Chapter 117 - 104: Xirong Invades the Border

Chapter 117: Chapter 104: Xirong Invades the Border

After riding hard, Lu Yuan and his companion finally reached the vicinity of Ming Pearl Lake by afternoon. In the distance, they saw a group of people gathered around a bonfire.

As they drew closer, they saw it was indeed Wu Han and his men.

This time, there were even more people. In addition to Wu Han, Copper Lion Yang Xiao was also present. His Blood Movement Realm cultivation was quite formidable, making him the current top expert in the Celestial King Stronghold.

Surrounding them were over a hundred Armored Warriors, each exuding a powerful aura.

Their cultivation was around the Bone Forging Realm.

In addition to them, there were also over a dozen experts in the Organ Refining Realm.

When they saw Lu Yuan and his companion approach, Wu Han immediately rose to his feet. The others, however, wore looks of surprise and suspicion.

There was a hint of curiosity as well.

Just then, Wu Han said, "What are you waiting for? Greet the Village Chief."

His gruff voice rang out.

The others exchanged glances, and not daring to delay, immediately bowed. "Greetings, Village Chief."

Lu Yuan nodded, his voice raspy. "Dispense with the formalities."

Then, his gaze landed on Yang Xiao. "The Village Chief of Black Wind Stronghold, Copper Lion Yang Xiao. I’ve heard of you."

"It is my honor that the Village Chief has heard of me," Yang Xiao said quickly.

He had the courage to bargain when facing Wu Han, but for some reason, he felt constrained in front of Lu Yuan.

’Perhaps it’s because his aura is just too intimidating.’

Lu Yuan didn’t reply, saying instead, "Let’s go take a look at the stronghold."

Wu Han then led the way.

The group mounted their horses and headed for Celestial King Stronghold.

The stronghold was built on a massive ridge at a high altitude.

Below it were several large horse pastures and the stationed army, numbering over thirty thousand men, which Yang Xiao was responsible for.

As they ascended the mountain, Lu Yuan saw that the stronghold was quite large—it could practically be considered a small city.

The bluestone walls were over ten meters high and five meters wide.

Warriors in leather armor patrolled the top, the flickering torchlight casting shadows across their faces.

It made them look quite ferocious.

After all, the buffer zone was now filled with powerful individuals from all over, none of whom were easy to deal with.

Once inside, Lu Yuan scanned his surroundings. ’It’s a huge improvement over the old Vulture’s Perch. It can’t compare to a real city, of course, but it’s not bad at all.’

Upon entering the main hall, Lu Yuan went straight to the head seat. Zhou He and Wu Han took their places on his left and right.

Yang Xiao took the seat below Wu Han’s.

This seating arrangement formally established the stronghold’s hierarchy.

Once everyone was seated, Lu Yuan calmly asked, "What are our current numbers?"

"We have 93,281 combat-ready men and 150,000 warhorses. Among them, one person is at the Blood Movement Realm, nineteen at the Organ Refining Realm, seventy-five at the Muscle Refining Realm, three hundred fifty-seven at the Bone Forging Realm, and two thousand two hundred at the Entry Level.

"However, the rest are all strong, able-bodied young men."

Wu Han replied.

A proud look appeared on his face. A force of this size could already be considered very powerful.

It couldn’t compare to the court’s army, but it was by no means weak in the buffer zone.

However, they were still a long way from true dominance, and the imperial court could dispatch experts at any time.

Celestial King Stronghold was, after all, just a mountain stronghold.

"Can we support ourselves right now?" Lu Yuan asked gravely.

’Supporting so many men and horses is no small matter.’

"Yes. We’re the only unified power in this part of the buffer zone, so many caravans leaving the frontier choose to pass through here. It’s basically become an established trade route.

"As long as they pay the toll in silver, they can pass freely. We’re taking in over three hundred thousand silver a month, so self-sufficiency is not a problem.

"And that’s just recently. The Zhao Family from the Imperial City got greedy seeing how good our business was, and they’ve been coming to cause trouble. Otherwise, that number could be double." Wu Han rubbed his bald head, his eyes filled with rage.

Yang Xiao looked at Lu Yuan, his voice tinged with frustration. "Those people from the Imperial City are too overbearing. They showed up and immediately tried to absorb us. We nearly came to blows right here in the stronghold.

"After that, they started organizing their elite forces to sabotage the trade route. Sending a few of our men is useless, but if we send a large group, we can’t stop their experts from escaping.

"During our last clash, I took a spear through the chest. If Wu Han hadn’t led his men to surround their Gang Qi Realm expert, I’m afraid I would have died on the battlefield."

Lu Yuan nodded. "I will resolve this matter as soon as possible. And what about the Northern Barbarians? How do things stand with them?"

At this, Wu Han’s spirits lifted. "We’ve already begun cooperating. They’re supplying us with a good number of warhorses, we can trade freely for grain and fodder, and they can even provide some weapons.

"However, items like armor and Elixirs are very strictly controlled."

"Then spend silver to find them. Use any means necessary to find people—Alchemists, armorers, all of them. If you can’t hire them with money, kidnap them. We’re mountain bandits, not righteous gentlemen. All that matters is that we grow."

’At this point,’ Lu Yuan thought, ’Celestial King Stronghold is basically on the right track.’

’As long as we manage its development well, there shouldn’t be any major problems.’

"Yes, I’ll get right on it."

Then, Lu Yuan continued, "Now, about the Zhao Family. I have some personal matters to attend to for a while. Once I’m done, I will come back and take care of them myself.

"In the meantime, just focus on your defenses."

"As you command!"

Wu Han and Yang Xiao replied quickly.

And with that, the new order of Celestial King Stronghold was established.

Then, with a great wave of his hand, Wu Han had his men bring out food and wine.

The men began to feast and make merry.