Chapter 146: Building the Rail System, Newcomers Outside the Territory

"Well done, Kandaer, Kantor, you have worked hard," Cao Xing praised.

The two Centaurs straightened up, just about to say it was no trouble.

But Cao Xing said, "To reward your performance, I have decided to let Kantor also possess Elite-level strength."

After saying this, Cao Xing tossed an Elite Soul to Kantor.

As for Kandaer, he had already advanced into an Elite creature two days ago, so there was no need to give him anything else.

Kantor reached out both hands, taking it with an excited expression.

"Thank you, strong and generous Lord!"

"May the glory of the Forefather Modir protect you!"

A system notification appeared.

[Due to your generous gift, territory member: Kantor's loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 93]

Not just Kantor, but the hundreds of territory members present, including the newcomers, all felt the powerful energy contained within that soul.

Then, under the gaze of hundreds of eyes, Kantor slammed the soul into his body.

Before long, a fierce aura rose from within his body!

A system notification appeared.

[Your territory member: Kantor has successfully advanced to an Elite-level creature. All attributes increased by 30%. Learned new skill: Skull-Crushing Throw]

Since the advancement paths for both Centaurs were the same, the skills they learned were also identical.

At this moment, Kantor looked at his now more muscular chest and arms, excitedly saying, "Oh! This feeling is truly great!"

"I've become stronger!"

Beside him, Kandaer also said excitedly, "That's right, Kantor, you've become stronger, just as strong as me!"

They appeared very happy.

As for the other territory members, the looks they directed at Kantor were filled with envy and respect!

In this world, possessing power meant possessing everything!

Especially that group of newly joined Imperial Soldier and Wild Boar Warrior, their eyes filled with intense longing.

Cao Xing looked at these newcomers and discovered that their levels had increased significantly. He flipped through the combat logs.

He discovered that the Wild Boar Warrior Blitz, Mage Apprentice Ai Li, and Sylvia had all reached level 10.

The levels of the few Imperial Soldier were still a bit behind, just reaching level 9. Yesterday, they had spent the whole day fighting outside with the two Centaurs and had gained quite a bit of experience.

Once they reached level 10, they could use a Heart of Strength to advance and become powerful Tier 2 warriors.

Thus, Cao Xing called out, "Blitz, Ai Li, Sylvia, come here."

The Wild Boar Warrior Blitz quickly walked over and then knelt on one knee, saying, "Powerful Lord, did you call for me?" Cao Xing nodded.

As for Ai Li and Sylvia, they clutched their wooden staves and looked at Cao Xing cautiously. Especially Ai Li, this timid Mage Apprentice, who seemed to still fear Cao Xing somewhat.

Cao Xing smiled, "You worked hard last night."

"In light of your good performance, I have decided to reward you as well."

Hearing the word 'reward', all three raised their heads. Blitz's eyes lit up; he had just seen with his own eyes Cao Xing give the Centaur a soul, which caused that Centaur's strength to increase greatly. Ai Li and Sylvia also had looks of anticipation in their eyes.

Cao Xing didn't keep them in suspense and took three Primary Heart of Strength from his backpack, giving one to each of them.

The three felt the powerful energy contained within the red crystal in their hands. Their pupils immediately constricted.

They knew that although the two Centaurs were strict with them, behind that strictness was rapid growth. In just one day, they had leveled up three or four times, which was proof enough!

The Centaurs had also explained to them that the reason they could level up so quickly was due to Cao Xing's power. In fact, even without any rewards, just this speed of becoming stronger was enough to satisfy them.

Yet now, Cao Xing had actually given them the precious Heart of Strength. For a moment, expressions of being moved appeared in the hearts of the three.

The Wild Boar Warrior immediately knelt on one knee, "By the Beast God, you are truly the Lord I have acknowledged; Blitz has certainly not followed the wrong person!"

The other Mage Apprentice, Sylvia, also said with a moved expression on her face, "Thank you, respected Lord." After saying this, she tugged on the hem of Ai Li's clothes next to her. Then, the timid Ai Li also said timidly, "Tha… thank you… Lord…"

Three system notifications appeared.

[Due to your generous gift, your territory member: Blitz Reyna's loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 85]

[Due to your generous gift, your territory member: Sylvia's loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 84]

[Due to your generous gift, your territory member: Ai Li's loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 87]

What surprised Cao Xing a bit was that the most timid one, Ai Li, had actually gained the most loyalty. Looking at her delicate appearance, Cao Xing nodded and said, "Alright, next, use the Heart of Strength to break through."

The three nodded, and then, amidst the envious gazes of the other territory members, they simultaneously crushed the Heart of Strength and absorbed the energy contained within. A moment later, a formidable power rose from within their bodies. Three system notifications for successful advancement appeared!

Cao Xing nodded in satisfaction, then looked at the few Imperial Soldier nearby, encouraging them, "For those of you who haven't broken through, don't be anxious."

"After some time, I will find Heart of Strength for all of you to break through."

Hearing this, the few Imperial Soldier, including several Imperial Archers, all knelt on one knee. They said respectfully, "Thank you, Lord; we are willing to give everything for the development of the territory!"

System notifications appeared.

[Due to your words, your territory member: Lakid's loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 78]

[Due to your words, your territory member…] Four or five notifications in a row; these newcomers all increased their loyalty by 3~5 points.

A smile appeared on the corner of Cao Xing's mouth, because his strategy of painting a big picture had worked once again. As for Da Zhuang, Du An, and other territory members, their eyes were filled with fanaticism.

This was also Cao Xing's goal. To establish the impression that as long as they contributed to the territory, they would be commended by the Lord and even given rewards. In this way, their sense of belonging to the territory would be stronger, and they would work even harder.

Cao Xing looked at his backpack; all five Heart of Strength had been distributed. Yesterday's loot had been almost completely consumed. The strength of the entire territory had surged significantly. With the strength of these territory members, the so-called Ice Nest no longer posed any threat to Cao Xing.

A joyful smile appeared on Cao Xing's face. Of course, he also knew that this was just the eve of the expansion pack launch. And these Ice Nest were the power of dragons. According to what those Tree Spirit Clan had said, an Ancient Dragon possessed combat power comparable to a True God. In a fit of rage, it could destroy an entire continent! Therefore, Cao Xing still could not let his guard down.

At this moment, little Elisa squeezed out from the crowd, "Lord, Lord, Elisa wants one too!"

Cao Xing was stunned and looked at this petite archer. Today, Elisa had changed her outfit; she was wearing some white-tier light armor she had scavenged from somewhere, and on her back, she carried a small wooden bow. Surprisingly, she actually had a bit of a heroic and spirited aura. However, her chubby, cute face didn't match this outfit at all.

He glanced at her attributes.

[Frost Archer: Elisa]

[Level: Level 7 3124 / 7000 (Tier 1 Common Creature)]

[Health Points: 580 / 580]

[Attack Power: 57 ~ 61 (Weapon Bonus)]

[Attributes: Strength 25, Agility 27, Spirit 20, Constitution 29]

[Skills: Frost Arrow (Condenses frost power to shoot an arrow containing frost aura, dealing 112% damage to the enemy and having a 50% chance to inflict a slow effect on the enemy, cooldown 15 seconds) Frost Breath (Frost Archer comprehends frost power, better adapting to extremely low-temperature environments, and can fight in the wild for longer periods)]

[Talent: None]

[Hunger: 71]

[Loyalty: 84]

Before going out yesterday, Cao Xing had trained the 5 Tree Spirit Clan members and Elisa into Frost Archers. After one day, the training was fully completed. However, Elisa's attributes could only be described as average. After all, she was just a common-level creature, and Cao Xing couldn't ask for too much.

Looking at Elisa's eager eyes, Cao Xing did not give her an Elite Soul. He couldn't break the impression he had just left on these territory members so quickly.

Thus, Cao Xing said, "Elisa, you must know that there are many people ahead of you who have contributed a lot to the territory; they need rewards more than you do."

"You haven't joined the territory for long and still need some time to gain experience."

"Only when you make contributions to the territory can I give you rewards, understand?"

Upon hearing this, a look of contemplation appeared on Elisa's cute little face, then she nodded and said, "Lord, I understand!"

"I will fight hard and become a powerful warrior!"

Cao Xing nodded with satisfaction; she was teachable.

Just then, Elisa cast a cautious glance at Cao Xing, then tentatively asked, "That… handsome and powerful Lord…"

"Although you can't give me a reward right now, could you agree to another request from Elisa?"

Looking at her bashful appearance, Cao Xing instinctively felt this wouldn't be anything good.

He narrowed his eyes, "Tell me, what is it?"

Upon hearing this, Elisa immediately said excitedly, "It's… it's to let me be the captain of the Frost Archer squad!"

"Let me lead all the other archers in battle, how about it?"

Cao Xing chuckled upon hearing this.

He hadn't expected this little girl to have the idea of leading a team.

However, the battlefield is not child's play; one must have command ability and sufficient prestige to make others follow their orders.

Thus, Cao Xing looked at the other five Tree Spirit Clan members.

"Do you think Elisa can be the captain?"

"Or, if you have any opinions, you can tell me as well."

The five Tree Spirit Clan members shyly scratched their heads, their gazes toward Elisa carrying a hint of awe.

"We have no objections, respected Lord."

"Elisa… Captain Elisa's ability is very outstanding, and we are willing to let her lead us in battle."

Seeing this, a strange smile appeared on Cao Xing's face.

It seems little Elisa had already won these Tree Spirit Clan members over.

This little girl really has some skill.

Thus, he nodded and said, "Since that's the case, then I agree."

Elisa immediately jumped up on the spot in excitement, "Yay!"

"Lord, I love you!"

[Because you fulfilled the request, your territory member: Elisa's loyalty has increased, current loyalty: 88]

…

Cao Xing was speechless, "Go on, take your archer squad and go train!"

"Understood, Lord!"

Then, Elisa straightened her body and, like a proud peacock, went off to train with her underlings.

Cao Xing looked at the territory resident Cao Yi.

He already knew yesterday that the resources in the territory were running low.

Wood, stone, and iron were all running out.

So today's task was to resume resource extraction.

Thus, Cao Xing asked, "Cao Yi, how many sections of rail do we have in our territory?"

Territory resident Cao Yi reported, "Reporting to the Lord, in the past few days we have consumed a large amount of iron and produced over ten thousand sections of rail, enough to lay more than ten kilometers of railway."

Hearing this number, Cao Xing nodded inwardly.

This way, they could go to mine areas further away.

Furthermore, with so many rails, they could even be used to lay multiple railways and then conduct mining simultaneously.

Cao Xing looked at Blot again, "Blot, have the resource points within a five-kilometer radius around our territory been scouted?"

This Shire Clan Shaman nodded, "Reporting to the Lord, the scouting is complete."

"Within five kilometers, there are two small forests, three small coal mines, two medium iron mines, and one medium copper mine."

"However, monsters are entrenched in these resource points, so I did not rashly disturb them."

Cao Xing nodded, "Very good."

"Blot, your task today is to escort some of our territory residents to the resource points together with Assam, Kantor, and Kandaer to clear out the monsters inside."

Upon hearing this, Blot immediately straightened his expression, "I will obey your command!"

The two Centaurs also said excitedly, "Haha! Kandaer is going to show off his skills today!"

"Kantor too!"

Having said that, they took a group of Arctic People and walked out of the territory.

Cao Xing continued, "Cao Yi, you will still be in charge of the Tree Spirit Clan today. Your task is to build a rail system to connect the resource points our warriors capture to the territory."

Territory resident Cao Yi also said respectfully, "Understood, Lord."

Then, territory resident Cao Yi also took a group of Tree Spirit Clan members and walked outside the territory.

Cao Xing looked at Du An, who was on the side.

"Du An, the remaining Arctic People are left for you to command."

"Today's primary task is to build the Primary Alchemy Workshop and the Primary Machinery Factory, then continue laying brick floors in our territory, and build magic energy water storage devices for our rooms."

"Right, also build the Ascalon Training Barracks."

The Arctic Person Du An has the [Enthusiastic Encouragement] talent, so his efficiency in building things is very high.

This is also the reason Cao Xing kept him behind.

Du An waved the hammer in his hand, a determined look appearing on his resolute face.

"Yes! Respected Lord, I will complete the tasks you have ordered!"

This group of Arctic People dispersed again, and Cao Xing continued to give orders.

"Dahua, check if the batch of vegetable seeds I purchased yesterday can be planted first."

"If there aren't enough greenhouses, notify Du An and the others to build new ones."

The mature-looking Dahua also walked over and nodded respectfully.

As Cao Xing issued order after order.

Soon, everyone had something to do.

As for Cao Xing himself, he became somewhat idle.

He didn't plan to go out today because there was nothing to do.

Currently, the only relatively urgent thing was the Moses Grass that the Cloud Yak needed to eat.

But Cao Xing had no clue about this thing.

Moreover, according to Old Mel, there were still six days until the Cloud Yak's next feeding of Moses Grass, so that wasn't urgent.

As for the Ice Luan Flower, Cao Xing didn't quite trust that Qiu Yating.

Thus, he specifically instructed Renice to head towards the vicinity of the Witch Forest today to scout the situation.

Once Renice returns, Cao Xing can set off.

Time flew by, and two hours passed…

Rumble! Rumble!

Outside the territory, a sound of impact occurred every so often.

In these two hours, Cao Xing kept a count.

There were two Ice Nests that crashed near his territory.

In other words, one Ice Nest would crash down every hour.

Compared to yesterday when an Ice Nest would only fall every few hours, the frequency of crashes today had indeed increased significantly.

At this frequency, those Survivors would have to fight against the Ice Nests while also gathering resources, making their time very tight.

However, Cao Xing had too many combat personnel.

Aili and Sylvia had advanced to Tier 2, and with their full set of BUFFs, it was enough to easily deal with the Ice Nests.

As for the other combat personnel, Hilda and Ilena even had nothing to do.

Cao Xing took a turn around the territory.

Liu Muxue was together with Tong Chuchu, teasing the bear cub Wally.

This bear cub, from when it couldn't even open its eyes when first brought back, to now being able to walk like a child.

Its growth speed was quite fast.

Just then—

Elisa trotted over to Cao Xing's side, panting, "Lord… Lord…"

"There… there…"

Cao Xing glanced at her speechlessly, "What is it? Speak slowly."

Elisa caught her breath, then said, "Outside the territory, two… two people have come!"

"They said they heard our territory was recruiting newcomers."

Cao Xing's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Oh? It seems the recruitment at the tavern yesterday had an effect!

"Take me there, little Elisa."

"Mm-hmm."

Elisa turned around and started trotting again.

Cao Xing followed behind her and soon arrived at one of the iron gates.

Looking out from the city wall.

In the snow outside the territory, two figures had indeed appeared.

The one leading was a woman with a sturdy build like a cow.

Good heavens, that height was at least over two meters!

To be honest, this was the first time Cao Xing had seen such a tall woman.

Her strong physique, bulging muscles, plus the giant axe she was carrying on her shoulder, made her look full of intimidation!

And beside her, there was also a bearded Dwarf.

That bearded Dwarf looked similar to the Arctic People, but he was one of the major races of this world.

A pure Dwarf Clan member.

Cao Xing quickly scanned their attributes…

…

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