Chapter 75: The Red Dragon's Ambition
Kai Xiusu lounged lazily in the cave, using Lanpu’s Magic Mirror to observe the hardworking Players bustling through Bathor City.
"Keep at it, my dear little韭菜," he murmured with a smirk.
Just one month had passed, yet the once-ramshackle Bathor City had already transformed beyond recognition. The walls now stood tall and thick, and unique structures rose like proud sentinels from the ground. The city teemed with life, alive with the constant comings and goings of Players.
The fact that Lanpu, Singo, Xia Ye Qiu Yu, and Tian Sheng Zhan Kuang had each received that Mysterious Invitation Letter wasn’t accidental—it was all part of his design.
These four were natural influencers in the gaming community. Once they uncovered the true purpose of Faction Contribution, the entire Player population would take notice.
For instance, even though Singo hadn’t yet released his findings, his loyal followers had already begun analyzing the data, suspecting that Faction Contribution held far greater value than anyone realized. They were actively trying to accumulate it. It was only a matter of time before the major Guilds scrambled to claim contribution quests.
And when that happened, Kai Xiusu’s “Make a Profit Without Investment” mission would be a resounding success.
But he wasn’t done yet. He was about to drop the next heavy dose—the Faction Position System.
With enough Faction Contribution, Players could earn official roles within the city: Patrol Officer, Tax Collector, Judge, Investigator… and in the future, even Town Mayor or City Mayor after conquering Human settlements.
As for pay? It would be mostly in Faction Contribution, with a little coin thrown in.
This way, Players would savor the thrill of power—while Kai Xiusu enjoyed the sweet satisfaction of having loyal subjects work for him for free. A win-win strategy, pure and simple.
He was certain the Players would come to understand—and even thank him for it.
Just as he was lost in thought, Great Goblin Dolo arrived with urgent news.
After years of refinement, the Dragonblood Goblin had grown sharper, commanding over ten thousand Goblin-kind and fully versed in the military affairs of Ashen Hollow.
"Master," Dolo reported, "the Wolf Cavalry have detected signs of Eagle Guard activity along the Storm Ridge border."
Kai Xiusu’s golden eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh? They haven’t bothered us in ages."
Dolo continued. "While you were in slumber, we took in over a dozen Pure-Blooded Serpentfolk. We’ve deployed them to Northwind Keep to gather intelligence."
"A wise move," Kai Xiusu said, his voice calm but edged. "But remember—serpents are venomous. Never trust them completely. Treat them as disposable tools, nothing more."
Serpentfolk were notorious for scheming to overthrow and dominate other races, then declaring themselves gods. And Pure-Blooded Serpentfolk—those at the very bottom of their society—looked nearly human. Yet they couldn’t pass a Human’s strict scrutiny.
Their true nature always betrayed them: scales on their skin, serpentine eyes, fangs, or forked tongues. Dressed in cloaks and hoods, they infiltrated civilized lands to collect intel, abduct captives for interrogation or sacrifice, or even broker deals to further their endless, insidious plots.
"Your orders are followed, Master," Dolo replied. "We treat them as such."
"Recently," he added, "we’ve learned they’ve received word that the Lakanman Family is forming an alliance with the 'Northland Lion' Bosk Family to the south and the 'Double-Headed Eagle' Nott Family to the northwest. They plan to launch a coordinated assault. Their target? Likely us—Ashen Hollow."
"Forgive my boldness, my great Master," Dolo said, kneeling, "but Ashen Hollow’s recent expansion has drawn the attention of the Northern Regions’ powers. They covet our gold, fear our Followers—but we’ve yet to prove ourselves in true blood and fire."
Kai Xiusu slowly rose, his golden gaze descending upon Dolo like a predator’s.
"So… you’re saying we need war?"
Dolo bowed his head, one knee planted firmly on the stone. "I believe so, Master."
"Only war," Kai Xiusu said softly, "can make these pitiful, shortsighted Humans finally understand your power."
He turned to the Magic Mirror. "Lanpu? What do you think?"
The mirror shimmered. In its depths, Lanpu’s grotesque, twisted face appeared—his Golden-Rimmed Glasses perched on his nose, a stack of Magic Scrolls cradled in his clawed hands.
"Master," Lanpu said, adjusting his glasses with a smirk, "I agree. Ashen Hollow needs war. My count shows thirteen thousand four hundred and fifty-seven Goblins in the Nest, and over ten thousand Goblinoids. Without constant, large-scale warfare to consume them, our food supply will collapse."
He paused, deliberately pushing his glasses up. "And with Dolo’s… ahem… ‘primitive’ breeding system? It barely covers the crumbs."
Dolo’s already crimson face flushed deeper. He wanted to snap back, but with the Red Dragon watching, he held his tongue.
Kai Xiusu ignored the tension between them. "How long until their so-called ‘coalition’ is ready?"
Dolo answered quickly. "Northern nobles have little real control over their vassals. Human politics are slow—endless squabbling, power struggles, delays. Forming a force of tens of thousands? At least three months. I’m being conservative."
"Perfect," Kai Xiusu said, his golden pupils flickering with a dangerous gleam. "Three months is more than enough."
"Master," Dolo’s voice trembled with excitement. "Are we going to war?"
Great Goblins were born for battle. Most never lived to old age. But now, with the Red Dragon’s Bloodline coursing through him, his brutality and thirst for blood and fire had only intensified.
"Patience, Dolo," Kai Xiusu said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Don’t rush. Keep the Serpentfolk monitoring the coalition’s movements. And prepare your army—weapons, drills, tactics. You know these things better than I do."
"Besides… you’ve been waiting for this moment, haven’t you?"
"Yes, Master!" Dolo dropped to one knee, his red nose puffing white smoke in his eagerness. He already envisioned enemy blood splattering his claws.
"Lanpu," Kai Xiusu ordered, "begin preparations for logistics. Use every spell you’ve gathered over the years."
"Yes, Master."
"Let them come for war. We’ll give them war."
He turned his gaze toward the valley, his voice a low, resonant growl.
"But when it ends… that’s entirely our choice."
With that, the two Followers bowed and departed to carry out their orders.
Great Goblin soldiers began sharpening their long-dormant weapons and armor, training relentlessly, discussing strategies.
Ogre Tribesmen roared with joy at the coming conflict, their spirits soaring even higher when they learned enemy corpses would become their War Rations. They gathered around bonfires, dancing and chanting.
Goblins carried food deep into the Dragon Vale, stockpiling supplies for the war ahead.
Goblinoids began crafting Stone Slings, bows, and other simple weapons.
High above, the Red Dragon stood at the peak of the valley, surveying his bustling followers below. His golden eyes burned like coals, reflecting the ferocious flames of a thousand forges.
"It’s time," he whispered, "for this great War Machine… to awaken."
War was three months away.
(End of Chapter)
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