Chapter 147: Knowledge-Loving Dwarf, Blacksmith in Place

Cao Xing quickly scanned the attributes of the two people in the snow.

[Mercenary of Mixed Blood: Putana Carson]

[Race: Giant Clan / Human]

[Level: 17 (Tier 2 Elite Creature)]

[HP: 6860 / 6860]

[Attack: 454 ~ 491]

[Skills: Great Axe Mastery (When using great axe type weapons, increases Strength by 20% and Critical Hit Rate by 10%), Shield Breaker Slam (Swings the great axe to deal 188% heavy damage to the enemy. If attacking a shielded unit, deals an additional 50% attack damage and has a 30% chance to knock the enemy's shield away, cooldown 40 seconds), Savage Flurry (Swings the great axe to spin at high speed, dealing continuous 120% damage to all surrounding enemies for 5 seconds, cooldown 3 minutes. After the skill ends, there is a 30% chance to fall into a 2-second stun state)]

[Talent: Half-Giant Bloodline (Increases HP by 20%, decreases Defense by 30%)]

(Introduction: Putana, who possesses half-human and half-giant blood, is not welcomed by either side. She has a bad childhood past.)

…

[Seeker of Knowledge: Harold Iceberg]

[Race: Dwarf Clan]

[Level: 15 (Tier 2 Common Creature)]

[HP: 4140 / 4140]

[Attack: 252 ~ 277]

[Skills: Frost Hammer (Harold's attacks carry the power of frost, dealing an additional 20% elemental damage to the enemy.), Iceberg Heavy Slam (Condenses frost power onto the weapon, dealing 155% heavy damage to all enemies in front, with a 50% chance to cause them to enter a 1~3 second frozen state), Intermediate Forging Mastery (Possesses rich forging experience, can temper more advanced equipment, and speeds up forging speed by 20%)]

[Talent: Artisan (When forging equipment, success rate increases by 10%)]

(Introduction: A dwarf who is also shunned by his clan. His eyes only hold books and knowledge.)

…

Two Tier 2 creatures!

However, seeing the skills of this dwarf, Cao Xing's eyes lit up immediately!

Good fellow!

This is actually a talent with Intermediate Forging skills.

This means Cao Xing has finally found a blacksmith!

At this moment, he couldn't help but sigh.

The territory title [Land of Hope] is truly fierce!

The first recruitment brought a Tier 2 elite and an Intermediate blacksmith.

Just then, the giant-like woman looked at Cao Xing and said loudly, "Are you the lord here?"

Cao Xing nodded.

"Yes, I am the lord, Cao Xing. What is your purpose here?"

"We heard the voice of the Wind Spirit, it told me that you are recruiting people here, so we wanted to come and take a look."

Hearing this, Cao Xing said happily: "Then, do you two want to join my territory?"

The giant woman shook her head and said: "Although we need a place to stay, before that, we need to observe the strength of your territory."

"If your territory is too weak, we will not join."

Cao Xing nodded, this is normal.

Like these natives, they all have their own thoughts.

If they were some level 6 or 7 Survivors, and the whole territory had no defensive facilities, the territory's strength would seem very weak.

Even if people were attracted, these natives would probably run away after one look.

Therefore, to keep people, one's own or the territory's strength must be strong enough.

At this moment, the giant woman said with a stubborn face: "Of course, if you are like other lords who despise my half-giant bloodline and think I am a freak, I can leave immediately."

However, after hearing this, Cao Xing opened the gate directly.

Clang!

Seeing this scene, even the half-giant woman, Putana, was a little surprised.

She didn't expect Cao Xing to be so decisive, opening the gate without even asking their identities.

If there were people with malicious intent, it would be a big trouble if they rushed into the territory at this time.

However, what she didn't know was that Cao Xing had a system panel and could directly see their attributes and strength.

Plus, he finally found a blacksmith with forging skills, so there was no way he would let them go.

"You two, it's cold in the snow outside, let's go in and talk first."

"You can observe my territory up close, and then decide whether to stay."

Cao Xing had a friendly smile on his face.

A look of bewilderment appeared in the half-giant woman's eyes, appearing somewhat unbelievable.

A moment later, the half-giant woman sighed: "You are the most straightforward lord I have ever met."

After speaking, she led the dwarf Harold inside.

The next moment, both of them felt a wave of warmth rushing towards them.

Like other newcomers, as soon as they entered, they couldn't help but be amazed at the warmth of this territory.

The half-giant Putana's eyes were suspicious, and she whispered: "It's really strange, why is this territory different from other territories?"

"Even the territories of those barons we have visited before were extremely cold everywhere except inside the Lord's Manor."

The dwarf beside her saw the large furnace in the center of the territory, which was four meters high and over one meter in diameter.

The dwarf whispered: "Putana, the heat in this territory seems to be provided by that furnace."

"This is truly a magical territory…"

Hearing this, a look of realization also appeared in Putana's eyes.

And Cao Xing smiled and said: "You two, go sit in the tavern first."

Putana nodded.

Then Cao Xing began to lead the way in front.

The giant woman, holding the dwarf's hand, followed behind Cao Xing.

This scene looked like a mother holding her son.

As they walked, they examined the buildings in Cao Xing's territory.

Nodding from time to time.

You know, the scale of Cao Xing's territory, even among the natives, is quite good.

And as they entered the tavern.

The warm air provided by the heating pipes came in waves.

Putana and the dwarf Harold, wrapped in thick cotton clothes, showed expressions of astonishment.

"What a warm tavern…"

"Yes, Putana, how many years has it been since we felt this kind of heat!"

In this extremely cold world, warmth is a luxury.

Many lives have never felt temperatures above zero from birth to death.

Cao Xing turned his head and said: "This is our territory's infrastructure, every resident's house has the same living environment."

"Also, they have thick quilts to sleep in at night, so they can spend the cold winter nights comfortably."

Hearing this, both of them looked respectful.

The dwarf Harold said solemnly: "You are truly a lord who cares for his subordinates!"

At this time, Lachi, who had changed into a formal suit, was standing at the bar.

Seeing Cao Xing.

Lachi said respectfully: "Lord, you are here."

Cao Xing nodded, "Mix two glasses of spirits for our guests."

"Okay, respected Lord."

After speaking, Lachi turned and opened the liquor cabinet.

Seeing this scene, the giant woman Putana said: "Wait a moment."

"How do you charge for the drinks here? Don't try to overcharge us and slaughter us, we won't pay!"

She appeared very shrewd; years of wandering life had made this Giant Clan woman not easily trust others.

However, Cao Xing shook his head again with a smile: "No charge, consider it my treat."

Hearing this, Putana and the dwarf looked at each other and said nothing more.

A few minutes later, Lachi brought up two glasses of mixed spirits.

The rich aroma of alcohol wafted out.

The dwarf on the side couldn't control himself and drank it in one gulp.

Then he exclaimed: "By the Gods, this is actually Vigima Champion Spirit, what a rich and mellow fragrance!"

And the Putana beside him also took a sip, with an appreciative look in her eyes.

"Lord, you have a prosperous territory and fine wine, thank you for your hospitality."

Cao Xing smiled and said: "You're welcome."

"I am the lord, Cao Xing, very happy to meet you."

The giant woman and the dwarf blacksmith replied at the same time.

"Wandering mercenary: Putana!"

"Dwarf Harold, we are also very happy to meet you."

Cao Xing nodded and continued to ask: "Have you two always lived in the Gale Snowfield?"

With a drink in their stomachs, their attitudes became more relaxed.

Putana shook her head and said: "We come from the Southern Continent, which is the main place where the Giant Clan and the Dwarf Clan live, and it is also our hometown."

"Because of my half-giant identity, I am not welcomed in my Giant Clan, and humans also view me as a monster. Only Harold does not look at me with strange eyes."

"And Harold, he is also ostracized in his own clan."

"So, Harold and I resolutely decided to leave our clan, boarded a goblin airship, and spent many years traveling from the Southern Continent to the Western Continent."

Speaking of this, Putana's expression darkened slightly, "But crossing an entire continent was truly too difficult. We experienced many terrible things along the way, separating and reuniting several times."

"We even nearly died."

"However, the only thing that makes me feel fortunate is that, during our wanderings, we became husband and wife."

As she said this, a happy smile appeared on Putana's face.

"My husband, Harold, is a man full of wisdom. During our journey, it was often thanks to his knowledge that he led us out of danger."

Hearing this, the dwarf beside her began to feel a bit embarrassed.

"Putana… I'm not as capable as you say…"

Cao Xing smiled, "Mr. Harold has a profound demeanor; he certainly looks very talented."

Harold became even more embarrassed, "I am not good at fighting, nor do I like it."

"Because of this, I was ostracized by the other dwarves."

"In my life, there is only forging, reading, and Putana."

Hearing this, Cao Xing was thoughtful.

So, this was a dwarf who liked to read.

Last night, he had found over sixty ancient books in those burial goods bags.

He wondered, could these attract this dwarf?

Cao Xing decided to give it a try.

The next moment, he took all those books out.

On the tavern table in front of them, a small mountain of books appeared.

Harold exclaimed, "By the gods! So many books?"

Like a drunkard seeing fine wine, he instantly pounced on them.

"'Treatment and Care', 'Alchemy Theory', 'The King's Women'… Heavens, these are all books I have never seen before."

He clutched two books, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"This Lord, are you also a person who loves knowledge?"

Cao Xing smiled, "Of course. In my hometown, there is a saying that 'knowledge is power,' and we all place great importance on knowledge."

Harold was immediately filled with respect upon hearing this.

Cao Xing saw the eagerness in his eyes and struck while the iron was hot, "Mr. Harold, like you, I love knowledge and enjoy reading."

"Furthermore, I will bring back more books later, and in the near future, I plan to build a library that belongs to us."

"And if I have your help, I believe it will speed up the progress significantly."

"Therefore, I hope you can stay and assist me in building a territory full of knowledge."

Hearing this, a strong sense of temptation appeared in Harold's eyes!

He looked at the giantess beside him and asked tentatively, "Putana, let's stay."

"This territory is very safe, and the Lord is very visionary."

"Besides, the Gale Snowfield has become increasingly unsafe lately, with Hunters and Ice Nest Monsters running rampant."

"I know you hate living in groups, but we really need a stable place to live…"

Putana also knew that what Harold said made sense.

Wandering around like this forever was not a solution.

But as she had said before, years of wandering life had made it hard for her to easily trust anyone.

Putana appeared very conflicted.

At this moment, Cao Xing said, "In my territory, you can fully utilize your talents."

"Mr. Harold can focus on forging and reading, while Ms. Putana only needs to assist in the territory's defense and go out hunting with me during the day."

"And I will provide you with a warm and safe place to live."

Hearing this, a light lit up in Putana's eyes, and she confirmed, "My husband, he doesn't need to fight?"

Cao Xing nodded, "Yes."

At this moment, Putana said solemnly, "We are willing to join your territory, Lord Cao Xing."

Cao Xing smiled upon hearing this and then issued the recruitment notification to them.

[Recruitment successful: Putana Carson, Harold Iceberg have joined your territory. Territory population +3]

Since Putana is an elite-level creature, she occupies 2 population slots.

Cao Xing stood up, "Welcome to the team, Putana, Harold. Let us build a territory of equality and knowledge together."

The two also stood up.

Putana bowed slightly, while Harold stood on his chair.

Then, they both saluted Cao Xing.

"Thank you for letting us join the territory. We will make great contributions to it!"

Cao Xing nodded and checked their loyalty; both had over 60 points since they had just joined.

He finally breathed a sigh of relief.

At the same time, a strong sense of joy appeared in his eyes!

With his rhetoric and techniques, he had finally kept these two natives!

Next, as long as he raised their loyalty a bit more, the blacksmith position in his territory would be secured!

With a blacksmith, he could mass-produce equipment.

And this equipment could arm the legion, enhancing the combat capabilities of the newcomers.

Most importantly, Cao Xing still had over a hundred Ascalon Warriors recruitment scrolls in his hands!

The weapons and equipment for these hundred-plus people would all be taken care of!

However, since Putana and Harold had just joined, Cao Xing decided to let them adapt for a while before arranging work for them.

"You two, rest in the tavern for a while."

The two nodded upon hearing this.

Cao Xing walked straight out of the tavern.

Time passed slowly.

By noon, four or five Ice Nests had crashed near the territory.

"Boom! Boom!"

The sound of impact was constant.

After these Ice Nests crashed, they would hatch many Ice Nest Monsters, which rushed toward the territory.

Then, Elisa would excitedly lead those Tree Spirit archers to rush up and deal with the Ice Nest Monsters.

Although she only had Tier 1 strength, she was more proactive in fighting than those Tier 2 powerhouses.

Meanwhile, Cao Xing and Liu Muxue were sitting in the territory leveling up.

Before long, a white light appeared on Cao Xing.

[Your level has increased. Current level: 14]

[Attributes gained from this level up: Strength +3, Agility +4, Spirit +7, Constitution +6]

Not long after, notifications for the level-ups of Ilena, Hilda, Blot, and others kept appearing.

Cao Xing chuckled, "These Ice Nests are great; they're practically experience packs delivered to our doorstep!"

"If the frequency were a bit higher, I estimate I could reach Level 20 in a day or two!"

He stood on the city wall, watching Elisa lead the Frost Archer squad below, shooting the Ice Nest Monsters to pieces on the spot.

Beside them, the Wild Boar Warrior and the two mage apprentices were also constantly launching attacks.

Glancing over, he found that the level of the Ice Nest Monsters had generally increased to Level 6-8.

He estimated that in another two or three days, Tier 2 Ice Nest Monsters would appear.

However, for Elisa and the others who had a bunch of buffs on them, they could handle even Tier 2 Ice Nest Monsters.

Cao Xing noticed that every time Elisa wiped out a wave of Ice Nest Monsters, she would take her people to retrieve the arrows from the snow and pick up the items dropped by the Ice Nest Monsters.

Cao Xing looked at the quivers on their backs and thought, "The arrow reserves in the territory are still quite low. As more archer classes appear, they're almost not enough."

"It just so happens that I have a crafting blueprint for iron arrows. Tomorrow, I can let Harold mass-produce some arrows."

In this regard, the mage class is better; it doesn't require consuming arrows and can fight directly by condensing magic power.

Of course, the spirit strength of mages is an issue; after fighting for a while, they will feel mentally exhausted and need to rest to recover their spirit.

Overall, they each have their pros and cons.

And as Elisa and the others continued to fight hard, before long, the commotion of the battle outside ended.

Just as Cao Xing was preparing to stretch and go down to participate in the battle, at that moment, the mage apprentice Aili walked over timidly.

She held a small wooden staff, wore a mage's hat, and her mage apprentice robe dragged on the snow as she looked at Cao Xing cautiously.

But this mage apprentice was too timid; she didn't dare to speak to him directly.

So, Cao Xing asked, "Aili, what is it?"

"I… I… I…"

A moment later, Aili said, "We just killed an elite-level Ice Nest Monster outside."

"And then… something new dropped from it…"