Chapter 552: Chapter 552

The influence of Mountain Town skyrocketed, causing a huge sensation due to this incident. The town, previously known only for its variety of goods, was now more thriving than ever. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢•𝕟𝕖𝕥

Initially, the impression of Mountain Town was that of a newly established, affluent town teeming with various business opportunities.

However, things had changed. Mountain Town had now transformed into a powerful territory, with a vast area, plentiful resources, dense population, and most importantly, a formidable army.

Particularly for those territories in the south, most either had a few tier-two beings or none at all. Faced with Mountain Town, which boasted hundreds of tier-two warriors, they were simply not on par. When the news of this battle spread, it gradually morphed into countless versions.

But in every version, the powerful forces of Mountain Town were underscored.

Due to its rising reputation, more and more people came here for business. Real estate prices in the surrounding towns also rose significantly. If it weren’t for Du You’s plans for expansion, new territories might have been built nearby.

More and more merchants and refugees gathered here, making the neighboring towns increasingly prosperous. Many people even wished to live in the fort area which hadn’t been fully built yet.

The originally scarce tasks came pouring in like snowflakes.

Du You had to set up a task hall on the outskirts to list all these tasks.

"In the future, our territory will only undertake the most dangerous tasks. There are too many minor tasks that can be entrusted to adventurers and mercenaries to help us save manpower."

Shaliya nodded: "That sounds good. All major cities adopt similar approaches. With these people helping, we can indeed save a huge portion of our energy, considering our insufficient military strength."

"So, what was your decision regarding the proposal from the Dunes Territory?"

Upon hearing this, Du You paused for a moment before saying, "The copper mine there has been prospected, right? It’s a large copper mine. But with our current strength insufficient, we can cooperate with the Dunes Territory and start mining secretly for now. When our military strength increases, we will send some over to garrison there and start large-scale development. However, the division must be negotiated in advance."

Shaliya nodded and said, "Rest assured, my lord, I have already negotiated the terms with them. The copper mined in the future will be processed into copper ingots nearby, and we can get 60% of it. However, we have artisans and can process it ourselves. If Dunes Territory needs our help with processing, we can make a profit from that."

Du You nodded: "Very well, that sounds good."

"However, my lord, that copper mine isn’t within the Dunes Territory, it’s on unclaimed land. Why do we only take 60%? Normally, we should at least take 80%—we could even take it all."

Luo Jia’s thoughts were correct—interactions between the nobility were usually this brutal.

Shaliya spoke up: "Our territory needs stable development and shouldn’t show too much too soon. So we need to first foster the growth of the Dunes Territory and gradually make them stronger, so they can become our shield."

"This time, when the Sandpeople came, the people of Dunes Territory wanted to flee because they had nothing. However, if they have wealth and an army in the future, they will definitely resist to the end. At that time, they will hire our army, and our troops can fight on their land without affecting us, while also making a profit."

Though Luo Jia was not good at internal affairs, he was not a fool. Hearing Shaliya’s words, he understood.

Lately, the impact of this battle was becoming more and more significant. People were always discussing it, and numerous anecdotes were circulating.

The three territory leaders had no choice but to seize this opportunity for full-scale development. The sisters Lin Yucha and Lin Yushi returned to their daily routine of clearing the surrounding forests, leaving Du You’s side.

One day, while they were still dealing with affairs, a guard suddenly walked in.

"My Lord, this is a letter sent from White Stone City—the Deputy Lord of White Stone City plans to discuss cooperation with you." They were surprisingly straightforward about it.

After reading the letter, Du You nodded: "Very well, make preparations. We’ll receive them at the Central Fortress on the outskirts of town, with the highest standard." Du You had no intention of allowing them into his real territory.

There were four Deputy Lords in White Stone City, only one of whom was coming. But this reflected White Stone City’s sincerity perfectly. After all, it was impossible for the Lord to come, either due to his status or responsibilities.

"Is the Deputy Lord himself coming, not a nobility representative? This implies that the Lord of White Stone City wants to cooperate with us, without involving any of the nobles. This is a considerable advantage for us and shows that the Lord of White Stone City and the nobles are not on the same side." Shaliya said with a smile on her face.

They had a troubled relationship with those nobles. Although it didn’t show on the surface, those nobles had already plotted against them once. If they hadn’t had a strong military presence, their territory would have been destroyed.

Their territory meant something entirely different to them. Nobody would hold any affection for those people. They were not traditional nobility and wouldn’t put aside past grudges just for the sake of profit.

It was also beneficial to avoid collaborating with those nobles. As for the struggle between White Stone City’s Lord and the nobles—they were happy to sit back and watch, having no plans to get involved.

The preparations were done swiftly, and work efficiency was high due to the buoyant morale.

By the next day, all preparations had been completed. On the third day, White Stone City’s Deputy Lord arrived under the protection of Pegasus Knights. They didn’t travel by land due to the long distance and challenging terrain.

Perhaps I should build a proper road, Du You thought as he looked at the primitive ground.

But that was none of his concern. He only needed to give the order and wait for Shaliya to handle it. Having a loyal and competent subordinate was often very convenient.

The landing of the Pegasus from the sky indicated the imminent cooperation between White Stone City and Mountain Town. The residents believed that a new Chapter would unfold for their territory, and its future prospects were bright.