Chapter 285 – The Town Chief's Visit

The next day, the sky was bright and clear, stretching endlessly blue.

The reflection that had hung high above the Land Between Worlds had already vanished the previous day. This Land Between Worlds, located at the edge of the Gloomy Forest, had finally ceased its expansion.

“This brings some peace of mind.”

Although continued expansion of the Land Between Worlds could give birth to more Interdimensional Treasures, Mu Yuan still hoped such lands would appear less frequently, allowing the situation to stabilize.

That was his thought.

The higher-ups of the Taixuan Alliance preferred a stable situation, hoping to peacefully pass the final stage before the Fusion. However, most of the time, changes in circumstances and unexpected events did not bend to human will.

The great battle had ended last night, and the two Legends, Moon Sword Immortal and Celestial River Sword Saint, had long since departed without a trace.

The entire Land Between Worlds had now become much more tranquil.

Mu Yuan did not leave immediately, and neither did many players and Lords, who continued to explore the Border Zone, though their gains were minimal.

“Probably most of the Treasures were obtained by foreign powerhouses and used directly.”

After all, among these Lords from nations like Eternal Star, Western Desert, and Divine Wood, there were several Legends. The foundations of these major nations far surpassed that of Taixuan. It was entirely possible that these Lords possessed certain methods for locating Treasures.

Just because the Taixuan Alliance didn’t have them didn’t mean these major nations lacked such means.

And last night, although Moon Sword Immortal and Celestial River Sword Saint had slain at least two or three Legends, most of the foreign Lords had actually withdrawn.

After all…

“Legends like the Western Desert Lord, who operate alone, are rare. Usually, a Legendary Lord commands other Legendary powerhouses under their banner.”

Of course, it was also possible that the Western Desert Lord was relatively ‘new’ to the Legendary Realm.

Take the Lord suspected to be from the Divine Wood Imperial Dynasty, for example—both he and the Dragon he rode were Legends. And that was only the power displayed outwardly. Such Lords often left one or two Legends behind to guard their own territories, as the territory was their foundation.

If these Generals were wiser, more discerning, and decisive, the Lords wouldn’t need to lead expeditions themselves.

Just like how Mu Yuan wouldn’t feel at ease letting subordinates like Asun or Uta lead teams alone.

“Last night, Moon Sword Immortal’s limited achievements were mainly because…”

She was held back.

Moon Sword Immortal had slain a Legendary Realm Dragon with three swords, then immediately beheaded a Goblin commanding thunder, displaying such ferocity that she seemed to be in an entirely different league from other Legends.

But a Lord from Eternal Star was equally formidable.

This was the Everstar Lord whom Mu Yuan had noticed from the start—the one who made no attempt to conceal his appearance and was flamboyant to the extreme.

He wasn’t arrogant; he was skilled and bold.

“Last night, it seemed three Legends appeared within the Everstar Lord’s team. They relatively easily blocked Moon Sword Immortal’s assaults and then departed with ease.”

Mu Yuan felt relieved that he hadn’t impulsively clashed with this Everstar Lord.

Otherwise, even Dolai and the others might have been utterly annihilated.

Dangerous, far too dangerous.

It was as if he had brushed shoulders with death.

As if he had narrowly escaped Death himself.

When venturing out, one must indeed learn to preserve their life.

…

Lord Mu lingered around the Land Between Worlds for another three days.During this period, he found several small treasures, used them to upgrade Red Robe, Rakshasa, and a few others, then sent them back to Tianyuan Territory to hold the fort while bringing Isloria, Lu Liu, and others over.

He also entrusted Dolai to transport a Leveling Treasure and a Domain Treasure to Stone Ridge Town for Seventeen to try out.

He aimed to distribute benefits evenly.

After all this, the first-tier generals of Tianyuan Territory had all advanced by at least two or three Ranks. Among them, Deadbone, like Dolai, had reached the Peak of Fourth Order and was climbing toward the Fourth Order limit, fully squeezing out their potential.

By the third day, the treasures the Tianyuan Territory corps could find had become extremely scarce.

Only two were discovered throughout the entire day.

One was a Leveling Treasure, but it could only increase a Rank by 0.5 levels, not even reaching a full unit.

Clearly, the Interdimensional Treasures had severely diminished over time. Some undiscovered treasures might have completely disappeared as the Spatial Rifts healed.

At this stage, continuing to explore and search had become meaningless.

There was no need to waste the time of his generals like Dolai on this.

After all, even without battles, Dolai could spend its time on cultivation, training, and eating. An extra day wandering in the wilderness meant Dolai would break through to Legend Rank one day later.

Sophia also returned to Blue Star.

Mu Yuan intended for Sophia to establish an intelligence department, but this matter could wait until Blue Star fully fused. For now, he let Sophia stand her final watch at their base on Blue Star.

In handling these Blue Star affairs, Sophia was much more efficient than the inexperienced Daisy.

As for Daisy, Mu Yuan transferred her to Stone Ridge Town again.

This time, she wasn’t leading merchant caravans between the two places but staying temporarily in the town to purchase special supplies.

—Supplies known as high-level monster remains.

These were high-grade supplements Mu Yuan prepared for Dolai.

The climb from Fourth Order Peak to Fourth Order limit was a gradual process. But General Dolai, with its Devour ability, could significantly shorten the required time.

It was just rather expensive.

What could Lord Mu do? Of course, he had to feed Dolai.

He wasn’t short on money for now, having just earned a sum from nature’s bounty.

Purchasing high-level monster remains wasn’t suitable to conduct on Blue Star, but it was quite appropriate in Stone Ridge Town, which had just emerged from the Crimson Mist disaster.

If only Tianyuan Territory had established foundations and personnel in neighboring Xingrong Town and Luochuan Town, he would have liked to conduct purchases simultaneously in several major towns.

“Stone Ridge Town alone should be sufficient, since Dolai isn’t picky—basically any high-level monster will do.”

Mu Yuan led the main force back to his loyal Tianyuan Town.

General Deadbone, however, still hadn’t returned.

It stubbornly insisted on sweeping the rear areas, plugging gaps, and clearing traces.

It spent two full days cleaning and inspecting before finally returning to the territory to focus wholeheartedly on cultivation.

Tianyuan Territory remained as peaceful and tranquil as ever.

Guard soldiers patrolled the streets and stood watch stiffly on the City Walls.

The main forces of the Exploration Corps had also entered a period of secluded cultivation during this time.

This was because Mu Yuan had reduced their exploration missions.

No, not reduced—almost canceled entirely.

He kept some elites to cooperate with the Falcon Legion in scouting the surroundings to prevent surprise attacks. Beyond that, he had suspended the expansion into Wilderness areas.

These were rather unsafe times.With the Goblin Prince prowling nearby and foreign legends coming and going, this wilderness was fraught with hidden dangers. The more one traveled, the more likely they were to encounter peril.

Even though Taixuan of the Land Between Worlds had won a decisive victory that served as a deterrent, it couldn’t completely stop the foreign experts from wandering freely in the outskirts of Taixuan.

“Just wait a little longer.”

“Once Blue Star’s fusion is complete, the situation will stabilize. For now, we need to be more patient.”

“It’s also a good opportunity to convert our wealth and resources into strength that can better stay by our side.”

With this thought, Lord Mu immersed himself in cultivation.

He was now a Fourth-Order Expert and should set his sights on becoming a legend.

…

After the Crimson Mist disaster month passed, it was time for the season of growth.

Trade and communication between territories became much more frequent.

“After this Crimson Mist disaster month, four of the seven surrounding territories are gone. Tragic, truly tragic.”

A merchant convoy of several dozen people briefly stopped outside a territory that had been reduced to ruins.

Lord Zhou Ye sighed as he looked at the broken walls and debris before him.

In some ways, having fewer territories in the surrounding region meant less competitive pressure and the potential to gain more resources.

However,

Lord Zhou Ye couldn’t find any joy in this, feeling only the sorrow of seeing others’ misfortune.

During the most dangerous phase of the Crimson Mist disaster month, he had nearly been overwhelmed himself. If he hadn’t held on, would his territory have been among the ruins in the Stone Ridge Town region?

“Don’t think too much about it.”

“The main reason this Crimson Mist disaster month was so dangerous is that we lords had too little time to develop and build. The next Crimson Mist disaster month probably won’t come for another year or two. By then, my Red Leaf Territory will definitely have sufficient self-defense capabilities.”

His future was still promising!

He couldn’t let disasters frighten him. As a lord, he needed to have confidence.

The merchant convoy continued its journey, heading toward the strongest territory in the area, located in the East Marshlands.

Lord Mu Yuan’s territory.

He had visited once before and witnessed the strength and prosperity of Lord Mu’s domain, feeling that he had nothing particularly valuable to offer.

However, he could bring some local specialties from his territory as gifts and use the trade mission as an excuse to build relationships.

After all, it was a powerful neighbor – maintaining good relations was definitely the right move.

If he ever encountered any difficult monster forces in the future, he could seek reinforcements. Even if requesting aid came at a cost, getting help from nearby lords would be simpler, faster, and possibly cheaper than hiring troops from Stone Ridge Town or even Boulder City.

As he pondered this, Lord Zhou Ye gradually entered the target area.

After the Crimson Mist disaster month passed, traveling through the wilderness had become much easier. Throughout the journey, they had only encountered one Elite-level monster, and it was just a lone wanderer.

And in the East Marshlands area, it was even harder to spot any monsters at all.

The path was unnervingly clean.

After emerging from the marshlands, they could see well-trodden dirt roads along the way, with trees becoming sparser.

Majestic city walls appeared at the edge of their vision, like a black dragon lying across the land.

Outside the walls were fields being cultivated.

Even though this area was outside the protection of the tall city walls;

Even though the Crimson Mist disaster month and monster attacks had just passed;Yet the farmers tilling the land showed little sign of worry or fear on their faces. Sweat dripped from their brows, yet smiles lingered as they worked.

Further ahead, arrow towers stood tall, and elite soldiers clad in full armor patrolled back and forth.

“Truly, it gives an unparalleled sense of security,” Lord Zhou Ye remarked with envy.

A strong individual, likely a minor general, approached with over a dozen elite soldiers in tow.

Zhou Ye stepped forward, stating his purpose and identity.

“So it’s Lord Zhou Ye. Please follow me,” said the speaker, one of the three vampires who had entered the territory in the same batch as Sario—now the Vampire Count, Robert.

In Tianyuan Territory, Robert barely qualified as a minor officer.

Though originally an undead being, he was now enlisted in the Garrison Legion. Due to his sharp wits, he had been assigned to patrol and guard the southern city gate.

This area was the safest among the four city gates but also the most frequented by visitors.

Thus, Robert now served as a receptionist.

After being thoroughly disciplined by the territory’s powerful figures, the three vampires had long shed their initial arrogance. They had gradually matured and begun contributing to Tianyuan Territory’s growth.

Zhou Ye merely noted that this strong individual differed from the one he had met before.

He keenly sensed that the general named Robert possessed strength surpassing his own.

And Robert was a core general of Tianyuan Territory, not an externally hired player.

It seemed Lord Mu had more than just one or two such core elites under his command.

The gap was indeed vast.

At this thought, Zhou Ye could only feel envy.

He led his merchant group toward the city gate, chatting with General Robert along the way. Before long, commotion arose in the distance.

Another merchant convoy, perhaps?

Wait—no, it didn’t quite seem like one. If this were a merchant convoy, its setup was far too luxurious.

At the forefront marched a contingent of at least twenty Imperial Guards.

Behind them, glimpses of rare units like halberdiers, mages, and knights could be seen.

In the middle of the procession were two runic vehicles, each over seven meters long. Hovering half a meter above the ground, they were pulled by several puppet warhorses.

Zhou Ye vaguely recognized them as some sort of cargo transport vehicles.

Superficially, it resembled a merchant convoy.

Indeed, some merchant groups employed lavish setups, avoiding simple tools like rock beasts for transport.

He had seen similar advanced merchant convoys in Stone Ridge Town.

It made sense to encounter them in Stone Ridge Town, but spotting such a convoy in the outermost, most remote territory of the Taixuan Alliance was utterly unreasonable.

At the head of the convoy was a young man in a blue robe.

His face appeared youthful, likely not yet thirty, yet he carried an imposing aura of authority, as if accustomed to high status.

And coincidentally, Lord Zhou Ye recognized him.

Who among the lords and players operating in the Stone Ridge Town region didn’t know this figure?

“Town Chief Cui Long of Stone Ridge Town, the official lord governing the surrounding area—Chief Cui!”

There were many official lords, but Chief Cui belonged to the core echelon among them.

Though the territory under Chief Cui’s jurisdiction was still only a fourth-tier town, he was remarkably young. Stone Ridge Town had been established for merely three or four years.

Rumors suggested that within a year or so, Stone Ridge Town would be promoted to Stone Ridge City.Town Chief Cui Long was a lord of high status and promising future—how could such an important figure appear here?

Seeing Chief Cui’s arrival, Zhou Ye couldn’t simply ignore him. He stopped and waited by the roadside.

‘General’ Robert naturally went forward to greet Chief Cui.

Zhou Ye also seized this opportunity to make himself noticed by Chief Cui and managed to strike up a conversation.

“It’s you, young Zhou. I remember you.”

Red Leaf Territory was a pioneering territory within the jurisdiction, so Cui Long naturally had some impression of its lord, Zhou Ye.

At these words, Zhou Ye’s smile grew even brighter.

But Chief Cui’s gaze was mostly fixed on the territory not far away.

His purpose here was simple—certainly not for trade, but merely a casual visit.

And to express gratitude.

(End of Chapter)