The two Fifth Rank garrisons at Eagle Valley Red Copper Mine actually came from a sect, not the Great Dream Dynasty's government.
One was called Wang Duo and the other Ding Xing. Behind them stood a second-rate sect in the Martial Alliance.
This red copper mine was jointly developed by that sect and the Great Dream Dynasty. The former supplied manpower and resources, while the latter provided permission to enter the Abyssal Beast Cavern.
The proceeds were split thirty-seventy, with thirty percent going to the former and seventy to the latter.
Watching Yang Ling, the Myriad Manifestations Office official, direct their subordinates to gather the players nearby, Ding Xing could not help whispering:
"Why has Master Yang come all the way to the red copper mine to arrest remnants of the Crimson-Refined Fire Flood Dragon Sect?"
Wang Duo shook his head slightly. "No idea. This is the Great Dream Dynasty government's business. It doesn't have much to do with us.
"We just need to cooperate a little. The eunuch from the Cicada-Holding Directorate will be here soon anyway. They'll discuss these matters among themselves."
Ding Xing frowned. "I'm just worried this might affect morale here. After all, this campaign will last at least half a year.
"The red copper mine is one of our sect's three main sources of income. We can't compare to those first-rate sects.
"If we fail to hold the mine, the losses will be devastating."
Wang Duo smiled. "It won't come to that. We aren't one of those exotic beasts' main targets in the first place.
"Don't worry. We'll definitely hold out through this campaign."
Ding Xing nodded reflexively. "That's good."
By then, nearly five thousand players had gathered before Yang Ling.
*Jiajiu City has several hundred strongholds that need defending. Assuming an average of five