Transmigrated with a Demon-Refining Pot: Hehehe, Refine in an instant

The meeting continued at the waterfront castle.

"Let's stop for a moment," Boris said, and the room fell silent for a moment.

Locke couldn't help but ask, "Sir, are we just going to let this go?"

"never mind?"

Boris glanced at him: "When did I say 'never mind'?"

"Since the River Bend has high-ranking knights as squires, we must change our approach to dealing with them."

He paused, then continued, "That high-ranking official in the River Bend territory is most likely supported by his family. It's uncertain whether he'll stay in the pioneering lands for long; he might leave any day now."

"And the high-ranking members of our Linshui Territory are myself, Locke, and we cannot leave."

Colin nodded: "Does Your Excellency mean you can afford to wait?"

"right."

Boris leaned back in his chair: "If we go head-to-head now, and he manages to replace Locke, wouldn't I be at a disadvantage?"

The two fell silent.

Boris continued, "And that kid isn't stupid. The fact that he didn't come to Blackie's rescue last night means he knows he can't beat me."

This kind of person, if you push them too far, will fight you to the death. If you don't push them, they'll lower their guard.

Locke seemed thoughtful: "Does Your Excellency mean... to appease him first?"

"Yes." Boris nodded.

"Let him think I want to make peace and don't want to waste time with him. Whether that high-ranking person leaves or not, it's fine."

Unless he stays holed up in the manor, he'll always find an opportunity. He'll either do nothing, or he'll go all out and kill him in one fell swoop.

Colin asked, "So what do we do now?"

Boris thought for a moment:

"Send men to the surrounding lords to spread the word, and mention the salt mines of the River Bend Territory in the meantime."

"The salt mines over there have a considerable output, and I've heard the quality is quite good. It's a pity it's under a new lord; I wonder if it's stable."

Locke paused for a moment, then said, "This is...?"

Boris smirked. "We're not the only ones eyeing that piece of meat."

"That poor wretch from Maolin Ridge, that cripple from Black Stone Territory, and those lords to the south—who wouldn't want a bite?"

Colin laughed: "You're brilliant, sir. Let them try, we'll watch from behind."

Boris stood up, walked to the window, and looked eastward.

Meanwhile, at River Bend Estate.

Ron stood before the ruins of Blackberry Village, his face revealing neither joy nor anger.

The charred wood was still smoking, and several half-collapsed brick walls stood crookedly.

Perrin stood beside him, holding the ledger and reporting the losses. Ron listened and nodded.

"The fallen guards will receive double the compensation, which will be sent back to their families. Tell the others that those who follow me, Ron, will not die in vain."

Perrin responded and wrote it down in the ledger.

Ron paused: "Also, pick a few capable serfs who have returned to replace the dead stewards."

Tell the others who did a good job; they'll be in charge from now on.

Perrin's eyes lit up: "Sir, this is a great idea. They'll definitely be eager to do it."

Ron didn't reply and strode towards the manor.

Back inside, Laun, Gray, and Hart were already waiting.

Ron sat down and glanced at the three of them.

"You all know what happened last night." He paused.

"Next, tighten the defenses and don't give him a chance. Add double posts to the shallows to the west, and expand the patrol area. If he comes again, report it immediately, but don't chase him."

The three nodded.

Ron looked at Lauen: "You stay, I have something to tell you."

After Gray and Hart left, Ron took a small wooden box from the cupboard and placed it on the table.

"These are the newly harvested potion fields, thirty bottles of rose potion." He pushed the box in front of Laun.

"You've been with the family the longest and are the most stable. Now the territory needs a high-ranking person who can keep things in check."

Laun was stunned: "Sir, this..."

"How long will it take to break through?" Ron asked.

Laun was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "Two months. If there are enough potions, one month."

"Then one month it will be." Ron stood up.

"From today onwards, you don't need to worry about anything outside. Focus on your cultivation, and the potion fields will prioritize supplying you with their produce. Hart will temporarily take over as your patrol captain."

Lauen bowed respectfully: "Your subordinate will certainly live up to your expectations, sir."

He took the wooden box and went outside, leaving Ron alone in the room.

Ron walked to the window and looked westward.

One month.

Boris, can you give me a month?

The next morning, Perrin hurriedly knocked on the door and came in.

"My lord, someone has arrived from Linshui Territory."

Ron's heart skipped a beat: "What is it?"

"They said it was to deliver relief supplies." Perrin's expression was strange.

"He also conveyed that yesterday's caravan incident was a misunderstanding. Bandits roamed the area last night, causing trouble on both sides. Baron Boris wishes to have more exchanges with you, so that we can get along well as neighbors in the future."

After listening, Ron remained silent for a while, then suddenly laughed.

Where are they?

"Wait at the manor gate."

Ron sat back down in his chair: "Leave the grain, and send the man away. Tell the man who came that I appreciate Baron Boris's kindness and will invite him for drinks another day when I have time."

Perrin responded and turned to leave.

Ron leaned back in his chair, gazing at the morning light outside the window.

Boris, you're really something! You come here acting like nothing's wrong, trying to make me lower my guard.

Ron decided that he would kill Boris if he had the chance.

This wasteland cannot tolerate such an awesome person!!

Perfect timing. I need time too.

The messenger who delivered the grain to the waterfront castle returned that afternoon.

After listening to the report, Boris nodded: "Received it?"

"I'll take it," the man said.

"Baron Ron also said that he appreciates your kindness and would like to treat you to drinks another day when he has time."

Boris chuckled. "This kid is interesting."

He paused, then asked, "Have the surrounding lords sent anyone?"

"Sent."

Locke said, "The news should spread in the next few days."

Boris hummed in agreement, walked to the window, and looked eastward.

"Then let's wait and see who can't hold back first."

In the evening, Ron stood by the window, watching the sky gradually darken in the west.

Perrin came in to report: "Sir, the wall construction at Black Mulberry Village has begun, and a batch of timber has been transported there. The serfs are working very hard, and the newly promoted foremen are even more dedicated than the previous ones."

Ron nodded without saying anything.

Perrin hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Sir, what should we do about the situation in Linshui Territory?"

"Just pretend nothing happened!"

Ron chuckled. "He already offered a way out!"

"Have the guards train hard, and have the knights stay in the manor instead of stationing them in the village. Concentrate your forces."

He turned to look at Perrin: "Don't stop clearing out the monsters. Just send the guards down there. Knights, try not to be alone."

Palin nodded as if he understood, and then left.

Ron walked back to the window, thinking: I'm waiting for the skill, Boris, what are you waiting for?

Laun is already in seclusion. In a month, he will have two high-level cultivators on his side.

At that time—

Ron's lips twitched slightly.