77: Dragonscale Knights

Xiaoqing carried Linn, galloping wantonly across the New Moon Plain like a pale green bolt of lightning.

The wind whistled by his ears, and every powerful stride of his mount beneath him transmitted surging strength, while the scenery on both sides retreated rapidly, blurring into a colorful smear.

Linn leaned low, feeling this unprecedented extreme speed, almost like flying close to the ground, his heart filled with soaring ambition.

With Xiaoqing, distances that previously required careful planning for several days of travel might now be covered in a single day, and the control and reaction speed over the entire Shattered Star Island would be elevated to a whole new level!

After a circle of galloping, having fully vented the joy of this newfound power and speed, Linn gently pulled on the mane at Xiaoqing's neck to signal it.

The intelligent Xiaoqing understood immediately, slowed its pace, and with proud and steady steps, carried its master back to the waiting army and herd of horses.

Linn jumped off the horse's back, his gaze sweeping across the robust herd of Dragon Scale Horses and the standing soldiers, a clear blueprint already forming in his mind.

He stood still, his voice clearly reaching the entire field: "Today, the Star Sea Territory has gained the help of the Dragon Scale Horse herd, adding wings to a tiger! However, a precious steed must be paired with a hero, and a Sharp Weapon must be held by a strong hand!"

His gaze was like a torch, first cast upon the young officer at the front of the Divine Arrow Army line. "Evan!"

"I am here!" Evan felt a jolt in his heart, stepped out of line quickly, and knelt on one knee.

"You have sharp insight, and are also steady and courageous; you are a talent worth molding." Linn's voice carried an unquestionable tone of appointment, "Now, I order: from this day forward, establish a new army for the Star Sea Territory—the 'Dragon Scale Knights'! Evan, I appoint you as the first commander of the Dragon Scale Knights, with military Rank and benefits equal to the commanding officers of other armies!"

Although he had some premonition, when this appointment truly fell upon him, especially when hearing the blood-pumping name "Dragon Scale Knights", Evan still felt a surge of immense joy and hot blood rushing to his head.

This was not just ordinary cavalry, but a unit with Rank 2 Demonic Beasts, the Dragon Scale Horses, as mounts; they were destined to become a famous ace force for the Star Sea Territory and even the entire kingdom! This trust and cultivation were as heavy as a mountain!

"Thank you, my Lord, for your cultivation! Your subordinate Evan swears to serve to the death, and will do everything in my power to train an invincible iron cavalry for you and for the Star Sea Territory!" Evan's voice trembled slightly with excitement, but his eyes were incomparably firm.

"Very good!" Linn nodded and continued to issue specific instructions, "The initial establishment of the Dragon Scale Knights will be three hundred men. You will lead the personnel selection, in coordination with Ocean Jack, Karl, and Shirei, to prioritize selecting excellent soldiers with outstanding courage and reliable loyalty from all armies! Remember, better to have fewer but better quality; I want elites who can control the Dragon Scale Horses and launch fatal charges in the future!"

"I understand!" Evan shouted his compliance, his mind already rapidly calculating the selection criteria.

After finishing the military construction arrangements, Linn's gaze turned again to this vast and fertile New Moon Plain. Here, the water and grass were lush, rivers meandered, the land was fertile, and the area was vast.

"How can such a treasure land be left to waste?" Linn said loudly, "This place is an offshoot of the Star Shatter Mountains, 300 kilometers from Star Sea City, with open space to the east and west and abundant water sources; it is the perfect place to establish a forward base and breed Dragon Scale Horses! I have decided that from this day forward, a town will be built here, named—Star Moon Town!"

Star Sea City was continuing to expand, and it was time to open up and develop new territories.

He looked again at Evan, who had just stood up, his eyes filled with trust and responsibility: "Star Moon Town is in its initial construction phase, with everything waiting to be done. Evan, I appoint you as the first Administrative Officer of Star Moon Town, to coordinate all construction, livelihood, and defense affairs of this town!"

Evan was stunned upon hearing this, then felt the burden on his shoulders become a little heavier. Carrying both military and political responsibilities was both a huge trust and a huge test. This was a heavier burden than his brother Shirei's. But he did not offer any refusal, gritted his teeth, and saluted again: "I accept the order! I will certainly not fail your trust, my Lord!"

Linn naturally saw his momentary tension and added in a gentle tone: "You do not need to do everything yourself. In the early stages, I will send Morton to assist you, letting him allocate a group of Freemen families skilled in farming and construction from Star Sea City as the backbone, and then deploy three thousand Slaves, carrying the first batch of construction materials, to come to Star Moon Town as soon as possible, to be under your command."

"Yes!" Evan felt slightly more at ease; with the experienced Chief Steward Morton supporting him from behind, there would be a guarantee of materials and manpower.

"The town site will be set on the gentle slope on the east side of the river valley, backed by low hills, which is conducive to defense and convenient for water access." Linn pointed into the distance, "The primary task is to build walls, simple housing, warehouses, and stables. At the same time," he looked at the now-quiet Dragon Scale Horses, "in the area adjacent to the best pasture outside the town, immediately start planning and building a specialized 'Dragon Scale Horse Farm'. You must select the most careful and experienced herdsmen to be responsible for their care, ensuring the herd can adapt smoothly and begin to attempt initial contact and build rapport with the selected quasi-knights. The security level of the horse farm will be set to the highest."

Linn meticulously detailed each instruction. He knew that letting Evan be responsible for both military and civil affairs was an expedient measure; at present, the military officer system of the Star Sea Territory had initially formed, but talent capable of handling complex civil administration independently was indeed stretched thin. This was both a test for Evan and an excellent exercise. He believed this rapidly growing young man would be able to handle it well.

"Evan, Star Moon Town is an important pivot for the Star Sea Territory's expansion to the northwest, and the Dragon Scale Knights are our Sharp Weapon of the future. I trust you with this place, and I look forward to it." Linn patted Evan's shoulder, speaking earnestly, "If you encounter difficulties, contact me at any time; Star Sea City is your solid backing."

"Please rest assured, my Lord! Evan will do his utmost to let Star Moon Town stand tall soon, and let the banner of the Dragon Scale Knights fly soon!" Evan straightened his chest, his eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"Additionally, the number of horses for the first batch of soldiers is not enough for rotational training; I will use potions to assist the breeding of the Dragon Scale Horses, and in three years, I want to see a fully equipped knighthood." Linn's eyes were full of desire.

Evan was full of spirit at this moment, looking at the herd of horses before him, as if he could see the scene of himself leading a powerful knighthood galloping in the near future.

With arrangements settled, Linn finally looked around at this land that was about to be completely changed by his order, his heart full of a sense of accomplishment. He flipped onto his horse and gave a light shout:

"Clay, Elise, Angus, and Alexander, you all pick an adult horse for yourselves. As a mount."

The few were overjoyed and went to pick their horses one after another, choosing their favorite horses with Xiaoqing's assistance, and at the same time picking several more to take back to Star Sea City for other Advanced officers.

After the selection was finished, Linn ordered Angus to temporarily stay behind to guard the New Moon Plain, while Evan would accompany him to Star Sea City to select the first batch of Dragon Scale Legion soldiers.

"Return to Star Sea City together to recruit army Slaves; this place is handed over to Angus to guard, waiting for Evan to return to change the guard!"

"Yes, my Lord! Everyone accepted the order!"

"Hee-haw!" Xiaoqing let out a joyous whinny, carrying Linn, and ran toward Star Sea City first; behind them, Clay and Evan quickly organized the team, leaving Angus to guard the horses, and embarked on the journey home.