https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-184-First-Stage-Mission-Reward-Part-1-/13030980/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-186-Cultivating-the-Purple-Qi-Ascending-Dragon-Scripture/13030982/
Chapter 185: Part 2 of the First Stage Mission Rewards
Chapter 185: Part 2 of the First Stage Mission Rewards
September 25, 2017
The negotiation with Zhao Xue was carried out by Li Xiong, while Lu Haikong mainly observed the entire process.
This was the first time Lu Haikong witnessed Li Xiong's negotiation skills, and he couldn't help but acknowledge that this guy, as the second-in-command of Black Wind Fort's external affairs, was indeed skilled in diplomacy.
Li Xiong's negotiation style wasn't one of deception. He primarily presented facts, outlined the pros and cons, and subtly implied threats. In less than half an hour, he effortlessly reached an agreement with Zhao Xue.
Li Xiong's agreement wasn't just a verbal one; it was a written contract. This contract didn't conceal anything from Lu Haikong about the mountain camp; it was all about business deals.
Don't get the wrong idea. Li Xiong wasn't planning to do business with Zhao Xue. All the business mentioned in the contract was fictitious and went against the imperial court's laws.
For instance, selling weapons to the Xianbei Tribe, selling iron ore, or even engaging in human trafficking.
These were all fictitious deals, and if exposed, they would undoubtedly lead to the Zhao family's downfall. The only purpose of this contract was to bind Zhao Xue. As long as this contract existed, Zhao Xue had a handle that Li Xiong could use against him.
Although the contents of this contract were fictitious, and even if Lu Haikong revealed them, they wouldn't be of any use. However, if Lu Haikong's mountain camp were exposed and the imperial court decided to launch a siege, this contract would be a death sentence for Zhao Xue.
Of course, Zhao Xue initially refused to sign such a contract, and he even tried to capture Lu Haikong and his companions using his numerical advantage.
In the end, Dian Wei demonstrated his terrifying strength, crushing Zhao Xue's last shred of hope. Reluctantly, Zhao Xue signed the contract that Li Xiong had hastily written, not knowing that its exposure could cost the Zhao family their lives.
Helpless, Zhao Xue signed. As long as Lu Haikong's mountain camp remained hidden, his life would be spared. He had no doubt that they had the power and determination to kill him if he refused.
After Zhao Xue signed the agreement, Lu Haikong released the Strong Yin County troops, who had arrived with great vigor but now left with their heads hung low like defeated dogs.
"Your Black Wind Legion has completed a battle. You gain 100,000 experience points in the 'Bandit King' profession and 5,000 assignable skill experience points."
"Congratulations on successfully repelling the first wave of the imperial court's siege. Your mission completion rating is 'Ordinary', and you gain 1,000,000 experience points in the 'Bandit King' profession and two Silver Chests."
"Your 'Bandit King' profession level has increased, currently at level 2, and your basic attributes have improved."
As soon as Zhao Xue left, the system messages arrived one after another. Three consecutive system messages brought rewards that exceeded Lu Haikong's expectations.
The level-up of the 'Bandit King' profession, in particular, gave Lu Haikong a pleasant surprise. Just one level-up enhanced his attributes, which was impressive, especially considering that Lu Haikong still had the 'Appraisal Technique' book waiting to be learned.
At this moment, Lu Haikong didn't rush to gather the spoils of war. Instead, he patted Li Xiong's shoulder in appreciation: "Well done! You've bought some time for the development of our mountain camp."
However, Li Xiong shook his head: "It's not that simple, my lord. Don't forget about the Wang family. If it weren't for them, your identity wouldn't have been exposed so quickly. If they set their minds to causing trouble for us, we might only have a month or two of peace.
Hearing Li Xiong's words, Lu HaiKong's expression darkened.
He held a deep grudge against Wang Hao, who had not only swindled him out of several hundred thousand gold, but also caused the death of two of his old partners at the hands of Pei Yuanshao. To make matters worse, Wang Hao had exposed his identity as an Eccentric Bandit.
Lu HaiKong felt a headache coming on. Eventually, he gritted his teeth and said, "We'll leave him be for now. One or two months is enough time for us to establish the pasture."
One or two months might not seem like a long time, but it was crucial for Lu HaiKong.
Within this time, he could recruit 300 Mountain Bandit Guards and train the Second Battalion. Additionally, the Blacksmith Camp was currently researching a heavy crossbow, and if they could complete it within two months, the stronghold's defenses would significantly improve.
Although he spoke through gritted teeth, Lu HaiKong realized the importance of this time for himself and the stronghold.
He couldn't understand why he had been so eager to confront the Imperial Court, as it clearly hindered the stronghold's development.
Lu HaiKong was becoming increasingly aware of his need for a true advisor. He had always relied on his instincts, and his background as a typical gaming recluse didn't help.
Even though he had been a Clan Leader for over three months, the stronghold's construction was mostly due to Wang Jun's efforts. Lu HaiKong had merely applied the people-management techniques he had learned in his previous life, and he hadn't grown much personally.
The current Lu HaiKong needed an advisor to guide him; otherwise, he might have found himself in a difficult situation.
(End of Chapter)
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