"Come to think of it, I do need the village chief's help with something..."
The village chief was stunned, and he just mentioned it casually, but the young lord actually spoke.
"Um...what's going on?"
Cao Xing pointed to old Mel and his daughter Elisa next to him.
When the battle started, Elisa, who was following Cao Xing, was stunned.
Fortunately, the group of hunters' target was Cao Xing.
After the initial shock, Elisa quickly squeezed out of the crowd and reunited with Old Mel.
Then the two of them hid in the corner and didn't dare to come out.
Cao Xing said, "Old Mel and her daughter will join my territory."
"They will leave Hog Village with their cattle and sheep, but I heard that the villagers of Hog Village need to obtain approval from the village chief before leaving, so..."
Hearing this, the village chief showed hesitation in his eyes.
He turned his head and looked at Old Mel beside him and asked, "Mel, do you really want to follow this lord to his territory?"
Old Mel nodded, "Yes, Chief Maldo."
The village chief sighed and said, "You are the most experienced cattle farmer in our village. You are very familiar with the habits of these livestock. Whenever other villagers have any problems with their cattle and sheep, they always ask you to solve them."
"To be honest, I really don't want you to leave..."
"However, if it is this powerful lord, it is not a bad idea to try it."
"Hogg Village is indeed too weak. You can live more safely in his territory."
"Your Excellency Lord Cao Xing, I agree."
[The mayor of Hogg Village has approved your recruitment application. Mel and Elisa have joined your territory. The territory population +2]
Joy appeared in Cao Xing's eyes. He didn't expect the village chief to agree so readily.
However, this may also be related to the great strength he has demonstrated.
The village chief was shocked.
He looked at old Mel next to him and said, "Very good, now you are mine."
"Now, go pack up, we're going back to the territory."
Cao Xing is as sharp as thunder and lightning.
Old Mel nodded, turned around and took Elisa back to pack his luggage.
Cao Xing also walked out of Hoge Village and waited at the entrance of the village.
Hog Village will deal with the corpses here.
As for how to deal with it, that is not his concern.
…
Half an hour later.
Old Mel and Elisa came out in a mighty procession, leading a dozen calves, sheep, and big-horned cows.
There were large and small bags hanging on the yak, which looked like the gifts of old Mel's family.
In addition, Cao Xing also saw several ox carts loaded with goods.
Old Mel said apologetically, "Sorry, Lord, I was delayed a little while packing up."
"Those carts were loaded with hay, food for the calves and sheep."
Cao Xing nodded, "It's okay, let's return to the territory now."
A group of people, along with dozens of cattle and sheep, left Hogg Village in a mighty manner.
This time, Cao Xing did not recruit any new people in the village tavern.
He also recruited six people with fighting ability from the Three Heroes Society.
Take a look at the attributes of these new members.
[Khaishan Empire Soldier: Rakid]
[Level: Level 8 2243/7000 (Level 2 Ordinary Creature)]
[Health: 780/780]
[Attack power: 65~67 (weapon bonus)]
[Armor: 24~28]
[Skill: Empire Basic Swordsmanship (When using sword weapons in combat, attack power +15%, attack speed +10%)
Three-stage slash (three consecutive attacks, causing 91%, 87%, and 77% physical damage respectively, with a cooldown of 60 seconds)]
【Talent: None】
[Satisfaction: 66]
【Loyalty: 52】
(Comment: A well-trained soldier of the Empire who can carry out battlefield orders very well.)
…
[Melandru Mage Apprentice: Ai Li]
[Level: Level 7 4491/6000]
[HP: 520/520]
[Attack power: 63~65]
[Skill: Primary Water Coordination (Controls the water element energy in the air. Affected by the world environment, it changes to control the ice element.)
Water Bomb (Condenses a ball of water bombs, which are affected by the world environment and become ice bombs, causing 122% explosion damage to the enemy, and has a chance to freeze the enemy, with a cooldown time of 30 seconds)]
[Talent: Magical Affinity (Only humans who are naturally sensitive to magical fluctuations can grow into magicians)]
[Satisfaction: 53]
【Loyalty: 51】
(Comment: A delicate mage apprentice who seems to be frightened.)
…
[Boar Tribe Warrior: Blitz Reiner]
[Level: Level 7 3913/6000]
[HP: 820/820]
【Attack power: 55~58】
[Skill: Dual Blade (able to use two weapons at the same time)
Pig Rush (Instantly dash forward a certain distance, causing 112%*2 piercing damage to the enemy, cooldown time 100 seconds)]
[Talent: Beast Bloodline (Health +10%)]
[Satisfaction: 61]
【Loyalty: 55】
(Evaluation: A warrior from a mysterious tribe with good fighting ability.)
…
Cao Xing nodded.
They are all common recruited creatures. Among the same level, the Boar Warrior is the strongest.
Cao Xing did not give them any more BUFFs.
Because these newcomers were forcibly recruited by him, their loyalty is too low.
Cao Xing was afraid that they might rebel, so he waited until they got used to the situation.
The team was larger than before they set out, and in the snow it looked like a large caravan.
Since they had to carry the yak, their movement speed was not very fast.
According to estimates, it will take at least three hours to return to the territory.
By then, it will be almost dark.
Cao Xing thought for a moment and decided to make use of these hours.
The first thing that came to his mind was the territories of those guys from the Three Heroes Society.
So, Cao Xing looked at the two new mages and called them to his side.
"Ellie."
When one of the female magicians heard Cao Xing calling her, her body trembled suddenly.
She walked over carefully.
"Lord, you called me?"
Cao Xing nodded and said, "Tell me about the situation in the territory you stayed in before."
Ellie replied cautiously: "The territory I stayed in before was okay, but the previous lord was a weak human, and there were not many resources in the territory..."
"But they were pretty nice. They shared their food with me and the polar people. But since we didn't go out much, after a few days, we ran out of food."
"This time, the former lord took me out of the territory and told us that after this, we would have enough food for the next week..."
“So…so…”
Cao Xing's eyes widened, "So you followed that guy to attack me?"
Ellie was so frightened that her face turned pale and tears welled up in her eyes. "I... I didn't mean it... wuwuwu..."
"You can hit me, punish me... but please don't take my clothes off, okay?"
Before Cao Xing could say anything, Liu Muxue beside him burst out laughing.
He was speechless, "Who the hell wants to take off your clothes?"
"Tell me, have all the people in your former master's territory come out?"
Ellie stopped being frightened and nodded cautiously, "For this operation, he brought his family out, and then... you killed them all..."
Cao Xing's eyes suddenly lit up.
All dead?
This means that there is no one controlling that territory anymore, and he can enter at any time without even being blocked by the novice protection mechanism.
Cao Xing continued to ask: "Do you know the location of the territory?"
Ellie nodded again, "I know, it's about ten kilometers away from here..."
Cao Xing's eyes lit up immediately, "Very good, then take us there."
Ellie seemed a little embarrassed, and then said hesitantly: "The previous master said that we can't take other people to the vicinity of the territory casually..."
Cao Xing was happy. This female sorceress was quite loyal.
The previous lord is dead, but I still remember his instructions.
However, Cao Xing naturally has a way to make these recruited creatures relax.
So he took out a piece of roasted rabbit from his backpack.
Suddenly, the rich aroma of meat spread throughout the team.
He had long noticed that the satiety levels of these recruited creatures were at a very low level.
It was obvious that they couldn't even get enough food to eat following their former lord.
Looking at the rabbit meat in Cao Xing's hand, the six new members swallowed their saliva at the same time.
A sound of swallowing saliva was heard among the team.
Looking at Ai Li's eager eyes.
Cao Xing asked with a smile, "Do you want to eat?"
Ellie nodded repeatedly, then immediately shook her head.
At this moment, the boar warrior Blitz next to him responded first: "My Lord, I know the location of the former lord's territory and can take you there!"
"The previous master also brought all his family members out this time. Now there is no one in that territory except the polar people."
Cao Xing was delighted and nodded, saying, "Blitz, you are very good."
After saying that, Cao Xing directly handed him half a roasted rabbit.
The boar warrior Blitz hurried forward and saluted respectfully.
"Thank you for the food, you are a generous lord!"
Blitz took the barbecue, and in front of everyone, he took the first bite.
Instantly, Yeblitz's pupils widened and he exclaimed, "This is not an ordinary barbecue!"
"I tasted salt, honey, and even milk in it!"
"Not only that, I feel like my strength has increased!"
"God of beasts, this is the first time I have eaten such delicious and magical barbecue!"
When the other newcomers heard Blitz's description, they immediately started drooling.
Meat that can increase attributes is also extremely rare for them.
What’s more, it’s so delicious!
The desire in his eyes could hardly be concealed.
A system prompt appears.
[Your territory member: Blitz Reiner tasted delicious roasted rabbit meat, his attributes were improved, and his loyalty was increased. Current loyalty: 65]
All of a sudden, Blitz's loyalty increased by almost 10 points.
The secret rabbit meat is so powerful!
Cao Xing smiled and said, "Britz, this is just the basic living standard of our territory. Follow me and you can enjoy this delicious food every day."
Hearing this, not only Blitz, but also the three imperial soldiers and the two female mages beside them had their pupils widened.
Under their previous master, they could not even have dry bread every day, let alone eat meat.
However, the new lord told them that as long as they followed him, they could eat this precious meat every day!
Blitz said gratefully: "Thank you for your gift, powerful and generous lord!"
"Blitz Reiner, I pledge my loyalty to you!"
After saying this, he began to wolf down the half rabbit.
The other five people watched his actions and swallowed hard.
In less than half a minute, Blitz had finished eating half of the rabbit meat in his hand, even gnawing on the bones.
The satiety level has increased to 70 points, and the whole person seems more energetic.
"My Lord, I will take you there now!"
Cao Xing waved his hands, signaling him not to rush.
At this time, Cao Xing took out the other half of the secret rabbit, looked at the wizard apprentice Ai Li and said, "Aili, do you want it?"
Ellie seemed very hesitant, "I..."
Before she could speak, Sylvia next to her spoke first: "Lord, I know the location of the former lord's territory. It is about 20 kilometers away from us now."
"If you will give me this half rabbit, I will be happy to take you there."
Compared to Ellie, although Sylvia also comes from the Melandor Mage Association, she is a little more mature.
With a few freckles on her face, she looks like an older sister from the neighborhood.
Cao Xing smiled and gave the other half of the rabbit to Sylvia.
Sylvia took it as if she had found a treasure, and began to devour it, chewing with big mouthfuls, completely disregarding her so-called ladylike image.
A system prompt appears.
[Your territory member: Sylvia tasted delicious roasted rabbit meat, her attributes were improved, and her loyalty was increased. Current loyalty: 62]
Cao Xing nodded with satisfaction.
Sylvia's loyalty has almost reached the passing level, so there is no need to worry about her rebelling.
At the same time, Cao Xing looked at the other three imperial swordsmen, and there was also desire in their eyes.
Then he took out two rabbits from his backpack and gave each of them half.
The three soldiers took it tremblingly.
"Thank you, dear Lord!"
Under the temptation of delicious food, their loyalty levels have increased to over 60.
He also told Cao Xing the location of their former territory, including the development of their territory.
After listening to them, Cao Xing nodded secretly.
Except one of the Imperial soldiers said there were still survivors in his former territory.
The other territories are basically in an ownerless state.
If he could occupy all four territories, not counting other resources, he could bring back at least 16 people from the Arctic!
For Cao Xing, who needed a large number of manpower, this was a considerable fortune.
At this moment, the last wizard apprentice, Ellie, is left, and she refuses to reveal the former lord's territory.
Sylvia was also there to encourage her.
Cao Xing held the last half piece of rabbit meat in his hand and looked at her with a mysterious smile on his face.
Finally, Ellie compromised.
She knelt respectfully in front of Cao Xing, "Lord, please give Ai Li some food!"
"Ellie is willing to take you to the former master's territory."
Cao Xing smiled, "You made the right choice, Ai Li."
Then he gave half of the rabbit to Ellie as well.
Ellie took it carefully and took the first bite.
Like everyone else.
All the stubbornness disappeared the moment I tasted the delicious rabbit meat.
There were even little stars in her eyes.
[Your territory member: Ai Li tasted delicious roasted rabbit meat, her attributes were improved, and her loyalty was increased. The current loyalty is 63]
Liu Muxue behind him also had a relieved smile on her face.
Then, from Ai Li, Cao Xing learned the location of the last territory.
Based on the positions given by the six newcomers, Cao Xing roughly calculated the position in his mind.
Cao Xing frowned and said, "The distance seems a bit far..."
"The distance between each territory is about 10 to 20 kilometers."
"Even if we plan the route and walk all the way back to the territory, it will take two to three hours."
"Because we have to take care of the cattle and sheep, this time will be greatly extended, and we won't even be able to get back before dark..."
After thinking for a while, Cao Xing came up with an idea.
He calls Asam over.
"Assam Knight, you escort Mr. Mel and his cattle and sheep back to the territory first."
"I'll have Renes go with you to make sure everything goes well."
Assam and Renes bowed at the same time.
"Your orders are my mission. I will never let anything happen to Mr. Mel and the cattle!"
Renis also held her weapon tightly, "My arrows will protect the safety of the cattle."
Cao Xing nodded, "Very good, then you can go back first, I wish you a safe journey."
Assam nodded heavily, then led the herd of cattle towards the territory.
The team split up.
Cao Xing, with Sarah, Hilda, Liu Muxue, and six newcomers, headed in another direction.
This way, the three strongest fighters, Baymax, Sarah, and Hilda, are still on his side. At least they are safe and there is no need to worry.
Assam is not too far from the territory, and with his and Renis's strength, they are able to deal with many dangers.
At this time, the apprentice mage Sylvia took the lead and said, "Lord, the former master's location is only 15 kilometers away from us. Let me take you there!"
Cao Xing nodded, "Okay, Sylvia, you lead the way."
"Hilda, attach the Queen's Will to all these newcomers and speed up our actions."
The Blood Spider Queen came over, and the strong smell of blood made the six newcomers on the field hold their breath.
They seemed terrified of Hilda.
Hilda had an impatient look on her face, then she slowly raised her two slender arms and slightly opened her dark purple lips.
"I call upon you in the name of the Queen. Charge for me!"
All of a sudden, the six new members felt an irresistible will descending upon their minds, as if they wanted to rush onto the battlefield and fight the enemy right now.
At the same time, a strange energy is bestowed upon them, causing their ability to move to skyrocket!
Ai Li said with a pale face: "What a terrible power..."
The other three imperial soldiers were even more shocked: "If it were on the battlefield, the power of this Blood Spider Lady could even determine the outcome of a war!"
Cao Xing smiled, and then he and Liu Muxue gave them various states of blessing respectively.
…