Recruitment

In fact, Vasili had quite a few other valuable items besides gold coins.

For example, some artworks and antiques.

He even found a considerable amount of fine wine in a wine cellar.

Although the wine cellar was overrun by Corrupted Creatures, the fine wines hidden inside miraculously remained unharmed!

These wines seem to possess a magical power, exuding an enchanting aroma that is so captivating that one cannot resist simply by smelling them.

The fine wines of the Northlands have always been a favorite among the nobles of the Dragon Empire.

Since the fall of the Northlands, the nobles have lost a stable source of fine wine, and the price of wine has increased more than tenfold.

If he could find a suitable channel, these fine wines alone could earn him tens of thousands of gold coins.

In addition, there are those works of art and antiques.

Taking down the Bull Fief might not be enough.

However, obtaining a Northlands territory from those noble families should be more than enough.

Not all nobles possess the spirit of Dreadnought and bravery in battle.

In fact, a considerable number of nobles were content with their status and wealth, lacking the motivation and courage to further pursue excellence and challenge themselves.

In many aristocratic families, the patriarchs often doted on their nephews and nieces, and were reluctant to let them live in the harsh and dangerous Northlands regions.

After all, this place is shrouded in Corruption Mists, and all sorts of unknown threats could strike at any moment.

Although these noble sons nominally inherited those remote and desolate territories, they actually had no intention or determination to develop and utilize these land resources.

If an outsider were willing to pay a high price to buy the ownership of the lands held by these nobles, then without a doubt, these nobles would choose to sell their properties without hesitation.

For them, it would be a win-win situation: they could escape the burdens and responsibilities of that barren and dangerous land while also earning a considerable income.

"Acquiring territory not only means we will have a solid and reliable base, which can serve as a foundation for our future growth and expansion."

"More importantly, this will completely change the fate of me and my brothers who have gone through thick and thin with me! They will no longer be seen as lowly bandits, but as legitimate and respected men under the lord's command!"

Vasili has been contacting businessmen recently, trying to cash in his valuable assets.

But he encountered only cunning and treacherous people—those so-called "businessmen," each one more greedy than the last, who drove prices down to astonishingly low levels!

This left Vasili feeling helpless and angry, but he was powerless to do anything about it.

Lacking any noble status, he is now wanted by the Bull Viscount's Fief.

It won't be easy for him to sell his goods through normal channels.

"Perhaps I should find a nobleman to cooperate with..."

"Using their identities to conduct foreign transactions."

Vasili squinted, staring intently at a letter in his hand.

The names of some noble sons who had recently inherited territories in the Northlands were listed above.

One of the names was Wang Zizhen.

And it was highlighted with an underline.

Although the Lion Count is only Earl, his family has always been powerful.

Many marquises were actually duchies, and in terms of overall strength, they were not as good as the Lion Earl's Domain.

These years are due to the great war many years ago.

The overall strength of the Lion Earl's Domain has declined significantly, but it is still not Vasili can afford to provoke.

But this Wang Zizhen is different.

It is said that Wang Zizhen was abandoned by his family and driven to the Northlands.

"Another unlucky guy who failed in the power struggles within the family."

Wang Zizhen was granted the territory of Blackwater Fief.

This territory wasn't too far from the Bull Viscount's Fief; it wouldn't take long to reach Blackwater Fief by crossing the valley he knew of.

Moreover, before it was abandoned, Blackwater Fief was an Earl with enormous development potential.

"Wang Zizhen only took a dozen guards and a few hundred slaves with him when he left his family."

"With his strength, he definitely can't take down Blackwater Fief."

If we can get in touch with him, we will definitely be able to persuade Baron Wang Zizhen to cooperate with us.

"Development in the Northlands under the name of Baron Wang Zizhen."

"Once I have enough money, I'll try to buy a title and become a pioneer lord in the Northlands..."

He will then be able to enjoy the glory of becoming a nobleman.

In a few years, try to take over the Bull Viscount's Fief.

Given Vasili's understanding of this land, he would surely be able to hold onto the Bull Viscount's Fief.

"There is a continuous stream of aid from the Imperium."

"As long as it's not that piece of trash Bull Viscount."

"It's not difficult to hold onto the Bull Fief."

An incompetent general can cause the deaths of thousands of soldiers; a commander without strategy can lead to the defeat and loss of ten thousand troops.

Vasili believed himself to be far more capable than Bull Viscount.

If he can lead the Bull Fief.

This applies to both the Imperium and the soldiers who defend Bull Fief.

It's all a good thing.

"Based on the timeline, Baron Wang Zizhen should arrive at Bull Fief soon."

Vasili was still considering how to make contact with this Baron Wang Zizhen.

Suddenly, one of his men rushed over.

"Boss! Boss!"

"A nobleman suddenly appeared outside the camp, claiming to be Wang Zizhen, Baron of Blackwater Fief."

He said he has something important to discuss with you in detail!

Baron of the Blackwater Fief? Wang Zizhen?

Vasili's spirits lifted.

It's true what they say, what you wish for comes true!

"Quickly, invite him in and bring out that 50-year-old bottle of wine we got our hands on a couple of days ago!"

Vasili was extremely excited.

It seems that heaven is on his side, sending Wang Zizhen directly to him.

This Baron Wang Zizhen does not seem to be as despicable as the information suggests.

It is not a straw pillow that is all show and no substance.

"At least he knew to come to me for cooperation..."

Vasili was very confident in his judgment.

After all, in the entire Northlands, only Vasili has the ability to help Wang Zizhen gain a foothold.

In the central tent of Vasili, Chen Changhe met Vasili was fully armed.

In order to demonstrate their strength.

Vasili not only donned the armor he had brought from the Bull Fief's army, but also summoned his close followers.

Unlike the bandits he had just recruited.

The soldiers he brought from the military camp were all physically strong and had excellent combat skills.

Each one has the ability to kill the Corrupted Creatures on its own.

In addition, there was strict military discipline.

These soldiers only make up one-third of the number of his current troops.

However, he was able to wipe out all his other subordinates within ten minutes.

Chen Changhe was equally satisfied with Vasili and his soldiers.

Originally, he just wanted to randomly capture some bandits to be enslaved.

But they never expected to discover such a talented person Vasili.

Vasili's troops were strictly disciplined. Although they were bandits, they were not shown as a hostile force on the Mini-map, but rather as a neutral unit.

This shows that Vasili and his men did not have much to do with their crimes.

Chen Changhe, who originally intended to conquer these bandits and capture them as slaves through bloodshed, suddenly changed his mind.

He planned to first try to persuade Vasili to surrender.

Perhaps he possesses an aura of dominance, and Vasili would immediately prostrate himself before him the moment he opens his mouth?

Being a free citizen in Blackwater Fief seems like a better career path than being a bandit, right?