Chapter 146 What does it mean to fight from the west to the east?

Bud was stunned for a moment when he heard the name.

As a human who lived at the end of the Third Era, he really didn't know much about the Balrog, an ancient creature that had only traces of activity before the First Era.

But... he can destroy an entire prosperous dwarf kingdom by himself, and he can even fight Levi for several days without any problems.

That must be a more terrifying existence than the dragon.

"All right."

"But I still say that, as long as necessary, I will not step back."

This topic has been left aside for now.

Looking at the still powerful Levi, Bud took a sip of tea and felt much more relaxed.

"Is there anything noteworthy recently?"

"have."

"oh?"

This answer is a bit unexpected. It was just a casual question, but something really happened?

"East."

Bud cleared the table, took out a map and spread it out.

"After developing from the river valley, many merchant ships from Dovinion passed here. According to the merchants above, their old neighbors have not been very quiet these days."

"Old neighbor."

Li Wei pointed out the word, thought about it and said:

"It should be Dongyi, what happened to them?"

"It is rumored that there was some unrest among them, and the border guards became very vigilant and even refused to allow Dovinion's caravan to enter."

"That's really unusual."

Levi tapped the table with one finger, recalling the scene he saw using the True Wisdom Crystal on the Tower of Orthanc.

There was a large army - an army from Mordor, crossing the valley pass and marching to the north, the rear of Dongyi.

What happened there?

Aren't Dongyi and Mordor allies? Why send troops there? And he still looked murderous.

It can't be that Dongyi wants to join the light side.

"Inquire more about this. Also, by strengthening border security, we can appropriately expand armaments and the size of the army."

"Appropriate means..."

"Expand as much as you can."

"I see."

Levi said this casually, but he didn't know what kind of chain reaction and consequences this simple sentence would cause.

Although he usually likes leisure, the current governor of the river valley has never slacked off when it comes to business.

Riverdale City is prosperous, Changhu Town is prosperous, trade and cooperation with neighbors, dwarves and woodland elves are going smoothly, and externally, the import and export of various products and the expansion of influence are also at hand.

On the surface, he likes fishing and would drink tea and rest when he has some free time. But if you look closely, you will find that whether it is the development of the territory or the projects started by Levi, everything has been properly arranged by Bud. Definitely, can't find any fault with it.

Even worse.

"Um."

Levi nodded and said, "I believe you can do a good job."

Dongyi…

There has been a lot of activity there recently.

"If I have time, I will go and see what is going on..."

After briefly chatting with Bud, Levi put down his tea cup and left Changhu Town to continue north.

Lonely mountain.

In front of the open door, a dwarf greeted the visitors and issued greetings.

"It's the big eater, the overlord of the wine shop, the top chef among humans, the legend in the wilderness (omitted) Levi!"

A group of dwarves exclaimed.

Obviously, among the dwarves, Levi has more titles.

Although some titles are actually completely unnecessary...

As soon as we stepped into the gate of Gushan, a dwarf came towards us.

"Haha, Levi, I saw you coming from afar!"

Gloin came up with wide eyes and gave Levi a bear hug, although he couldn't even reach his waist.

Out of politeness, Levi didn't move for a while. When he spread his legs, he coughed, shook hands with him, and said:

"I came to see Thorin. I have something to give him."

"Of course, it's not something shameful. You can come along too."

"That's it. I happen to be fine. Let's go. He will be in the hall."

After a while.

In the main seat of the hall, Thorin wiped his sweat, recalled the various reports from the meeting just now, leaned back on the chair, slowly raised his head, and closed his eyes.

Restoration of various projects is still a bit difficult.

With more and more tribesmen returning recently, Erebor's population base has increased, more and more abandoned facilities have enough manpower to start up again, and the development of the entire region is getting better and better - or so it seems.

But there is a hidden problem:

There are really few startup resources that can be put into use directly.

The big talk I made to Li Wei earlier seemed bold, so who can help me make up for the missing resources?

Similar problems arise in this area as in the Iron Hills.

Iron Hills has resources but no money, Gushan has money but no resources.

However, unlike Iron Hills, Gushan has quite a lot of undeveloped resource reserves, and the current problems will soon disappear on their own as subsequent mining proceeds.

It's just a short-term problem, but even though it's a small problem, it's still uncomfortable.

"Perhaps we should contact Daine and exchange some resources for emergencies..." Just as he was thinking about it, two figures, one tall and one short, walked into the hall.

Thorin stood up immediately.

"Levi."

As he walked towards him, he said hello:

"How are you doing?"

"Very good, how about you?"

"...It's not bad."

"Okay? That's not good. What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just a short-term problem, it will disappear on its own in no time."

"Really? I hope everything goes well."

"Thank you."

After a few words of greeting, the three of them were already sitting at a table.

Levi didn't hesitate, and took out a silver-white axe under the curious eyes of Thorin and Gloin.

Swish--

The first moment he saw the axe, Thorin stood up suddenly and opened his eyes wide.

Gloin also opened his mouth wide, and a big head couldn't help but approach. He was a little unsure:

"This, this is..."

"This is the treasure of our clan, the Axe of Durin!"

Thorin's voice trembled a little. He took the axe solemnly, stroked the words on it, and said:

"Once upon a time, it represented the royal rights of the Khazad-dûm Durin clan."

"Where did you find it, Levi?"

Thorin's eyes were full of excitement, but there were also some doubts.

"Like you said, of course I found it in Moria."

Levi said: "I also found some mithril there, probably enough to make a mithril armor. Do you mind if I take it away and use it?"

"No, of course not. If necessary, we can process it for you."

Thorin sat down slowly, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise slightly, and he couldn't even suppress it.

Compared with the treasures of Durin's family, what are a few pieces of mithril?

Even if these mithril were doubled and taken out as a reward for finding Durin's Axe, no one would dare to accept it.

"I don't know how to repay you."

After calming down, Thorin stroked the axe and looked at Levi.

"It's meaningless. I don't need anything."

"That's what makes people headache."

Thorin sighed softly.

"What's the headache? Do you think I'm one of those tomb robbers who risk their lives for treasures, or a mercenary who throws his life away for some reward?"

"No, you're not that kind of person. I won't allow anyone to call you that."

Levi smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I called myself an 'adventurer' at the beginning. At that time, I liked to go on adventures everywhere - although I still do it now."

"Just think of this axe as something an adventurer found by chance during his adventure."

Hearing this, Thorin shook his head slightly, just thought about what Levi said for a while, and suddenly smiled again.

"Okay, it's very much your style."

"Compared to a lord, you are indeed more like an adventurer."

After all, which lord is out wandering every day without going home for several times a year.

"Ah!"

Groin next to him suddenly exclaimed.

The guy just recovered.

Snap!

He slammed the table and said, "No, I have to tell them about this!"

"Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, Dori, Nori (omitted)... Look what Levi brought!"

Gloin ran out while shouting his friends' names.

"I will tell the whole clan about this."

Thorin slammed the table and made a decision.

"By the way, I haven't asked you yet, what's the situation in Moria?"

"Not very good."

Levi said:

"There are a large number of Orcs stationed and multiplying there. They are more brutal and violent than the Orcs in the Misty Mountains. And not only Orcs, but also many giant beasts and ogres are there. They almost blocked me from getting out."

"That's really dangerous."

Thorin said seriously: "I hope you won't be in such danger again."

"It's okay. The Orcs and the giant beasts are actually okay. I can deal with them. I want to leave, but they can't stop me."

"It's mainly the Balrog. That thing is too sticky. I can't get rid of it. I fought with him for several days, from the west gate to the east gate, and no one could kill anyone."

"Ah..."

Thorin listened carefully, nodded from time to time, and when Levi finished speaking, he suddenly frowned, with a little confusion and puzzlement on his face.

Wait, what did he just say?

What does it mean to fight with the Balrog from the west gate to the east gate?

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