Chapter 257 : Conflicts of Interest Among the Major Legions

Chapter 257: Conflicts of Interest Among the Major Legions! Activating a Brand-New Territory Talent!

The ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍battle for the Corpse Lich Territory...

Had ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍left the Calamity Army with an enormous harvest.

Besides ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍gaining massive amounts of Essence and Contribution Points, they had also received a huge number of Skill Cards, Skill Books, Attribute Potions, top-grade materials, special equipment, and special items.

At ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍this stage, players such as Black-Eyed Sharp Bro, Toasting the Moon, Ye Li Meng, Little Bell, and others had successfully reached Level 25.

There ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍were already thirty-six top players at Levels 23 and 24.

The ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍total number of Tier 3 Players had long since exceeded one hundred.

The high-level Players had built solid foundations because, unless crossing an entire tier, the difference of one or two normal levels did not actually have a particularly significant impact on overall strength. Furthermore, the higher a Player's level, the more Essence they lost upon death.

Precisely because of this...

Blindly pursuing inflated levels was meaningless.

The Players all possessed excellent foundations in terms of equipment, skills, and other aspects.

As the Legion Commander of the Undying Dragon Soul Legion, Toasting the Moon was one of them.

He was currently among the highest-level Players and had firmly secured a place in the first echelon, which was no easy feat.

Of course, Toasting the Moon knew very well that he still fell short compared to players like Black-Eyed Sharp Bro, Ye Li Meng, Mad Blade Old Wang, and Lone Boat.

These top experts each possessed at least one max-level Blue-quality skill. Although he himself had five max-level Green-quality skills, he had yet to master a single Blue-quality skill, making his paper strength somewhat inferior.

There was no helping it.

The threshold for Blue-quality skills was quite high.

At present, Players had only two primary ways of obtaining them.

The first was through self-comprehension.

For example, Little Bell's Four-Talisman Demon-Slaying Formation, Chimera Wraith's Lightning Chain, or Ye Li Meng's Burning Soul. This required the right combination of skills along with a certain amount of luck.

The second method was learning them from NPCs.

The reward chests from every large-scale mission had a chance to contain Skill Cards. Treasure chests of at least Silver grade had a small probability of yielding Blue-quality Skill Cards.

Once a Skill Card was obtained, Players could directly apply to the designated NPC for skill instruction.

For example, Black-Eyed Sharp Bro's Swift Shadow Assault had been learned directly from Lord Hang Yu.

Toasting the Moon simply hadn't been very lucky.

He had never obtained a Blue-quality Skill Card.

As for comprehending one on his own...

That wasn't easy either.

His skill set was too mixed.

He possessed close-combat blade techniques, had also learned movement techniques such as Shadowstep and Flashstep, and had recently focused on archery to improve farming efficiency.

Synthesizing skills from such different categories was extremely difficult.

“Sigh... If only there were Blue-quality skills that could be learned directly from the Skill Tower.”

Toasting the Moon firmly believed...

As long as he mastered one or two Blue-quality skills...

He would possess combat power that was no weaker than any current top-tier Player.

Fortunately, he had accumulated a considerable amount of Essence through this mission and had also drawn a 100,000-point Enlightenment Tower Recharge Voucher from the reward chest.

He might as well first learn or comprehend several high-quality Green-quality archery skills, then use them as a foundation to create a Blue-quality archery technique.

In the future...

He would integrate additional Blue-quality skills.

And create a one-of-a-kind archery cultivation technique.

Toasting the Moon's goal was to become a kiting-style Ranger.

Besides possessing unparalleled archery...

He also needed highly mobile movement techniques...

Along with sufficiently powerful stealth abilities.

The road ahead was still long.

He had to keep working hard!

When everyone teleported from Heyin City back to Luoshui City...

Pissing Three Thousand Feet Against the Wind said, “Boss, we made a huge haul this time. Shouldn't we head to the Kiba Grand Restaurant and reserve a couple of tables for the brothers to celebrate?”

Warrior Like the Wind added, “Yeah! I heard the other Legions have already gone there to celebrate!”

Toasting the Moon burst into laughter.

“We've been fighting nonstop these past few days. Now that we've returned victorious, it's only natural to celebrate properly. Today, the Legion is treating everyone—the Legion will cover all expenses!”

Knight of Dawn exclaimed, “Boss is generous!”

“Then what are we waiting for?”

“Let's go!”

“Charge!”

The members of the Undying Dragon Soul Legion arrived at the most famous restaurant in the main city—the Kiba Grand Restaurant.

This grand restaurant, operated by the Pigfolk brothers, had been the territory's very first canteen.

Although the territory now possessed several brand-new canteens, this establishment still ranked first in terms of luxury and quality, making it extremely popular among Players.

“Greetings, Legion Commander Toasting the Moon!”

“Honored officers of the Calamity Army, welcome to the Kiba Grand Restaurant!”

Seeing another major customer arrive, the two waiters hurried over to receive them.

Although these Calamity Army gentlemen often behaved rather strangely...

They were all generous spenders and had good character.

The Bald Sleepless Hero asked, “What's on today's menu?”

One waiter replied, “The head chef knew the various Legion officers would be holding victory banquets, so he prepared a large batch of fresh ingredients, including Thousand-Legged Earth Dragon meat from Centipede Valley.”

The other waiter added, “Our restaurant has also recently introduced Dragon Blood Wine brewed from Black-Scaled Dragon Horse blood essence, Blue Moon Grass, and spiritual fruits. It helps resist fatigue.”

“Excellent!”

The Players were delighted.

Toasting the Moon spared no Contribution Points.

Every table of Legion members was served an abundance of premium dishes.

At this moment...

The Kiba Grand Restaurant was packed.

Not only were members of the Undying Dragon Soul Legion present...

Members from the other major Legions had also gathered there.

Dozens of young female waitresses...

And numerous servers...

Bustled about tirelessly.

They were all native NPCs working at the restaurant.

The overwhelming victory in the Corpse Lich Territory made every native resident overjoyed.

On one hand, the territory would become safer and more prosperous.

On the other hand, the quest rewards and war spoils had granted the Calamity Army enormous amounts of Contribution Points.

The Players' spending power had recovered...

Benefiting the territory's economy.

The better the restaurant's business...

The larger everyone's bonuses would become.

Every employee worked enthusiastically.

“Tsk, tsk. Aji and Aba's cooking keeps getting better.”

“The experience in this game just keeps improving. Honestly, I think most takeout food in the real world tastes like pig feed now.”

“Exactly!”

“The only flaw is that it's expensive!”

“Hahaha! What's there to worry about? As long as we keep following the Boss and the territory continues to develop, there'll be endless opportunities to make money!”

“Well said!”

“Cheers!”

“A toast to the territory!”

“A toast to Lord Hang Yu!”

“...”

The Players of the Calamity Army drank heartily...

Downing wine...

And devouring meat.

Having won such a glorious victory...

Everyone's mood had reached its peak.

Both spiritually and materially...

They had received tremendous rewards and satisfaction.

Any game...

Or any job...

That could achieve this would easily become addictive.

Not to mention that this world felt so real...

And even included sensory pleasures such as delicious food and fine wine.

Warrior Like the Wind said, “Now that the territory has expanded so much, there'll probably be a lot of new updates—like increasing the recruitment capacity of the Calamity Army or adding new buildings and skills.”

The Bald Sleepless Hero replied, “Definitely!”

Pissing Three Thousand Feet Against the Wind said, “The territory's development is closely tied to every one of our actions. Being able to personally witness and drive its growth and updates feels absolutely incredible.”

Knight of Dawn said, “That's the charm of Twisted Three Kingdoms! We have to keep pushing forward!”

“That's right!”

“The Corpse Lich Territory isn't enough!”

“There are still huge polluted regions left unconquered in the Wan City region!”

“Brothers, eat and drink well today, then get a good rest. Tomorrow we'll march into the Wan region! Our Undying Dragon Soul Legion absolutely cannot lose to the other Legions!”

“...”

The members of the Undying Dragon Soul Legion toasted one another...

Celebrated wildly...

Talked excitedly about the future...

And completely let loose.

Toasting the Moon also felt completely immersed in the joyful atmosphere.

This place not only offered food and wine superior to anything in the real world...

It also allowed everyone to completely cast aside the social hierarchies of reality.

People gathered together...

Sharing the same identity...

Working toward the same goal.

It was both free and unconstrained...

While also filled with hope, passion, and anticipation for the future.

At this moment, Blind Swordsman, the second strongest member of the Undying Dragon Soul Legion, approached him.

“Commander, the commanders of the various Legions are holding a meeting in the private room upstairs. Legion Commander Black-Eyed Sharp Bro invited you. It's probably something important.”

“Oh?”

Toasting the Moon told Pissing Three Thousand Feet Against the Wind, Warrior Like the Wind, and the others to stay and continue drinking with the brothers.

He then brought Blind Swordsman upstairs.

Not long afterward...

More than a dozen Calamity Army leaders had gathered inside.

Each of them possessed formidable auras.

Although their equipment varied...

Every set was exceptionally refined.

Present were the commanders of the five major Legions.

In addition...

There were eight newly established commanders of medium and small Legions.

As well as several prospective Legion commanders who enjoyed considerable prestige among the Players.

Each had also brought one or two trusted confidants.

It could be said...

Half of the Calamity Army's leadership was gathered here.

If this group...

Simply stomped their feet...

The entire Calamity Army would tremble.

They were the most influential leaders within the Calamity Army.

“Please, everyone, have a seat.”

The gathering had been initiated by Wings of Freedom.

Black-Eyed Sharp Bro addressed everyone.

“I invited you all here today not only to celebrate our great victory in the Corpse Lich Territory, but also to discuss two extremely important matters.”

“They concern the overall interests and future development of the Calamity Army.”

Little Bell asked curiously, “What is it that's so important?”

Ye Li Meng said, “Brother Rui, just say it.”

Black-Eyed Sharp Bro replied, “Recently, there have been quite a few conflicts and personal grudges within the Legion. The divisions between our various factions have become increasingly obvious.”

“I don't think this is a good sign.”

“We should find ways to eliminate unnecessary misunderstandings, unite together, and establish our own rules to prevent internal conflict and infighting.”

Everyone nodded.

It made sense.

Where there were people...

There would be rivalries.

Where there were interests and competition...

Opposition was inevitable.

The upper leadership of the Calamity Army had already realized this.

Although no one could stop this trend...

They had to establish several inviolable bottom lines and reach a consensus.

Only then could they prevent destructive internal struggles between the various factions.

Recently...

The internal divisions within the Calamity Army had become increasingly obvious.

Several minor conflicts had already broken out between Players...

As well as between Legions.

There had even been casualties.

Had it not been for mediation by the upper leadership...

Along with the threat posed by external enemies...

They would probably have started fighting already.

However...

Before Black-Eyed Sharp Bro could continue...

Arthur King asked,

“And what's the second matter?”

The Twilight of the Gods Legion clearly wasn't very interested in discussing internal regulations.

This wasn't because Arthur King lacked ambition.

The Twilight of the Gods Legion was currently the largest overseas Legion.

Arthur King and the others had always occupied a rather awkward position within the Calamity Army.

The greater the internal chaos...

The more the various Daxia factions fought among themselves...

The more advantageous it would be for Twilight of the Gods.

On the contrary...

If everyone united...

Wouldn't the foreign Calamity Army inevitably end up being marginalized?

Because of this...

From Arthur King's perspective...

He would avoid direct confrontation with the other Legions before the timing was right.

At the same time...

He would secretly create obstacles whenever possible.

To prevent the other Legions from uniting against them.

Black-Eyed Sharp Bro said,

“The second matter concerns agency rights for the territory's products.”

The atmosphere in the room immediately became more solemn.

Everyone knew...

That during the recent asset auction...

The five major Legions had secured shops located in the territory's core commercial district.

Over the past few days...

Those shops had gradually begun operating.

At present...

The five major Legions lacked substantial production capabilities.

Thus...

All of them were striving to secure products from the various Forging Workshops, Alchemy Workshops, and canteens.

Especially exclusive distribution rights for certain premium medicines and special equipment.

Black-Eyed Sharp Bro continued,

“The territory now produces dozens of medicines, equipment, alcoholic beverages, food, and other products.”

“No single Legion can possibly monopolize all of them.”

“There's no need for vicious competition.”

“I hope everyone can sit down and negotiate peacefully.”

“So we can divide this pie more reasonably.”

The commanders of the medium and small Legions...

Along with the Player leaders...

Immediately voiced their support.

Uncle Big Tree said,

“I support this.”

Huang Tianlong said,

“If you people keep driving up the authorization prices and eventually monopolize the market by raising prices, won't everyone outside the five major Legions end up paying the bill?”

Shadowmoon Azure Wolf said,

“As representatives of the Calamity Army, the five major Legions shouldn't focus only on your own interests while ignoring those of the ordinary Players!”

“Stop the vicious competition!”

“Let's all stay rational!”

“...”

Naturally...

The smaller factions cared deeply about this issue.

Because it directly affected their own interests.

To improve production efficiency...

And reduce the burden on production personnel...

The territory intended to outsource the sales rights for most products produced by its workshops.

Agencies and distributors would be selected from among the various factions within the territory.

This way...

Production staff could focus entirely on manufacturing.

Thus increasing output...

And creating greater value.

These capable distributors already possessed their own storefronts.

Not only could they provide greater convenience for Players and territorial citizens...

They could also stabilize production through large-volume orders...

And expand the market using various marketing strategies.

However...

There was one major problem.

All five major Legions wanted to cooperate with the strongest workshops...

And secure the highest-quality, most valuable products.

Therefore...

They would naturally offer the highest prices...

And place the largest orders.

As the saying went...

The wool ultimately came from the sheep.

Wouldn't the ordinary Players be the ones paying in the end?

The territory wasn't foolish either.

To prevent vicious monopolies...

And endless competition among the five major Legions...

It had already implemented a series of effective measures.

First of all...

There were many production workshops throughout the territory.

The workshops competed against one another.

The restaurants also competed against one another.

Each territorial shop had a limit on how many exclusive agency rights it could obtain.

Furthermore...

All quotations were submitted confidentially...

And only once.

Unlike auctions...

There was no opportunity for endless bidding wars.

Even so...

The five major Legions would still compete.

And premium prices would inevitably emerge.

Black-Eyed Sharp Bro hoped the five major Legions could privately divide the benefits and reach a consensus.

That way...

The major Legions would pay less...

And ordinary Players could purchase products at more affordable prices.

Standing beside Little Bell, Chimera Wraith said,

“Our Divine Feather Palace absolutely must secure the exclusive sales rights for the Tier 2 Greater Qi Recovery Pills and Greater Blood Recovery Pills from the First Alchemy Workshop.”

“You can have everything else.”

The moment those words were spoken...

The others immediately objected.

The Tier 2 Greater Qi Recovery Pill and Greater Blood Recovery Pill were second-tier medicines developed by Zhang Zhongjing through improvements to the ordinary Qi Recovery Pill and Healing Pill.

Compared to the ordinary versions...

They restored much more...

And did so far more quickly.

They were currently the two most heavily consumed and practical medicines during combat.

They were absolute necessities for Players.

Arthur King sneered.

“These Tier 2 Greater Qi Recovery Pills and Greater Blood Recovery Pills can only be produced by the First Workshop.”

“Even if the other workshops eventually learn to make them, their output will be pitiful.”

“Divine Feather Palace has quite an appetite.”

“If you monopolize them, won't you be able to choke every other faction whenever you want?”

“Our Twilight of the Gods Legion absolutely won't agree.”

Toasting the Moon had different thoughts.

“Our Undying Dragon Soul Legion can give up competing for those two medicines.”

Although the demand and commercial value of Tier 2 recovery medicines were enormous...

Competition would also be extremely fierce in the short term.

In the long term...

Every workshop would eventually begin producing them.

Securing the production capacity of only one workshop might yield enormous short-term profits...

But it lacked long-term significance.

Toasting the Moon therefore said,

“But our Undying Dragon Soul Legion wants to contract the Fire Feather Arrows, Demon Raven Arrows, and Earth Dragon Arrows produced by all the Forging Workshops.”

Ye Li Meng frowned.

“Brother Wangyue, your appetite isn't any smaller than Divine Feather Palace's.”

“Arrows are one of the largest consumables in warfare.”

“These three arrow types are currently the most widely used and highest in production, representing low-end, mid-range, and high-end markets.”

“Having one Legion monopolize all of them is a bit excessive.”

Mad Blade Old Wang beside him also spoke.

“As for our War God Hall, we don't insist on exclusive rights to healing potions, mana potions, or arrows...”

“But it's impossible for us to have no share at all.”

Toasting the Moon replied,

“There are so many territorial products.”

“Can't you at least do us this favor?”

Brother Xiao Ma immediately refused.

“No!”

“This concerns the interests of the entire Legion.”

“We also have to take responsibility for our own brothers!”

Hua Mulan snorted.

“Hmph. In that case, give us all the Antidote Pills and Death Pills.”

“Divine Feather Palace can give up part of the Greater Blood Recovery Pill quota.”

“Heh. Impossible.”

“So there's nothing left to discuss?”

“I never thought negotiations were necessary to begin with.”

“Then let's each rely on our own abilities.”

“Exactly what I was thinking!”

“Everyone, calm down! This benefits no one!”

“Hah. It seems Wings of Freedom organized this meeting only because they lack financial strength themselves, so they're trying to divide the pie this way.”

“What did you say? We're not afraid of competition!”

“Isn't that true?”

“Damn it! Commander Black-Eyed Sharp Bro only wanted to resolve our differences peacefully! You're deliberately creating confrontation. This is going too far!”

“...”

At first...

The Calamity Army leaders had remained fairly cordial.

But once the discussion touched upon such an important and complicated division of interests...

A matter affecting not only the five major Legions but every other faction and Player...

It was virtually impossible to reach an agreement over a single meal.

In the end...

Not only did they fail to reach a consensus...

They actually created even more disagreements.

...

Meanwhile...

Hang Yu had already returned to the main city.

This special gathering of top Players had naturally attracted his attention.

He found it quite amusing.

Just as he had expected...

There was no way the Calamity Army could resolve such a complicated division of interests through a single meeting.

Judging from the current situation...

Competition between the internal factions was becoming increasingly intense.

In the future...

Some seemingly insignificant trigger could easily spark open conflict.

Even if the Legion commanders or senior leaders maintained excellent personal relationships...

It wouldn't matter.

After all...

Every leader had to prioritize the interests of those under their command.

They had to compete for their team's collective interests.

Otherwise...

They could never command respect or continue serving as leaders.

Beyond the five major Legions...

Numerous medium and small Player factions were rising rapidly.

These factions also possessed conflicting interests with the five major Legions.

Naturally...

Many Players had become dissatisfied with the five major Legions.

Furthermore...

The composition of these smaller factions was extremely diverse.

Xiao Ba said,

“It looks like the negotiations between the Legions have broken down.”

Hang Yu smiled.

“That's not surprising.”

“If they had actually reached an agreement, that would've been the real surprise.”

“In fact, even Black-Eyed Sharp Bro, who organized this gathering, probably never expected it to produce any concrete results.”

Xiao Ba asked,

“Then why organize it if failure was inevitable?”

Hang Yu replied,

“I think this is a strategic move by Wings of Freedom.”

“Although Black-Eyed Sharp Bro knew the negotiations wouldn't succeed...”

“By organizing this gathering, he'll gain the support of the medium and small Legions, as well as the independent factions.”

“His proposal benefits the smaller factions and virtually every Player outside the five major Legions.”

“So regardless of whether today's negotiations succeed or fail...”

“As long as news of this meeting spreads...”

“The prestige of Black-Eyed Sharp Bro and Wings of Freedom among the ordinary Players and smaller factions will inevitably rise.”

The gathering had merely been a pretext.

Wings of Freedom had deliberately promoted a proposal that was difficult to achieve...

Yet benefited the majority.

Even if it ultimately failed...

It would still win popular support.

Clearly...

Although they lacked the powerful background enjoyed by the other four major Legions...

Black-Eyed Sharp Bro's team was anything but ordinary.

At present...

Their public reputation and popularity were the best among all the major Legions.

Xiao Ba was merely a non-human intelligence.

She could not understand the intricacies of human scheming.

Thus she asked,

“Should we intervene?”

Hang Yu shook his head.

“No.”

“For now, simply observe.”

“Competition and even disputes among Player factions are perfectly normal.”

“Besides...”

“This kind of competition is actually beneficial to the territory.”

It was better to guide than suppress.

As long as the bottom line wasn't crossed...

Competition should not only be tolerated...

It should be encouraged.

Hang Yu was actually looking forward to seeing how the various Legions developed.

However...

He no longer paid attention to the Players.

There was still an enormous amount of work waiting within the territory.

After returning to the main city...

Hang Yu immediately began another round of territorial construction.

The territory now possessed the capability to increase its population once again.

Based solely on the existing eighty Abyss Barracks...

Each Tier 2 Barracks supported two hundred population.

In other words...

The territory's current maximum population stood at 16,000.

The total size of the Calamity Army had already surpassed 15,000.

If Hang Yu upgraded all eighty Tier 2 Abyss Barracks to Tier 3...

Each Barracks would support four hundred population.

As a result...

The population cap would increase to 32,000.

Doubling the current limit.

And that was merely the most conservative estimate.

The territory would soon accelerate development.

Every abandoned Blessed Land would gradually resume operation.

The total number of Abyss Barracks that could eventually be constructed would greatly exceed eighty.

Upgrading a Tier 2 Abyss Barracks to Tier 3 required:

10,000 Abyssal Magic Crystals and 5,000 Tier-Three Material Essence.

Although the cost of a single Tier 3 building wasn't particularly high...

The total cost became astonishing when multiplied.

Using only the current eighty Barracks as an example...

The upgrade alone required:

800,000 Abyssal Magic Crystals and 400,000 Tier-Three Material Essence.

Recruiting the additional 16,000 new soldiers would cost another 320,000 Abyssal Magic Crystals.

Total expenditure:

1.12 million Abyssal Magic Crystals and 400,000 Tier-Three Material Essence.

Although Hang Yu currently possessed sufficient resources and Abyssal Magic Crystals after the Corpse Lich Territory campaign...

This expenditure was still enormous.

It would inevitably affect other aspects of territorial construction.

After careful consideration...

Hang Yu decided to delay the expansion for another two or three days.

First...

The territory had only just completed a large recruitment drive.

There were still many low-level Players who needed more time to grow.

Second...

Hang Yu could use these two days to build additional facilities throughout the territory...

And establish more spawning locations.

This would allow the Calamity Army's resources to be distributed more effectively.

Thus improving the development of the territory.

Finally...

As the Player population continued to increase...

Hang Yu needed to construct more comprehensive infrastructure...

And introduce additional gameplay features.

Making the game itself richer...

And more enjoyable.

“Let's build a few structures first.”

Hang Yu took out the blueprints obtained during the Corpse Lich Territory campaign.

He successively constructed the Abyssal Workshop, Necromancer Skill Tower, Starsea Library, and Ancient Corpse Vault.

The Abyssal Workshop, Necromancer Skill Tower, and Starsea Library were all built within the main city.

As for the Ancient Corpse Vault...

It was placed in the Woniu Mountain region.

These buildings were far from cheap.

The total construction cost reached 400,000 Abyssal Magic Crystals...

And 290,000 Tier-Three Material Essence.

Besides the newly constructed buildings...

The four Blue-quality Skill Stones were also embedded into the Skill Tower.

Hang Yu believed that once the Players discovered the newly added buildings and skills...

They would be utterly astonished.

He could already imagine the discussions that would erupt across the forums.

Besides that...

Hang Yu still possessed one more Talent Stone.

An absolute heavyweight.

It had been...

One of the most important rewards of this campaign.

“The more talents, the better.”

“Since I've obtained it, I might as well use it immediately.”

“After all, it can strengthen the fundamental foundation of every citizen.”

When Hang Yu placed the Talent Stone into the Territory Core...

Every Player received a notification from Xiao Ba.

【Ding! Because the Calamity Army performed exceptionally during the Lord War, you have received a blessing from Lord Hang Yu. Talent Skill activated: Eye of Malevolence!】

This...

Was an exceptionally powerful talent.

One that would have a profound impact upon the entire territory.

——

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