354 Black Water (1/2)
North Sea, Secluded Capital Mountain. It was now known as Fang Mountain.
”Lord, Fang Mountain and its surrounding 35 miles of land are all under your control!”
An elderly man kneeled before Fang Yuan and reported respectfully.
”Oh? Then tell me, how much wealth do I have here?”
Fang Yuan fiddled with a black steel dagger as he asked nonchalantly.
Wei stood beside Fang Yuan with a steel spear on her hand. She was now donned in cloth. Behind her, there were hundred over slaves.
Although they were slaves, they were specially chosen by Fang Yuan from prisoners of war from each division. They were well built and skilled in fighting; with just some slight training, they would be extremely useful.
They were able to purchase all these thanks to King Xi's rewards.
After Fang Yuan was granted the title of Lord, King Xi rewarded them with riches. Even these slaves had to be approved by the higher authorities or else they could not be easily amassed.
The nobles in Xia Country felt King Xi treated this outsider extremely well.
In actual fact, this was very normal. Furthermore, Fang Yuan had received instructions from Xi to build an army to prepare to fight with the survivors of Jiuli in the mountain ranges in the southern area.
To this Realm Alliance's Elder, Fang Yuan, who was a dream master from the Realm Alliance too, was his real ally.
Since that was the case, what else could be said?
”Reporting, my Lord!”
The elderly man quivered as he felt pressured. His voice trembled as he reported, ”Near this mountain, we have three small divisions with a total population of 10,000. There are 2,500 acres of farmland and over 1,000 soldiers that can be trained!”
Realistically, everyone was a soldier. If not for agriculture needs, 3,000 to 4,000 soldiers could be trained, however, that was unnecessary.
”2,500 acres of farmland? That seems like a very low yield... at least its supplemented by hunting...” Fang Yuan thought to himself.
Fang Yuan stroked his chin and ordered, ”Bring over the leaders of the three divisions to accept my authority as their head. Order them to offer me prey and fresh flowers as a symbol of submission! If they don't agree, I will enslave their whole division!”
”Yes, Lord! Your orders will definitely be fulfilled!”
The elderly man clenched his teeth and answered.
”Yuan... this entire mountain and its surrounding areas are all ours?”
Wei was excited at such a sight and her face turned red. She continued, ”Such a big piece of land granted to us! We can even relocate the entire Xiangyang Tribe here...”
”Relocating a tribe is not so easy! Of course, if the tribe here does not surrender to me, I guess I will have to do that!”
Fang Yuan intentionally said that out loud such that word would spread which would put pressure on the three divisions.
Fang Yuan walked a few rounds and chose a spot beside a small river on the flat ground, he then said, ”We shall camp here tonight, also... prepare to determine a few plots of land for us to lay foundations to build rows of wooden houses! Oh, right... we have to make some bricks! We can't always rely on straw huts!”
Fang Yuan felt it was very novel as it was as though he was playing some sort of primitive civilisation game.
Not before long, the elderly man brought three men over.
”My dear Lord, we are the division leaders of White Mountain, Black Water and Xuan Du, here to pledge our loyalty!”
The three uncivilised looking division leaders brought along animal hides, fresh flowers and other gifts to display their sincerity.
”Hmm, as your Lord, from today onwards, all items that you hand over to Xia Country will be collected by me... Also, I want each of you all to bring over 300 men from your division to be placed under my command!”
As told by Xi, there was an upheaval in southern Jiuli. Hence, Fang Yuan had to quickly build up an army in order to suppress them.
”This...”
In one division, there were only a few thousand people, 300 men would be one-tenth of its population. Furthermore, they had to be strong men, thus, the three division leaders were naturally hesitant.
”Rest assured, under my military training, food and weapons will be provided by me!”
Fang Yuan waved his hands.
”Since that's the case, we will be willing!”
As that was the new Lord's first command, the three division leaders could only clench their teeth and accept it.
”Very good... follow me and survey this Fang Mountain!”
Fang Yuan nodded his head and walked towards the mountain, ”What are the specialities that could be found near here? Or are there any dangers around here?”
”Of course there is!”
One of the division leaders replied, ”Inside the Secluded Capital Mountain, there are all sorts of black coloured feline beasts, they are extremely strong and vicious! They always attack our divisions and devour our people!”
”Black coloured... beasts?”
Fang Yuan thought about it after he heard what the division leader said.
As the group of them continued, they arrived at the periphery of one of the divisions.
There was a large plot of farmland which was enclosed by a fence. Inside it was some small beasts. Evidently, they were influenced by Xia Country and the people in this division learnt how to rear animals too.
”Lord, this is White Mountain Division!” One of the division leaders stepped out and proudly exclaimed.
”Leader!”
Suddenly, a young hunter ran out from the forests. His body was stained with blood and he exclaimed, ”We encountered a black leopard! It chased after us and ate many of our people!”
”What? Quickly prepare to guard against it!”
The division leader was appalled and grabbed his weapon tightly. He then looked towards Fang Yuan.
”A black leopard, interesting! I will take a look!”
Fang Yuan nodded his head and pointed at the hunter, ”Follow me!”
”No!”