Chapter 317: Harvest (1)
Chapter 317: Harvest (1)
September 25, 2017
Name: Ma Pin (Male)
Lord: Lu HaiKong (Male)
Identity: Phantom Guard (Shadow)
Loyalty: 100
Abilities:
Strength: 80, Politics: 40, Strategy: 35, Command: 45
Commander Trait: Unmatched Ghostly Might
Martial Skill: N/A
Elite Phantom Guard
Strength: 40
Unit Trait: Shadow Assault
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The attributes of Ma Pin and the Phantom Guard are closely intertwined, as they are both shadows.
As Ma Pin's strength increases, so does the strength of the Phantom Guard, reaching a minimum Strength of 40 and gaining the Unit Trait 'Shadow Assault.'
This is a significant achievement, but the process of Ma Pin's breakthrough also managed to scare Lu HaiKong, who, as an observer, could sense the danger involved.
After Ma Pin's breakthrough, Lu HaiKong carefully examined him and only felt relieved when he confirmed that Ma Pin was unharmed.
It was then that Lu HaiKong realized how challenging the process of reaching a Strength of 80 could be, and that one wrong move could mean death.
Lu HaiKong had initially planned to wait for Zhao Er and Wang Ti's Strength to reach 79 before taking them to a dungeon with the 'Mystic Dungeon Teleportation Token' in the hopes of boosting their Strength to 80. Now, he realizes his idea was too optimistic.
"It seems that breaking through requires careful preparation. We can't be so reckless. This time, we were lucky that Ma Pin didn't die. If Zhao Gang or Zhao Er were to perish during their breakthrough, it would be a disaster."
All those who have reached the threshold of 80 are talented individuals nurtured by the bandit camp. If they were to die in battle, Lu HaiKong would have no complaints, but if they were to die during the breakthrough process, he would be devastated.
Lu HaiKong decided to return and thoroughly understand the process of breaking through to Strength 80 with Dian Wei, Pan Feng, and Cheng Yi (all male) to better prepare for Zhao Gang and the others' breakthroughs.
As for his breakthrough, Ma Pin has always been confident due to his natural talent, never expecting any difficulties.
After confirming Ma Pin was unharmed, Lu HaiKong began the much-anticipated moment of harvest.
Although this dungeon was only a low-level one, the rewards were impressive. The Strength 70 opponent not only provided the Ghostly Set but also a secret scroll and a blueprint.
The scroll, titled 'Scroll of Ghostly Sword Technique,' indicated its nature, and Lu HaiKong immediately handed it to Ma Pin, who practiced swordplay. Ma Pin could then find someone to pass it down within the Phantom Guard.
The Phantom Guard is a unique unit, strange in that it has no low, medium, or high-level distinctions. It doesn't even qualify as an army, resembling more of an assassination squad.
Currently, the only common attribute among the Phantom Guard members is 'Shadow Assault,' and each member is distinct, differing in strength, combat style, and even personality.
While you can't say there are 800 different individuals, they are all fundamentally similar, each with unique characteristics. This is a team of individuals with little cohesion in direct combat, let alone combat power. Even an elite-level bandit guard could defeat them, but they have never been the type to engage in direct confrontation.
The Phantom Guards are inherently suited for assassination, utilizing various poisons and props. When used effectively, they can eliminate enemies without them even realizing their presence, often deciding the outcome of battles before they begin.
So far, Lu HaiKong has never truly unleashed the Phantom Guards or utilized their specialized skills, but he is aware of their true terrifying capabilities.
For instance, if Lu HaiKong were to give the order, Zhang He's cavalry unit would meet an untimely end.
After giving the Scroll of Ghostly Sword Technique to Ma Pen, Lu HaiKong casually picked up a blueprint, only to find it was a construction blueprint.
Signal Tower Blueprint
Prop Type: Military Blueprint
Version 1.6.9.1, the perfect version!
Construction Requirements: 10,000 gold and a skilled carpenter, materials...
The Signal Tower is indeed a useful structure, ideal for early warning and defense. It can be built on the grasslands, but its primary purpose there isn't early warning.
Lu HaiKong's influence on the grasslands has grown significantly. Not only is the Fu Clan present, but the Black Gale Legion, the Third Division, and a portion of the Phantom Guards are also there. Any movement among the seven tribes is immediately known to Lu HaiKong.
Additionally, the Fu Clan hasn't been in hiding for the past two months. During this time, with Lu HaiKong and Zhang He's cooperation, their cattle and sheep trade has expanded.
The horse trade, however, has been dwindling. As they are currently in a peaceful period, the demand for horses isn't high, and they are primarily used for transportation. A few tens of thousands of horses in Dingxiang County are more than enough.
However, high-quality horses, like Qi Qi Ge's White Snow Horse King, remain in high demand. If Lu HaiKong were to sell it, he could easily fetch several hundred thousand gold.
Lu HaiKong has been careful not to export these superior horses and keeps a tight control over their numbers. Thus, the focus has shifted to cattle and sheep, and the business is thriving. Each transaction involves thousands of cattle and tens of thousands of sheep.
These livestock are either consumed by the various restaurants and aristocratic families in Dingxiang or transported further, forming an established supply chain.
The demand for cattle and sheep in Dingxiang is growing, and the supply from the Xianbei tribes, facilitated by Ma Zhi, is struggling to keep up. Therefore, Lu HaiKong has the Fu Clan engage in trade as well.
They trade food, wine, and even weapons from the bandit camp, initially selling cattle and sheep to the seven tribes. Later, they became agents, developing the seven tribes into downstream clients who trade with the Xianbei and other foreign tribes.
To establish this business, Lu HaiKong personally led Xi Zhicai to the Fu Clan for a period to establish the trade network.
The Fu Clan's trading network is now in place, connecting the seven tribes. The situation on the grasslands has improved, and with the Third Division making several appearances among the tribes, Lu HaiKong's influence has grown.
In this context, the symbolic value of the Signal Tower far outweighs its practical use.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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