Chapter 392: The Foundation of the Baron’s Mansion, The Path to Promotion (6000)

Hesitating for a moment, the old village chief nodded.

"Yes, respected Lord, we are indeed suffering from this illness."

"We did not intend to hide our physical condition from you, please forgive us, Lord!"

After finishing, all the villagers bent over and bowed to Cao Xing to apologize.

A little girl raised her head and said with a pleading look: "Lord… my mother's illness is not contagious, she just isn't feeling well…"

"Can you please not drive us away, sob…"

As she spoke, tears were about to fall from the little girl's eyes.

Cao Xing waved his hand, "Rest assured, I am not trying to drive you away."

"I just wanted to understand your physical condition."

Upon hearing this, the little girl gradually stopped crying, looking at Cao Xing with watery eyes.

The old village chief replied: "Lord, please rest assured…"

"According to the current situation, our symptoms should not continue to worsen."

"As long as we can move for one more day, we will do our best to contribute to this territory."

Cao Xing asked: "Then, in your opinion, based on your current condition, how many more years can you live?"

The old village chief pondered for a moment, "I probably have three or four years left to live… those younger villagers can probably live for another ten or so years…"

"I understand."

Cao Xing nodded slightly and asked no more.

Then he pressed the communication device on his ear.

"Da Zhuang, arrange for an Arctic Person to go to the cellar and bring up a barrel of milk."

"It is Cloud Yak milk."

He specifically instructed.

After hearing the command, Da Zhuang immediately started to move.

Before long, he and another Arctic Person carried a barrel of milk to Cao Xing.

"Lord, shall I put it here for you?"

"Yes."

After Da Zhuang and the others gently set down the barrel of milk.

Cao Xing went over and opened the wooden barrel lid, and a strong milky fragrance wafted out.

Then he took out a glass from his backpack and filled it with a full cup of milk.

"Village Chief Zelko, come and taste this."

The old village chief heard this, quickly stepped forward, and carefully took the glass from Cao Xing's hand.

He did not know what a Cloud Yak was, thinking it was just ordinary milk, and drank it all in one gulp.

After drinking it, he smacked his lips.

"Lord, this milk is really delicious, better than any milk I have ever drunk before."

"It feels warm in my stomach…"

A simple, honest smile appeared on the old village chief's wrinkled face.

And Cao Xing was observing his condition.

Just at this moment, the old village chief suddenly hunched over.

The expression on his face also changed; his pupils dilated sharply, and he clutched his stomach tightly!

The villagers behind him saw this scene and immediately exclaimed.

"Village Chief, what's wrong with you?"

"Village Chief!?"

Worry, panic, and fear appeared in everyone's eyes!

Although they knew their Lord would not harm them.

But the fact that the old village chief suddenly had this reaction after drinking the milk still made them feel afraid.

However, after a few seconds, the old village chief gradually straightened up.

He waved his hand to indicate he was fine.

Then, he said excitedly: "Lord, what kind of magical milk is this?"

"I feel as if my internal organs have been nourished by a magical power; the symptoms of the Frost Rot have lessened significantly!"

Hearing this, a look of confusion appeared on the faces of the villagers of Puteng Village.

And when they heard that the symptoms of the Frost Rot had lessened significantly, everyone's pupils dilated!

Even their breathing became a bit rapid!

And they also understood the Lord's intention.

So it was to use that magical milk to help the old village chief treat his illness.

The Arctic Person Da Zhuang on the side said proudly: "You didn't know, did you?"

"This is Cloud Yak milk!"

"This kind of milk is priceless; just that one cup the old village chief drank is worth twenty thousand crowns!"

Hearing this, the pupils of all the villagers of Puteng Village suddenly contracted.

They didn't know what a Cloud Yak was, they only knew that just that one cup of milk cost twenty thousand crowns!

This money was enough for them to buy a year's worth of food!

After hearing this number, Village Chief Zelko immediately looked heartbroken.

He even wanted to spit out the milk he had just drunk.

Cao Xing shook his head, "Don't worry about how much this milk costs; it's good as long as it restores your health."

He looked at Zelko and asked: "Like the milk just now, how many times do you think you need to drink it to fully recover?"

The old village chief's eyes became cloudy as he replied: "Lord… probably… maybe five or six more times?"

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

The effect of the Cloud Yak was still excellent.

According to what the old village chief said, it would take about five or six days for their symptoms to recover.

And these hundred-plus people would only drink about twenty liters a day in total.

Over seven days, it would only be a little over a hundred liters.

Although it was a bit of a loss, after all, these hundred-plus liters of milk could be converted into crowns to buy more slaves.

However, Master Cao sat on dozens of yaks and didn't lack this little bit.

As long as he was happy.

Moreover, compared to other slaves, these villagers had special skills and could create more value for him.

So, Cao Xing said directly: "I understand, starting from tomorrow."

"All of you can drink a cup of milk every morning; I will instruct the cafeteria."

The villagers looked at each other, not knowing what to say for a moment.

Then, someone whispered.

"This… Lord, how are we worthy of enjoying such precious resources…"

"Yes, Lord, as humble commoners, how can we have the qualifications to enjoy such precious milk…"

Cao Xing shook his head.

"In my territory, there are no commoners or nobles, only people who can or cannot contribute to me."

"Your current physical condition is too poor, and your work efficiency is too low; getting your health back is the top priority."

"Do not be reluctant to drink it, and do not hide it away; do you all understand?"

At this moment, Village Chief Zelko's aged face was full of tears.

He wanted to kneel on the ground, but then he remembered the rules of this territory.

So, he bent over and said movedly: "Thank you, Lord."

"Your kindness is like a rebirth to us."

The other villagers followed suit, expressing their gratitude.

[Because you care for your subordinates, the loyalty of territory member Ale has greatly increased. Current loyalty: 87]

[Because you care for your subordinates, the loyalty of territory member Zelko has greatly increased. Current loyalty: 92]

[Because you…]

…

…

Cao Xing nodded slightly and said: "Alright, all of you go back and rest."

"Tomorrow I have new tasks to arrange for you."

The villagers heard this and immediately did so.

However, as they left, everyone had a happy smile on their face.

Da Zhuang on the side touched his head and said honestly: "Lord, you are as good to us as a father."

"Our chieftain once said that any Lord who can treat every subordinate well, regardless of their status, can achieve great things."

"In the future, you will definitely become a Lord famous throughout the entire continent."

Faced with Da Zhuang's flattery, Cao Xing laughed and scolded: "Go away, I don't have a son as big as you."

"Now, move this barrel of milk back to the warehouse."

Da Zhuang smiled honestly, "As you command, Lord!"

After finishing, he and the other Arctic Person carried the milk back.

After everyone had left.

Cao Xing recalled whether he had any other matters to deal with.

Then, he thought of the Church of Light's forces, which seemed to have completely withdrawn from the Gale Snowfield recently.

And… that Fitz Walker, who was both a Black-Robed Priest and a Baron.

"Let's see how this new Baron is doing recently."

So, he pressed the communication device on his ear.

"Fitz Walker, it's me."

…

…

Meanwhile.

In the luxuriously decorated Baron's Mansion, the newly succeeded Fitz Walker was lying on a large chair with an expression of enjoyment.

Around him, there were some beautiful maids gently massaging his body.

Fitz enjoyed the service of these maids and closed his eyes comfortably.

And in front of him was a mature woman with a proper appearance and graceful bearing.

This beautiful woman had a look of deep worry and sorrow on her face.

"Fitz… you cannot continue like this…"

"After your father passed away, there were still many things left unattended."

"The family's properties need you to reorganize them, the accounts of those shops need to be checked one by one, and business collaborations with other nobles also need you to negotiate."

"You are now the man of our family, and also the new Baron; you need to finish handling these matters as soon as possible."

Listening to the beautiful woman's instructions, an impatient look gradually appeared on Fitz Walker's face.

He waved his hand.

"I know, Mother, I will handle these matters."

"You should go back and rest first."

The mature woman looked at his appearance and hesitated, wanting to say something but stopping.

Finally, she sighed softly and turned around to leave, helpless.

And not long after this woman left.

That familiar voice suddenly sounded in Fitz Walker's ear, and he trembled all over, sitting up abruptly from the chair.

This action startled the maids nearby, and they asked softly: "Baron, what's wrong?"

Fitz quickly stood up and said rapidly.

"Leave here, quickly."

Those maids had looks of confusion on their faces.

Seeing that they were still there, a trace of killing intent appeared in Fitz's eyes.

"Three seconds; whoever appears in my sight again, then all of you go die!"

Hearing this, all the maids were terrified, their faces turning pale.

Because they knew that this Baron would really do such a thing.

They immediately scrambled up from the ground in a panic and fled the place in a rush.

After there was no one left in the room.

The killing intent on Fitz Walker's face instantly faded away.

Then a look of reverence appeared.

"Master, I am here." "I am very sorry, it took a few moments to send those servants away."

Cao Xing didn't care and asked: "Recently, how is the situation at the Baron's Mansion?"

"Reporting to Master, there haven't been many changes at the Baron's estate recently. Training is proceeding as scheduled, and tax collection is ongoing."

"However, since the battle at Lake Doron City, the Church of Light hasn't sent anyone to find me."

Cao Xing smiled, "It seems the Church of Light has withdrawn quite cleanly."

Fitz chuckled, "Yes, the Church of Light overestimated itself. By provoking the dignity of the Kingdom, they have learned their lesson."

"The Master is truly more farsighted."

Cao Xing ignored his flattery.

"Fitz, let me ask you a question."

"Please speak, Master. I will tell you everything I know."

This new Baron was incredibly respectful toward Cao Xing.

However, with 100 Favorability, and given that his life was under control, he couldn't afford to be anything but respectful.

Cao Xing said, "Do you want to be promoted and become a higher-ranking noble?"

Hearing this, Fitz Walker was startled, a flash of mixed shock and surprise crossing his eyes.

He replied almost without hesitation, "Yes!"

Once upon a time, his greatest dream was to inherit his father's position and become a Baron.

However, in the vast Ice Crystal Kingdom, a Baron is only a relatively low-ranking noble.

In our terms, it's equivalent to being a representative of a small local power.

Only by becoming a Viscount or a Marquis can one be considered as having entered the Kingdom's power structure.

Hearing his straightforward answer.

Cao Xing smiled, "Very good. Now I am giving you a chance, it depends on whether you can seize it."

Fitz immediately replied respectfully, "Master, Fitz will definitely do his utmost to seize the opportunity you have bestowed!"

"If I can advance further and become a higher-ranking noble."

"I will use my power to better serve the Master. As long as it is something the Master wants, I will exhaust everything to find it for you!"

Cao Xing laughed after hearing this.

"It is good that you have this realization."

"Then I will tell you."

Fitz Walker immediately focused his full attention, listening carefully.

"Recently, the King has been hunting down all members of the Church of Light within the Kingdom."

"Including those Black-Robed Priests like you who are hidden within the commercial or power systems."

Fitz was slightly startled, then asked tentatively, "Master, you mean…"

Cao Xing said directly, "I will give you the names of several Black-Robed Priests in the Eternal Frost Main City. Go and report them."

"Or simply collect the evidence yourself and bring people to arrest them."

"If you can collect evidence of their private contact with the Church of Light and capture them, this will be a great achievement."

Hearing this, Fitz Walker seemed to suddenly realize something.

The old King currently hates the Church of Light to the bone!

If he could seize this opportunity to ferret out these traitors.

Combined with his status as a Baron, his promotion would likely be secured.

Fitz was extremely excited and said solemnly.

"I understand, Master. I will head to the Eternal Frost Main City in the near future to collect evidence on these Black-Robed Priests."

"Thank you for guiding me, Master. Fitz Walker will definitely not disappoint!"

Since being bound by Cao Xing's soul contract, his faith in the God of Light had been overwritten.

Therefore, he felt no resistance to betraying other Black-Robed Priests; on the contrary, he felt at ease.

"Very good. Come find me again after you successfully become a Viscount."

"I will find a way to make you a Count, a Marquis, or even… a Duke!"

Hearing the last sentence, Fitz Walker's breathing became rapid.

His admiration for Cao Xing in his heart had reached its peak.

He was even somewhat glad that he had been enslaved by Cao Xing.

Otherwise, if he were still working for the God of Light, let alone becoming a Viscount, his position as a Baron would already be lost!

Then, Cao Xing selected the names of several Black-Robed Priests, along with their identities, and told them to Fitz Walker.

This new Baron firmly memorized these names.

After a pause, Cao Xing continued, "Besides this, I have another matter for you."

"I am currently missing some things and need you to help me find them."

At this moment, Fitz Walker had already regarded Cao Xing's words as divine decrees.

"Master, just give the order. I will mobilize all my power to help you find them."

Cao Xing nodded, "The two things I want are quite rare."

"One is called Space Crystal, and the other is Square Stone Engraving."

These two items are the main materials for building large-scale Space Teleportation Arrays and the Statue of the God of Craftsmen.

Fitz Walker pondered for a moment, then said, "Master, I do have Space Crystals…"

"I have seen this kind of thing in my father's private warehouse."

Cao Xing's eyes lit up instantly, "You mean, there are such crystals in your father's small warehouse?"

"Yes."

"How many!" Cao Xing asked excitedly.

"About… over six hundred. Do you think that's enough, Master?"

A look of intense joy appeared on Cao Xing's face.

"That's enough. Send them to me!"

Fitz Walker also immediately replied, "Very well, Master. I will have someone send them to you tomorrow."

"As for the Square Stone Engraving… I haven't heard of it, but I will have people look for it later."

Cao Xing nodded, "Fitz Walker, you are very good."

"Then let's do that."

After saying this, he hung up the communication directly.

A faint smile hung on the corner of Cao Xing's mouth.

Subjugating this Baron had consumed a precious Epic-grade Contract Scroll.

But for now, the investment had already yielded results.

Next, he needed to let this puppet grow, striving to maximize the benefits.

Later on, if he could really make Fitz Walker a Count, or even a Duke, then Cao Xing would have indirectly controlled an important minister of the Kingdom.

At that time, whatever he wanted to do would be very convenient.

This style of manipulating the overall situation from behind the scenes was what suited him best.

After doing this, Cao Xing pondered, "Tomorrow, these Wind Mages also need to go to the battlefield."

"It seems I need to work overtime and add some status buffs to them."

So, he returned to the Lords Cabin and explained the situation to Liu Muxue.

The two walked out of the cabin together and called out Ilena, the old mage Tyren, and other territory residents who possessed single-target BUFFs.

They spent four or five hours applying BUFFs to those Wind Mages.

Everyone kept busy until twelve o'clock at night before returning to their rooms to rest.

Of course, the hardest worker was Liu Muxue.

She had led troops to battle all day, and at night, she tirelessly cast skills, exhausting her mental energy over and over again.

Cao Xing also pulled her close and cherished her for over an hour.

Only after satisfying this beauty completely did they fall asleep in each other's arms.

The next day…

[Attention all Survivors: The third-day challenge of 'Zhuo Mas Claw' has officially begun…]

[Weather Forecast…]

…

…

When the familiar system prompt sounded.

The beauty beside him on the pillow woke up first.

It seemed that after Cao Xing's hard work last night, she was full of vitality.

Her rosy face carried an excited expression.

"A-Xing, it's dawn."

"Should we split our forces again today?"

Looking at her high-spirited appearance, Cao Xing smiled and shook his head.

"Muxue, today you should still lead the soldiers out to fight first."

"Then for the other team, let Assam act as the commander and lead them into battle."

"I need to go to the Ascalon dungeon and open that treasure vault."

Hearing this, Liu Muxue seemed to remember something, and a look of surprise appeared on her pretty face.

"You mean… the treasure vault of that Undead dungeon!"

Cao Xing nodded, "Yes, this way, your weapon can be repaired."

A look of surprised joy also appeared on Liu Muxue's face.

"Mm-hmm, go ahead A-Xing, leave things here to me with peace of mind."

"I will protect our territory well and earn more points!"

Hearing this, a hint of emotion appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

Because of her original family, Liu Muxue had never felt loved since she was a child.

Furthermore, her parents had completely kept her under their firm control, giving her no room to breathe.

She had wanted to escape her original family time and again, but never had the opportunity or the courage to do so.

Now, having come to this world, she had unexpectedly teamed up with Cao Xing.

Through battle after battle, she had gradually become stronger, to the point where she had now directly severed ties with her original family.

Later, she also actively participated in the construction of the territory, developing a strong sense of belonging to it.

For her, this place was also her home.

A home worth protecting with her life.

Cao Xing brushed the hair from her temples and kissed her beautiful face.

"A-Xing…"

Cao Xing smiled, everything understood without words.

The two simply washed up and then walked out together.

Dahua had also cleaned his battle armor, allowing Cao Xing to put it on comfortably.

Meanwhile.

In the large square at the center of the territory, hundreds of residents were already waiting.

In addition to nearly three hundred staff members.

There were also over five hundred combat personnel.

Adding up, it was about eight hundred people.

So many people standing together according to their troop types could be called quite spectacular.

A solemn expression appeared on Cao Xing's face, and then he said, "Staff members, come up and report to me first."

Hearing the order, the Arctic Person Du An stepped forward.

He spoke first, "Respected Lord, I report to you the work progress of the past two days."

"First, the Advanced Winery you arranged has been completed, and the Bakery, Warrior Camp, and Archer Training Ground have all been upgraded to intermediate level."

"In addition, the Advanced Machinery Factory is still under construction and is expected to be completed today."

Cao Xing thought about this progress.

The most important of these was the Advanced Winery.

Once this thing starts running, it can mass-produce liquor, which also means Cao Xing has another source of income!

…

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