Extraordinary Rise: Starting Contract with the Silver Dragon Countess

Chapter 348 Saintess Jialin's Handwritten Letter
At Cohen's command, every orc soldier on the battlefield began to roar to the sky, and mysterious, fiery red patterns appeared on their rough skin.

The bloodline talent of the orcs!
In an instant, all the orcs were enhanced into a frenzied state!
The momentum of the ten thousand orcs immediately overwhelmed Xia Zuo's army, and the battlefield began to shift towards a one-sided situation.

Xia Zuo felt a chill run through his body as the nightmare from Florence three years ago resurfaced in his mind.

Back then, the young king before me was just like he is now; no matter what cards I played, he could always handle them with ease.

Until he faced his ultimate defeat!

Xia Zuo's consciousness was awakened by the voice of the legendary-rank guard beside him:

"Your Highness, we have to leave. If we don't leave now, we won't be able to leave!"

Xia Zuo looked at the Imperial soldiers he had brought, who were preparing to fight Cohen in Ceylon. At this moment, they were being pushed back by the unstoppable offensive of the orcs.

One by one, the figures who had followed him to defeat countless opponents fell down.

Xia Zuo's heart was bleeding, but reason told him that he had to retreat.

If we don't leave now, we won't even be able to leave today.

Xia Zuo gave Cohen one last deep look, his eyes filled with icy killing intent and intense resentment.

Then, under the desperate protection of four legendary guards, they retreated towards Quesaon.

The only good thing about this battle compared to the last one in Florence is that it didn't take place on Effie's territory.

As long as they can retreat to the area controlled by Gaius's side, the other side will not dare to pursue them too far.

Mechanical sounds kept ringing in Cohen's ears, and his experience points began to accumulate rapidly.

Before long, he was only a hair's breadth away from breaking through to the Gold rank.

Cohen slowly opened his eyes, and Viscount Leon, the old patriarch of the Lothermar family, looked at Cohen with a face full of awe.

He lacked any of the dignity expected of a legendary-level transcendent being.

Cohen's performance tonight has completely subdued this veteran nobleman who has been navigating the ups and downs of the Kingdom of Ceylon for many years.

Leading the army to a head-on victory against the special forces and elite troops under the command of the First Prince of the Continent!

Within a day, the news will spread throughout the entire continent.

At that time, King Cohen Corleone of Effie will once again shock the continent!
Cohen watched Xia Zuo's fleeing figure and chuckled softly:
"This kid's ability to escape is just as good as last time."

Sandy Cruz, the ninth Star Envoy of the Star Clan, approached Cohen and said:

“They have already withdrawn from the Gavin region. If we pursue them any further, we will be facing the legendary class of Ceylon.”

Cohen nodded and said:
"No need to chase him. The First Prince of the Mainland is not so easy to catch. Let him go back to the country. This time he fled alone in a sorry state again. You can imagine what his situation will be like after he returns home."

Sandy's eyes flickered as he glanced around, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

Cohen could tell that the other person clearly had something they wanted to say to him.

Cohen said to Arnold:

"Let them surrender, let them hand over their divine and demonic equipment."

The rest are temporarily entrusted to Freya's custody, while I demand ransom from the Eastern Empire.

It's outrageous that a principality would demand a ransom from a major empire.

Arnold hesitated for a moment, then asked:
"Your Majesty, isn't this too risky?"

Cohen said with a smile:

"I was just saying it casually, how could I really extort the Eastern Region Empire so blatantly?"

I have already decided that I will have someone deliver this personal letter to Emperor Eberron.

For example, when our side was inspecting the defenses for the Princess of Ceylon, they unexpectedly discovered a group of wandering expatriates from the Eastern Empire.

Out of humanitarian concern, the Effie Army helped them temporarily settle in Gavin Territory.

Please, Your Majesty, send someone to bring them back.

Of course, we need to reimburse these overseas Chinese for their food and lodging expenses over the past few days before bringing them back!
"Yes, it's the same in the Central Empire. I don't think two great empires would try to cheat us out of a few meals!"

A deep respect welled up in Arnold's eyes as he said:

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will take care of it right away."

After Arnold left, Cohen waved for the people around him to leave temporarily, leaving only Sandy, the Ninth Star Envoy of the Star Clan, present.

Cohen's face still held a reassuring smile as he asked softly:

"Does the Ninth Star Envoy have anything to say to me?"

Sandy looked flattered and quickly said:

"I am not worthy of the title of Holy Son. Holy Son, just call me Sandy."

Regardless of whether Cohen, the Holy Son, has a queen or a princess, in the eyes of the Starry Clan, he is the Holy Maiden's future husband and one of the Starry Clan's patriarchs.

Cohen didn't care about these details and waved his hand in acknowledgment:
"Speak, what is it that you want to talk to me about in private?"

Sandy then spoke:
"Your Holiness, before the Holy Maiden came, she gave me a handwritten letter, instructing me to deliver it to you personally."

A letter from Jialin to herself?
Cohen felt a little surprised. He and Jialin had a special way to communicate. Was there anything they couldn't say through the communication stone?
Why still use such a primitive method as human messengers?

Moreover, why did this Ninth Star Envoy not bring out the letter earlier, but waited until after he had dealt with the armies of the two great empires to produce it?

Cohen's intuition told him that the letter might be related to the affairs of the two great empires.

He thought for a moment and asked:
"If I fail to defeat Xia Zuo and Qiao Lun's army tonight, will you not take out this letter again?"

Sandy bowed slightly, his words filled with admiration:

"Yes, that's what the Holy Maiden instructed me to do."

Cohen fell silent, took the letter Sandy handed him, and opened it right in front of her. What came into view were elegant and artistic characters.

I didn't realize that Saint Jialin, who usually has a holy and dignified appearance, would have such a style of handwriting.

The letter was short and its meaning was simple; Cohen read it quickly.

He then fell into deep thought.

After a long silence, Cohen looked up at Sandy and said in a deep voice:

"You know the contents of the letter, don't you?"

Sandy nodded without hesitation and said:

"Yes, the Holy Maiden told me that when she handed me the letter."

Cohen asked:

"If I agree to Jialin's plan, will you be the one to carry it out?"

Sandy replied:
"There is another member of our clan. We have similar talents in the power of words, both of us are capable of modifying memories and interfering with wills."

Cohen then asked:

I have two questions.

First, have you done this often before? I mean, things like altering memories and interfering with willpower.

Second, what is the success rate, and are there any serious consequences?

Sandy answered without much hesitation, clearly having received prior instructions from Garlin:
The first question is, this is an important means for our Starburst Clan to develop intelligence channels.

The second question has never been answered without failure. The power of the Star Language is beyond Your Majesty's imagination.

Moreover, we always use high-level superhumans to interfere with the will of low-level superhumans, and we've never failed.

Cohen fell into deep thought again.

The contents of Jialin's letter were to ask Cohen to agree to her brainwashing and interference with the high-ranking officers of the Central Empire and the Eastern Empire who had been captured.

Twisting their memories to make them identify as members of the Star Clan from the bottom of their hearts—in other words, making them the most loyal intelligence spies of the Star Clan in the future.

The high-ranking officers who were able to come out with Prince Xiazuo and Qiao Lun must have been their trusted subordinates.

In other words, they are also high-ranking figures in their respective empires. Controlling them would be extremely beneficial to both the future development of the Star Clan and the development of Cohen's own military intelligence.

Cohen wasn't worried about anything else; he just felt that the Star Clan's method was very familiar, just like the one used by the [God of Truth and Memory] Loshien Hidden.

This gave him a slight sense of unease.

Is there any connection between the two?

Cohen gently shook his head, suppressing his suspicions, and nodded, saying:
"Since you have confidence, then go ahead and do it."

However, I must remind you that even though these officers hold prestigious positions, they will still be subject to extremely strict political vetting and surveillance upon returning home.

You'd better not leave any evidence that could be used against you.

Sandy's voice was filled with confidence:

"Your Majesty, rest assured, we have extensive practical experience. We thank Your Majesty for your support. We have never had the opportunity to capture so many high-ranking figures of the Empire at once."

Cohen waved his hand and said:

"You call me Holy Son, so naturally I must do my part for the development of the Starry Sky Clan. Let's hurry up."

I reckon the two great empires will come to ransom us soon!

Cohen watched Sandy leave, and the battlefield below had been almost completely cleaned up.

On Joren's side, Freya had already released the spatial restriction array as agreed.

Joren naturally used the spatial teleportation scroll to leave Ceylon immediately.

Melantha, who plays "Pirate King Yann Hughes," also used the scroll given to her by Cohen to leave the battlefield and return home early to await Cohen's triumphant return.

With things mostly settled, Cohen didn't linger any longer.

He still needs to go back to prepare for the attack on the Ceylon border legion.

Asuna had been waiting for a long time, just waiting for Cohen to fire the first shot.

Having just emerged from a major battle, Cohen first needed to allow his troops some time to regroup before launching a general offensive on the Ceylon border, aiming to completely unite Efein and Coronation City geographically.

As he was leaving, Cohen suddenly stopped, turned his head slightly, and stared in one direction for a long time.

Then he suddenly let out a laugh that was hard to understand, and left the battlefield with the others.

...After Cohen left, a long time passed, and from the spot he had been gazing at, a deep voice drifted on the wind:
"He's found us! What a terrible enemy!"

Prince Jinlunga Cox of the Northern Empire emerged from the shadows, gazing in the direction the other had departed, and let out a sigh.

The legendary-rank guards protecting him also showed signs of unease.
"Your Highness, why didn't he attack us?"

Jinlunjia's eyes flashed with intense fighting spirit:
"Maybe they think we're not a threat."

This is going to be quite a spectacle for the Central Empire and the Eastern Empire.

The legendary guard said in a low voice:
"Your Highness, shall we tell everyone what happened tonight?"

Jinlunjia shook his head and said:

"We don't need to say anything. Such a big commotion, involving so many legends and armies, this is Gaius's territory. Do you think their people are deaf?"

Even if Xia Zuo and Qiao Lun don't say anything to save face, Gaius will definitely find a way to expose what happened today.

Ceylon would be more than happy to stir up hatred for Effie.

A thoughtful look appeared in the guard's eyes, and he then asked:

"Your Highness, what should we do next? King Efein rarely shows his face. Should we continue to follow him?"

Jinlunjia shook his head:
"The look he gave us just now was also a warning."

With the power he displayed tonight, he could easily keep the two of us here.

His decision not to do so is a way of giving the Northern Empire face, and we shouldn't go too far. I've already met the person; the rest will be decided at the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

On the ring, you have to rely entirely on your own true strength.

The greater his fame now, the more divine favor I will receive after defeating him and obtaining the 'Strongest Silver'!

"Yes, Your Highness."

……

Arnold also noticed Cohen's actions before he left.

On the way, Arnold asked:
"Your Majesty, was there anyone else there just now?"

Cohen nodded slowly:

"They seem to be from the Northern Empire, with legendary-level guards, so their status is probably not low."

Arnold asked:

"Aren't you going to deal with it?"

Cohen shook his head and said:
"No need. They're probably just here to watch the show. We can't afford to offend everyone."

Our gains today are already significant and eye-catching enough. It's estimated that in less than two days, the entire continent will know that we have acquired all of the Southern Empire's assets in the Northwest Continent.

Moreover, they extorted money from two great empires.

Arnold asked in confusion:
"Would Xia Zuo and Qiao Lun go back and spread this disgraceful thing around?"

Cohen said softly:

"It's not the two of them, it's Gaius who will definitely spread the word about what happened here, to stir up hatred for me and relieve the pressure he's facing now."

We're not far from the Ceylon border. Although they're not involved in the fighting, they're definitely keeping a close eye on our movements. What happened tonight can't be kept secret for long.”

A worried look appeared in Arnold's eyes, and Cohen continued:

"But there's no need to worry too much. We, Effie, have long been coveted by the entire continent. There are many people who want us, so we don't care about this one time."

Alright, I'll handle this. Your next task is to quickly plan an attack on the Ceylon border and try to open up the border between the two countries before the Noble Martial Arts Festival.

According to the unwritten rules of the continent, all disputes on the continent must be temporarily suspended during the All Nations Nobles' Martial Arts Festival.

Even in a war of annihilation where a nation's survival is at stake, a ceasefire must be entered.

In order to prevent Gaius from making a final stand on the border, Cohen was determined to completely annihilate the Ceylon border legion before the Noble Martial Arts Festival, and to connect the southern border of Efein with the City of Crown.

To build up strength for the next stage of the war of annihilation.

Arnold's attitude was equally clear: it was not only out of loyalty to his lord, but also for the sake of his daughter's future.

The two discussed the specific battle plan, and not long after, Sandy, the ninth Star Envoy of the Star Clan, appeared.

Cohen knew that the other party had probably already completed the brainwashing of the high-ranking officers among the prisoners of war from the two great empires.

Although Arnold had earned his complete trust, Cohen, out of consideration for the Starbringers, still made a gesture of avoidance towards Arnold.

After Arnold left, Sandy finally spoke:
"Seven from the Central Empire and ten from the Eastern Empire."

This is the list; please confirm it, Your Majesty.

Cohen took it, glanced at it casually, and asked:

"Is the process going well?"

Sandy answered quickly:
"It went very smoothly, without any problems. In fact, they have already started working for us."

These are some pieces of intelligence they've provided that I believe are valuable, one of which concerns the third prince of the Kingdom of Ceylon, Saxon, and I think His Highness the Holy Son would be interested in it.

Cohen raised an eyebrow, took the intelligence report Sandy handed him, and began to read it.

Upon seeing the contents of the intelligence report, Cohen immediately recalled a deal between the Saxons and the Eastern Empire that he had accidentally discovered while monitoring the Saxons and Andrei.

This intelligence report details the specifics of the transaction.

The Eastern Empire provided the Saxons with five thousand sets of divine and demonic equipment, and the Saxons agreed to declare war on Effie after ascending the throne.

Sandy added from the side:

"This intelligence was provided by the deputy commander of the guards of Prince Xia Zuo Tang of the Eastern Region Empire."

I suspect that this deputy commander is in charge of forging the divine and demonic equipment.

Cohen's eyes lit up. Five thousand sets of divine and demonic equipment—that was a fortune.

The information provided by the deputy commander was very detailed, including the time and place. Cohen pondered for a while and then passed the information to his sister, the queen, deciding to entrust the matter to her.

Cohen added his own suggestion: it would be best to use this incident to stir up conflict between the Saxons and Shazo.

After dealing with these matters, Sandy asked one more question:
"By the way, before you came, Your Majesty, I wanted to ask when Your Majesty plans to send our Restoration Army into Ceylon?"

The orc legion that Cohen promised to train for the Starbringers has been gathering in the Southern Territory for a long time, just waiting for the right moment to invade Ceylon and establish its own territory.

Cohen replied:

"It will be soon, in the next few days. Once Marshal Arnold and Grand Duke Iliad have finalized the battle plan, we can officially begin the war."

Sandy's face lit up with excitement upon hearing this; what the Starbringers had failed to accomplish over generations was finally about to be achieved by them.

Sandy was incredibly grateful that their Starburst Clan's leader for this generation was a saintess; otherwise, it would have been difficult to attract such a brilliant and ambitious human king to cooperate with them.

Indeed, in Sandy's eyes, His Majesty Corleone, who has many female confidantes, has clearly been captivated by the beauty of their Saintess.

Sandy suppressed his thoughts and continued:

"By the way, Your Majesty, we have brought back another batch of orcs from the Land of Dragons. These orcs also contain a trace of dragon blood in their bloodline."

The Holy Maiden's intention is to hand these orcs over to the Holy Son, so that he can command them all and unleash their full power.

Cohen's eyes lit up; Sandy's words had piqued his interest.

A half-orc with a trace of dragon blood—that's top-tier combat power among half-orcs.

As expected of the Starburst Clan, they not only managed to find it, but also managed to transport it from the heavily guarded Dragon Continent.

He now increasingly feels that allying with the Starbringers was the right choice.

It not only makes up for the current lack of high-end combat power in Effie, but also helps him establish military intelligence stations in various parts of the continent. Now it can even provide Effie with a continuous supply of high-quality orc soldiers.

Saintess Jialin is really kind; with such a powerful source of troops, her first thought was still for herself. Cohen probably had Isa's influence on this a lot.

He was originally worried about the source of soldiers for the special forces. Ordinary orcs would be fine, but the "special forces" army would have to carry two divine and demonic equipment, and also undergo the enhancement of Cohen's "Banner of Command" rune and the enhancement of bloodline talents.

With the four effects stacked together, even if an ordinary orc could barely withstand it, the damage to their body and soul would be considerable, and they would probably have to be rotated out and retired before long.

Training a "special forces" soldier costs an astronomical amount of money and resources. If the rotation speed is too fast, Effie's current size simply cannot afford it.

Cohen has been slow to begin building a "special forces" army, partly to avoid exposing his identity as "Yan Hughes," and partly due to a lack of suitable recruits.

Sandy's news directly solved Cohen's immediate problem.

Cohen quickly said to Sandy:
“Very good, I understand. I will send people to follow up immediately. Once the training is complete, your Starburst Clan will also have a share of these orcs.”

Sandy's eyes flashed with a deeper meaning as he offered a reminder:

“Your Holiness, you are from our Starburst Clan.”

Cohen smiled and repeated:
"Yes, it's our Starburst Clan."

……

In the Eastern Empire, the atmosphere in the imperial court was exceptionally heavy.

Emperor Eberon listened to Prince Xia Zuo's report with a blank expression, his indifference keeping all the ministers and officials from uttering a sound.

With a heavy heart, Xia Zuo gave his uncle, the emperor, and his ministers a detailed report on what had happened in the Kingdom of Ceylon.

He initially wanted to keep it a secret, and didn't even return to China immediately, hoping to avoid the storm for a while.

Soon, news of Gaius spread from the Northwest Continent, and all sorts of rumors and gossip emerged.

Some even say that Prince Shahzo died in the Kingdom of Ceylon.

This forced Xia Zuo to return to China ahead of schedule to quickly clarify the facts.

Xia Zuo dared not hide anything. Since His Majesty the Emperor already knew about it, the only way to salvage the situation was to confess everything.

When Xia Zuo's last syllable disappeared, an unusual silence fell over the entire court.

Many ministers looked on in astonishment, staring incredulously at Prince Xiazuo, who remained silent with his head bowed.

The other party's words were simply too unbelievable. They could not imagine that the number one prince of the continent would lead four legendary-level superhumans, five thousand elite troops, and five hundred special forces troops.

To think that they would be defeated once again by the king of that remote northwestern country!

(End of this chapter)