Chapter 345: The Predicament

Chapter 345: The Predicament

Eileen and Maya wandered in the south for many days. Everything was peaceful during that time, so they believed Bran had already helped them resolve their troubles and returned without worry.

After returning, they specifically sent Bran a sincere thank-you letter.

Recently, the Dragon Riders were experiencing some internal unrest, and the cause was those outsiders. As an emissary, Jose acted extremely friendly. He handled matters with the attitude that suffering a loss was actually gaining an advantage, quickly winning the favor of the Dragon Riders.

During casual conversations, Jose would describe the prosperity and wealth of the Emerald Continent, which made many Dragon Riders yearn for it.

Jose did not act superior because of the power difference; on the contrary, he was very humble. He pointed out that the environment was the real culprit behind the Dragon Riders’ weakness.

This was a fact. The changes happening in Northland City were already proof of this. The Dragon Riders were now systematically sending people to take turns in Northland City and, with Bran’s permission, opening up a new territory east of Sandstone City.

Many things had not been discussed in detail, but the Dragon Riders were already prepared to submit. It was not that the Dragon Riders didn’t want to talk, but that Bran had no intention of talking at all. Just like how he treated the nobles of Green, Bran saw them as a burden. As long as they didn’t cause trouble and could maintain stability in their area, Bran was willing to let many things slide.

The Dragon Riders didn’t know whether Bran was intentional or unintentional; he seemed to leave all problems for time to solve. As time passed, his power continued to grow, and some problems disappeared with time. But more problems became other people’s problems, other people’s burdens.

For the Dragon Riders, some matters were better discussed sooner rather than later. This was true not only for the Dragon Riders but also for other forces. There wasn’t much time left for everyone; all sides were striving to seek opportunities.

Two well-born female Knights from the Anya Kingdom had already hooked up with Northlanders and were preparing to discuss marriage. It was said that their Princess and Prince had also arrived in Northland City, planning to undergo long-term training there. The girls of the Bran Family didn’t worry about marriage because that small family had more men than women, so it would be difficult for the Prince to win the beauty. However, the genuine Princess had great hope, though no one knew which poor lad would get lucky.

The Dragon Riders had clearly fallen behind in many areas but could do nothing about it. Their actions against Bran had never gained the Northlands’ forgiveness. People could forgive enemies but found it hard to forgive betrayal by friends. In fact, the Dragon Riders were very glad Bran didn’t hold a grudge, which meant the Northlands couldn’t pursue the matter further either.

What truly baffled the Dragon Riders were the Scholars. How had they secured a place by Bran’s side? They seemed to have slipped into Northland City without paying any price and even became members of the White Robes.

As they became more familiar, Jose revealed more unbelievable information, the most shocking of which was—the War of the Gods. Many things didn’t need to be said to give people rather unpleasant associations.

The human heart cannot withstand scrutiny. Even actions with no selfish motives, after some scrutiny, could spawn many dirty thoughts, especially since Bran himself had some dark thoughts.

Jose was ordered to give the Dragon Riders a gift: a drop of Pool Water from the Pool of Foresight. The Dragon Riders secretly placed it on the central island. In return, they casually mentioned information about the Northlands in conversation.

The Dragon Riders were now in a dilemma. They neither trusted Bran nor these outsiders. Everyone knew this was merely an exchange; their value came from the existence of the Northlands. They passed information about these outsiders to Bran while also using information about Bran as a bargaining chip.

The Dragon Riders already knew these people’s main target was not Bran but his Sister. Bran was just the biggest stumbling block; these people were trying to find a way around him.

Just how strong was Lily? Why were those people interested in her? This was what the Dragon Riders wanted to know. Perhaps this answer could help them break free from their troubles and make a firm decision.

Most stories about Lily were hearsay, but Bran was well-known to the people here. The Dragon Riders had also probed Jose, mentioning Bran’s deeds of hunting down Alien Races’ Great Wizards, but Jose didn’t show much surprise.

He explained that true Great Wizards mostly stayed at home like Bran and wouldn’t venture out casually, let alone cross oceans to a strange land. If those people had taken action, Bran wouldn’t have gained an advantage.

The Dragon Riders left some things unsaid. They knew that Bran most likely wouldn’t have suffered a loss either. The evidence was that the sea Monster named Xina had ceased hostilities after a standoff with Bran. The Dragon Riders even believed Xina was the one who suffered the loss, which was why it dared not stir up trouble.

The Dragon Riders also knew that Bran seemed clearly very cautious about Jose’s faction; otherwise, he wouldn’t have let these people stay to cause discord.

Surrounded by enemies on all sides—this was the message Jose exchanged with the Dragon Riders. In return, the Dragon Riders told Jose about Xirui occupying the Ice Plains.

The Dragon Riders felt frustrated and also understood they were playing with fire. Ultimately, it was because they didn’t have their own Great Wizard. The Dragon Riders were now actively adjusting, hoping to attract the young Wizards from their clan back.

Jose told the Dragon Riders that a Continent’s capacity was limited; the later it was, the harder it would be to cross that threshold. If they wanted to achieve something, they must seize the opportunity.

The Dragon Riders were somewhat puzzled. Why didn’t Jose and these foreign Wizards achieve themselves at this time?

Jose very honestly told the Dragon Riders that the Continent beneath their feet had its own will. To become a Great Wizard, one must have the right timing and favorable terrain. Strangers and outsiders simply couldn’t gain the Continent’s approval, so the hope was slim.

But the Dragon Riders were different. Generations had lived here, and the land beneath their feet had already accepted them. The Wizards among the Dragon Riders were proof, and the Northlanders, who were also outsiders, were proof.

Jose hinted that the Saint who came this time was willing to provide them with help and necessary guidance. And after everything was over, he would lead the Dragon Riders back to their clan.

The Dragon Riders believed in the sincerity of these outsiders on this matter, but opportunity and risk went hand in hand. Bran didn’t care about them because they couldn’t threaten him. But once they had the ability to become a threat, would Bran strike first? By then, there might be no room for maneuver…

A tentative letter was sent from Eileen’s hand. Although this made her very uncomfortable, when it concerned the survival of the Dragon Riders, personal grievances seemed insignificant.

After receiving the letter, Bran sat in a daze for half a day. He needed to sort out many things. Although the Dragon Riders’ words were vague and evasive, the information within was very interesting.

Bran wanted to see if, with the help of that Saint, the Dragon Riders could truly have someone quickly become a Great Wizard. How important was the will of a place in this process?

He had never been able to understand why only the Wizards from his clan appeared in the Sea of Magic. He soaked in the Sea of Magic all day; if there were figures from other Alien Races, he should have noticed long ago.

The Wizards of the Emerald Continent called the Sea of Magic heaven, while the Amphibians used a similar term to his own—the Source Sea. So, were the Wizards entering the same place?

Acting on the idea of not letting benefits go to outsiders, Bran told the Dragon Riders in the city about this news, hoping some Wizards would return to their clan to vie for this opportunity. Even if they likely wouldn’t succeed, it would be good if it caused discord among them.

Bran’s active display puzzled Zoya, so she reminded Bran, “The Dragon Riders are a scourge; their thieving hearts won’t die.”

Bran shook his head. “None of us are good people, so let’s just watch and see. If they fail, it means the Dragon Riders lack capability, and that can put everyone at ease. If they succeed, it doesn’t matter either. That would be the best prey; a fresh, new, tender Fruit is enough to attract many eyes.

Besides, I don’t believe the so-called Saint would remain indifferent to a Fruit within reach. Too many people are secretly watching this place. You wouldn’t know how many fights I’ve had with those people recently. You also wouldn’t know how many malicious gazes have rested upon you.

To let the Little Wizards from the clan safely enter the Sea of Magic, I attracted too much attention here. And after they saw you, they were deeply captivated and reluctant to leave. Many are waiting for the moment you bear fruit.”

Bran chuckled. “They were very disappointed. You clearly have no obstacles left but still refuse to take that step.

I really don’t know whether to be anxious for you or let you keep dragging on.”

Zoya glanced sideways at Bran. “You’re confident you can protect me, right?”

Bran nodded. “With Huahua here, she can hide you.”

“Are those peeping eyes still there?”

“They can’t linger outside for too long; they could only leave full of resentment.” Bran pointed into the distance. “But the news has spread, so new peeping eyes always appear. My Mana Web has already extended beneath their feet. I don’t know if they haven’t noticed or think that tiny bit of Mana is too weak to be a threat to them.”

Zoya was somewhat displeased and ordered, “Quickly get rid of them.”

“Them? Barely managing to deal with one would be an achievement. Let’s wait a bit longer, pick one that’s easier to handle.”