A multitude of rats accompanied by several hedgehogs, moved in long lines into the depths of the cave as if in a migratory frenzy.

Feeling that the time was right, Fong Ho retrieved several detonators from his storage space, disengaged the safety, and tossed them into the cave.

An explosive roar erupted, causing the entire cave to collapse.

"Is it over?" And Jia inquired softly.

"Yes, it should be concluded," Fong Hao affirmed with a nod.

The group approached to conduct a cursory examination of the cave surroundings.

The cave had entirely caved in, with not a single rat emerging.

Let's go check the rat nest, Fong Ho, undeterred, led the party back to the rat nest on the eastern side of the village.

Dig, Fongghao commanded, retrieving tools from his storage space as the mountain bandits rolled up their sleeves and began to excavate.

10 minutes later, the swollen mound had been excavated, revealing a deep pit.

"We found something indeed," exclaimed the adult.

Suddenly, a startled cry from the bandits echoed from a pit.

Fongghao immediately looked down and spotted a corner of a treasure chest protruding from the earth, though the rest remained buried.

It was evident that it was a chest made of black iron.

Well, something is certainly better than nothing.

Lift it up.

The chest was hoisted out and Fong Ho promptly opened it.

Acquired black iron shovel blueprint, granary construction blueprint, 25 battle coins.

Despite its black iron exterior, the contents were indeed blueprints that Fong How did not possess.

The black iron shovel was a tool for digging, and the granary blueprint was a pleasant surprise.

Level one granary, 500 wood, 450 stone, 300 straw, 220 leather, 50 iron.

Description: Insulated and moisture proof, preventing rodents and insects, thus providing better storage for grain.

The granary was truly an unexpected delight.

Without any combat, the rewards were still commendable, surpassing those of silver chests that yielded duplicate blueprints.

After filling the pit, the group made their way back to the village.

20 minutes later, near the collapsed stone cave.

Squeak, squeak, squeak.

A horde of mice swiftly approached the entrance of the cave, raising their noses and diligently sniffing the air.

These mice bore a striking resemblance to ordinary ones.

Yet, their exposed brains were encased in a translucent membrane.

The mice's brains vibrated in unison, seemingly reaching a consensus as they began to transport stones.

They cleared a small opening, and one mouse scured inside, dragging out a fragment of broken clay sculpture.

The mice humanely checked the piece before hastily departing with their find.

Chapter 356.

The multi-headed fire python Fong Hao and his entourage returned to the village in a grand procession.

Markin, accompanied by several young villagers, anxiously awaited at the eastern gate.

Upon seeing the figures approach, he hurriedly went forward.

My lord, how did it go? How many of the rodents have been eradicated? The tremendous rumble resonated throughout the village.

Though they had not witnessed it firsthand, the villagers were acutely aware that the commotion was caused by Fong How and his companions.

Such a thunderous sound undoubtedly indicated significant power, likely enough to decimate the rodent horde.

It should be entirely cleared.

If any rodents reappear, come find me in the city," Fungha remarked as he walked.

"Ah, cleared completely," Markin expressed surprise.

"Yes, we conducted a concentrated extermination, and the two nests have been filled in.

There should be no further rodent appearances," Fongo replied with an air of calm.

"Oh, this is wonderful.

Thank you so much my lords.

Mach and exclimmed joyfully clapping his hands in gratitude.

Fonggho nodded and led his group deeper into the village heading towards the northern gate where the horses were tethered.

Along the way, the villagers displayed immense warmth, offering some of their agricultural produce, which made the bandits feel somewhat embarrassed to decline.

The distinction between taking by force and receiving as a gift was palpable.

Upon reaching the northern gate, Aunt Trissy sat beneath a large tree outside the village entrance.

Seeing Fong Hao and the others approach, she rose and walked over, leaning on her cane as she stood beside him.

"Has the rodent issue been resolved?" As she spoke, Markin and the others fell silent, stepping aside.

"It has been resolved, thanks in no small part to your concoction," Aunt Fong replied.

Ah, that is good to hear.

Trissy responded, glancing at the soldiers waiting with the horses, then softly added, "Are you not going to apprehend me?" The notion of capturing a murderer may have seemed obscure to others, but Fongo had undoubtedly deduced the truth.

For the guards, "Capturing a criminal would be no small feat alas.

" "Solving a case requires evidence, and I possess none that meets the criteria for an arrest," Fong House stated flatly.

accepting the reigns of the horse from a bandit and mounting it.

Tricissy paused momentarily taken aback by his words.

Evidence.

After a moment's reflection, she understood that Fong Hao is speaking deliberately.

Here, take this.

Few in the village can read, but I hope it proves useful to you.

Tricissy retrieved a notebook from her bosom and handed it to him.

Fongghao bent down to receive it.

Trice herbal notes.

Category notes description.

a record of Trice's herbal studies through which one can acquire knowledge related to herbalism.

Another notebook.

While it did not confer any special abilities, its utility was evident, allowing one to glean insights into the art of herbalism through its contents.

Not only can Fongo learn, but he can also encourage the less combat skilled maids within his domain to acquire knowledge.

For understanding is never detriment.

Well, thank you, Aunt Trissy.

I will treat you to a meal when you visit Lysa's city.

Fong Ho said with a smile, tucking his notes away.

Trissy returned his smile, replying affirmatively.

Fong Hao then nodded toward the distant mark and called out to his team as they swiftly departed the village.

Upon leaving the village, it was already 4 in the afternoon.

Instead of returning to the stronghold, Fong Hao headed directly towards Lysa's city.

As the sun began to set, the sky was draped in a deep crimson hue.

Gray Bear and the others proceeded to their lodgings while Fong Hao and Ja made their way to the task hall in the eastern part of the city.

Good day, sir.

Greeted a new female receptionist as he approached.

I am here to submit a task and see if there are any new assignments available.

Fawnhouse stated directly at the counter.

May I have the name of your mercenary group and the titles of the completed tasks? The woman inquired as per the procedure.

the Bone Knight Brigade and the completed tasks are bandits oppression and village rodent infestation, Fongghao replied.

Very well, sir.

Please hold on a moment, she said as she began to sift through the documents in her possession, searching for the records of the Bone Knight Brigade.

Soon enough, she found the entry on the last page.

Sir, the submitted tasks have been recorded.

Someone will come to verify them shortly.

Here is your reward for the previous three tasks.

Wilderness Graveyard, Mushroom Canyon, and Bandit Suppression totaling 350 gold coins.

"Please count them," she continued, placing a pouch of coins on the counter.

"Typically, rewards for completed tasks are not settled immediately, but are processed within a day or two post assignment.

This time, upon submitting his tasks, Fungha received the bounty from his previous endeavors.

Thank you, he said, pocketing the coin pouch before picking up a nearby task map to search for new assignments.