swords of marquises and the halberds of great knights. After all, if the weapon in one's hand cannot even penetrate the opponent's defenses, then no matter how high a professional's martial arts skills are, they cannot perform them.

Just like that frustrated "Lightless Walker" back then...

The next level up is "Grade A," which can be thickened and stacked, so the requirements for the material can be slightly lower.

The next level up was called "gun stock," used to make weapons such as spears and muskets for rank-and-file soldiers.

From this perspective, if you use steel of the "Grade A" level to pave the road, no matter how much you say there's no conspiracy, you can't believe Green Pine and their gang!

Having confirmed the conspiracy, Jax then meticulously analyzed who this conspiracy was targeting.

“The cost of building such a ‘railway’ is so enormous that it could not have been erected arbitrarily.”

"The enemy's ambitions are vast, and your subordinates dare not be negligent!"

"If Han Hai doesn't set up camp in its own territory, and it doesn't set up camp in the newly occupied Bailu Plain, but instead sets up camp here in Xiyue, then the point of use of these weapons will most likely be in Xiyue, or rather, will be initiated from Xiyue."

Jax solemnly drew a circle around the map, and although he didn't say anything, everyone understood what he meant.

The land of Xiyue is bordered by the Dragon's Spine Mountains to the west and the vast, endless sea to the east, making it virtually impossible to wage war in either of these directions.

Downstream lies the Silver Duchy, and upstream it connects to the Silvermoon Forest. Both of these are places their chairman recently visited, and their relationship is excellent. To say that they are about to go to war is unreasonable.

Looking further out, who else nearby could be considered an enemy of that young master Han Hai?
Isn't this obviously turquoise?

Jax, with a serious expression, took a blueprint from the guard behind him, unfolded it himself, and hung it on the wall.

"The other party is keeping their plans for this railway a top secret!"

Jax's tone was somewhat heavy: "My subordinates traveled back and forth in Creek Moon, making many trips and using up a lot of old connections. It cost us thousands of gold coins and cost us many skilled men, but we finally managed to obtain this crucial roadmap."

Following the marked, conspicuous red track line, my finger moved upwards, and unsurprisingly, the route headed north, plunging headlong into the Silvermoon Forest.

And further up, there's nothing but turquoise!

The new lord of Zircon Territory, the eldest son Hysen, was the first to lose his temper and asked in a harsh voice, "Is this map of yours real?"

"In the name of the Seven-Eyed True God, it is absolutely true, without any error!"

Of course it couldn't be wrong, because it was originally a preliminary plan for the railway that circulated among the various tribes of Xiyue.

Although this thing has not been made public, it is definitely not a secret. Any tribal elder, manager at any level, or bureaucrat in charge can see it.

Why? Because it involves land acquisition in the early stages of engineering construction.

According to Chen Mo's requirements, the construction of the railway not only requires the requisition of land along the route, but also the land on both sides. This is to control a safe buffer distance and to leave room for future expansion to four, eight, or even more lines.

The task of land acquisition was assigned to the various tribes, and the route map was naturally distributed along with it.

As for why the lord wasn't worried about someone finding out and seizing the land, or demanding exorbitant prices...

Anyway, the land acquisition was left to the individual tribes of Xiyue to carry out themselves, and their share in the railway bureau has already been locked in. Each tribe can spend the money however they want; it has nothing to do with Chairman Chen.

The release of the railway route map is a testament to Chairman Chen's magnanimity! As for the chaotic issues arising from the various tribes' operations, those are the tribes' own petty squabbles. Therefore, this [railway route map] has become a "not-so-secret" secret of Xiyue.

The shrewd and capable Chief Intelligence Officer Jax would never let this opportunity slip by.

Thus, this roadmap, which was "limited public access" in Creek Moon, became a priceless, blood-stained top secret in Jax's hands.

He not only demonstrated outstanding work ability, but also perfectly explained the purpose of a large sum of "special funds", while conveniently "arranging" several usually disobedient subordinates to become "heroic sacrificial spies", which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.

Seeing the solemn expressions on everyone's faces, Jax knew the time was right and it was time to serve the final "feast".

"In addition, I also used an inside source and took great risks to find out some secret information about this 'railway'."

"Speak quickly!"

Heisen stood up from his chair, his eyes fixed on the red "venomous snake," his voice distorted with urgency.

Who cares most about the movements of the Vast Ocean? It must be the former eldest son of the Zircon Territory, now the new lord.

It could even be said that he orchestrated the feud between the two territories. He lost his brother, his subordinates, his father, and his own strength!
With Han Hai's major move imminent, how could he not be filled with shock, fear, grief, and indignation?

Jax placed his hand on his chest, bowed deeply to the lord, and solemnly gestured to his attendants behind him.

An attendant brought in a metal cylinder carefully bound with runic chains. Jax himself stepped forward and unlocked three different magical seals. The entire action was slow and solemn, highly ritualistic, as if this would greatly enhance the "secret" level of the item inside.

Finally, he took out a treated animal hide from the tube, and instead of showing it directly, he respectfully held it up with both hands and handed it to his superior, the city lord of Wangshan City.

When unfolded, it is a picture depicting a strange-looking object that is square and divided into four sections from beginning to end.

"This thing is called a 'train,' and the railway was built for it!"

"This thing has only appeared a few times on the already laid 'railway'. Each time it was heavily guarded and impossible to get close to, so the magic marble could not record it. I could only ask the best painter to hide it in a secluded place for four days and five nights before I could record its true appearance."

"I obtained this from the guards of Yingxue City at a high price. This thing is enormous, like a giant dragon; its length varies, and its sound is like a booming bell; once it starts running, its momentum is unstoppable!"

"We simply can't get any more information."

train?

Enormous and enormous, like a giant dragon?
In the magical world, the word "fire" inherently signifies destructive power.

A barrage of fireballs, exploding flames, a wall of blazing fire, a shower of meteors...

In an instant, a picture flashed in the minds of everyone present: a ferocious beast made entirely of steel, its body blazing with crimson flames, roaring and charging faster and faster along a shimmering silver track, finally bursting out of the Silver Moon Forest and rampaging wildly through the lush green fields and cities, spewing out a torrent of destruction!

A general who had participated in the attack on the Han Hai couldn't help but exclaim, "Then... when Lord Marquis Monroe led us to attack the Han Hai, we encountered an iron box that could breathe fire, throw explosives, and crush the Mio Grand Knights head-on. Was it... this thing?"

"I'm afraid it's more than that!"

Another knight shook his head and said, "Chief Intelligence Jax said it was 'like a dragon.' The chariots on the battlefield back then weren't even that big. I'm afraid this 'train' is even more ferocious. Or, the smaller ones were used to fight cavalry, and the larger ones were used... for siege warfare!"

As everyone chimed in with their own experiences and imaginations, they continuously "added" details to the "train," gradually piecing together a vague truth.

The more I talk about it, the scarier it gets!

The saying goes, "Suspecting the neighbor of stealing an axe," and Green Pine was already feeling guilty.

In this tense atmosphere, a witty aide offered a suggestion.

"Gentlemen, do you mean that the fact that they are going to such great lengths to build this 'railway' means that this 'train' behemoth needs this 'railway' to unleash its power?"

"Just like warships need waterways?"

"Then, if we prevent them from building this 'railway,' will we be able to avert this war?"

That's why there are so many smart people out there; this line of thinking makes perfect sense!
And so, with a try-it-out mentality, under the brilliant command of Chief Intelligence Officer Jax, Green Pine secretly dispatched some elite assassins to infiltrate Creek Moon territory, launch a night raid on the guards, and dismantle a section of railway track several hundred meters long.

It's not fair to blame Xiyue for its lax defenses. You see, as the Xiayue Alliance's key project at this stage, all the tribes in Xiyue have been informed. Whether they are officials, knights, mercenaries, or civilians, everyone living in Xiyue knows that the railway is a must-not be touched, or you will die.

The railway tracks were valuable, but in a place where local bullies controlled the surrounding villages, selling them was out of the question; even carrying them a few miles away was a problem. Without profit, no one would take such a risk.

Who would have thought that a group of people who were scaring themselves would come and cause trouble?
The entire Xiyue area was shaken.

This isn't some petty theft; it's blatant sabotage! It's an attack targeting the core interests of the Summer Moon Alliance!
If the Chairman finds out that we can't even protect a single railway, what will he think of us? Can he entrust us with those industries that the Chairman described as "flowing with rivers of gold"?

As the number one case in the Summer Moon Alliance, all departments of Xiyue, together with the elves, worked together to quickly find these troublemakers.

Although some of these assassins fled to the wilderness and others committed suicide, none of them confessed, Xi Yue quickly guessed where they came from by observing their figures and tracking their movements.

An enraged Xiyue issued a soul-searching question to the Green Pine Kingdom, but the Green Pine's diplomats were undoubtedly bewildered.

I didn't do it, I don't know anything about it, there's absolutely no such thing, don't talk nonsense!
And so, the construction of the railway came to a standstill.

Such a long railway line, winding through mountains and forests, makes it impossible to adequately protect every point along the way. Besides, against a deliberate surprise attack by enemy knights, ordinary people or even low-level warriors would be useless; only professionals at the first job advancement level or higher could possibly be of any use.

You can't possibly station a knight next to every single railway track.

The enemy can accomplish the sabotage with just a ten-man squad, while Xiyue would probably need to deploy hundreds of thousands of mid-to-high-level professionals to defend against it.

Not to mention that Xi Yue couldn't possibly mobilize so many mid-to-high-level experts, even if she could, she couldn't afford the cost.

If we can't prevent it, then we can't build the railway.

For the same reason, railways are different from highways. If the enemy were to dismantle even a small section of rail, the resulting disaster could be fatal.

Faced with Xi Yue's furious reaction, the Green Pine Kingdom felt that it had clearly done the right thing.

The more anxious the enemy is, the more it shows that we have the key to their victory.

Time passed day by day, and when Chen Mo returned to Han Hai, Xi Yue finally dared not hide anything any longer and submitted a complete report to the chairman.

Whether through diplomatic coordination, private communication, or threats of force, all attempts failed, and the various tribes of Xiyue apologized to their lord with deep shame.

Chen Mo thought for a long time, and it seemed that... he had no other choice.

For Hanhai, in order to develop industry, it was necessary to build railways, and in order to build railways, it was necessary to eliminate interference.

What could have been a slow and steady fight for Turquoise is now White Eagle's Facebook page—it's doomed!

Thus, in order to prevent the Vast Ocean from taking action against them, the Green Pine Kingdom took a series of "necessary" and "timely" measures, which ultimately brought about a heavy blow from the Vast Ocean.

You will get what you ask for!

Long, long ago, standing in the Dark Forest beside the Dark Demon Tree's lair, the little golden-haired boy with a wild, unrestrained smile threw a boomerang that traveled through the river of time and finally flew back to the land of the Green Pine Kingdom.

Right between the eyebrows!

　PS: The author of this article on Qidian was finally released after two-thirds of the content was cut. He was completely numb from all the editing, and towards the end he was like a walking corpse, not even knowing what he had changed.

　　As for the closed chapters on other sites, we've just finished dealing with ten chapters; the rest are all tough nuts to crack, the kind where most of a chapter is marked in red...

　　I will continue to work hard and try to resolve this as soon as possible...

　　
　
(End of this chapter)