#646 · 646 of 711
In the era of universal masters, expelled from the territory.
Chapter 645: Era of Universal Masters, Expulsion from the Territory.
The population surge also brought about an accelerated consumption of food.
"According to previous estimates, the food in the territory could last about half a month, but now it's estimated that it can only last for 10 days at most."
Thinking of this, a sense of urgency welled up in Cao Xing's heart.
He also silently made up his mind to immediately find a way to solve the food problem once the Blood Chaos ended.
Of course, although food in the territory was relatively scarce, dinner was still very lavish.
By sunset, which was around past six in the evening.
All territory members finished their day's work and headed to the cafeteria for dinner.
In front of the newcomers who joined today, a portion of beast meat and milk was placed, treating them the same as yesterday's batch of newcomers.
As for the others, they were not given this attribute-bearing beast meat today, but were instead replaced with ordinary meat and bread.
But even so, it was still many times more lavish than the food they usually ate.
After finishing the beast meat, those newcomers likewise showed utter shock!
Coupled with Liu Zhuang constantly touting Cao Xing's benevolence and generosity from the side.
The newcomers' sense of belonging to the territory instantly skyrocketed by a huge margin!
Messages about loyalty increases kept flooding the screen.
A look of satisfaction appeared on Cao Xing's face.
At the same time, he silently memorized the names of those whose loyalty did not increase.
After doing all this, it was already past seven in the evening.
Cao Xing returned to the Lords Castle, and after a simple wash, he slipped back into the blanket.
Nightfall—
In the bedroom on the second floor of the Lords Castle, bursts of a beauty's sighs echoed.
"Axing… Axing—"
Accompanied by a wave of intense vibration.
Liu Muxue tightly grabbed Cao Xing's arm, even leaving a few red scratches on it.
The two who hadn't seen each other for two days were now heartily venting the missing feelings in their hearts.
A few minutes later, Liu Muxue snuggled in Cao Xing's arms.
She asked gently and contentedly, "Axing, are you tired?"
Cao Xing did not speak, but directly picked up the beauty and placed her in his arms.
They maintained their connected posture.
Engaging in communication between lovers.
One night passed quickly.
The next day, the system prompt appeared punctually.
[All Survivors, please note that you have successfully survived the ninth day of the turbulent period.]
[The Blood Legion activated a total of 4 teleportation pillars yesterday, and the remaining power of the Blood army in this world has gradually decreased.]
[Remaining Blood Teleportation Pillars: 13]
[Today's Weather: Gale Snowfield will usher in continuous snow showers, with the lowest temperature ranging from: -65 ℃ to -73 ℃. Please pay attention to keeping warm against the cold.]
When the prompt ended, Cao Xing and Liu Muxue opened their eyes on time.
Six days had passed since the appearance of the Blood Legion.
"The last 13 teleportation pillars. According to the frequency of the Blood Legion, at most three or four teleportation pillars can be activated today."
"In other words, in two days, this expansion pack can be completely ended."
Cao Xing took a deep breath, and a hint of expectation couldn't help but rise in his heart.
Survivors all over the world realized this point.
The Blood expansion pack had reached its final moment.
It was no longer when the expansion pack had just opened, when Survivors were crushed by the massive Blood army.
More and more Survivors banded together, forming legions of over a million people to counterattack the Blood Legion.
It was the same today; a large number of Survivor legions continuously swept through their respective regions, clearing out the remaining blood soldiers.
And the offensive was even fiercer!
Because they knew that these last two days were the best time for them to acquire military merits.
Everyone was thinking of accumulating more military merits to exchange for the Master-level Heart of Power in the shop.
The Blood Chaos of the previous six days had already given birth to thousands of Tier 6 powerhouses among the Blue Star human race.
In the last two days, the number of Tier 6 powerhouses would also experience a blowout.
Before long, it would truly enter the Era of Universal Masters!
By then, the entire world could not ignore the terrifying power possessed by over a billion Survivor lords!
Cao Xing and Liu Muxue had nothing to do today, so they slept until past nine o'clock before getting up.
Until an "Access Application" pulled Cao Xing out of the warm blanket.
He raised his head, looked at the beauty beside him and said, "Muxue, you continue to rest, I'll go handle some things."
The woman gently shook her head and said, "I have rested enough, Axing, I will go with you."
After a pause, she added, "The Blood expansion pack is at its final stage, I need to ensure your safety."
Cao Xing's expression moved slightly, and he also knew what Liu Muxue meant.
She was afraid that the Watchers would show their final madness and rush over at all costs to deal with him.
And as a Legendary combat power, if Liu Muxue was by his side, she could potentially help block them for a moment.
"Alright, then we'll go together."
"Mhm mhm."
A few minutes later, the two walked out of the Lords Manor together.
As usual, Cao Xing went to the territory city gate area, recruited all the refugees waiting outside into the territory, and then handed them over to Liu Zhuang to lead.
And he arranged for them to go to nearby resource points to gather resources such as iron and copper mines.
Then, he brought Liu Muxue back to the territory.
Next, every hour or two, Cao Xing would receive a wave of access applications.
More and more refugees and soldiers gathered near his territory, hoping to join the territory.
It could be seen that the territory resident Cao Yi was very hardworking, practically completing the tasks assigned to him by Cao Xing.
Going on like this, it felt like it wouldn't be long before the territory's population would be fully recruited.
The whole day passed quickly.
Cao Xing once again tallied today's progress.
"Today, I recruited a total of 1,142 newcomers."
"Among them, the ratio of staff to combatants is 7:3, which is quite acceptable."
"Currently, adding up the entire territory, including the more than 2,000 fighters fighting outside, there are a total of over 6,000 people."
"The overall ratio of staff to combatants is 5:5."
After obtaining this data, a look of emotion appeared in Cao Xing's eyes once again.
You must know that a few months ago, this territory was just a pile of small campfires and a dilapidated Lords Cabin.
By now, it had developed to such a large scale, sitting on a population of over 6,000.
Even in this world, a territory of over 6,000 people could already be considered a medium-sized city.
Not only Cao Xing, but there were also many smart people among the remaining 1.9 billion Survivor lords.
They all realized this.
Taking advantage of the turbulent world situation during the Blood Chaos, they began to wildly recruit refugees and soldiers in their respective regions to expand the territory's population.
With various posts appearing on the forum, many lords realized that now was the prime time to expand population.
They successively took action.
Of course, more lords banded together to form large legions to clear out the blood soldiers.
Compared to expanding population, they were more willing to farm military merits to enhance their own strength.
The crisis erupted by the Blood Chaos this time covered seven or eight countries, making it arguably the least harmful one in history.
But even so, these seven or eight countries would still take a long time to recover their vitality afterward.
Therefore, those lords who gave up on expanding population would still have opportunities later.
Cao Xing continued to analyze the territory's situation in his mind: "Over 3,000 staff members can almost maintain the operation of a Giant City."
"To reduce food consumption, recruiting people for two more days will be almost enough to stop."
Seven o'clock in the evening.
The batch of newcomers recruited today had finished dinner, and their loyalty had increased by another notch.
Among them, there were still some people whose loyalty did not increase at all.
Cao Xing's gaze turned slightly cold, and then he thought: "It's about time. They've been raised for two or three days, served with good food and housing, yet not a single bit of loyalty has increased."
"These people probably don't have any intention of submitting. Kick them out early to reduce food consumption."
Cao Xing silently sorted out the names of these people in his heart, and then called Edward over.
The young painter walked briskly to his side and said respectfully, "My Lord, please give your instructions."
Ever since Cao Xing solved the demon that pestered him, Edward no longer had his past gloominess and neuroticism, becoming much more cheerful.
Although his [Advanced Painting Mastery] wasn't very useful ordinarily, Edward always considered himself one of those ordinary staff members, following along to build city walls, plow fields, and fertilize every day, basically missing nothing.
Sometimes he would also draw portrait paintings for those members in the territory, wanting to do his best to contribute to the territory with his own strength.
Cao Xing instructed: "Edward, in a moment you will read out the names on the list."
The painter respectfully replied, "Alright, my Lord."
Then, Cao Xing turned around and directly spoke: "All territory members, gather at the central square."
The steady voice was amplified by magic and transmitted to every corner of the territory.
Those newcomers were still somewhat unfamiliar with Cao Xing's voice, carrying looks of bewilderment in their eyes.
The other veterans had already taken action one after another and reminded, "It's the Lord, let's hurry over."
Over time, the thousands of people in the entire territory sprang into action,
However, some newcomers among them had casual expressions on their faces.
They seemed to pay little attention to Cao Xing's assembly order.
Even when moving, they leisurely lagged behind the team.
It took over ten minutes for these more than three thousand people to finally finish assembling.
Cao Xing stood silently in place, taking in everyone's performance, a trace of an imperceptible arc curling at the corner of his mouth.
Then, after everyone was gathered, whispering could still be heard from below.
Arctic People Du An, Edward, and others already had their brows tightly furrowed, and their expressions grew displeased.
Without waiting for them to speak, Cao Xing softly spat out two words.
"Silence."
His voice was very calm, yet it carried an intangible pressure that transmitted to everyone's ears, making their hearts shake!
All the noise instantly vanished, and the scene became pin-drop silent.
Then, Cao Xing swept his gaze around and slowly said, "Among you, many are newcomers who joined my territory just these past few days."
"What do you think of my territory?"
Hearing this, that group of townsfolk from Frostwind Town responded first, "Respected Lord, this is the most sacred and harmonious territory we have ever seen."
"Before this, we never imagined that a territory would value ordinary people like us so much, and even give us such precious food and milk to eat."
"You are so generous and so considerate of your subordinates; the Goddess will bless the kind you."
Others, including the rest, chimed in one after another.
"Indeed, the stubborn illness on my body has lasted for so many years, and I had already given up hope of treatment, yet it has improved in this territory."
"This place is simply heaven."
"Praise the Lord!"
Sounds of admiration rang out, and most people felt sincere gratitude toward Cao Xing.
Cao Xing slowly nodded, "Very well, then next, I will give you an opportunity to make a choice."
"I know that among everyone present, quite a few people do not want to continue staying in my territory."
"For those who want to leave, you can bring it up now, and I will let you go."
Hearing this, the thousands of territory members below looked at each other in blank dismay.
Many newcomers also wore puzzled expressions, seemingly failing to understand why anyone would want to leave a territory with such good treatment.
The atmosphere grew somewhat silent.
After waiting for roughly a dozen seconds, still no one spoke.
Cao Xing continued, "Those who want to leave should bring it up as soon as possible; this is the last chance I will give you."
"To get the ugly words out first, I have already provided you with precious food and shelter, which is equivalent to investing a large amount of resources in you."
"If you don't stand out now, and later want to leave the territory,"
"You can, but you must return all the resources I invested in full."
This was Cao Xing's final mercy.
As his words fell, the expressions of a portion of the people in the crowd flickered slightly, and looks of entanglement appeared in their eyes.
Obviously, they neither wanted to give up the generous treatment of this territory nor genuinely wanted to risk their lives for it. Cao Xing had long since understood these fellows' thoughts in his heart.
However, more than a hundred people still stood out.
Lowering their heads, they said with apologetic tones in their voices, "Respected Lord, we apply to leave your territory."
Hearing this, Cao Xing's gaze quickly swept over them.
Over ninety percent of these people were those soldiers and mercenaries, with only a small portion being ordinary people.
Toward their decision, the others wore expressions of intense puzzlement.
Even some of their acquaintances asked, "Garcia, why are you leaving here? Do you think this territory is not good?"
"Price, you need to consider this clearly. After leaving, wanting to find a place with such good treatment again will be very difficult."
"That's right— Think it over carefully—"
Hearing their persuasion, these people still wore apologetic expressions on their faces.
That group of mercenaries replied, "This territory is very good and very prosperous."
"But you know, we have drifted for over a decade and long ago grew accustomed to the life of wandering; we are not used to staying in one place all the time."
Some of the kingdom soldiers among them also replied, "We also need to return to the army to report back. Right now is the most perilous moment for the Ice Crystal Kingdom, and the country still needs us—"
"And me—"
Cao Xing nodded slightly, with no expression whatsoever on his face.
Just as he said before, everyone has their own aspirations.
Cao Xing's territory indeed had good treatment, but sometimes, relying solely on this was not enough to keep everyone behind.
With a wave of his large hand, he directly revoked their territory member status.
Then he said, "Alright, you are no longer members of my territory."
"Now go back to your rooms, pack your luggage, and you can leave."
These more than one hundred people wore extremely guilty expressions and bowed to Cao Xing once again.
Then they turned around and headed to the territory's residential area to pack their things.
Cao Xing continued to ask, "Are there any others?"
The crowd was silent.
But when Cao Xing's gaze swept past, a portion of the newcomers hiding in the corners saw their expressions turn very unnatural.
Cao Xing said, "Since you won't come out, I will call the roll myself."
He glanced at Edward beside him.
This painter quickly stepped forward, took out a name list, and began to read.
"Jonah McKinney—"
"Afra Adebayo—"
"Morn Griffiths—"
As he read out the names one by one, the territory residents whose names were called instantly turned pale!
Only then did they realize that this Lord actually knew everything.
He could even see that they had never thought of submitting to this territory or offering loyalty to the Lord!
When Edward finished reading the list, Cao Xing coldly said, "Now, those whose names were read, step out of your own accord."
"If you are unwilling to come out, someone will drag you out."
As his words fell, a terrifying surge of magic power erupted from his body!
The aura of a Tier 10 Frost Dragon Mage pressed down on their hearts like an iceberg, making everyone's faces turn pale!
It felt as if moving a finger could easily crush all of them to death.
Within the crowd, those hundred-odd people tremblingly stood out.
They seemed to want to make a final struggle, saying with forced smiles,
"Um——Lord—we also did work.—"
Cao Xing chuckled lightly, his tone carrying a bit of playfulness, "Work? Do you mean running back to your rooms to rest secretly after working for a little while?"
"Or taking the name of going out to gather resources to sleep directly in the mine, returning only twice the whole day?"
Hearing this, the smiles on these people's faces instantly froze, and their complexions also turned as pale as paper.
Regarding these people's recent performance, Cao Xing had long paid attention to it in secret and understood it crystal clear.
They instantly dropped to their knees in unison, panicky begging for mercy, "Lord, please forgive us! We know our wrongs and will never dare to do it again!"
"Please forgive us!"
"In the future, we will definitely work diligently for the territory and will never slack off in the slightest. Please!"
Gazing at these people kneeling and begging for mercy, the other territory residents all wore looks of disbelief.
It seemed they hadn't expected that there were actually so many people who slacked off and played tricks.
They usually worked too seriously and hadn't noticed these fellows' performances at all.
Now directly exposed by the Lord, anger also appeared in their gazes toward this group of people.
Cao Xing shook his head and said, "No need."
"I already gave you a chance just now, and you refused to step out, proving that you still harbor lucky chances and want to muddle through."
"In my territory, such people who slack off and play tricks are not needed. To others who work diligently, this is an insult and a hurt."
On the scene, the other newcomers all expressed agreement with Cao Xing's words, their eyes carrying blazing flames.
[Due to your fair disposition, territory member Jonah's loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 87]
[Due to you—]
Instantly, hundreds of messages regarding loyalty increases flashed past.
Cao Xing continued, "Of course, don't think you can leave so simply."
"I just said it earlier, if you want to leave the territory later, you must return all the resources I invested."
"Of course, I know you are penniless right now and can't afford to pay back these hundreds of thousands of crowns worth of things at all."
"So next, I will dispatch you to the Black Gold Mine over three hundred kilometers away, and you must completely mine all the Evergold Ore and Magic Pattern Stone of the entire mine before it counts as you finishing repayment."
"And it must be completed within half a month."
"During this period, I will only provide each of you with one piece of bread per day; you will figure out everything else yourselves."
"Half a month later, if you haven't completed the task I assigned, I think you should know the consequences."
His tone was cold and majestic, carrying an unquestionable sense of oppression.
As his words fell, Cao Xing waved his large hand and directly expelled them from the territory.
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