Chapter 208 : Blue Treasure Chest! Complete Conquest! Expanding the Legion!
Chapter 208: Blue Treasure Chest! Complete Conquest! Expanding the Legion!
This war with New Wan City.
The total Essence Points gained had reached over 31 million.
Among them, the Essence Points contributed by player deaths accounted for more than 22 million.
The other eight to nine million came from the drops of Demonized Zhang Xiu and the soldiers who died in battle.
It could not compare to the Day of Ultimate Darkness campaign.
But it was still no small amount.
Hang Yu directly used the Essence Points to cultivate the Azure Dragon Guard.
There were currently 270 Azure Dragon Guards directly summoned by the territory. Among them, 170 had already reached Tier-3 strength, while the other 100 were generally close to the peak of Tier 2. After spending this Essence, all of them could be raised to Tier 3.
In this way.
The territory would have nearly 300 Tier-3 so-called NPCs.
This combat force far surpassed the Scourge Army. As a force that was one hundred percent controllable and easy to command, the stronger the Azure Dragon Guard became, the more they could serve as the stabilizing ballast for the territory’s steady development.
Although the Scourge Army’s current strength was still somewhat insufficient, it was steadily approaching the optimal range of gameplay, output efficiency, and expansion efficiency.
In the future, it would gradually produce more and more surplus Essence.
This resource could be used more to support the development of new Scourge recruits, as well as the cultivation of the Azure Dragon Guard, other troops, production teams, important individuals, or other comprehensive territorial development needs.
The greatest significance of this battle did not lie in these gains.
It lay in clearing the obstacles to Hang Yu’s rule over Wan City.
Hang Yu decided to set out immediately and strike while the iron was hot, occupying Wan City at once. However, before that, two matters still needed to be resolved.
The first matter was raising more Magic Crystals.
Although he had accumulated quite a few Magic Crystals recently, and the territory’s finances were currently very comfortable, this was clearly only temporary. Once Hang Yu took Wan City, the territory’s population cap would increase severalfold.
Hang Yu had to prepare large quantities of Magic Crystals and materials to construct Abyss Barracks. More importantly, he needed to prepare large quantities of Magic Crystals to recruit a new batch of players and continue expanding the Scourge Army.
This would undoubtedly be a huge expense!
Hang Yu asked, “How many attribute pills are currently in reserve?”
Xiao Ba immediately replied, “Reporting to Master, there are 5034 in total. Among them, there are 1476 Dragon-Pattern Bone-Fortifying Pills, 2032 Dragon-Pattern Essence Pills, 842 Azure Flood Dragon Origin-Nurturing Pills, and 684 Azure Flood Dragon Spirit-Stabilizing Pills.”
Hang Yu nodded slightly.
The Alchemy Workshop’s production was quite good.
Chief Alchemist Bai Mu and the Flower Sprite sisters had recently been working overtime to refine pills.
The required core materials were directly produced by the territory’s Spirit Fields. As for auxiliary materials such as Dragon Pattern Ginseng and Azure Flood Dragon Mushroom, some were produced internally, while insufficient portions were directly purchased from the market. In short, production capacity was being pushed as high as possible.
If not for some pills being issued as quest rewards.
The territory’s inventory of attribute pills should have been two to three thousand higher.
However, it did not matter. Cultivating one’s own subordinates and army should naturally be the top priority.
Hang Yu then asked, “How many Black Dragon Horses are in stock?”
Xiao Ba replied, “The current stock of Black Dragon Spirit Horse Bone Whistles is 72!”
This number was still a little low.
But there was nothing to be done.
After all, Yan Ling had only begun producing Black Dragon Spirit Horses a few days ago. During this period, most of her energy had gone toward helping Hang Yu craft the Huangtian Demonic Dragon Set and refining his exclusive mount.
Once these tasks were completed.
If she fully committed to refining Spirit Horses, production would increase.
“There aren’t many Spirit Horses, so there’s no need to sell them externally for now. Keep them for player rewards.”
Hang Yu thought for a moment and said, “As for the pills, take 500 of each type first and list them on the trading market. Convert them into Magic Crystals as soon as possible to replenish our finances and prepare for the upcoming large-scale expenditure plan.”
“Yes!”
Under Hang Yu’s authorization, Xiao Ba immediately listed two thousand attribute pills on the trading market according to market value. The appearance of these attribute pills once again caused a moderate stir in the market.
Lord 6332: “Yo, another medicine seller appeared. There are actually four types this time. Quite a variety!”
Lord 7432: “I remember this medicine seller 2462. Not long ago, I saw him selling pills in the market!”
Lord 9313: “Dragon-Pattern Essence Pills at 72 each? Why did the price rise again? Are you even letting us live?”
Lord 5311: “Protest high-priced medicine! Protest profiteering pill merchants! If you don’t buy and I don’t buy, the price will eventually be cut in half!”
Lord 2533: “Is Big Shot 2462 here? I have idle Spirit Fields that can help grow materials. Interested in establishing a strategic partnership?”
“……”
Hang Yu glanced through briefly.
Although the listing of this batch of pills caused some discussion, the total volume was not large, so the commotion was not too big.
He directly ignored those complaining that the pills were expensive.
As for Lords with potential cooperation and mutual benefit opportunities, Xiao Ba would take the initiative to contact them and probe the truth. There was no need for him to worry about that either.
A moment later.
【Ding! Lord 6600 purchased 30 Dragon-Pattern Essence Pills and 30 Azure Flood Dragon Origin-Nurturing Pills. You obtained 4440 Magic Crystals!】
【Ding! Lord 5732 purchased 50 Dragon-Pattern Bone-Fortifying Pills. You obtained 3450 Magic Crystals!】
【Ding! Lord 7500 purchased 25 Dragon-Pattern Essence Pills and 25 Azure Flood Dragon Spirit-Stabilizing Pills. You obtained 3500 Magic Crystals!】
【……】
Although Hang Yu’s prices were not low.
They were still adjusted within the normal market range.
There were ten thousand Lords in the trading market right now. As long as there was demand for attribute pills, even if each bought only one or two, this batch of goods was not too difficult to sell.
At this time.
A private message from a Lord caught Hang Yu’s attention.
Lord 3244: “Friend, didn’t we agree that you would keep the Dragon-Pattern Essence Pills for trading with me? I specifically reserved a batch of Wordless Secret Manuals for you!”
It was him again.
The nine-map Lord big shot.
This guy reacted really fast.
Did he spend all day lurking in the market?
Of course, it could not be ruled out that he also had an assistant similar to Xiao Ba.
A nine-map Lord who had developed for a hundred years and possessed powerful strength could not be underestimated.
The number of territories did not necessarily correspond one hundred percent to a Lord’s strength. It only meant that the more territories one had, the deeper the foundation, and the greater the probability of being strong.
Besides that.
There was another especially important point.
That was, the higher-level a Lord was, the richer their foundation. Once war broke out between them, victory or defeat was often difficult to decide in a short time. Under such circumstances, a Lord War lasting several years or even over a decade was not too unusual.
The larger a Lord’s territory, the higher the probability of triggering war. If a war dragged on with fighting and negotiations for too long, it was not impossible to be invaded from another direction during that process.
Under certain special circumstances.
Or in certain special maps.
Multiple Lords could descend into the same region at the same time.
Then it would no longer be 1v1, but a more complicated multi-sided melee. Under such circumstances, determining a winner would undoubtedly be even more difficult.
Precisely because of this.
Generally, only areas truly controlled were considered effective territory.
For example, Hang Yu currently had vision over four maps, but only three maps were truly under full control. Strictly speaking, up until now, he was still only a three-map Lord.
New Wan City had not yet been fully controlled.
As for the current enemy Lord’s three maps, there was even less need to mention them.
This Lord 3244 actually controlled at least eight maps. His map vision and potentially expandable map regions likely far exceeded that number. His foundation among the human race in Sacred Cang City could be considered big-shot level.
Hang Yu personally replied at once, “Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten. I specially left 1000 Dragon Blood Pills for you!”
As a rare nine-map big shot among humans.
Hang Yu also intended to maintain this connection well. In the future, if he wanted to purchase higher-level items or materials, this Lord’s foundation and seniority should be able to help.
Because Dragon Blood Pills were easier to sell than Dragon Bone Pills, and their price was higher, the Alchemy Workshop produced more of them.
Hang Yu continued, “The current market price of Dragon Blood Pills is around 71 to 75 Magic Crystals. I can give them to you at 70 Magic Crystals each.”
Lord 3244: “Let’s trade directly!”
Straightforward!
The two territories successfully completed a relatively large trade.
Hang Yu paid 1000 Dragon-Pattern Essence Pills, valued at 70,000 Magic Crystals.
From the other party, he received 400 white Wordless Secret Manuals, 50 green Wordless Secret Manuals, and 5 blue Wordless Secret Manuals.
The original price was 90,000. According to their agreement, this transaction was discounted by 20%, so the total price was 72,000 Magic Crystals. Hang Yu did not care about taking such a small advantage and paid 30 additional Dragon-Pattern Essence Pills to make up the difference.
Not bad!
Hang Yu was very satisfied!
Wordless Secret Manuals could be made into skill books.
After the territory successfully absorbed New Wan City, more and more new skills would certainly appear. Most of these skills could only be passed from person to person, and it would be difficult to obtain corresponding skill stones.
Under such circumstances.
This kind of item would be needed.
Although the cost, price, and learning threshold of making skill books were quite high, the benefit was that more skills could circulate.
Hang Yu: “A pleasure doing business!”
Lord 3244: “Your territory’s medicinal products are becoming richer by the day. It seems your recent development has been very smooth.”
Hang Yu: “You flatter me.”
Lord 3244: “I hope you can seriously consider joining the association. The survival situation of us human Lords is too difficult. Only by banding together and forming our own force can we fight for more living space, dignity, and status.”
Hang Yu: “I will consider it carefully.”
Lord 3244: “Mm. Then let this cooperation end here for now. Contact me anytime if you need secret manuals in the future. I wish your territory smooth development and expansion. May the Will of the Stars be with you!”
Hang Yu also politely replied, “May the Will of the Stars be with you!”
The conversation ended.
The pill transactions continued.
Hang Yu did not keep paying attention.
He had another matter to do next.
…………
Wen Dai.
Son of Wen Pin of Wan City.
He had been held in Luoshui City for some time.
Although Wen Dai had been kept in the Starsea Territory mainly as a hostage, Lord Hang Yu did not continue imprisoning him. Instead, he allowed him to move freely within the city, as long as he did not leave Luoshui City.
During his time in Luoshui City.
Wen Dai gained a deeper understanding of this magical Starsea Territory.
He saw Spirit Fields with hundredfold growth speed. He saw the Scourge Army that could die and revive. He also witnessed the powerful productivity of the Starsea Territory, including the Alchemy Workshop and Forging Workshop.
From the mouths of the people transferred from Hexi Village, Shansang City, and other areas, he learned more about Lord Hang Yu’s deeds and felt the vitality and potential of this rapidly developing territory.
However.
What shocked him the most.
Was naturally the battle that had just occurred.
Lord Hang Yu had acted once again and defeated the demonized Old Spear King with near-absolute advantage, crushing Wan City’s most elite forces in one stroke!
At this moment.
Wen Dai understood.
New Wan City would welcome a new master.
The arrival of an entirely new era had become unstoppable.
Aside from shock, Wen Dai only felt extremely fortunate, because his father Wen Pin had not joined the army attacking Luoshui City, and the Wen clan’s children had not been involved either.
From this perspective.
This transfer of power was not a bad thing!
Zhang Xiu’s vision and potential were too small. His own ambition and desire were too great. He would stop at nothing for strength and power. No matter how one looked at it, he could not compare to the Lord.
In this battle, Wen Pin kept his promise and did not participate. This meant that after New Wan City’s forces were reshuffled, as long as the Wen Family swore loyalty to Lord Hang Yu, they would most likely still become a pillar of strength.
They might even rise to a higher level.
Before Wen Dai could think further.
Azure Dragon Guard Li Si found him and brought him to the territory’s newest stone platform building. At this moment, many people had already gathered near the building.
There were Scourge Army soldiers.
There were also many ordinary citizens living in Luoshui City.
Wen Dai looked at the stone platform building before him.
It was shaped like a multi-sided trapezoid. At the top was a relatively open platform. Every stone brick was engraved with runes, and a Starsea aura emanated from within.
At first glance, it looked like an altar.
Of course, it also somewhat resembled a Mayan pyramid from the real world.
This was the Execution Platform Hang Yu had just built. Its bottom was directly connected to the dungeon and could directly extract prisoners from the dungeon, making it very convenient to use.
At this moment.
More than a dozen figures knelt on the stone platform.
When Wen Dai saw these people clearly, he could not help showing surprise, because every one of them was a familiar face.
“Family Head Deng, Family Head Han……”
Indeed, the death row prisoners currently pressed onto the execution platform were all leaders of the Wan City Army from this campaign.
The leaders were none other than Han Ji, head of the Han Family, and Deng Zhi, head of the Deng Family. The other fifteen were also Zhang Xiu’s trusted generals, or leaders and key figures of other families.
Only seventeen people.
It did not look like many.
But these seventeen people were all key figures.
“I want to see the Lord! My Deng clan is willing to pledge loyalty to Lord Hang Yu. Please ask Lord Hang Yu to show mercy!” Han Ji had now realized his fate, so he was using his final chance to plead with Zhou Cang, who supervised the execution.
Ye Li Meng, one of those chosen as executioners.
He spat and mocked, “Old thief, now you know fear? What were you doing earlier?”
Toasting the Moon also said, “You had at least three chances along the way to abandon darkness and embrace the light. You could have preserved your life, but you didn’t cherish it.”
Niu Shisan said, “Hahaha, exactly! Again and again, we gave you chances, and you didn’t surrender. It’s already too late to surrender now!”
Hua Mulan said, “Under these circumstances, if you were pardoned, how would our army establish authority in the future? If other enemies learned of this, wouldn’t they all imitate you—resist to the end first, then surrender to survive? So you must be killed as a warning to others!”
“……”
These executioners had been selected through screening or lottery. They were responsible for executing criminals at the execution ground. After each execution, every person could obtain a generous amount of Contribution Points.
For players.
This was pure welfare!
After all, criminals brought onto the Execution Platform would not resist. They could also show off in front of countless people. It was fresh and fun.
Even without rewards.
Players would still rush to sign up and experience it.
“Zhang Xiu ruined me!” Deng Zhi, Han Ji, and the others fell into despair. They had never expected to end up like this.
Execution supervisor Zhou Cang ordered coldly, “Execute!”
The seventeen players at the scene raised their execution blades. With blades rising and falling, they barely spent any effort. More than a dozen heads of the invaders rolled onto the ground.
“Good!”
“Well killed!”
“They deserved it!”
“……”
The main city residents and Scourge players watching all cheered. No one sympathized with these invaders who had attempted to attack Luoshui City.
“Wow, I got a huge pile of Contribution Points! This feels amazing!”
“I got to show off and receive generous benefits. I hope the territory executes more criminals in the future!”
“I’m signing up for this executioner event next time too!”
“If there’s something this good, I’ll sign up again!”
“……”
The seventeen executioners each received rewards and left satisfied.
The seventeen corpses lying on the Execution Platform did not need to be cleaned up, because the moment their heads hit the ground, this building began to function, automatically decomposing and refining the corpses.
A few seconds later.
All the remains disappeared.
At the same time.
Hang Yu received a notification.
【You executed Han Ji. Abyssal Essence +700,000, Abyssal Magic Crystals +3000, “Skill Stone: Ground Shrinking Art” +1, “Skill Stone: Bloodthirsty Vine Curse” +1!】
【You executed Deng Zhi. Abyssal Essence +700,000, Abyssal Magic Crystals +3000, “Skill Stone: Assault Armor-Piercing Arrow” +1!】
【……】
When Hang Yu saw this.
His spirits lifted.
Hang Yu knew that using the Execution Platform to execute targets, sacrifice them, and refine them had a certain chance of producing skill stones. However, he also knew that this probability was not high. Generally, only elite-level and above had a small chance of dropping them.
Yet at this moment.
Whether in terms of skill stone drop rate.
Or the amount of Essence generated.
This was clearly also enhanced by Heavenly Dao’s Blessing!
Hang Yu was very satisfied with this. In the future, all prisoner executions could be handed over to players.
This battle captured over 3000 people.
The vast majority of ordinary soldiers could be incorporated.
These soldiers generally possessed Tier-2 Elite strength. A small portion even reached Tier-3 Elite. They were absolutely high-quality soldiers.
As for leaders and generals such as Han Ji and Deng Zhi, removing them directly was better. This would better purge the old forces of New Wan City and make the next stage of takeover and management easier.
Among the seventeen executed this time.
Six had reached commander level.
However, not every commander unit dropped skill stones. The stronger the unit and the higher the tier, the greater the probability of dropping a skill stone. This time, only five skill stones appeared in total.
These five skills were: Ground Shrinking Art, Bloodthirsty Vine Curse, Assault Armor-Piercing Arrow, Instant Arrow Art, and Whirlwind Slash.
The first three were green-quality skills.
The latter two were white-quality skills.
“Ground Shrinking Art” was an instant movement spell skill. “Bloodthirsty Vine Curse” was an offensive spell with a binding effect. “Assault Armor-Piercing Arrow” and “Instant Arrow Art” were both archery skills. “Whirlwind Slash” was an ordinary slashing-type skill.
Although none of them were top-tier spells or techniques, all were very practical skills. They could give players more skill options and combinations, enriching gameplay.
For the territory, the more skills the better, let alone skills that were very practical to begin with.
Even if they were not practical and were only cultivated to increase attributes.
They could still increase the territory’s foundation.
All of the above.
Was only an appetizer.
After Hang Yu executed a group of New Wan City’s higher-ups.
He first arranged for Zhou Cang to lead a force to garrison Shansang City, so they could resist any possible enemy Lord at any time. Then he personally set out with Wen Dai and some surrendered generals.
With the help of the Teleportation Staff.
In only two or three hours.
Hang Yu appeared before New Wan City with two thousand Scourge Army players and surrendered generals. When the city appeared before them, every player revealed an excited expression.
Although New Wan City was not a historical city, it already had over a hundred years of history. The entire city was not only extremely sturdy, but its interior and exterior were also filled with various formations and protected by barriers.
People once again praised Lord Hang Yu’s foresight and wisdom.
If Hang Yu had not chosen to lure the enemy deep in and annihilate them in one strike, but instead took advantage of the period before and after the Day of Ultimate Darkness to launch a surprise attack on New Wan City, the various formations, traps, and defensive facilities alone would have been enough to make them suffer. Breaking in would not have been easy.
At least, it would have been difficult to breach the city in a short time!
Moreover.
If Hang Yu attacked first.
The Starsea side would have lacked a justifiable cause.
At that time, the soldiers and civilians in the city would certainly have resisted desperately against the invasion. In the process, large numbers of casualties would inevitably occur. As long as Zhang Xiu and the others remained alive, with their prestige in Wan, inciting rebellions would be extremely easy.
Although in the end.
With Hang Yu’s powerful strength.
With the Scourge Army’s immortality.
He would ultimately still be able to conquer Wan City and become its master.
But the time, energy, population cost, and management costs required in the process would certainly be extremely heavy, and it would absolutely not be the best strategy.
At this moment.
The Starsea side was the one that had been betrayed.
In the process of counterattacking, Hang Yu had killed Zhang Xiu and all his trusted generals. He also took the opportunity to remove many important figures from the major families in one go. Over half of New Wan City’s nobles had been swept away, fundamentally eliminating their ability to resist.
Meanwhile, he could openly enter and rule New Wan City.
Reducing the war’s impact and resistance to the minimum.
Wen Dai personally stepped forward to negotiate.
When they learned that Zhang Xiu, Han Ji, Deng Zhi, and the others had been defeated and killed.
All the defending soldiers of New Wan City were greatly shocked!
Wen Dai shouted loudly, “Lord Hang Yu is merciful, generous, and loves the people as his own children. He will surely treat the people of Wan well and bring prosperity and order to all of Wan. Why have you not opened the gates to welcome him? What are you waiting for? Do you also wish to follow in the footsteps of Zhang Xiu, Han Ji, Deng Zhi, and the others?”
“Surrender!”
“Surrender!”
Even the Old Spear King Zhang Xiu had been killed.
What meaning was there in stubborn resistance?
After a brief disturbance.
The defending general chose to open the city gates.
Thousands of soldiers knelt respectfully in two rows.
Hang Yu led his army into New Wan City smoothly without bloodshed.
“Where is Wen Zhongye?”
“Reporting to the Lord, because my father attempted to stop the traitor Zhang from invading the territory, he has now been placed under house arrest by the traitor Zhang!”
Hang Yu nodded with satisfaction. “Good. He is indeed a loyal and righteous man who keeps his promises. Go bring him to see me.”
“Yes!”
Wen Dai immediately accepted the order and withdrew.
Hang Yu asked again, “Where is the Fate Divine Stone?”
A trembling Wan City general replied, “Reporting to Lord Hang Yu, the Fate Divine Stone is inside the Fate Tower at the center of Wan City. The Fate Tower is located inside the Extreme Yin Temple and has always been guarded by the disciples of the Extreme Yin Sect.”
Hang Yu said, “Take me there!”
“Yes!”
Before long.
Hang Yu arrived before the tower.
Nearly one hundred people wearing black Daoist robes were already waiting there.
Among them, the leading eight to ten people were all fairly strong. They were all Tier-3 Elite-level existences.
【Zhao Xian】, Level 22 Commander Unit… Description: The eldest direct disciple of Extreme Yin Sect ancestor Jia Xu. He possesses fairly deep Daoist attainments and is currently the acting sect master of the Extreme Yin Sect.
【Wen Xiu】, Level 24 Elite Unit… Description: Originally the adopted son of Wen Pin of Wan City. He entered Jia Xu’s sect to cultivate since childhood and is now one of Jia Xu’s direct disciples.
【Xun Hei】, Level 22 Elite Unit… Description: A direct disciple of Extreme Yin Ancestor Jia Xu. He possesses impressive Daoist attainments.
【……】
The players were very surprised.
New Wan City had hidden quite a few capable people.
The Extreme Yin Sect probably had one or two Tier-3 Commander units, plus dozens of Tier-3 Elites.
For example, Zhao Xian before them was not a historical figure, yet Jia Xu had cultivated him into the master of the Extreme Yin Sect. He actually possessed Abyss Commander-level strength.
Of course.
Zhao Xian’s level.
At most, he was a third-rate Commander.
As for Wen Xiu beside Zhao Xian.
This man was a real historical figure, Wen Pin’s adopted son.
In this timeline, Wen Xiu had left the Wen Family at a young age and joined the Extreme Yin Sect. Although his strength was only elite-level, judging by his aura, his overall strength was not much weaker than Zhao Xian’s.
“By Master’s command!”
“We respectfully welcome Lord Hang Yu’s reign!”
“Master has fallen into slumber, so he cannot personally welcome you. We ask Lord Hang Yu to forgive this offense!”
Zhao Xian and Wen Xiu led more than one hundred Extreme Yin Sect cultivators in kneeling respectfully. Every face was filled with awe.
“No need for excessive courtesy. Rise.”
Hang Yu entered the Extreme Yin Sect’s temple, then walked into the Fate Tower, which radiated dense fate aura. A Fate Divine Stone with unusually bright radiance appeared before his eyes.
【Fate Core of the New Wan City Region】… Description: New Wan City originally did not possess a Fate Divine Stone. Due to the influence of the Six-Direction Fate Grand Formation, all fate in Wan has been concentrated here, ultimately giving birth to this exceptionally powerful core divine stone.
So powerful!
So vast!
The fate contained within this Fate Divine Stone was not only stronger than any Fate Divine Stone he had seen before, but was even stronger than all the Fate Stones he had absorbed before combined!
The reason was simple!
This was a regional core divine stone!
It was derived from the collective fate of every town and city in the entire Pure Land region of Wan City.
This divine stone was not only the core of the Six-Direction Fate Grand Formation, but also condensed all the fate of the entire region. As long as Hang Yu activated this divine stone, it would be equivalent to activating all the divine stones of the Wan Pure Land region.
Its quality was unprecedented.
And extremely rare!
There was nothing to hesitate about!
After taking a deep breath, Hang Yu reached out and touched the divine stone. A notification from the Will of the Stars immediately sounded in his ears.
【You have discovered the “Fate Core of the New Wan City Region.” Do you wish to absorb it immediately? Yes/No!】
Hang Yu said, “Absorb!”
【Absorption in progress: 1%……100%!】
【You have successfully occupied the “New Wan City Region” and obtained “Large Fate Treasure Chest (Blue)” ×1!】
【You have automatically activated all Blessing Points in the New Wan City Region. You may view the construction details, revenue situation, population information, and other data of all major cities, villages, and towns in the New Wan City Region through the Lord Panel!】