Faced with Fang Zheng’s words, everyone present was stunned. It took a while before they finally reacted.
"Arrogant!"
"Rude!"
"Outrageous!"
The crowd glared at Fang Zheng, loudly reprimanding him.
"Absolutely disrespectful! Such an arrogant man should be captured immediately!"
"Guards! Where are the guards?! Capture the murderer who killed Lord Roswaal immediately!"
The hall quickly descended into chaos, and armed soldiers rushed over, surrounding Fang Zheng and his group.
However, at that moment, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Please wait a moment."
This voice seemed to possess some sort of magical power, instantly calming the commotion in the hall. Fang Zheng turned his head to see a cheerful young man with red hair approaching, watching Fang Zheng with a serious expression.
"Mr. Fang Zheng, don’t you think your previous comments were somewhat disrespectful to the late Lord Roswaal? Regardless, even though Lord Roswaal was like that, he was still someone who made significant contributions to Lugnica. I hope you can retract your disrespectful remarks."
"I refuse."
Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow at the red-haired young man.
"I don’t know the status and influence of this Roswaal in your Lugnica, but as far as I am concerned, he was just a person involved in colluding with the Witch Cult to attack villages, causing a massacre, and was foolish enough to attack me. So, calling him an ant or a bug is my freedom."
"I see. I understand your point."
The red-haired young man nodded, accepting Fang Zheng’s explanation.
However, not everyone was as understanding as the red-haired young man.
"Absurd! Arbitrarily murdering a foreign noble and insulting Lord Roswaal like this?"
"Unforgivable! Absolutely unforgivable!!"
Civil officials roared at Fang Zheng, while military officers wore varied expressions but none looked pleased. Although they targeted Roswaal, Fang Zheng’s attitude also showed disdain for the Kingdom of Lugnica. As knights defending the kingdom, they obviously couldn’t regard Fang Zheng favorably.
"Are you done talking nonsense?"
Fang Zheng picked at his ears and flicked his little finger.
"So, besides all this whining like defeated dogs, do you have anything else to say? If not, I won’t waste my time here."
At that moment, the elder finally spoke.
"So you admit to killing Roswaal and show no reflection or intention to apologize or express remorse?"
"That’s right. For an idiot who tried to kill me without saying a word but was counter-killed due to a lack of skill, I have no reason to apologize nor any remorse. I came here only out of minimal courtesy, as that man said. Although to me, the Joker was just a bug, it seems he was a reputable figure in your country. So, coming here to explain the cause and process of his death is reasonable. But other than that, I never planned to do anything... don’t expect compensation, because I don’t think I killed the wrong person or did anything wrong."
Fang Zheng calmly answered, but his response only added fuel to the fire.
"Nonsense! Besides, how could a mere border village compare to Lord Roswaal?"
"Judging from the previous image, wasn’t it a village of the Ghost Clan? The Ghost Clan is just a detestable existence. Even if killed, what’s the problem? They’re just a savage tribe..."
"Are those two girls the survivors of the Ghost Clan? Does that mean they are the reason Lord Roswaal died? They should be captured and executed immediately!"
"Heh heh..."
The previously tumultuous hall instantly fell into deathly silence.
An unparalleled Dragon Might descended, making the faces of those present go pale.
"In my eyes, you bugs present here are not even worth a single hair of these two girls."
Fang Zheng extended his hand, gently stroking the previously curled-up Rem and Ram, who were subjected to hateful glances from the crowd. Though they were prepared, being targeted in such an environment with insults and blames was something they had never experienced.
As a result, the two girls were tense and rigid.
However, feeling Fang Zheng’s touch, their tense bodies gradually relaxed.
"Just looking at them is annoying, and listening to them talk is even more disgusting."
At this point, Fang Zheng’s expression slightly darkened.
"Originally, I just wanted to ask if anyone knew about the Witch Cult and then tell you how Roswaal really died, but now I’ve changed my mind."
As Fang Zheng spoke, the Dragon Might that shrouded the hall suddenly retracted, and those suffocated by it finally came to their senses. However, this time, none dared to speak; everyone looked around nervously, pale-faced. The terrifying presence that appeared out of nowhere had left an indelible mark on their hearts. Even the most foolish person knew that the man before them was not to be trifled with.
"What do you want?!"
McLottoff glared at Fang Zheng with a grave expression, shouting sternly. He wasn’t an idiot. As a representative of the Sage Association, the elder could sense the terrifying pressure earlier. It was unprecedentedly horrifying. He was beginning to regret discussing this issue with Fang Zheng in such a setting.
Initially, McLottoff hoped to leverage the pressure of the entire Kingdom of Lugnica to gain an advantageous position, but now it seemed this tactic was completely ineffective against the man before him.
Reflecting on the information he previously received about Fang Zheng, if it were true...
"It’s very simple."
Fang Zheng extended a single finger.
"Land and reparations."
"What?"
Everyone was stunned by this.
"To be honest, given your earlier rude comments, I initially planned to kill you all. But considering the circumstances, I’ll give you a chance... If you’re willing to cede a piece of land to me, I’ll let you go. Otherwise, you won’t see the sunrise tomorrow."
This wasn’t something Fang Zheng just thought of; it was already an idea. After all, his current castle was located within the territory of the Re-Estize Kingdom. Although it was considered personal land, it was somewhat inconvenient. Since this would be Fang Zheng’s base in this world, he naturally wanted to make it more proper. If he could acquire land of his own, it would be even better.
Originally, Fang Zheng planned to find a time to develop unoccupied land but since the folks from Lugnica decided to provoke him, he wouldn’t hold back.
"You’re threatening us!"
"Yes, it’s a threat. Since you dared to speak arrogantly in front of me, you must pay the price. Now, choose for yourself."
Fang Zheng spread his hands.
"Land or your lives?"
"Are you really so confident in your strength?"
Looking at Fang Zheng, even the composed McLottoff couldn’t help feeling a bit angry.
"Certainly."
"Well, if that’s the case, I can agree to your demands, but... I also have one condition."
"Speak."
```
"Reinhard."
Responding to the summons, the red-haired man who had previously conversed with Fang Zheng stepped forward. Upon seeing him, the civil officials around him breathed a sigh of relief.
"This is our nation’s strongest knight, Sword Saint Reinhard van Astraea. His strength far exceeds Roswaal. If you can defeat him, then everything you said is true, and Lugnica will be willing to apologize for our faults and rudeness."
"Oh, what if I lose?"
"Then we sincerely apologize, but as the murderer of Roswaal, you must stay here."
"I understand. Fine, no problem. If you had said it earlier, it would have been settled."
Hearing this, Fang Zheng nodded. It seems this was the plan the Sage Association had from the start. He wasn’t aware of how strong Reinhard was, but seeing the confidence of the Sage Association’s elder in calling this man out without hesitation on such a serious matter of territorial concession, coupled with the Savior arrival expressions surrounding Reinhard, it was clear this man’s strength was undoubtedly top-notch in this country.
In other words, even without the previous theatrics, the Sage Association would likely have had this Reinhard intervene, right?
"Then, let’s settle it here."
"It’s better to go outside; it wouldn’t be good to cause damage to the surroundings."
Facing Fang Zheng’s proposal, Reinhard shook his head, while Fang Zheng shrugged.
"It will just take one sword... Alright, whatever you say."
After saying this, Fang Zheng turned and walked out of the hall with two girls, while Reinhard followed with a helpless smile. Others exchanged glances and followed, their faces showing schadenfreude or indignation.
Fang Zheng’s last words were heard by them as well, and they all thought the other was extremely arrogant. What a joke, who is Reinhard? He is the kingdom’s strongest knight, holding the title of Sword Saint. He and Roswaal are not in the same league! Even if you can defeat Roswaal, you certainly won’t be an opponent for Reinhard!
In their perspective, this young man definitely got conceited after defeating Roswaal, thinking he was invincible. Well, let’s see how his arrogant face twists when defeated by Reinhard’s sword!
Soon, the two stood on the square outside the palace. Fang Zheng summoned his Black and White Twin Swords, while Reinhard casually borrowed a sword from a knight.
"You’re not using your own sword?"
Watching Reinhard’s actions, Fang Zheng couldn’t help but be curious, while Reinhard smiled with some embarrassment.
"I’m very sorry, it’s not that I look down on you, Mr. Fang Zheng, but you see, this Dragon Sword..."
"Swish!!"
However, before Reinhard could finish speaking, the sword at his waist suddenly unsheathed itself, the blade sparkling with a cold light, releasing an invisible pressure.
Witnessing this, all the onlookers were shocked.
"The Dragon Sword actually unsheathed itself?"
"Legend has it that the Dragon Sword only unsheathes itself when facing a necessary opponent; could this man really be that strong?"
Oh... so it has this kind of trait.
Hearing this, Fang Zheng finally understood why Reinhard borrowed another’s sword. Although the sword was named Dragon Sword, Fang Zheng indeed sensed a faint Dragon Might from it, plus, this country is known as a dragon-friendly nation—could this sword have connections with something called a Divine Dragon?
But just as Fang Zheng was pondering, Restia and Ester became displeased. As Sword Sprites, they too have pride. Although Reinhard’s Dragon Sword also possesses spirit wisdom, compared to the two Sword Sprites, it’s just the difference between monkeys and humans. Restia and Ester now seem to be watching a monkey flaunting its prowess in front of their master—how could they stand for it?!
Soon, a faint glow emanated from Fang Zheng’s Black and White Twin Swords, with two invisible pressures instantly spreading out. Feeling these pressures, the Dragon Sword, which had just unsheathed halfway, froze, then slowly began retracting?!
The Dragon Sword is afraid?
Others didn’t feel it, but Reinhard did, astonishing him. He never thought his Dragon Sword could feel fear and dread!
"Alright, stop toying around."
At this moment, Fang Zheng came to his senses, tapping the two swords, and Restia and Ester withdrew their pressure, releasing the Dragon Sword, which no longer flaunted but lay obediently in Reinhard’s hand like a dead person.
"Then, forgive my disrespect."
Gripping the Dragon Sword, Reinhard’s expression grew increasingly solemn. The fact that the opponent could make the Dragon Sword feel dread indicates formidable strength, but simultaneously, Reinhard felt a bit of anticipation; after all, he has never experienced such a battle before.
"No need to be courteous."
Compared to others, Fang Zheng found Reinhard rather pleasant; he was a man of manners, unlike others who were obnoxious.
Yet, Fang Zheng wouldn’t go easy because of that.
"Well then, here I come."
As he spoke, Fang Zheng raised his Pitch Black Greatsword, and soon, flames soared from it.
Then, Fang Zheng stepped forward, and swung his sword.
Just one step.
Those observing only saw a flicker in front of their eyes, followed by a thunderous roar spreading in all directions. The sound was like a hammer, heavily striking their hearts. Military officers and knights with sufficient strength managed, but many civil officials rolled their eyes and fainted on the spot, leaving the remainder dazed and feeling nauseous.
But when they straightened themselves, all they saw was Fang Zheng standing there with his greatsword, but Reinhard was nowhere in sight. Instead, they noticed a long track extending into the distance toward the city walls—the sturdy wall had been shattered.
Could it be...?
Seeing this, everyone widened their eyes in shock as an inconceivable thought surfaced in their minds.
Surely not... could this man really have defeated Lugnica’s strongest knight Reinhard with just one strike?!
"Get up, I didn’t use my full strength."
Fang Zheng looked toward the distant ruins and spoke, followed by a figure jumping out and returning to face Fang Zheng.
It was Reinhard, albeit disheveled, with a torn cloak and armor, looking like he had just been through a battle.
"I lost."
Reinhard lowered his head, but his tone didn’t sound heavy.
"Mr. Fang Zheng’s strength is indeed unfathomable, admirable."
"Your power is quite interesting too."
Facing Reinhard, Fang Zheng chuckled, and he wasn’t wrong; during his strike against Reinhard, he felt the entire world seemingly gather to attempt to stop him.
This sensation bore resemblance to Fang Zheng’s experience facing world’s attacks in the World of Love; however, Reinhard wasn’t a main character, so when Fang Zheng burnt Primordial Fire to counter, Reinhard wasn’t protected by a core barrier. Thus, Fang Zheng’s strike broke through world protection, directly knocking him away.
It’s rare to directly obtain world protection, and if Fang Zheng wasn’t a deity from Another World, he’d probably lose.
No wonder the Sage Association would confidently push him forward; anyone else would struggle against Reinhard. Unfortunately for Reinhard, his opponent was Fang Zheng, and he wasn’t a main character or core villain, so he didn’t benefit from core barrier protection. Therefore, Reinhard, in terms of this world’s essence, belongs to those who can die without causing world collapse.
If it were Lina Inverse, that’s a different scenario... but now...
"Enough."
Fang Zheng put away the Twin Swords, looking at the surrounding spectators with unpleasant expressions.
"Anyone have any objections?"

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