Chapter 395: Opening the Treasury, Amazing Harvest! (6000)

The system blocking this information must have a deeper reason behind it.

Either this information involves some terrifying existences.

Or, Cao Xing knowing this now would cause some negative impact on him.

Or perhaps, it would cause some negative impact on all Survivors.

After all… the power of the strong in this world far exceeds common cognition.

It is possible that just by speaking his name, you would be sensed by the other party.

Thinking of this, Cao Xing did not continue to press on this issue.

"I understand, Your Grace. Let us go and open the treasury first."

Duke Baradin nodded slightly.

"Lord Cao Xing, please follow me."

After speaking, everyone followed the Duke into this magnificent palace.

Around the palace, there were three or four corridors.

Duke Baradin led them straight into one of the corridors.

When they reached halfway, a door appeared on both the left and right sides.

The Duke waved his hand casually, and the doors slowly opened.

In front of them, a spacious room immediately appeared.

It was piled with various boxes and bags.

Cao Xing even saw gold coins and gems scattered on the ground.

"This was once one of the kingdom's treasuries, filled with many gold coins and some precious jewelry."

"I know that Lord Cao Xing is not interested in those worldly things."

Cao Xing really wanted to say, 'I am very interested!'

Who doesn't like gold coins?

But Duke Baradin's next sentence interrupted his train of thought.

"The room on the other side is the core treasury of the entire kingdom."

"Inside are the treasures cherished by His Majesty the King, and every single one has extraordinary value and powerful strength!"

"As a Duke, I only have the authority to open one treasury."

"I wonder which room's treasures Lord Cao Xing would like?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Xing's pupils constricted instantly!

The core treasury!

Treasures that could be favored and collected by the King must be extremely precious or extremely powerful!

There was no need to hesitate on how to choose.

"Your Grace, please help me open the door to the core treasury on the right."

Duke Baradin had a faint smile on his face, seemingly knowing he would make this choice.

Then he waved his hand casually.

The barrier at the entrance was removed.

Before even entering, Cao Xing felt a strong aura rushing towards him!

As someone who often loots various treasures, he could immediately feel that this was the aura of treasures!

He immediately widened his eyes, full of anticipation.

And when the door was fully opened.

Cao Xing saw some mysterious stone pedestals appear in the room.

The surface of these pedestals was pale cyan, emitting an aura of magic.

And on top of the pedestals, there was a transparent barrier protecting the treasures inside.

Every treasure exuded an extremely powerful aura.

Cao Xing saw an ancient horn, a secret bell containing strong blood energy, and the broken blade of a precious sword, etc…

In the entire room, there were a total of ten stone pedestals, which meant there were 10 powerful treasures here.

Glancing over, the information of various items appeared.

[War Horn (Gold)]

[Blood Demon Secret Bell (Orange)]

[Fearless Knight Armor, Helmet, Boots, Bracers, Leggings (Gold)]

[Flawless Purity (Gold)]

[Ancient God Soldier Seal (Orange)]

[Source Pearl (Gold)]

[Fragment of the Broken Magdale (Legendary)]

[…]

Not a single item's grade was lower than Gold!

Moreover, these were not ordinary Gold items.

These items all had extremely powerful special effects.

At this moment, Cao Xing's breathing had become completely rapid.

Including Sarah and Renice behind him, they had never seen so many treasures in their lives.

Duke Baradin said.

"These are the King's treasures. Lord Cao Xing may choose half to take away…"

Speaking of this, Duke Baradin said with an apologetic look: "Since our Ascalon underground palace still needs to develop, the treasures inside also have a vital role for us…"

"I hope Lord Cao Xing understands…"

Cao Xing hurriedly said upon hearing this: "Duke Baradin, you are too serious. These are your things to begin with."

"Allowing me to take half is already taking great care of us."

At first, Cao Xing only thought there might be some treasures or similar things inside.

He didn't expect that inside were actually those powerful Gold and Epic quality items.

Moreover, even half was an unimaginable fortune for Cao Xing.

After all, this was the foundation of a kingdom.

Giving it to any Survivor would allow them to ascend in one step and become a top-tier existence among Lords.

There were 10 stone pedestals in total, meaning he could choose five treasures.

A look of gratitude appeared in Duke Baradin's eyes.

In fact, he could also see Cao Xing's current strength.

Compared to their last meeting, it already gave him a sense of danger.

And the two women beside him made Duke Baradin feel a sense of lethality!

In other words, if Cao Xing wanted to take everything in the treasury by force, he simply couldn't stop him.

Duke Baradin said: "Thank you for your understanding, Lord Cao Xing."

[Because of your words and actions, you have moved the Ascalon undead: Duke Baradin. Favorability has increased. Current favorability: Respected]

…

Seeing the system prompt, Cao Xing smiled.

Then he entered the treasury directly and began to choose.

Looking at the treasures before his eyes, he became increasingly excited.

The first item he set his sights on was that horn containing an ancient aura.

Yesterday, he had just obtained a Tribal Horn.

But according to the system description, it was just a replica of the War Horn.

He didn't expect that today, he would see the real [War Horn].

He glanced at the attributes.

[War Horn (Gold)]

[Quality: Precious]

[Item Effect: Blow the horn to significantly boost the morale of all friendly creatures, increasing abnormal status resistance and attack speed by 20%, lasting 30 minutes. Cooldown: 1 hour]

(Equipment Introduction: A war horn with powerful strength. Once blown, your soldiers will be invincible!)

(Note: Attributes of similar horn-type items do not stack.)

…

Cao Xing narrowed his eyes instantly.

"This War Horn is truly a good item!"

Compared to the [Tribal Horn] which only had a 5% boost, this was a 20% boost for everyone—a full 3-fold increase!

And the morale boost also changed from a medium-small increase to a significant increase.

For him, the value of this thing was even more precious than an Epic item.

However, he did not make a choice immediately.

Instead, he continued to browse in the treasury.

Then, his gaze rested on the set of armor beside it that was entirely gold and looked very magnificent!

This was a full set of equipment.

It included five parts: helmet, armor, bracers, boots, and leggings.

And the level was as high as 50.

He glanced at the attributes.

A look of admiration appeared in Cao Xing's eyes again.

These five parts each had extremely high armor and also came with decent special effects.

However, what he cared about more was the effect of this set.

[Fearless Knight Set Effect: After collecting all five pieces, the 'Fearless Knight' effect will be activated, granting immunity to mental control statuses below Legendary grade, and all Knight-type mastery skill levels will automatically increase by lv1]

(Note: Mastery skills include Sword Mastery, Riding Mastery, Archery Mastery, etc…)

…

"What a powerful set effect!" Cao Xing exclaimed.

Not to mention that immunity to mental control below Legendary grade effect.

The effect of increasing Knight-type skill levels by 1 is very interesting.

It is equivalent to Assam originally having [Advanced Sword Mastery]; wearing this equipment would make it [Expert Sword Control].

Including [Riding Mastery], which could also be increased by one level.

"Not bad, worthy of being a treasure collected by the King. Even if it is Gold armor, it has powerful effects."

He mentally listed this set of armor as one of his candidates.

Then, Cao Xing continued his search.

His gaze fell on an ancient seal.

This seal looked unremarkable, but it gave Cao Xing a feeling of being ancient and dangerous.

[Ancient God Soldier Seal (Orange): Special Item]

[Quality: Epic]

[Item Effect: After use, can summon 3 Ancient God Soldiers with the strength of a Level 70 Commander to assist in battle, lasting 1 minute. Cooldown: 48 hours]

(Note: Ancient God Soldiers are products of the ancient era and have extremely powerful destructive force. Please summon in an open area.)

…

"Holy crap! Three Level 70 Commanders, and it lasts a full minute?"

"This effect is too broken, right?"

Level 70 Commander is a Tier 7 max-level creature!

Even more formidable than the three Red-Robed Bishops he killed last time!

And the most important thing is, this thing actually has no usage level.

Anyone can use it.

If he had obtained this seal when he was at a low level, he would have truly swept through everything, killing gods if gods blocked his path!

However, even though he is almost Level 50 now, the effect of this seal is still extremely powerful.

He silently noted it in his heart and continued to check other items.

Cao Xing continued to look.

[Blood Demon Secret Bell (Orange)]

[Quality: Epic]

[Equipment Level: 70]

[Equipment Type: Special Equipment]

[Attached Effect: Blood Embrace (Stores 1% of damage dealt into this bell. When 500,000 is stored, it can be released against enemies, dealing equivalent damage. Cooldown: 1 hour)]

(Note: A secret bell with special magic, said to be an item once worn by a certain Legendary Blood Mage.)

…

[Flawless Purity (Gold) * 5]

[Quality: Precious]

[Effect: After use, it will permanently reduce the cooldown of all skills by 5%, stackable up to 5 times (including skills learned subsequently)]

…

[Source Pearl (Gold) * 5]

[Quality: Precious]

[Effect: After use, it will permanently increase the maximum HP by 10%, stackable up to 5 times]

…

[Sealing Bracelet…]

…

As he looked at each item one by one, Cao Xing felt like he was almost stunned…

There were ten items in this treasury in total.

Each item's effect was quite amazing.

It could be said that taking out any one of them could bring an increase in strength to Cao Xing.

In his eyes… a look of hesitation appeared.

He paused from time to time to observe that set of golden battle armor, and occasionally scrutinized that ancient seal.

He seemed not to know how to make a choice.

Duke Baradin waited silently on the side, not urging him.

He knew that if it were anyone else, it would be difficult to choose as well.

Cao Xing thought over and over, observing again and again.

Then, he took a deep breath and said directly: "Duke Baradin, I have made my choice."

"Oh?"

A look of interest appeared in the Duke's eyes. "I wonder, Lord Cao Xing, which five items have you chosen?"

Cao Xing said.

"I want the Broken Blade of Magdale, the War Horn, the Fearless Knight Set, the Ancient Divine Weapon Seal, and the Flawless Purity."

There were also the Blood Demon Secret Bell, the King's Crown, the Primordial Pearl, the Sealed Bracelet, and so on…

Although their attributes were all very powerful, by comparison, these five items were more suitable for him.

Seeing that Cao Xing had made his choice.

A gentle smile appeared on Duke Baradin's face.

"Lord Cao Xing, you truly have a sharp eye."

"These five items you selected are already some of the most precious things in the treasury."

Cao Xing also smiled.

After all, he had a system that allowed him to view the attributes of these items in detail.

Otherwise, he really wouldn't have known how to choose.

"Then, are you sure about these five items?" Duke Baradin asked tentatively.

Cao Xing nodded. "I am sure."

"As you wish, Lord Cao Xing."

After speaking, Duke Baradin waved his hand, and the protective shields of these five treasures were removed.

Then, these items automatically floated in front of Cao Xing.

He did not stand on ceremony.

He collected them all into his backpack.

[Obtained: Magdale Blade Fragment (Legendary)]

[Obtained: Ancient Divine Weapon Seal (Orange)]

[Obtained…]

…

Seeing so many precious items suddenly appear in his backpack, Cao Xing felt incredibly satisfied…

This was the time he had obtained the most treasures in his life!

Every single item here was carefully selected by him to be of help.

Especially that Ancient Divine Weapon Seal, which could directly summon three Level 70 commanders!

Three Ancient Divine Weapons attacking your face—just ask yourself, are you afraid?

Of course, the main purpose of this time was still to repair that Legendary weapon.

And Cao Xing had successfully obtained the blade fragment.

He glanced at the attributes.

[Magdale Blade Fragment (Legendary)]

[Quality: Legendary]

[Effect: This blade has already broken and cannot unleash the power this weapon once possessed; it can be repaired by a Master-level blacksmith]

[Materials required for repair: Mithril * 20,000, White Crystal * 10,000, Eternal Gold Ingot * 2,000, Broken Magdale * 1…]

…

Seeing the materials required for repair, Cao Xing breathed a sigh of relief.

"Very good. Although the materials needed to repair this weapon are numerous, given my reserves, I can afford it."

"The only missing material is White Crystal."

"However, the Lamprey Grotto that the Centaurs are currently exploring contains a large amount of White Crystal veins."

"Once they finish clearing the grotto, I will have a large amount of White Crystal incoming every day."

Thinking of this, his mood improved even more.

Of course, to repair this weapon, besides the aforementioned materials, a Master-level blacksmith is also needed.

This was a bit troublesome…

But it wasn't a big problem.

Although Harold is currently an Expert-level, he still had an emblem in his hand that could accelerate his leveling process.

Even if he couldn't break through in a short time, Cao Xing could still go to the main city to find a Master-level blacksmith for help.

Although Master-level talents are rare, a place like the Eternal Frost Main City would definitely have one.

Cao Xing breathed a sigh of relief. Then he said: "Well then, Duke Baradin, I have finished choosing the items."

"We will not disturb you any further."

At this moment, Duke Baradin said: "Please wait a moment, Lord Cao Xing."

After speaking, he waved his hand, removing the barrier on one of the stone platforms.

Then, a dazzling crown slowly floated in front of Duke Baradin.

Cao Xing had just seen this crown; it was an Orange Epic item.

Although its attributes were good, it could only be worn by members of the Ascalon royal family.

Therefore, he had given up on choosing it.

Now that Duke Baradin had taken it out, Cao Xing did not know what his intention was.

Duke Baradin held the crown and slowly floated in front of Robin, then asked: "Young man with royal blood."

"I wonder, are you willing to inherit the power of the crown and become the new King of our Ascalon?"

When Robin heard that, his expression stiffened.

He looked at Duke Baradin in confusion, then looked at Cao Xing.

His eyes still held a trace of fear.

Cao Xing said directly: "Don't be afraid, just say what you are thinking in your heart."

Upon hearing this, Robin seemed to gather his courage.

He firmly said: "I… I don't want to become any new King."

"I have my own family in the Orchid Kingdom, a pair of healthy parents, and a wife who loves me."

"I have just become a squire, and in the future, I will become a true knight."

"In the future, I can give my family a good life."

"As for becoming some new King, I have never been exposed to it, nor do I want to be."

"I just want to live my life simply like this…"

He finished speaking in one breath, as if he had finally lifted a burden from his heart, and let out a heavy sigh of relief.

Duke Baradin, hearing his resolute words, did not force him further.

He also knew that some people were indeed not interested in so-called power and glory.

Even if this young man possessed royal blood, he could not force him to become the new King of Ascalon.

Sighing and shaking his head, he said, "Forget it, let the past be the past…"

"There is no need to force anything."

Renice, who was next to them, also sighed.

At this time, Cao Xing said: "Duke Baradin, although the Ascalon Kingdom has passed away."

"But you undead who guard the underground palace are still here."

"I wonder, are you interested in establishing an undead legion, or even… an empire?"

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, Duke Baradin looked at Cao Xing with a puzzled expression.

"What do you mean by that, Lord Cao Xing?"

Cao Xing said directly: "I just saw you converting other undead into Ascalon undead, is that right?"

Duke Baradin nodded. "That is correct… However, this type of conversion has restrictions."

"First, I cannot convert undead that are stronger than me, and furthermore, the other undead must also be willing…"

Hearing this, Cao Xing nodded.

Then, he swept a glance at Duke Baradin without showing any emotion.

At Level 49, he was already able to see this being's attributes.

And he didn't know until he looked, but he was shocked when he did.

Cao Xing discovered that Duke Baradin was actually a Level 57 Commander-level creature.

That meant he was a terrifying existence of the Sixth Tier!

"Duke Baradin, your speed of becoming stronger is truly astonishing!"

"Compared to when I first met you, your aura is more than twice as strong."

The Duke shook his head. "This does not belong to becoming stronger; I am just gradually recovering the strength I had when I was alive…"

Cao Xing understood something.

Duke Baradin's strength dropped significantly after his death, and then he became an undead.

Having been sealed in the coffin for many years, his strength had dropped to an extremely severe level.

Otherwise, with the Duke's current strength, even if that Soul-Eater Demon countered undead, he could have slashed it to death with one sword.

Cao Xing continued: "Then, Duke Baradin, what do you think of my proposal?"

"I will find a large number of undead for you, then persuade them to submit, and you can convert them into Ascalon undead."

Hearing this, a thoughtful look appeared in Baradin's eyes.

To be honest, since becoming an undead, he had never thought about establishing any undead empire.

His greatest wish was to gather all the undead from other Ascalon ruins and then take care of these beings who bore the curse.

However, Duke Baradin had a special Commander-level skill called — Kingdom Authority.

The effect of this skill was that the more Ascalon Warriors under his command, the more his attributes would continue to increase.

It was similar to the Centaur Harati's [Saint's Doctrine].

Those undead also belonged to the Ascalon Warriors.

Therefore, Duke Baradin was far more powerful than the average Commander-level creature.

Now, suddenly hearing Cao Xing bring up establishing some undead empire, Duke Baradin was a bit confused.

He was about to politely decline Cao Xing's idea.

But Cao Xing chuckled and said: "Duke Baradin, do not be in a hurry to refuse. I have received some news that the Blood Legion might be making a comeback."

Hearing this, Duke Baradin's pupils suddenly dilated!

"What!?"

He asked eagerly: "Lord Cao Xing, where did you get this news? Is it true?"

Cao Xing said directly: "A royal from the Orchid Kingdom told me."

"Of course, this is also her deduction. Whether it is true or not still requires further investigation."

However, after hearing this, Duke Baradin affirmed: "No! Since that royal has sensed it, then it is true!"

"The Blood Legion never bluffs. Once there is a sign, they will surely be like a prairie fire, burning fiercely!"

"Spreading their bloodshed and slaughter across the entire continent!"

After hearing this, a look of realization appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

It seems his previous deduction was mostly correct.

The Blood Legion was highly likely to truly appear!

"Since that is the case, Duke Baradin, you should all the more establish an undead legion."

"Not just to increase strength, but also to ensure the safety of other Ascalon undead."

A thoughtful look appeared in the Duke's eyes, and he asked.

"Lord Cao Xing, what do you need me to do?"

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

Obviously, the Duke had already agreed!