Chapter 246 : Developing the Main City’s Assets! Full-Scale Advance into Xian Mountain!

The ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍headquarters of the Special Investigation Department.

Zhou ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍Zhengming and the others were reporting their work to several senior officials who had come specifically for an inspection.

Feng ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍Ying introduced the situation, saying, “Our department has achieved remarkable results recently. With this latest large-scale expansion of the Calamity Army, we have successfully planted even more personnel and strategic pieces.”

“Besides ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the Undying Dragon Soul Legion led by Commissioner Wang Yue, four additional small legions will be established over the next half month. They can either serve as satellite legions under the Undying Dragon Soul or develop independently.”

“…”

The ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍visiting officials were very satisfied after hearing the briefing. All of them were well-known figures who frequently appeared in authoritative news reports and enjoyed both domestic and international prestige. The fact that they had personally come to inspect the department's recent progress clearly demonstrated how much importance was attached to this organization.

The Special Investigation Department was an officially sanctioned government organization.

Although it had already uncovered many of the secrets and values hidden within *Twisted Three Kingdoms*, it had deliberately exercised restraint from beginning to end in order to avoid provoking the game's creators and inviting unpredictable consequences or punishments.

It had never abused its authority to forcibly absorb or take control of civilian legions.

Instead, it operated and competed entirely within the game's rules.

Although it had maintained a low profile until now, it had quietly accumulated considerable strength.

“The Undying Dragon Soul Legion's prestige and influence have risen to another level thanks to this main city property auction.”

Feng Ying continued, “In addition, based on our observations, this auction has further deepened the rifts and divisions among the major civilian legions.”

“Although the various legion commanders managed to calm things down in time, resentment and hostility have already formed among middle-ranking members and even some senior figures. Any future incident could easily reignite these tensions and push them into internal conflict.”

One of the officials commented, “That's actually a good thing. Given our current ability to influence the game world, our influence is still limited. Only if these legions start fighting among themselves and wear each other down can we seize opportunities to develop and overtake them.”

Another official disagreed.

“If the Calamity Army legions begin fighting internally, I'm afraid it'll weaken the overall strength of the Calamity Army. That could damage not only collective interests but even the territory's interests.”

“No need to worry.”

“The Lord is watching everything from above.”

“He would never allow something like that to happen.”

“Still, regardless of the situation, we must prepare contingency plans and maintain good relationships with the senior leadership of every major force. If things begin spiraling out of control, we'll use our influence in the real world to mediate.”

“That would indeed be the proper approach. Otherwise, not only would the Calamity Army's overall interests suffer, but it could also give overseas forces an opening.”

“Foreign forces have also started making moves recently. The secrets of *Twisted Three Kingdoms* won't stay hidden much longer.”

“Competition will only become fiercer.”

“And the situation will only grow more complicated.”

“…”

At this moment, the leading official asked,

“Have you completed the operational plan for Lord Avenue Shop No. 1?”

The Special Investigation Department had exhausted all its resources to successfully acquire Shop No. 1 on Lord Avenue.

Although the primary motivation had been political influence and prestige, the shop itself possessed tremendous value.

The Special Investigation Department needed to create its own money tree.

Simply purchasing Contribution Points with cash had severe limitations.

Each person could only exchange a limited amount of circulating currency every day. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of Contribution Points within the territory came from Large-Scale Quests, and the rewards from those quests were mostly obtained by the elite players of the major legions.

These high-level players consumed enormous amounts of Contribution Points strengthening equipment, cultivating skills, gaining insights, and covering daily expenses. Under most circumstances, very few Contribution Points remained afterward.

Even if there were leftovers...

Most of them would be requisitioned by their legions.

Contribution Points were an extraordinarily scarce and valuable resource. No matter how wealthy someone was in the real world, money alone could not guarantee they could buy them.

During this main city auction, despite the Undying Dragon Soul Legion preparing for such a long time, it could only watch helplessly as the other nine core shops and one hundred premium residences were purchased by other player factions or NPCs.

Not only that.

After this auction...

The Special Investigation Department had completely emptied its treasury.

Even the legion's stockpiled equipment and materials had all been sold off.

The entire legion was now filled with the atmosphere of poverty. Everyone had come to deeply appreciate just how important Contribution Points truly were. Besides increasing monster-hunting efficiency and completing more missions, they naturally also needed to establish new sources of income.

For example...

Successfully operating Lord Avenue Shop No. 1.

Zhou Zhengming immediately said, “The operational plan for Lord Avenue Shop No. 1 has already been handed over to a professional team. Although the detailed proposal isn't complete yet, the overall direction has already been determined.”

The officials became interested and asked for specifics.

Wang Yue immediately explained,

“Our initial strategy focuses on developing the shop's commercial capabilities in three directions.”

“The first direction is naturally cooperation with the major Forging Workshops, Alchemy Workshops, and even the Territory Canteen.”

“Our shop has the authority to purchase goods directly from the territory's best workshops. We can also sign distribution agreements with other workshops. By leveraging our superior sales channels, we'll purchase large quantities of equipment, medicines, alcoholic beverages, arrows, and other consumables before selling them centrally through our store.”

“Since our sales capabilities are strong, and because our purchasing volume is both large and stable, we can even sign exclusive agreements with certain workshops for selected equipment, medicines, and consumables, thereby increasing the competitiveness of our store.”

“The second direction is integrating resources from both our own legion and the wider player and NPC population.”

“During legion operations, many resources can be sold through our store in exchange for Contribution Points.”

“We can also cooperate with legions of all sizes, purchasing valuable items from independent players and native NPCs, including Forging Crystals, attribute potions, gemstones, and other precious materials.”

“For players in particular, we'll introduce an offline cash buyback service, purchasing their items with cash at premium prices before reselling them in our store in exchange for Contribution Points, allowing us to accumulate even more Contribution Points.”

“As for the third direction...”

“We've already recruited a group of craftsmen from New Wan.”

“In addition, we've begun cooperating with certain cultivators from the Extreme Yin Sect.”

“In the future, we'll establish our own product line. During the early stages, we'll focus mainly on consumable talismans, low-grade equipment, and various tools before gradually expanding into higher-value products.”

“…”

According to Zhou Zhengming's plans, Lord Avenue Shop No. 1 would most likely become a department store that also offered pawn and buyback services.

At the current stage, however, there wasn't a better alternative.

The other nine major shops would also follow a department-store model, selling whatever products they could obtain.

The priority was earning Contribution Points first.

As cooperation with workshops expanded, distribution networks improved, and their own manufacturing capabilities strengthened...

Each shop would gradually develop its own unique style and specialties.

At this point, one of the officials asked,

“Can we master forging, alchemy, and cooking ourselves?”

The other officials immediately became interested.

If players could truly master forging and alchemy, then an entire workforce of Producer Classes could theoretically be cultivated.

Wouldn't that allow them to bypass the workshops completely and produce everything themselves?

If so...

Wouldn't nearly all the profits belong to them?

The possibilities seemed enormous.

“Black-Eyed Rui Ge and Chimera Wraith have already researched this issue.”

Zhou Zhengming explained, “Our conclusion is that it's extremely difficult for players to possess the abilities of Starsea professionals. While establishing a production team isn't completely impossible, the difficulty and investment required would be beyond imagination.”

“Why?”

“Because even in the Land of the Stars, production professions like forging, alchemy, and cooking aren't something everyone can possess. Talent plays a major role. In addition, they require the blessing of the Will of the Stars to awaken those production abilities.”

Zhou Zhengming paused before continuing.

“Our ordinary players are merely Starsea Offspring. They most likely don't possess production-class talent, nor can they receive direct blessings from the Will of the Stars. Therefore, they cannot awaken the abilities of Starsea professionals. Even if they somehow learned forging or alchemy through other means afterward, the cultivation difficulty would be ten to a hundred times greater than that of genuine Starsea professionals.”

“…”

So that was the reason.

The officials all felt rather disappointed.

According to Zhou Zhengming, the abilities possessed by Yan Ling, Bai Mu, and the others had all originated from receiving the blessings of the Stars.

Players most likely lacked the necessary talents for forging and alchemy.

Furthermore, as Offspring, they couldn't directly receive those blessings.

Therefore, it was practically impossible for them to awaken perfect production-class abilities.

Although postnatal learning couldn't be ruled out...

They would still face much lower growth ceilings, while the cultivation difficulty would be multiplied by ten or even a hundred.

The senior official sighed.

“So under our current resources and conditions, cultivating our own production personnel is practically impossible.”

“For players, yes—for now.”

“But we can cultivate exceptionally talented native NPCs.”

Zhou Zhengming said, “The best example in our territory right now is Zhang Zhongjing. Although he didn't originally come from the Land of the Stars, his alchemy abilities are still over ten times greater than Bai Mu's.”

That was certainly true.

Everyone nodded.

There were only a handful of god-level talents like him throughout the entire Three Kingdoms era.

Zhang Zhongjing was unquestionably loyal to the Lord and would never belong to any single legion.

However, the territory now possessed a population exceeding four hundred thousand.

Surely among so many people, there would still be individuals gifted in production.

Even if their talents were far inferior to Zhang Zhongjing's and difficult to cultivate, they could still create value.

Zhou Zhengming continued,

“We've already discovered several individuals around New Wan who possess talent in forging, alchemy, formations, and talisman crafting. Although their upper limit may only reach that of beginner-level producers, they still possess considerable cultivation value.”

Interesting.

Excavating talented natives...

To train low-end producers for the territory?

As long as the investment yielded positive returns, it was certainly worth trying.

Zhou Zhengming added,

“For example, the Extreme Yin Sect in New Wan contains cultivators capable of producing several talisman techniques, including the ‘Extreme Yin Skeleton Summoning Talisman.’ Some of them also possess the ability to deploy formations.”

“If the Undying Dragon Soul Legion can recruit several such talents and provide them with sufficient materials and production facilities, the legion will eventually be able to steadily produce these talismans.”

“Whether they're sold to players, NPCs, or handed over directly to the territory...”

“They'll all generate Contribution Points.”

“And increase our competitiveness.”

“…”

The senior officials were extremely satisfied.

Although the Special Investigation Department had only existed for a short time...

Its achievements were clearly substantial.

The department now controlled the Undying Dragon Soul Legion.

The Undying Dragon Soul Legion, in turn, owned the best shop in the entire territory.

In the future, they would not only have the confidence to negotiate with major workshops, but could also use the shop's reputation to attract many local talents.

Whether cultivating players...

Or cultivating natives...

Both would strengthen the nation's own forces.

The Special Investigation Department had spent a full eight million Contribution Points to acquire Shop No. 1.

Naturally, it intended to maximize its value, creating enormous benefits for the territory while simultaneously growing a true money tree for the Undying Dragon Soul Legion.

At this point...

The meeting was only halfway finished.

According to the schedule, several more important topics still remained.

However, just then, Feng Ying suddenly received an urgent message that interrupted the meeting.

“The Lord has issued a new mission!”

“What?”

Zhou Zhengming hurriedly asked, “When? What kind of mission is it?”

Feng Ying quickly replied,

“About five minutes ago. It's directed at the Corpse Lich Territory. It appears the Lord is launching a full-scale conquest of the Corpse Lich Territory!”

Upon hearing this...

Both Zhou Zhengming and the senior officials became excited.

The Undying Dragon Soul Legion was so poor it had nothing left but its underwear.

Everyone had been eagerly awaiting another major campaign, preferably a war against the northern Corpse Lich Territory.

Now...

Their wish had finally come true.

Zhou Zhengming and the others immediately opened the mission details.

————

【Mission Name: Full-Scale Assault on the Corpse Lich Territory!】

【Mission Description: The Corpse Lich Territory has always posed a major threat to our territory. Now that our army has completed its preparations, the Lord has decided to march north and officially launch a campaign against the Corpse Lich Territory. As the territory's vanguard, the Calamity Army must fight to expand the territory's borders!】

【Phase One Objective: Secure at least one stronghold in the Xian Mountain region!】

【……】

【Phase Two Objective: Capture Shaxian City!】

【……】

【Phase Three Objective: Capture the Corpse Lich Territory's Main City!】

【……】

This mission was rather special.

Strictly speaking...

It was actually three missions.

Each phase would automatically unlock after the previous one had been completed.

The first phase required establishing a foothold inside the Corpse Lich Territory.

The second phase involved capturing a city in the Xian Mountain region.

The third phase demanded conquering the entire Corpse Lich Territory.

Every phase came with rewards.

And each successive phase offered increasingly generous rewards.

The Calamity Army was now desperately poor.

To them...

This mission was timely rain.

However...

The difficulty was far from low.

If the objective had merely been conquering the Corpse Lich Territory...

The Calamity Army still had confidence.

After all, the territory was now powerful and prosperous.

Its ten thousand newly recruited soldiers were growing stronger every single day and would soon become a formidable fighting force.

The real problem was...

All three phases...

Had to be completed within seven days.

Although there would be no penalty for exceeding the time limit...

Any unfinished objectives meant losing massive amounts of Essence and Contribution Point rewards.

To the current Calamity Army, that was more painful than dying a hundred—or even a thousand—times.

“Completely conquering the Corpse Lich Territory within seven days?”

Even Zhou Zhengming frowned.

“The difficulty is indeed enormous.”

Feng Ying nodded.

“Although the Corpse Liches failed to invade our territory, their remaining military strength is certainly still considerable. This time they'll also be fighting on home ground with full defensive advantages. It won't be easy for the Calamity Army to win so quickly.”

The difficulty truly was immense.

But the Calamity Army never feared hardship.

Because the greater the challenge...

The stronger their fighting spirit became.

………………

About half an hour later.

Toasting the Moon led his subordinates from Sanxiang City in the Woniu Mountain region through the teleportation array to the Huangmei Hamlet stronghold.

Only three days had passed since the Battle of Huangmei Hamlet.

Yet the place had already undergone tremendous changes.

Every Starsea undead structure had disappeared.

In their place now stood human buildings.

These included a defensive wall, one Barrier Tower, one Scout Tower, two Spell Towers, four Arrow Towers, as well as a garrison personally commanded by Wen Ping and Zhou Cang.

Pissing Three Thousand Feet Against the Wind remarked,

“This place has changed quite a bit.”

Warrior Like the Wind laughed.

“Well, of course. This is our frontline base now. While we're attacking Woniu Mountain, we have to make sure nobody cuts off our retreat.”

Blind Swordsman said,

“The War God Hall and Wings of Freedom people have arrived.”

Knight of Dawn grinned.

“They've been tearing into each other on the forums lately. Think they'll start fighting the moment they meet?”

Pissing Three Thousand Feet Against the Wind laughed loudly.

“Hahaha! I wouldn't mind watching that. If they start fighting, wouldn't that be great news for our Undying Dragon Soul?”

Toasting the Moon shook his head.

“Stop making sarcastic remarks. This mission is extremely difficult. If internal fighting breaks out too, we won't have any chance of completing it.”

“True enough.”

“…”

Soon, all five major Calamity Army legions had assembled.

However...

Besides those five major legions, several newly established medium and small legions had also appeared.

These new legions had all been founded within the last ten days.

Whether in strength, resources, or reputation...

They still lagged far behind the five major legions.

However, anyone capable of founding a legion was no ordinary player.

As long as these new legion commanders sought outside investment, obtaining enormous financial backing was effortless.

Consequently, most of them were backed by top-tier real-world organizations.

Thus, although they still trailed the five major legions for now...

No one could predict who would become stronger in the future.

None of them could be underestimated.

Ye Li Meng, Little Bell, and Black-Eyed Rui Ge had experienced some unpleasantness because of the auction.

Ye Li Meng had gained the most from the auction.

Black-Eyed Rui Ge and Wings of Freedom had suffered heavy losses.

Fortunately, War God Hall had later voluntarily transferred part of its gains to Wings of Freedom, giving Black-Eyed Rui Ge a graceful way to accept the outcome.

Therefore...

There was no visible sign of lingering resentment.

When they met, they still greeted one another politely.

“Commander Black-Eyed Rui Ge, Commander Little Bell.”

Ye Li Meng took the initiative.

“I believe all of you have carefully read the mission details.”

“This mission is extraordinarily difficult, but the rewards are equally tremendous.”

“Our Calamity Army must unite completely and fight with one heart if we hope to accomplish it.”

The other prominent figures all nodded.

“Absolutely.”

“Capturing the entire Corpse Lich Territory within seven days...”

“With our current strength, even with General Wen and General Zhou assisting us, it'll be extremely difficult.”

“Precisely because of that, no one can harbor selfish motives. No one can place personal interests above the collective during this mission. Anyone who does so will be opposing everyone's shared interests and will not be tolerated by the Calamity Army.”

Little Bell nodded.

“I feel exactly the same.”

Black-Eyed Rui Ge also agreed.

“No matter how fiercely we compete normally, once a major mission requiring collective action begins, every soldier of the Calamity Army is a comrade fighting shoulder to shoulder. The collective interests of the territory and the legion are an inviolable bottom line.”

Arthur King said,

“I agree.”

Toasting the Moon added,

“This should become the shared principle of every legion from now on.”

“Come on!”

“We can do this!”

“Victory to the Calamity Army!”

With all the legion commanders and senior leaders taking the lead, even those among the middle and lower ranks who still harbored dissatisfaction would never dare cause trouble at a moment like this.

Doing so would earn them everyone's contempt while disgracing their own legion.

The commanders of the major legions then approached Wen Ping and Zhou Cang.

They began discussing the route of advance.

The Calamity Army alone could never conquer the Corpse Lich Territory within seven days.

They absolutely required the assistance of the territory's three major guard forces.

If the Calamity Army was the sword...

Then the garrison army was the sturdy shield.

The players would naturally charge forward as the spearhead.

Meanwhile, the defending forces would secure the rear and eliminate any worries about supply lines or defense.

Meanwhile...

Inside the core hall of the main city.

Hang Yu watched the Calamity Army through the Lord's Vision.

Everything had unfolded exactly as expected.

Although the players had private conflicts, competing interests, and constant rivalries...

The moment they faced external threats or pressure—especially anything concerning the territory's safety or collective interests—they immediately reached a consensus and united as one.

To most players...

*Twisted Three Kingdoms* was still just a game.

Since it was merely a game...

There were no irreconcilable blood feuds.

Most players cared far more about tangible benefits than personal grudges.

Hang Yu asked,

“Wenhe, how many days do you think it will take us to conquer the Corpse Lich main city?”

Jia Xu was standing beside him.

“If Your Lordship does not personally intervene, I estimate at least fifteen days.”

“If Your Lordship joins the battle at the decisive moment, I believe seven days should be enough to seize the Corpse Lich main city.”

Hang Yu nodded.

His own estimate was roughly the same.

The reason he had assigned the Calamity Army a seven-day deadline to destroy the Corpse Lich Territory was precisely because he had combined Jia Xu's intelligence reports with the actual battlefield situation.

This campaign involved 4,358 Calamity Army players.

That was actually fewer than during the Battle of Huangmei Hamlet several days earlier.

The reason was simple.

Only players at Level 9 or above were allowed to participate.

Anyone weaker would merely become cannon fodder.

Their contributions would be limited.

They were better off continuing to grind monsters and level up.

Although total numbers had decreased slightly...

The Calamity Army's actual combat strength had continuously increased.

Especially after the Battle of Huangmei Hamlet, the players had received abundant Essence rewards and various mission bonuses.

Their overall combat power had risen dramatically.

Furthermore...

Because they had all become poor overnight...

Their morale had reached unprecedented heights.

Every player hoped to make a fortune through this war.

Hang Yu himself was also looking forward to witnessing the Calamity Army's latest performance.

“So then...”

“When do you think this Lord should personally intervene?”

Hang Yu continued questioning Jia Xu.

The reconnaissance work and operational planning for this campaign had almost entirely been Jia Xu's responsibility.

He understood the Corpse Lich Territory thoroughly and could therefore offer highly valuable advice.

Jia Xu replied,

“In my humble opinion, if we wish to achieve victory in the shortest time and at the lowest cost, then the decisive battlefield cannot be Netherblood City.”

Hang Yu nodded.

Netherblood City was the main city of the Corpse Lich Territory.

The Corpse Lich Lord had governed it for many years.

Its defenses had become so formidable that even Hang Yu found them troublesome.

It was certainly not a fortress that could be taken easily.

If the final battle occurred inside Netherblood City...

Hang Yu would need to expend tremendous effort to achieve victory.

Furthermore...

Even if he won...

He might still fail to kill Xie Ming.

The enemy could abandon the territory altogether and forcibly activate the Stars Teleportation Station to escape.

That would reduce the territory's spoils of war while also leaving future troubles behind.

Jia Xu continued,

“I believe Shaxian City is the perfect place to set our trap.”

“Its Blessing Point can serve as the Calamity Army's resurrection location.”

“Once that city falls, the threat posed by the Calamity Army to the Corpse Lich Territory will increase tenfold.”

Hang Yu nodded slightly.

“The Corpse Lich Lord isn't a fool.”

“He has certainly discovered the secret behind the Calamity Army.”

“He'll never allow them to occupy a city so easily.”

“To prevent that, he'll even intervene personally.”

Jia Xu chuckled.

“In that case...”

“Shaxian shall become his burial ground.”

“The outcome of this war may very well be decided within the first three or four days.”

“The remaining two or three days will simply be spent cleaning up.”

Hang Yu was extremely satisfied.

Jia Xu's strategy was actually quite straightforward.

He intended to push Shaxian into grave danger...

Without allowing it to fall immediately.

This would leave the Corpse Lich Territory just enough time to attempt a rescue.

Could Xie Ming possibly refuse to save it?

If he abandoned Shaxian...

The Calamity Army would become unstoppable.

After all...

A Calamity Army that possessed a city...

And one that did not...

Were threats on completely different levels.

Without a city...

Even though the Calamity Army could resurrect endlessly...

They would still have to spend enormous amounts of time marching back to the battlefield.

But once they possessed a city...

That city would immediately become their resurrection point on this map.

Combined with Wen Ping and the main forces moving in...

Recapturing it afterward would become extraordinarily difficult.

Once that happened...

The entire Xian Mountain region would enter a dangerously unstable state.

It could easily descend into endless high-intensity stalemate and attritional warfare.

That was certainly the last thing Netherblood City wished to see.

Under such circumstances...

The Corpse Lich Lord would have no choice but to act personally.

Although Xie Ming could stabilize the situation by intervening himself...

Doing so would also expose a fatal weakness.

As long as the decisive battlefield could be shifted away from Netherblood City and into Shaxian City within the Xian Mountain region...

The overall difficulty of the campaign would immediately be reduced by more than half.

“The Calamity Army has already entered the Corpse Lich Territory.”

Hang Yu turned toward Jia Xu.

“You should go make your preparations as well.”

At the Calamity Army's current strength...

They were still incapable of attacking Shaxian City directly.

Before assaulting the city, they first needed to seize another stronghold and establish a human forward base inside the Corpse Lich Territory.

That alone...

Would not be an easy task.

After all...

This campaign was taking place inside enemy territory.

The defenders possessed every advantage of fighting on home ground.

Reinforcements and defensive deployments could all be carried out rapidly.

However...

Everything remained within Jia Xu's calculations.

Hang Yu merely needed to observe quietly...

And strike at the perfect moment.