A large number of souls and recruitment scrolls. (5000)

After leaving the brewery, Cao Xing stood in the territory, thinking to himself.

"As for the raw material, sap, I only know of one place that produces it, and that is the Witch Forest."

"However… it can only be dropped by those Human-Faced Trees."

"Even if I wipe out all the Human-Faced Trees in the entire forest, the sap dropped won't sustain production for long."

"I still need to find a way to see if I can produce sap sustainably."

But before that, I should first go and clear out the Human-Faced Trees in the forest.

These Human-Faced Trees are all products of failed experiments; wiping them out can be considered a form of release for these creatures.

Moreover, besides sap, the Life Tree Hearts, vines, bark, and such that they drop are all good items.

Therefore, the returns from clearing out these Human-Faced Trees are still very high.

Thus, Cao Xing called over the Centaur Saint—Harati, and gave her a task.

"Today, lead all the Centaurs to the nearby Witch Forest and clear out the Human-Faced Trees and Nightmare Man-Eating Flowers inside."

"Then bring back the items they drop for me."

"If you encounter other beasts, there is no need to kill them; just try your best to drive them to the central area of the forest."

"You might not be able to explore it all in one day; it's fine if you take two days more."

"Just remember to be back within three days."

Three days later is the day Cao Xing will attack the Ancient Battlefield, so he needs to assemble all his forces.

Cao Xing continued: "Right, there is also a tribe inside that forest, and an ancient castle in the center; you can rest in these two places at night."

Harati immediately straightened her body, then respectfully said: "Understood, Lord!"

After speaking, she quickly turned around and left the territory with a large number of Centaurs.

Watching their departing backs, a glimmer of anticipation rose in Cao Xing's heart.

"I wonder how many Life Tree Hearts and how much sap Harati will be able to bring back for me this time as she heads to the Witch Forest."

"Besides that, killing those man-eating flowers will also drop Nightmare Archer recruitment scrolls."

"Can I manage to assemble a whole squadron this time?"

Cao Xing thought happily.

Then he continued to patrol the territory.

While wandering around, he arrived at the Mechanical Factory.

Cao Xing thought to himself: "Yesterday I handed two blueprints to Locke; now I'll go see how many robots this guy has produced."

Thus, he called over this goblin.

Locke stood beside him and respectfully reported: "Great Lord! According to your instructions, yesterday I produced a total of 15 [Predator Robots (Elite Rank)]."

"30 [Counterattack Robots (Normal Rank)]."

"The machine oil and grime on these robots have all been cleaned off; they can be deployed to the battlefield at any time!"

There was a tone of pride in Locke's voice.

Cao Xing calculated in his mind; at this speed, the production rate is about 45 robots per day.

In about 22 days, he could have a robot legion of a thousand.

This production efficiency is quite fast.

After all, these are not ordinary robots, but robots with Tier 6 combat power that also have a self-destruct function.

Combined with Cao Xing's talent bonuses, the threat they pose on the battlefield can be said to be quite terrifying.

The goblin Locke seemed to see through Cao Xing's thoughts: "Lord, if you want to prioritize quantity, I can produce 90 of those ordinary Counterattack Robots per day."

"What do you think…"

Cao Xing pondered for a moment, then shook his head, "No, just continue producing at the current speed."

The gap between Elite rank and Normal rank is still quite large; not only are the attributes higher, but they also have an extra combat skill.

Although Cao Xing now has [Naisa's Ring of Blessing] and can provide group bonuses, adopting a cannon fodder strategy is an option.

But because there is a population limit, it is better to maximize the combat power of every person/machine.

"Understood, great Lord."

After speaking, Locke strode off on his short legs to continue working.

Before long, under Cao Xing's control, dozens of grayish-white figures quickly walked out of the factory workshop.

"Clank… clank…"

As these robots moved, they emitted various strange metallic turning sounds.

They then arrived outside the territory and lined up in neat formation.

Like a group of soldiers waiting for their commander's inspection.

Cao Xing looked at the dozens of robots in front of him, each over a meter tall and shimmering with a grayish-white metallic luster, and felt very satisfied.

"Since there's nothing else to do next, I might as well buff these robots first."

Thus, Cao Xing raised his staff and continuously cast Ice Armor Technique, Ice Healing Art, Frost Magic Shield, and other skills on these robots.

Causing their combat power to soar significantly.

By the afternoon.

The territory's recruitment function took effect.

[Ice Crystal Kingdom: Villagers from Hulen Village are requesting to visit your territory; do you accept?]

Cao Xing clicked accept.

Then, he personally came outside the territory to welcome them.

This time, it was a group of refugees requesting to visit the vicinity of Cao Xing's territory.

There were about twenty or thirty people.

Most of them were male.

According to them, their original Hulen Village was located downstream of the Anuo River, near an uninhabited area.

Recently, because the village was invaded by Snow Demons, many people died every night, and they could no longer survive there.

So they fled all the way here, and then heard the news that Cao Xing's territory was recruiting people.

After Cao Xing carefully scanned their attributes and confirmed there were no hidden criminals among them.

He accepted all these refugees.

Then he called Cao Yi over and had him lead these people to work.

With this, his territory's workforce increased by several dozen people.

After Cao Xing finished applying statuses to all the robots, he found himself with nothing to do again.

Currently, all combat personnel have their own tasks.

Cao Xing strolled leisurely around the territory.

While wandering, he arrived at the territory's livestock area.

At a glance, he saw a large row of cow sheds, six or seven meters high and arranged neatly in front of him.

Currently, the number of cow sheds in the territory, after additions over this period, has reached eighteen.

Among them, six are for the Cloud Yaks to live in, and another two are filled with Light Feather Chickens.

The other ten cow sheds are used for the herd of ordinary dairy cows and sheep brought by Old Mel.

Cao Xing walked into one of the cow sheds and saw the busy Old Mel and his partner, Sihua.

These two middle-aged people were diligently carrying fodder, continuously pouring hay mixed with Moses grass into the cow shed's troughs.

While working, they would occasionally glance at each other, then shyly lower their heads.

The atmosphere… was a bit ambiguous.

Seeing this scene at the doorway, Cao Xing couldn't help but let a smile appear on the corner of his mouth.

At this moment, the two also noticed Cao Xing at the entrance.

Their faces immediately showed some flustered expressions, and they quickly greeted him.

Cao Xing waved his hand.

Then he asked: "Old Mel, how are the cows, sheep, and chickens in the territory doing recently?"

Old Mel let out a gentle breath, then respectfully reported: "Answering, Lord, most of our territory's livestock have now gone through their first round of breeding."

"That group of Cloud Yaks has had a total of nineteen calves in the past two months, and they are all growing quite well."

"The other cows are also estimated to be near their birthing period; we expect a second round of production, and we estimate an increase of thirty little yaks this year."

"Additionally, for the Light Feather Chickens, in this past month, two rounds of chicks have already hatched."

"There are 116 new Light Feather Chickens in the territory, and the total number of Light Feather Chickens has now exceeded two hundred."

Hearing this number, a smile appeared on Cao Xing's face.

As time passed, the foundation he had laid earlier was now starting to yield returns.

As long as this territory exists, following this development progress, it won't be many years before the Cloud Yaks in his territory could even exceed one thousand.

The Light Feather Chickens are even more terrifying.

Following this breeding speed.

In a few years, he will be able to possess a large flock of chickens and thoroughly achieve freedom from worrying about Light Feather Chicken eggs!

And whether it is Cloud Yaks or Light Feather Chickens, both can bring him huge returns.

Plus the craft rum and Dream Magic Wine, as well as the Silver Dew Berries and Agate Grapes.

Adding these three major industries together, they can bring him unimaginable profits every day.

Cao Xing could even already see massive amounts of wealth crashing down on him.

Old Mel said: "Lord, besides these magical creatures, there are also those ordinary yaks and big-horned goats."

"The economic value of these livestock is not as high as magical creatures, but they are easier to raise and have a fast reproduction rate."

"I request to reassign two more people to help manage these ordinary livestock."

Cao Xing nodded without hesitation, "No problem, I will leave all of this to you."

"Whether you are short on manpower or supplies, just let me know directly."

Old Mel said respectfully, "Yes, thank you, my Lord."

…

After leaving the cow shed.

Cao Xing arrived at the buffer zone on the outskirts of the territory.

In the area near the blacksmith shop, he saw a huge nest.

The interior of this nest was very spacious; Harold had specially built a rough frame using refined iron, which was covered with hay.

Many young Griffins were lying leisurely inside.

It was precisely the [Large Griffin Nest].

Thanks to Du An and the others working overtime, it was successfully completed this morning.

All the Griffins had already moved in.

Including the Griffin eggs, which had also been properly placed.

Looking at everything in the territory, Cao Xing couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"A great territory is gradually moving toward prosperity!"

…

…

Time passed in a hurry.

In the blink of an eye, two more days had passed.

Over these past few days, Francesca had been fully dedicated to producing [Holy Water].

Cao Xing had also been gaining experience at home, leveling up two or three times.

His level had now reached 57.

Today marked the fifth day of the development phase.

By the afternoon.

The [Recruitment] function of the tavern had finished its cooldown, so Cao Xing clicked on recruit again.

Then, he waited quietly.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, when the sun was about to set.

Cao Xing heard a series of hoofbeats coming from outside the territory.

"Clip-clop… clip-clop…"

Then, more than a hundred figures approached quickly.

It was the Centaur legion led by Harati.

Upon hearing the news of their return, Cao Xing went out to greet them immediately.

He saw Harati walking at the very front, looking travel-worn.

Even the other Centaurs bore many traces of battle and healed scars.

They had experienced many battles during their trip to the Witch Forest over the past few days.

However, there was no look of exhaustion on any of the Centaurs' faces; instead, they were very excited.

Harati reported, "My Lord, we have explored almost the entire Witch Forest, over 80% of the area."

"Except for some neutral creatures and those wild beasts."

"We dealt with all the Human-Faced Trees and Nightmare Man-Eating Flowers we encountered."

"These are the spoils of war from this period; please take a look."

After speaking, she took a leather backpack from her sleek horse back and handed it to Cao Xing.

Cao Xing took it.

When he saw the large pile of glowing souls, materials, and scrolls inside.

An unconcealable surprise appeared on his face!

Then, he transferred these spoils into his own backpack one by one.

First, it was that pile of souls.

[Obtained: Soul of Human-Faced Tree Leader * 3]

[Obtained: Soul of Nightmare Man-Eating Flower Leader * 3]

[Obtained: Soul of Human-Faced Tree Elder (Chieftain Grade) * 11]

[Obtained: Nightmare Man-Eating Flower Chieftain Grade Soul * 9]

[Obtained: Human-Faced Tree/Man-Eating Flower Elite Soul * 72]

…

"Adding them up, that is a full 98 souls; this haul is an instant fortune!"

"If I can digest them all, it will significantly boost my strength!"

However, there was a problem facing Cao Xing now.

That is, these souls are basically Tier 4.

In other words, they can only be used by creatures below level 40.

And Cao Xing still had quite a few Tier 4 personnel under his command.

Such as the thousand Ascalon Warriors, Star Country Swordsmen, Silver Hand Knights, and so on…

"Perfect, the six leader souls can be distributed, and maybe each troop type will produce another leader."

Cao Xing thought happily.

Besides these souls, there were other gains.

[Obtained: Tier 3 Nightmare Archer Recruitment Scroll * 85]

[Obtained: Premium Tree Sap (Gold) * 2155]

[Obtained: Life Tree Heart of Human-Faced Tree Leader (Gold) * 5]

[Obtained: Life Tree Heart of Human-Faced Tree Elder (Purple) * 13]

[Obtained: High-Grade Tree Sap (Purple) * 18626]

[Obtained: Mid-Grade Tree Sap (Blue) * 75256]

[Obtained: Tree Sap (Green) * 520,000]

[Obtained: Ancient Vine * 70,000…]

[Obtained…]

…

Besides that, there were a large number of materials dropped by these Human-Faced Trees, including vines, bark, and so on…

It can be said that the harvest was terrifying!

Among them, the most important ones were the recruitment scrolls for the Nightmare Archers.

There were actually over eighty of them!

This way, he could assemble a legion bond of one hundred people!

Then there was the tree sap, high-grade tree sap, and so on.

This time, he harvested over one hundred thousand directly!

Conservatively estimated, he now had enough materials for the winery for the next half a year.

He felt very gratified.

After Cao Xing finished counting the loot, Harati continued to report, "According to your instructions, we drove the other beasts to the vicinity of the ancient castle."

"There are also no traces of other creatures setting foot inside."

Cao Xing nodded slightly.

That ancient castle originally belonged to Francesca.

But because the monsters inside had been wiped out by Cao Xing, and Francesca had also been lured back to his territory.

In other words, Francesca's things were now his.

Although he couldn't take it away, he didn't want anyone else to touch it.

Cao Xing nodded.

"You've worked hard during this time; now go take these souls and use them."

Among this group of Centaurs, 67 Centaur Warriors had already broken through to Tier 5.

The remaining 31 Centaur Archers and 18 Spear and Shield Cavalry were still level 40 creatures, so they could still use these Tier 4 souls.

So, Cao Xing took out the 49 Elite Souls from his backpack.

The Centaurs accepted them respectfully one after another, with looks of being moved appearing in their eyes.

Then, they all used the souls to break through.

In the blink of an eye, many Centaurs completed the transformation from ordinary creatures to elites.

[Your territory member: Kamini has successfully broken through to Tier 4 Elite creature, base attributes increased by 30%, learned new skill: Armor-Breaking Arrow]

[Your territory member: Candison has successfully broken through to Tier 4 Elite creature, base attributes increased by 30%, learned new skill: Charge Rescue]

[Your…]

…

Out of 49 Elite Souls, 37 were successful in the end; this success rate was still very high.

Likewise, after these Centaurs transformed, they all gained a new skill.

The elite skills of those archers were the same as Harati's, both being Armor-Breaking Arrow, so there was no need to look at them.

However, the skills of these Spear and Shield Cavalry had not been seen before, so he could take a look.

[Charge Rescue: When a friendly unit is in danger, quickly lock onto the enemy unit attacking them, move to the enemy's side at extremely high speed, and knock them into the air; Cooldown: 45 seconds]

…

This elite skill was quite good; as such, these Spear and Shield Cavalry not only possessed strong charging capabilities on the battlefield, but could also disrupt enemy formations.

Cao Xing looked at Harati and said.

"You've also worked hard these past few days, go get some rest first."

"By the way, there are hot springs in the territory; you can take the other Centaurs to soak in the hot springs and relax."

Hearing the last sentence, the female Centaur seemed to associate it with something; a flush appeared on her face, but she quickly suppressed it.

She nodded gently, "Yes, thank you for your concern, my Lord."

Then she led all the Centaurs away from here.

Cao Xing, in a happy mood, called over Menglita, Mengna, and the others.

The Nightmare Archers, wrapped in vines and carrying large bows, came to his side and bowed respectfully.

"The dream realm will heed your call, respected Lord."

Cao Xing nodded slightly, "Menglita, Mengna, next, I will recruit a batch of new members."

"This batch of new members will be led by you."

The two Nightmare Archers who had broken through to Tier 5 looked at each other and then nodded.

After speaking, Cao Xing directly took out a large pile of scrolls from his backpack.

[Use Tier 3 Nightmare Archer Recruitment Scroll * 85?]

"Yes."

Instantly, masses of dark purple mist rose up.