Chapter 740: Chapter 729: Let Me Farm for a Lifetime! Chapter 740: Chapter 729: Let Me Farm for a Lifetime! “Hmm? Mermaids, or sea sirens?” Steering his Dragon Bird Chariot, Muria arrived at a coastal city, also part of Thorns Territory. The unique aspect of this city was that half of it lay submerged in the sea as its predominant residents were not humans. Only a small portion of the city was occupied by humans, whereas the majority was inhabited by intelligent creatures of the sea.

Driven by curiosity, Muria navigated his chariot to explore the city, where he encountered its ruler, a mermaid, who warmly received him.

During the welcome banquet, Muria learned about the development of the city and tactfully inquired about the dragon knight, Bernard. However, the mermaid confessed she didn’t know much about him.

She had heard that Bernard was from a noble family, albeit a low-ranking one. However, as his power gradually increased, so did his social standing, and he eventually became the cornerstone of his family. She met Bernard once he had established himself, only hearing bits of his tale.

“It’s rumored that he rescued a stranded Sea Spirit during his childhood, and with its aid, began to harvest resources from the ocean. It was because of that Sea Spirit that he could subjugate us”.

“What are your duties? Or rather, what does that human want you mermaids to do for him?” Muria wasn’t surprised about the mermaids serving a human. After all, any impossible event could occur given enough incentives.

“He wants us mermaids to protect every vessel traversing the ocean from Thorns Territory,” the glamorous mermaid city lord revealed to Muria. Since Bernard had preemptively informed her, she was completely open with Muria.

“Actually, ships departing from Thorn Ridge to the sea aren’t much of a problem. But those coming from the continent to Thorn Territory are more troublesome, since they’re always loaded with special cargo, often attracting sea monsters. At that time, we have to help the ships drive off the sea monsters.”

“The ships transported from the continent… Are the cargos humans?” Muria suddenly asked.

“Yes, humans. The most important export from Thorn Ridge to the outside world is humans.” The mermaid complimented Muria, “You truly have a keen insight.”

“It’s nothing.” Muria dismissed it casually. His assumption was based on various pieces of information he’d gathered. The Giant Dragon Peninsula almost had no human presence, and yet the Thorns Territory, established only a decade ago, was already populated with millions of humans. Furthermore, a majority exhibited shackles’ traces on their hands and feet, making their origins self-evident.

“Mr. Mu, in fact, it’s not just us who protect the fleet, but also a Green Bronze Dragon.” The mermaid city lord who faintly discerned Muria’s identity, suddenly said.

“Green Bronze Dragon.” Muria’s eyes narrowed slightly. Green Bronze Dragons were sea elemental giants. They didn’t often interact with humans and preferred nesting on the seaside cliffs. He wondered how Bernard had managed to enlist a Green Bronze Dragon to serve him.

“Do you know where that dragon is? I want to have a conversation with him.” Muria inquired. Although the Sapphire Dragon beneath Thorn Castle showed no desire to converse, the Green Bronze Dragon, being of a higher rank as a Golden Dragon, should be more informative.

“Of course, I know. According to Lord Bernard’s commands, my city also needs to provide resources for the Green Bronze Dragon.”

…

“Vien.” The mermaid city lord brought Muria to the sea and began calling the Green Bronze Dragon by name. Very soon, under Muria’s watch, the undulating sea’s azure surface split open, revealing a slender Adolescent Dragon, who looked expectantly at the mermaid city lord.

“Where is the food?” Seeing no vessels bearing food, save for the mermaid city lord and another young man, the Bronze Dragon immediately voiced its displeasure.

“It’s not time for your meal yet, Vien. This Ancient Dragon Lord wants to see you.”

“Ancient Dragon!” The young Green Bronze Dragon cast a glance toward Muria. After a moment’s scrutiny, reverent awe filled its eyes. It had sensed the aura that Muria had intentionally exuded, and recognized his identity.

“It seems you’ve been living well.” Muria eyed the shiny, scale-armored Green Bronze Dragon. Its excellent state of growth evidenced ample resources, suggesting that the human hadn’t mistreated it.

However, this didn’t explain why a Green Bronze Dragon would serve a human. Although dragons are notorious for their avarice, they wouldn’t degrade themselves into servitude for treasure. Their pride was equal to their greediness. Treasures could make a dragon work for you, but it wouldn’t make a dragon submit. That was impossible.

“Tell me, why are you serving a human?” Muria gazed at the adolescent dragon with a calm expression, struggling to understand it.

“I made a contract with Bernard.” Noticing Muria’s question, a sense of embarrassment flashed in the eyes of the Bronze Dragon, Vien. He had encountered Bernard through a series of coincidences and had been forced into a contract through Bernard’s high-handed methods. Although initially reluctant, he eventually submitted when Bernard started to provide him with a continuous supply of resources and treasures.

In his mind, he planned to outlive Bernard, taking advantage of his lengthy lifespan. Once Bernard was dead, the contract would be naturally nullified, and he could return to the open sea to live freely.

After having a detailed conversation with the adolescent dragon, Muria learned how Vien had first met Bernard and then discovered the means by which Bernard had restrained him.

“Dragon Rider Contract!” With the cooperation of the Bronze Dragon, Muria learnt about the so-called Dragon Rider Contract. It is a top-class profession in the human realm, a secret method of inheritance handed down by the Dragon Knights, specifically designed for dragons.

Of course, this contract is considered an equal one, not servitude. From the dragon’s perspective, such a contract is full of humiliation. How could insignificant humans possibly be regarded as equals to noble creatures such as dragons?

This contract enables humans to cultivate by borrowing the power of dragons. Likewise, it brings benefits to the dragons too. The dragons that sign the contract can utilize the Dragon Knights’ control to channel the power within their bodies, accelerating their growth. Moreover, they can obtain various resources through the Dragon Knights.

From Muria’s perspective, the Dragon Rider Contract seems more like a transaction. Both parties give something and then receive something. In neutral terms, it is a mutually beneficial contract. However, the process of signing such a contract is usually unpleasant, as dragons typically look down on humans.

“This contract is quite interesting. I’ll have Bernard’s Dragon Knight inheritance studied in due course. After all, it helps accelerate the growth of dragons.”

Through the Bronze Dragon Vien, Muria inspected the so-called Dragon Knight Contract. According to Vien, Bernard would jointly cultivate with him at regular intervals.

As the Bronze Dragon relayed, the cultivation process was not uncomfortable. Bernard mainly focused on guiding the flow of power within the dragon’s body. The dragon did not dislike this method of joint cultivation because his power would incrementally increase after each session.

Muria carefully explored the state of the Bronze Dragon and was astonished to discover that his development far exceeded what was expected for his age.

Bronze Dragon Vien was not an adolescent dragon, but rather an adolescent dragon that had just passed puberty. His appearance and strength led Muria to make an incorrect judgment.

…

In the days that followed, Muria continued to explore the Thorns Territory, discovering even more interesting things. He found that this area contained not only humans but also many non-human races. For instance, in the coastal cities, there were numerous intelligent sea creatures, such as mermaids and nagas. Bernard had even enslaved a vast number of fishmen, employing their innate strength to exploit the sea’s resources and build cities.

In the inland areas, Muria found a substantial dwarf tribe. After inquiring, he learned that Bernard had bought them all at an auction and transported them here by sea. Now, their life was good, as Bernard treated them with fine wine and meat every day.

Aside from dwarves, Muria also discovered a small number of elves who had been secured by Bernard through slave traders. Their task in the Thorn Territory was to greenify the area and cultivate rare plants.

Besides these races, Muria also discovered some Mountain Giants serving Bernard, constructing cities. These giants contributed significantly to Bernard’s accomplishment of building over thirty cities in just over ten years.

“Bernard, you indeed are a jack of all trades.” Muria could not help but praise Bernard after touring the entire Thorn Territory. Despite forcing several races into serving him initially, he gradually convinced these intelligent species to serve him genuinely by providing benefits. He was exceptionally generous with those races.

In the Thorn Territory, the status of regular humans was the lowest, while the blacksmith dwarves and the tree-planting elves held a higher status. The status of the city-building Mountain Giants was the highest, making them a privileged race in this area.

“From now on, you will be my chief farming steward, and you’ll help me farm for a lifetime!” Muria decided Bernard’s destiny after inspecting the Thorns Territory.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read