Chapter 286 – Gift

Two groups, one large and one small, walked together toward the southern city gate.

Along the way, Lord Zhou Ye kept glancing to the side, quite curious about Town Chief Cui’s visit.

But since the other party didn’t mention it, it wasn’t appropriate to ask.

Zhou Ye couldn’t help but constantly speculate in his mind.

Given Town Chief Cui Long’s status, he had no need to run a merchant guild—the daily income of the entire Stone Ridge Town alone was an astronomical figure. Even though most of this income went to the official association, the remaining small portion still made Town Chief Cui Long wealthier than the vast majority of city lord-level lords.

This was the status of a strategic town lord.

The position of frontline strategic town administrator was something every official lord dreamed of obtaining. Unfortunately, only a very select few could ascend to the role of strategic town administrator.

Town Chief Cui Long was one of them.

Taking a step back, even if Town Chief Cui Long had established his own merchant guild, his status meant he wouldn’t need to lead the team personally.

Town Chief Cui had clearly come here deliberately.

And it seemed he had brought quite a few things? What was he after? Could it be that Lord Mu had extraordinary connections, being related to some influential figure?

Lord Zhou Ye could only think this way—ordinary second-generation lords wouldn’t require Town Chief Cui to curry favor.

But even for the most elite second-generation heirs, it still didn’t make sense for Town Chief Cui to pay a personal visit, did it?

…

Cui Long indeed had no need to build relationships with so-called second-generation heirs.

Backed by the Taixuan authorities and being a core member of an official department, his conditions and access to treasures were no worse than those of top-tier second-generation heirs.

He simply lacked the freedom of an independent lord, with numerous eyes watching him and countless affairs demanding his attention daily.

However, the Tianyuan Territory was located within the Shiling Town region. Previously, during the Crimson Mist disaster’s city defense battle, they had relied on the favor of that General Seventeen to successfully slay the perfect avatar of the fallen god’s servant.

By reason and sentiment, he, as the administrator of Stone Ridge Town, had to pay a visit to express his gratitude.

Oh, and it wasn’t just that matter.

Earlier, during the campaign against the Foul Nest, those few mysterious experts were likely also people of the Tianyuan Lord.

He owed them favors twice over.

So, despite Town Chief Cui Long’s busy schedule—overseeing post-disaster reconstruction and presiding over security patrols in the Shiling Town region—he still postponed many tasks to personally lead some of his elite troops to Tianyuan.

This also contained a bit of his personal interest.

It allowed him to take a temporary break, catch a glimpse of the Tianyuan Territory’s appearance, and express his sincere gratitude—killing three birds with one stone.

Regarding the legendary Tianyuan Territory, Cui Long dared say that from ordinary players to Great Lords, no one wasn’t curious.

This stemmed from the Tianyuan Territory’s repeated miracles;

It also stemmed from the Tianyuan Territory’s mystery;

And this mysterious territory was right within his own Shiling Town region. It seemed he was about to lift some of its veils.

Outside the majestic city walls,

Residents cultivated fields and transported supplies.

Many residents could be seen with robust physiques, possessing considerable strength, and their mental outlook was exceptionally vibrant.

Passing through the city gate, rows of neatly aligned buildings lined both sides of the straight, wide streets inside the city, constructed with remarkable tidiness and order.

Naturally, this place was far less prosperous than Stone Ridge Town, being an independent territory that wasn’t even an expansion territory. Without expansion territory status, no players stayed or spent here, making it difficult for the village-town to thrive.Many territories that veteran lords had painstakingly managed for years or even decades resembled ancient towns and cities—desolate, bleak, and reeking of pungent odors.

Even in many small city-level territories, only the core urban areas appeared modern and imbued with miraculous power.

The outer district of Tianyuan Territory was, of course, not like the modern era, filled with skyscrapers or exquisite pavilions shimmering with radiant light, but its architectural exteriors were far from crude or shabby. It was evident that Tianyuan Lord aimed to build not just rudimentary huts or wooden shelters to keep out the wind and rain, but rows of brand-new “ancient-style structures.”

These ordinary buildings, provided for the residents, seemed no inferior in appearance, scale, or materials to those in his own Stone Ridge Town.

It was worth noting that Stone Ridge Town, as a key frontline stronghold, enjoyed ample financial resources and offered top-tier welfare benefits to its residents. Few town or city-level territories could compare.

Tianyuan Town seemed to be on par.

Of course, given that Tianyuan Lord was a lord who had repeatedly performed miracles, it seemed only natural that he had the capability to make his territory more orderly and clean.

Along the streets, small vendors hawked their wares, and a few modest teahouses and taverns were visible.

While it couldn’t rival the bustle of a prosperous city, it was far from desolate or bleak.

From this perspective, while Tianyuan Lord wielded formidable power, he had not pursued militarism at the expense of all else. His entire territory was developing in a balanced and steady manner.

And balance was the key to sustainability.

Town Chief Cui nodded in approval, but not far away, Lord Zhou Ye’s mouth hung slightly agape.

“When I came here before, this area was still quite barren, wasn’t it?”

Back then, the main road and the city walls under construction were only just taking shape. Crossing the boundary of the walls, the roadsides were still bare and empty, and it was only after walking a considerable distance that sporadic buildings came into view.

Now, not only were rows of buildings neatly aligned, but land outside the city was also being cleared and new structures erected.

How much time had passed since then?

Could it be that during the Crimson Mist disaster month, when everyone was struggling to fend off the monster tides, Brother Mu’s territory was still undergoing large-scale construction?

He had guessed correctly.

During the month shrouded in Crimson Mist, the tides of monsters surged relentlessly, their roars echoing incessantly, and from time to time, monsters charged right up to the city walls. The clashing of sabers and swords, the roar of artillery fire—the sounds never ceased.

But combat was the responsibility of the legions; what did it have to do with ordinary residents?

Naturally, the ordinary residents were initially terrified, but they soon realized the monsters were all bark and no bite—they couldn’t even breach the city walls.

No, the vast majority of monsters were annihilated by the powerful and reliable garrison soldiers before they could even reach the base of the walls.

Even the flying monsters or the massive, ferocious giants seldom lasted more than a couple of seconds.

This very situation sparked in many residents the desire to enlist in the military. However, Tianyuan Territory had no recruitment stations; only a handful of exceptionally talented individuals could join the Garrison Legion.

…

Following Captain Robb, the group made their way toward the Reception Area.

The Reception Area was only a few dozen meters from the Central Plaza and, since its completion, had never truly hosted visiting players.

At the end of the road, a general clad in heavy black armor, towering and robust like an iron pagoda, strode toward them from the distance.His aura was as steady and profound as a mountain range, his unhelmeted eyes gleaming brightly, radiating strands of golden divine light.

Was this the external manifestation of Willpower Light refined to a certain degree?

Town Chief Cui Long was both startled and doubtful.

Lu Liu strode forward, cupped his hands, and said, “My Lord is currently away and will need some time to return. He has specifically ordered me to entertain all of you.”

Zhou Ye did not recognize this burly man in black armor, but he saw the ‘General’ who had led them here earlier saluting respectfully.

So, this was the true top-tier General under Lord Mu’s command?

The previous one was merely a subordinate officer?

Upon hearing Lu Liu introduce himself, Town Chief Cui showed an expression of surprise, yet it seemed to make sense. “So it’s General Lu. I’ve long heard of your great name.”

Zhou Ye: “…”

Wait, Brother Mu has only been a Lord for a little over half a year. The battles his Generals have fought probably aren’t that numerous. How could he already be so renowned? Zhou Ye himself had never even heard of him.

Is this the real capability of those who rise to high positions in official departments?

However, Town Chief Cui’s respect for this General Lu seemed… somewhat genuine!

Cui Long’s “long heard of your great name” was certainly not mere politeness.

Before coming, he had already speculated, and now, upon meeting General Lu Liu, all the clues fell into place. His conjecture was confirmed!

General Lu Liu was the top-tier expert, a titled powerhouse, who had made it onto the Dragon Gate List and held considerable renown throughout the entire Taixuan Alliance.

—Giant Spirit God Lu Liu!

Although Cui Long was a Lord and Lu Liu merely a General…

In high-level circles, the status gap between Lords and Generals wasn’t that significant. At times, Lords even had to treat their high-ranking, high-potential Generals like honored guests.

Generals representing powerful Lords were esteemed guests wherever they went.

Just like General Demonflame King Rider, who spoke as equals with veteran Lords like Mad Blade.

And Giant Spirit God Lu Liu’s strength surpassed even that of Demonflame King Rider. In another year or two, General Lu Liu might very well become a legend.

Just as the Celestial River Sword Saint was to the Boulder City Lord;

The Moon Sword Immortal was to the Cold Moon City Lord;

In the future, there would also be a celebrated tale between General Lu Liu and Tianyuan Lord.

His future was promising.

With a Dragon Gate List powerhouse personally entertaining him, how could Town Chief Cui be anything but pleased?

Later, Lord Zhou Ye temporarily settled in the guest building, hosted by Robert.

Town Chief Cui, under Lu Liu’s guidance, briefly toured the Southern District of Tianyuan Territory.

At the same time, in the vast grounds of the Gladiator Arena.

Mu Someone stood firm.

He hadn’t traveled far, but he was at a critical juncture in his cultivation and couldn’t break away.

He was creating his own system.

Lords had their own advantages compared to troops: they could borrow strength and various skills from their subordinate officers at any time.

However, this method of freely utilizing Lord Power wasn’t without drawbacks.

What was borrowed could never truly be one’s own.

When borrowing ordinary or Advanced skills, the difference between borrowed and personal skills wasn’t significant. Borrowing 80% of the power, combined with the Lord’s own strength, might even allow them to exceed the capabilities of their subordinate officers.

Yet, when it came to Epic Skills or some special talents, temporary borrowing yielded little effect.For instance, Uta’s Flesh Shackles could be borrowed by Mu Yuan, but without the prerequisite ascetic training of the shackles, if he loaded the template for personal use, it would likely result in short duration and severe side effects, making it more loss than gain.

As for ‘management-type skills’ like those of Deadbone and Red Robe, he could only borrow flawed, knock-off versions, equivalent to projections with 80% of their power. Moreover, since the ‘Holy Mountain’ and ‘Netherworld Market’ were not built by his own hands, using them naturally felt less smooth and intuitive.

“When the territory advances to the 5th Rank, the Lord Power undergoes a transformation. At that point, one can not only use their own power to amplify their subordinates but also solidify a small portion of borrowed abilities. This is the fundamental point where the lord system matures.”

“But…”

Power is not such an inconvenient thing.

The Tianyuan Territory was still far from advancing to a Level 5 territory, and the Lord Power had also shown limitations and shortcomings when borrowing Epic Skills.

Since that was the case, he would no longer wait for the Lord Power to level up.

Why couldn’t he forge his own path?

Behind Mu Yuan, a mirage-like projection appeared.

At first glance, the projection somewhat resembled the Undead Holy Mountain, and also bore a slight resemblance to the Netherworld Market. A brilliant galaxy could also be seen hanging high, but these features were gradually blurring, slowly shifting toward the direction he desired.

Such transformations would shatter like flowers in a mirror or the moon reflected in water once he lost the template powers of Deadbone, Red Robe, and Isloria.

After all, it was merely an illusion.

Unless…

An intangible Domain power spread out, merging with the mirage.

If a powerful individual were present, they would notice that this Domain had already reached the limit just below the Legendary Realm.

Although this limit was achieved only after he consumed a ‘Domain Treasure’ to enhance himself, creating the Domain was entirely due to Mu Someone’s own talent and effort.

He had long since created a Domain.

It was just that he rarely had the opportunity to use it.

This was quite normal. If Lord Mu had to resort to using his true power, wouldn’t that mean the situation was already critical?

After a while,

Most of the Lord Power had been depleted.

Mu Yuan’s ‘Unique Skill Creation’ progress had also advanced by 0.1%.

Though 0.1% was small, it was a monumental step from zero to one. In his next cultivation session, he wouldn’t need to grope blindly like a blind man touching an elephant; he only needed to forge ahead along this path.

Excellent!

“With guests arriving from afar, it’s not appropriate to continue cultivating.”

Lord Mu straightened his attire and then headed toward the reception building with Dolai and Isloria.

Meeting Lord Zhou Ye wasn’t particularly troublesome; as a matter of courtesy, he only needed to make an appearance and converse. However, since the visitor was Town Chief Cui Long, and the other party knew his identity as Tianyuan, he naturally couldn’t afford to be impolite.

In the eyes of outsiders, the blue-haired girl Dolai was a Hero who had once made a name for herself among many champions at the Festival Grounds. Along with Isloria, another Hero, she was considered Lord Tianyuan’s right-hand man.

They were also known as the Two Generals of Tianyuan in the eyes of outsiders.

As for insiders like Cui Long, they mostly guessed that under Lord Tianyuan’s command, there were also unparalleled warriors like the One-Punch Martial Maniac Uta and the Giant Spirit God Lu Liu.

As for Dead-something Bone? Who’s that? Does Tianyuan Territory have such a strong fighter?

Deadbone did not reveal itself to the outside world, which was also its own wish.

Therefore, to show his regard, Mu Yuan even summoned Dolai. It could serve as a mascot during the conversation.In the reception room, he met with Town Chief Cui Long.

After exchanging pleasantries,

“The fact that Stone Ridge Town was able to safely survive this Red Moon Disaster is entirely thanks to the assistance of Tianyuan Lord. I’ve been wanting to express my gratitude.”

“It’s all due to Taixuan Lord. Mutual support is only natural. If Stone Ridge Town hadn’t withstood the greatest pressure, we lords wouldn’t have been able to so easily fend off the monster wave.”

Seeing Mu Yuan’s modesty, Cui Long’s smile became more genuine.

This wasn’t to say he would react negatively if Tianyuan weren’t modest—he would still express gratitude and offer gifts—but given the choice, he naturally preferred dealing with a benevolent lord.

Over the years, he had encountered some arrogant second-generation lords, or super rookies who looked down on everyone after awakening top-tier talents.

These lords couldn’t be called unremarkable—they were… moderately outstanding, at best.

But Tianyuan Lord was beyond what “outstanding” could describe; he was one of the rare supernova lords in Taixuan’s history. Despite this, he remained humble. This might very well be the reason Tianyuan Lord had been able to progress step by step to where he was today.

“I’ve heard that the Guangyuan Merchant Guild is purchasing high-tier monster remains. Over the years, Stone Ridge Town has also accumulated some high-tier remains…”

As they spoke, the two walked outside the reception building to the vehicle parking area.

The most eye-catching among them were Town Chief Cui’s two runic vehicles.

Town Chief Cui opened one of them.

Inside, a spacious folded space was visible, faintly revealing the remains of some colossal creature.

Even though it was just a remnant, it emitted a fierce, terrifying, and majestic aura that made those of lower ranks tremble. This came from the suppression of life hierarchy.

“This is…”

Dolai widened its eyes, drool involuntarily trickling from the corner of its mouth.

It was certain—this was the scent of an epic-grade ingredient!

Want to eat (﹃)!

(End of Chapter)