Chapter 190: Hoge Village

Chapter 190: Hoge Village Seeking Aid, Action Plan!

After reading the attributes of the [Arctic People Cabin], Cao Xing exclaimed in admiration.

"Not bad, not bad. I can summon another 12 Arctic People to work!"

"However, if I want to continue upgrading, I have to upgrade the Lords Cabin to the Lords Manor first."

Cao Xing took another look at the upgrade requirements for the Lords Cabin.

[Lords Cabin: Level 5]

[Armor: 150]

[Durability: 4000]

[Current Population Capacity: 342 / 606]

[Requirements for Next Level: Level 11 Smelter, Wood * 1000, Stone * 600, Iron * 300, Refined Iron * 100, Mithril * 10, Intermediate Elemental Crystal * 20]

[Upgrade Time Required: 95 hours 51 minutes]

[Simultaneous Workers: 0 / 4]

…

Since the Bonfire is the core of this territory, many buildings have prerequisites that require the Bonfire to reach a certain level.

However, Cao Xing had already upgraded the Bonfire to level 15, turning it into a Smelter.

So he had no concerns in that regard.

"Not bad. If the Lords Cabin upgrades one more level, it will become the Lords Manor, though the time required for the upgrade is a bit long."

"Now is the perfect time to recruit another batch of Arctic People to speed up the work progress."

Thinking of this, Cao Xing went directly to the [Arctic People Cabin] and clicked recruit.

A system notification appeared.

[Consume Food * 600 to recruit 12 Arctic People?]

…

The food required to recruit Arctic People is easily affordable for most current Survivors.

However, while the recruitment requirements aren't difficult, the hard part is how to provide the food for these Arctic People afterward.

After all, one Arctic Person still needs to eat 20 units of food per day.

Of course, Cao Xing had just obtained tens of thousands of kilograms of food last night, so his reserves could be described as abundant.

Never mind 12 Arctic People; even if 120 more came, it would be no problem at all.

He clicked 'Yes' directly.

At the same time, the Arctic People Cabin began to vibrate.

Rumble!

Then, 12 Arctic People, wearing gray cotton clothes and hats and with different appearances, emerged one after another.

"Respected Lord!"

"Arctic People: Vivek/Dennis/Danilo… reporting for duty."

Although they were short in stature, their standing posture was very upright, like a group of new recruits waiting for their commander's inspection.

At the same time, the eyes of these Arctic People were secretly sizing up the territory.

And as they observed, the look of astonishment in their eyes grew stronger.

Clearly, the level of development of Cao Xing's territory exceeded the imagination of these Arctic People!

Cao Xing also said, "I am the Lord, Cao Xing. Welcome to the team."

"Let us build a more prosperous territory together."

Cao Xing treated these workers equally and gave them the respect they deserved.

Seeing that this new Lord seemed quite kind, the Arctic People gradually breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, an Arctic Person named Danilo said with a silly smile, "This Lord, the aura on you is as fierce as an Earth Dragon!"

"I feel that even the strongest warrior in our tribe would be no match for you."

His words gained the approval of the other Arctic People, and they all chimed in.

"That's right, this Lord has strength that makes one tremble!"

"And this territory. It's my first time in such a magical territory. It is so warm, just like lying in a mother's embrace…"

"Haha, other Arctic People told us that being recruited by an Otherworld Lord meant living a hard life. It seems that's not the case at all!"

Listening to their exclamations, Cao Xing smiled.

Then, he checked their attributes again and nodded to himself.

They were all level 2-4 Arctic People, about the same as the first batch recruited.

Their loyalty was also just over 60, which was acceptable.

Cao Xing said, "From today on, you will be under Du An's command. He will lead you in your work."

The twelve Arctic People immediately straightened their bodies and said respectfully, "Understood! Powerful Lord!"

Then they looked at Du An beside them, "Lord Du An, please lead us to start working!"

Du An seemed unaccustomed to being called "Lord," so he looked at Cao Xing somewhat awkwardly.

Cao Xing smiled and said, "Du An, today you lead the men to continue upgrading the Lords Cabin, and then build the Primary Brewery."

"Besides that, continue building Elemental Arrow Towers."

"For any extra Arctic People, just have them repair the city walls."

Du An hurriedly wrote down Cao Xing's tasks one by one.

After he finished speaking, Du An immediately straightened his body and said respectfully, "Understood! Lord!"

"We guarantee we will complete the tasks!"

After speaking, he took these dozen or so Arctic People, along with the Arctic People behind him, and went to work.

After everyone gradually dispersed.

Cao Xing went straight to the [Tailor Shop].

Currently, only Xia Yanni was inside.

Seeing Cao Xing enter, a gentle smile appeared on Xia Yanni's face, "Lord… you're here…"

Cao Xing nodded and then asked curiously, "Yanni, where is Chuchu?"

Xia Yanni replied softly, "Lord… Chuchu took little Wally out to deal with those Ice Nest Monsters…"

"She also excitedly told me that last night, while fighting alongside you, she summoned robots to blow up several Hunters."

Speaking of this, a maternal smile appeared on the beautiful woman's face, as relieved as if she were seeing her own child grow up.

However, without Tong Chuchu's company, Xia Yanni seemed a bit lonely by herself.

Cao Xing thought to himself, "The workload in the Tailor Shop is still quite heavy. After the beast hides obtained earlier are processed, they also need to be sewn. Xia Yanni cannot handle it alone."

"I'll see if I can recruit someone else later to help her share the pressure."

Thinking of this, Cao Xing took out all the Cloud Yak fur from his backpack and said.

"Yanni, I'll need you to work hard these next few days. Use this fur to make a few sets of clothes first."

"See if you can cut them into the style of those overcoats; we'll need them when we go out."

Hearing this, Xia Yanni hurriedly said, "It's… it's not hard work…"

"The Lord is the one who works hard… not only taking care of us mother and daughter, but also managing such a large territory…"

Speaking of this, she lowered her head shyly and said softly.

"I… if the Lord feels stressed… you can come to Yanni anytime…"

By the end, her voice was as faint as a mosquito's.

But Cao Xing heard it clearly.

The mature and shy beautiful woman before him lowered her head, her fleshy legs pressed together.

One look at her made one want to hold her in their arms and cherish her.

He was just about to step forward.

But just then, a system notification appeared.

[Hoge Village Militia: Arno is requesting to visit your territory. Do you approve?]

Cao Xing stopped his steps, unable to help but wonder, "The Hoge Village militia wants to visit my territory. How did they find their way here?"

Xia Yanni noticed the expression on Cao Xing's face and asked softly, "Lord… is there something wrong outside?"

"Yes, there is a small matter."

"Then… then Lord, please go handle your business. Just put that batch of fur in the storage box, and Yanni will have it done according to your instructions…"

Cao Xing also knew that important matters were priority, so he nodded and said, "Okay."

With that, he approved Arno's visit request.

Then, Cao Xing left the Tailor Shop and went straight outside the territory.

From afar, a somewhat familiar figure was fast approaching the city wall.

Since most Survivors' territories had now built Arrow Towers.

Therefore, when those natives approached, they had to apply for access first.

Otherwise, once they entered the attack range, they would be subjected to the merciless attacks of the Arrow Towers.

Cao Xing took a glance and found that it was just Arno who had come alone.

Then he opened the city gate and came before him.

When the militiaman Arno saw Cao Xing, his face showed a complex mix of excitement, lingering fear, and other emotions.

He said, almost trembling, "Lord Cao Xing, I have finally found you…"

Cao Xing asked curiously, "How did you get here?"

Compared to Arno's purpose, Cao Xing was more curious about how these natives had found him.

After all, he had just pulled off a big job last night and didn't want to be exposed so quickly.

Arno took a few deep breaths, seemingly trying to calm his excited mood.

Then he slowly explained.

"It is like this, Lord Cao Xing."

"When you came to Hoge Village earlier, you told the village chief that your territory was nearby."

"So we sent out several militiamen to search everywhere."

"During this time, I also met several nearby Survivor Lords, paid them a certain amount of crowns, and asked if they knew where Lord Cao Xing was."

"Then, they told me a general direction."

"I followed the direction they pointed out and searched all the way here. From a distance, I saw this massive territory, so I guessed that it might be your territory!"

After listening to Arnuo's explanation, Cao Xing nodded.

His territory's location was no longer a secret.

After all, the last time he used the [Ice Dragon Horn], many Survivor lords had learned that Cao Xing's territory was nearby.

Moreover, although Cao Xing had pulled off a job last night.

Those Hunters shouldn't be able to suspect him.

Because in their understanding, Otherworld Lords were all a weak bunch and couldn't possibly have the strength to overthrow a camp of 600 people.

Cao Xing continued: "Arnuo, what do you need from me?"

The militia member Arnuo hurriedly said: "Lord Cao Xing, we are here to ask for your help!"

"Our Hoge Village has encountered trouble recently, and having no other choice, we could only come to you…"

"Trouble?" Cao Xing furrowed his brows.

"Yes!"

Arnuo explained: "In the last few days, Snow Demons have appeared in our Hoge Village every night, and there is more than one!"

"At the worst, there were even five Snow Demons!"

"They knock on the villagers' doors every night, causing panic."

"You should know about the creature called the Snow Demon. Once they target someone, even if you don't open the door at night, they will break in and devour the hearts of the villagers inside."

"In just a few days, dozens of villagers have had their hearts dug out by the Snow Demons!"

Speaking of this, the militia member Arnuo's tone was filled with immense fear.

Upon hearing this, Cao Xing realized something and instinctively asked: "Is Elena alright?"

Hearing this name, the militia member Arnuo was stunned for a moment.

Then he hurriedly said: "Ms. Elena is fine for now."

"However, she seems to have almost been attacked by a Snow Demon last night, and now she doesn't dare to go out."

"You know, the village's strength is very weak, and we have no other options."

Hearing this, Cao Xing breathed a slight sigh of relief.

After all, this woman had some connection to him, and she was a decent person.

If possible, Cao Xing didn't want anything to happen to her.

But when he heard that Elena had been attacked by a Snow Demon last night, he started to feel worried again.

Arnuo suppressed his fear and continued: "Lord Cao Xing, these evil creatures called Snow Demons are simply too powerful and cannot be killed."

"Our Hoge Village is weak, and if we don't seek help, the entire village will soon be destroyed at the hands of these Snow Demons!"

"But our Hoge Village doesn't belong to any noble territory, and we don't know any powerful beings…"

"After thinking it over, you are the most powerful person nearby."

"So we decided that the entire Hoge Village would pool our funds together, and every household chipped in to raise 87,442 crowns to ask for your help!"

"We beg you, benevolent Lord Cao Xing!"

After Arnuo finished speaking, a system notification appeared.

[Hoge Village has issued a quest for you: Expel the Snow Demons]

[Quest Content: During the night, expel or kill the Snow Demons invading Hoge Village so they no longer harass the village]

[Quest Reward: Hoge Village favorability increased, 87,422 crowns]

[Accept?]

Seeing this system notification, Cao Xing fell into deep thought.

He knew how troublesome Snow Demons were.

Last time, with so many people, that Snow Demon almost escaped.

In the end, it was thanks to Sarah's [Shadow Bloom] that the Snow Demon was finished off.

And this time, the Snow Demons appearing in Hoge Village were likely even more powerful than the one that came to Cao Xing's territory last time.

But compared to a few days ago, their strength had increased by more than several times.

And at this moment, Cao Xing remembered something.

He thought to himself: "I remember the Champion Fighter once said that many Snow Demon tongues are needed to catch the King Salmon of Snowfall Lake."

"And the King Salmon is related to a complete legendary weapon—the lady of the lake sword."

"Previously, I didn't know where to find a large number of Snow Demons, but this time is an opportunity…"

After thinking for a moment, Cao Xing said: "I understand. Go back and tell the village chief that I will bring people to Hoge Village this afternoon to help you expel the Snow Demons."

Hearing Cao Xing agree, a look of excitement immediately appeared in the militia member's eyes.

He immediately knelt on the snow with both knees and kowtowed to Cao Xing: "Thank you! You are truly a powerful and kind lord!"

"Our Hoge Village will remember you forever!"

A system notification appeared.

[Successfully accepted quest: Expel the Snow Demons]

Cao Xing helped Arnuo up.

Then, under his gaze, Arnuo quickly left the area and returned to Hoge Village.

After he left.

Cao Xing also began to think about countermeasures for dealing with the Snow Demons.

"These Snow Demons have strong survival instincts and are very cautious; when facing a large number of enemies, they will flee directly."

"Also, after their HP drops to a certain limit, they will use a [Snow-Drifting God] skill to remove all control effects and escape."

"Therefore, to deal with these creatures, I cannot bring too many people."

"I must use the strongest attack power to kill them in one hit, otherwise the opponent will escape again."

"And in my territory, only Sarah has this kind of powerful burst damage."

"But this time, there is more than one Snow Demon appearing in Hoge Village…"

Cao Xing fell into thought again.

After a moment, he thought of a new plan.

"Since there is no other way to one-shot the Snow Demons besides Sarah, I will utilize the characteristics of their skills."

"The Snow Demons can only use the bug-like escape skill, Snow-Drifting God, when their HP drops below 30%."

"So I can use some methods to control these Snow Demons first, and then start whittling down their HP."

"When their HP drops to around 30%, several ranged units can simultaneously launch their strongest attacks, which should have a chance to kill them instantly!"

Thinking of this, Cao Xing had a plan.

That was to bring a few more powerful ranged units.

And then bring some melee units to secretly use [Ejection Grappling Hooks] to control these Snow Demons.

When the Snow Demons' HP drops to a certain level, launch a wave of concentrated fire to kill them instantly!

So, he quickly returned to his territory and called out.

"Aili, Sylvia, come over here."

Hearing Cao Xing's call,

The two mage girls held their staffs and walked over gracefully together.

"Lord, did you call for us?"

Sylvia, who had some small freckles on her face, wore a cheerful smile.

Aili held a staff and stood timidly to the side.

She also greeted him softly, "Lo… Lord…"

Cao Xing didn't say much and glanced at their levels.

Both of them had already reached level 18; the progress was quite good.

So, Cao Xing said directly: "I am going out tonight and need to take all the ranged units, so you will have to come with me."

Their loyalty had already reached over 90, so they basically wouldn't disobey Cao Xing's orders.

The two mage girls nodded simultaneously.

"In the name of the Goddess Melandru, we will follow your orders."

Then, Cao Xing took two Elite Souls from his backpack and handed them to them.

"Use these. We are going to deal with an evil creature tonight, so improve your strength before then."

Looking at the souls in front of them.

The eyes of the two mage girls were first filled with surprise, then disbelief.

After all, through what happened last night, they knew the powerful effect of these souls!

This was actually a magical item that could improve their potential!

Sylvia asked in disbelief: "Lo… Lord… do you really want to give us such precious items?"

"We are just mage apprentices who have mastered some basic magic…"

"We… we aren't qualified to use such precious things…"

But Cao Xing said directly: "You are mage apprentices now, but will you be mage apprentices for the rest of your lives?"

"Don't you want to become mages, or Great Mages?"

Hearing this, the two girls looked at each other, then both said firmly.

"We do!"

"We also want to become powerful Great Mages!"

Cao Xing smiled: "Then use them."

"Follow me, and these dreams will all come true one by one!"