Chapter 502: Chapter 502

"Is this territory really just newly built? Why are there such tall walls? We’ve developed our territory for ten years and yet we don’t have such walls, we are still using wooden fences."

People who came to the outskirts of the territory looked at the tall wooden and stone walls with full faces of envy.

Perhaps these walls still fall short in comparison with the regular city walls of White Stone City, but they’re still something they wouldn’t dare to dream of having.

"That’s nothing. Look at those soldiers and their equipment. It’s so sophisticated." Another representative pointed at the soldiers at the gate. The quality of their equipment was apparent at first glance.

It was not just about the strength of the equipment itself, but the patterns on the equipment that were not something an ordinary person could carve. Furthermore, it was apparent that the full set of equipment was more than just for appearance.

Those soldiers guarding the exterior were not dressed in new gear. Shaliya intentionally replaced their equipment with the gear from soldiers who had died in previous battles. Even though they’ve passed away, their gear remained.

The gear still had traces of the battles, including the blood stains. It gave a horrifying impression, especially when they stood still, it evoked a fear deep within the heart.

"Exactly, I wonder how they did it. I heard this territory was just established."

"I heard they bought a lot of slaves. Look at those residents, all of them have marks on their heads. However, I also heard that they’re all freed now. Tsk tsk, that sure is a lot of gold coins; they really are willing to let go of their wealth."

Suddenly, a bearded man spoke: "Do you think the information is true? I heard that the lord of this place, Du You, is a commoner who made great achievements here and only then was he appointed as a viscount."

People around him responded with surprise: "There shouldn’t be any issue, this news from White Stone City can’t be fake; it could be easily verified. The credibility of White Stone City is quite good."

The man who just spoke baldly added: "What I meant was, does the lord here have any kind of backing? If not, it’s impossible to develop a territory to this extent without any hassle. Look at the walls and the watchtower, those were not built by ordinary slaves. Also, the other buildings are quite full of artistry."

"You understand art now?" Someone from the crowd responded with disdain.

This guy, with his scruffy beard, didn’t have a trace of artistic flair, yet dared to speak of art.

However, the uniqueness of the architecture here was indeed true. The mansion in the center was clearly built following the model of the Giant Rock Fortress. Although it didn’t have the special abilities of the Fortress and even its interior was different, it was useable as a castle.

This place was where the representatives of several territories had gathered for the meeting today.

Those who came were not lords themselves, but the trusted aides to the various lords. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have the privilege to attend such an important conference. The items Shaliya had sent them earlier had already proved her sincerity for this conference.

"All of you, don’t see the real essence. Look at these soldiers around us, ignoring their equipment, feel their strength. You can find that every one of them is at the peak of the first-tier."

In White Stone City, no, in the southern part of the empire, each second-tier individual possesses a great deal of strength and they are highly sought after by all the major aristocrats. Although the number of first-tier individuals is high, it’s not easy to gather so many of them to form an army. Only some of the major aristocracies could achieve this.

Another case is the White Stone City. The army of White Stone City is much stronger in reality.

Not only composed of a large number of peak first-tier individuals, but it also includes numerous second and third-tier individuals. However, White Stone City is a barrier for the empire, used to resist the Quicksand Empire.

At critical times, more powerful reinforcements will arrive from the rear. But this territory of Du You is merely less than two months old. Although Du You disappeared for nearly two years before, he didn’t build a territory during that time, did he?

"No need to bother with so much, our lord said there are great benefits in this trade. I just need to take care of the things here." Some seemed completely unconcerned about this.

"Right, having a powerful neighbor is a good thing, it’s just too far away."

"Humph, I bet the distance is deliberate. If he grows too close to us, how could he expand? He has such a powerful army, it’s certain that he could expand his land in the future. If he establishes too close to us, wouldn’t it be trouble for him?"

All people hesitated, it seemed to make sense. Previously, some territories had done the same, although they all failed. They wondered what would be the case here.

"Humph, let’s see if he can develop, it’s not easy to expand in such a location without any external support. These soldiers are not bad, but these numbers... If they are targeted by the Sand People, I can’t bear to think of the consequences. Furthermore, the resources here are too scarce, how would they supply such a large number of people? Do they rely solely on gold coins?"

"Well, you never know, after all, their resources seem quite good."

As the crowd was talking, they were led by the reception staff toward the central castle. At the top of the castle, in a window, Du You, Lin Yucha, and Lin Yushi were looking down together.

"Shaliya is really capable. Contacting so many people and holding a trade conference in such a short period of time. We wouldn’t be able to do that." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹•𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑒•𝙣𝙚𝙩

Lin Yushi said with a smile, "Sister, we’re simply not good at that. What we’re good at is serving the master." While saying that, Lin Yushi hugged Du You’s neck and swung back and forth like she was on a swing.

Du You wasn’t pleased and pulled her down, facing the blushing Lin Yucha and said, "You’re not ordinary people. You are better at fighting. As long as you have enough strength, that’s the best help to me."

Hearing Du You’s words, Lin Yushi and Lin Yucha gave a faint smile, not saying anything.

Du You opened a booklet, "According to the information provided by Shaliya, we contacted nine territories in total, but only seven sent representatives. Well, that’s enough for now."

"Why didn’t the rest come?" Lin Yucha asked with some confusion.

"One of them found it too far, and they thought it was pointless to do business at this distance. Also, another one seems to have some sort of backing, an earl. Well, let them regret not showing up." Du You didn’t seem to care at all.