Chapter 228 Hardworking Blacksmith, Forging Nightmare Arrows (5400)

"My Lord, what is this?"

Cao Xing explained: "This is a soul that can enhance your potential and enable you to reach elite level."

Although Juliet is unemployed, she is just an ordinary person.

Even if you advance to the elite level, you will only increase your potential and attributes, but will not gain new skills.

Obviously, this kind of soul would bring greater benefits if given to soldiers or wild boars.

But Cao Xing didn't care about these at all, as he still had more than 40 elite souls in his backpack.

He is rich and powerful, so he doesn't need one or two souls at all.

Moreover, as Juliet is an important figure in his territory, it is necessary to improve her physical fitness.

As for little Neve, she already had elite-level potential, so there was no need to upgrade her.

Juliette held the soul in her hand and looked at Cao Xing with gratitude.

She did not refuse, but said softly: "Thank you for your respect, respected lord."

"Juliette will use the knowledge in my mind to serve our territory to the fullest..."

[Due to your generous gift, the loyalty of territory member: Juliette has been increased. Current loyalty: 100]

(Loyalty is full, and the other party will now unconditionally execute any of your orders.)
...

Hearing the system prompt, Cao Xing felt happy.

He noticed that there were some subtle changes in the way Juliette looked at him.

If before I felt respect and gratitude.

Now, there is a different emotion involved...

At this time, Cao Xing took out two purple seeds from his backpack.

The two seeds emitted a faint black gas, and there seemed to be some tiny tentacles wriggling on the surface.

It was the [Tengshou Fort Seed (Gold)] that Cao Xing obtained through the transaction.

"Juliette, can these two seeds be planted in our territory?"

Hearing this question, Juliet's beautiful eyes showed a thoughtful look.

She whispered, "My Lord, this seems to be a seed of Mordrem."

"This is an evil plant, and it's also very domineering. It will devour all other plants within the range of its roots, dissolving them and turning them into nutrients."

"This kind of Mordrem vine only grows in some plague areas. I'm not sure if it can be planted in our territory..."

Hearing this, Cao Xing's eyes showed a look of realization.

Similar to what the system introduced, this [Vine Head Turret] is an evil plant that cannot coexist with other plants.

Juliette next to him continued, "However, I can try to plant it and see if the power of the Pale Tree can suppress the characteristics of this evil plant and change its biological habits."

"If that's not possible, then I'd like to ask the Lord to eradicate these two plants."

After hearing this, Cao Xing showed joy on his face.

He was about to give up the two golden seeds, but unexpectedly, hope appeared again.

After all, a level 25 boss, or a defensive plant turret, can be of great help to the territory.

"Okay, go ahead and plant them. If these two plants are disobedient and tend to attack other plants, just get rid of them."

"Yes, your Excellency."

After Juliette finished speaking, she took the two seeds from Cao Xing.

At the same time, the three heard heavy footsteps coming from a distance.

"Boom! Boom!"

It is the ancient war tree that has transformed into [war form].

The three big trees moved slowly and came to the side of the [Pale Sacred Tree].

They looked at the sacred tree in front of them, with emotion in their eyes.

Gunata sighed: "The pale tree has grown again..."

"We have never seen such a sacred tree in our southern continent."

The ancient war tree next to it also echoed: "Even the ancient knowledge tree in our tribe cannot compare with this sacred tree."

"With the power of this sacred tree, our Ancient Tree Clan's already powerful recovery ability and vitality will undergo a qualitative change."

“If we can find another ancient tree of life in our clan, I’m afraid the vitality of all the ancient trees will reach an astonishing level…”

Hearing this, Cao Xing was thoughtful.

Last time, these ancient war trees said that there was the scent of other ancient tree species in the area where the ancient battlefield was located.

But Cao Xing didn't go there.

Because before that, he still has many more important things to do.

For example, let Asam complete the Knight Trial and get the [Sword of the Lady of the Lake]

Another thing is to go to the [Witch Castle], complete the old witch's task, and get clues about the legendary shield [Shield of Origin - Annodite].

These two tasks are linked together.

Because according to Cao Xing's speculation, there is a high probability that there is a level 40 leader-level creature in the castle.

As long as Assam defeats the level 40 boss in a single challenge, he can complete the Heroic Trial.

Moreover, he now needs more [Advanced Power Hearts] and [Intermediate Power Hearts].

These things can only be obtained in advanced maps such as the Witch Forest.

Cao Xing thought to himself: "Let's see what happens tonight, and then continue to the Witch Forest and explore the castle."

"If everything goes well, we can return from the Witch Forest tomorrow and explore the ancient battlefield."

Thinking of this, Cao Xing took out three [Intermediate Power Hearts] from his backpack and handed them directly to the three ancient war trees.

"Gunata, I see that you have all reached level 20. Now use these Hearts of Power to break through."

The three ancient war trees looked at each other, with some surprise and hesitation on their wrinkled faces.

"This...won't you give it to the soldiers first?"

They also knew that the soldiers in the territory had reached a bottleneck and urgently needed the Heart of Power to break through.

Moreover, they have only joined the territory not long ago and can be considered newcomers in the territory.

Cao Xing chuckled and said, "Don't worry, it won't be long before everyone will break through."

Hearing this, a smile appeared on the face of the people from the ancient war tree.

They stretched out a branch and took the Heart of Intermediate Power from Cao Xing's hand.

"The spirit of the ancient tree will protect you, my dear lord!"

[Due to your generous gift, the loyalty of territory member Gunata has been improved. Current loyalty: 86]

【Because of you……】

...

After three levels of loyalty, their loyalty has all reached above 85.

Under the watchful eyes of the tree spirit sisters and the three ancient war trees, he left.

After surviving the disaster, Cao Xing was in a good mood.

He hummed a little tune all the way and patrolled his territory.

The staff members have already begun repairing the collapsed buildings.

Including two hundred soldiers, they were all working hard to shovel the snow.

"Very good. At this rate, my territory will be able to resume operations soon."

"Next, we need to deal with the materials in the backpack!"

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Cao Xing's lips.

After all, this time, he obtained a large amount of crafting materials in the Witch Forest.

Including tens of thousands of Nightmare Piranha thorns, golden-quality bark, and more!
This is an amazing wealth!

Cao Xing planned to make arrows from the thorns of the carnivorous plants and exchange them for other resources in the trading market.

Its powerful [Life Loss] attribute will definitely cause a large number of survivors to scramble for it.

And Cao Xing can also gain a lot of benefits from it!

Thinking of this, he became even more excited.

Then, he went straight to the Blacksmith Shop.

As soon as I entered, I heard the sound of hammers hitting each other.

"Dang! Dang!"

You can tell without looking that Harold has been working here for a long time today.

Ever since Cao Xing asked his wife Putana to take charge of the defense of the territory, Harold has been working extra hard.

I sweat profusely in the Blacksmith Shop every day.

Cao Xing advised him to take more rest several times, but Harold always smiled and said he was not tired.

This dwarf fully demonstrated his responsibility and tenacity as a man.

After Cao Xing came in, he smiled and asked, "Mr. Harold, what are you busy with?"

Hearing the sound, Harold put down the hammer in his hand.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead and replied respectfully, "My Lord, I am making the wild boar bones you brought last time into light armor."

"These materials are of good quality and very tough. We should be able to create some third-level armor."

After hearing this, Cao Xing also smiled.

He also knew that the dwarf in front of him would not rest, so he did not try to persuade him further.

So he continued to ask: "Harold, how long do you think it will take for you to break through to the expert blacksmith level?"

Hearing this question, the rough-faced dwarf in front of him looked thoughtful.

Then, he slowly said: "My Lord, the next level above the senior blacksmith is the expert blacksmith."

"According to my current speed, and with the various high-level materials provided by the Lord, I will be able to break through to the expert level in about one or two months."

Cao Xing nodded suddenly.

Two months sounds like a long time.

But for the people in this world, it is already a very short time.

After all, any expert blacksmith is cultivated through a huge amount of time and resources.

Even in the main cities, an expert blacksmith already had a very high status. Nobles and knights would rush to ask him to help forge equipment.

The reason why Harold was able to be promoted from an 'intermediate blacksmith' to a 'senior blacksmith' in a short period of time.

Now he is starting to advance towards becoming an 'expert blacksmith'.

Of course it was because Cao Xing often brought back various high-end materials and allowed Harold to play freely.

That’s why his proficiency has skyrocketed!

After knowing the approximate time, Cao Xing stopped asking this question.

Instead, he took out a large number of [Nightmare Piranha Spikes] from his backpack.

There are grades ranging from green to purple.

Looking at the black aura emanating from these spikes, Harold's eyes fixed.

Then he picked up one and examined it in his hand.

"What sharp spikes!
Harold exclaimed, "My Lord, this kind of spike can probably easily penetrate the skin of a fourth-level creature, and I also sensed a trace amount of toxins and a strange smell on it."

I have to say, Harold really has good vision.

You can tell the characteristics and grades of these materials at a glance.

Cao Xing said: "Look, can these spikes be used to make arrows?"

Harold studied it carefully, then nodded solemnly and said, "Yes, Lord."

"But there's not much toxin left on these stingers. They should lose their toxicity after one or two uses."

"But despite this, the sharpness of these stingers alone makes them an excellent arrow."

"In order to increase its durability, I suggest making it into an all-iron arrow."

Cao Xing was puzzled. "All-iron arrows?"

"Yes."

Harold nodded. "Although the iron arrows are very heavy, their durability is completely different from that of wooden arrows. They will not break easily. At critical moments, they can even be used as short spears."

"Of course, to unleash the power of this arrow, you need a good bow and a strong archer."

After hearing this, Cao Xing's face showed a look of realization.

Apparently, according to Harold, this would greatly increase the practicality of the arrow.

The disadvantage is that it is too heavy and its range is greatly reduced.

"Very good, then make it according to your method."

After getting Cao Xing's approval, Harold also smiled.

Then, something new appeared in Cao Xing's hand.

It was a black and purple tentacle about one or two meters long and as thick as a little finger.

It is the [Tentacle of the Nightmare Piranha Plant].

"Mr. Harold, these are the tentacles of a plant with sharp barbs on the surface. My idea is to make them into whips. Do you have any better suggestions?"

Although Cao Xing already had an idea, he still wanted to ask Harold.

After all, when it comes to making equipment, he is a professional.

Harold looked at the materials in Cao Xing's hand, his eyes once again filled with thought.

After a moment, he nodded and said, "Lord, according to your idea, making a growing whip is indeed a good choice."

"But whip-like weapons are not very practical, and there are hardly any beings who would use whip-like weapons."

"My suggestion is to combine them with the vines of the man-faced tree and make them into a trap."

Cao Xing looked puzzled. "A trap?"

Harold nodded and said, "Yes, these tentacles are not very strong, far less than vines, but the advantage is that they have a lot of barbs on them, which also contain toxins."

"We can wrap these tentacles around vines, which ensures toughness while also taking advantage of the large number of barbs on the tentacles."

"After making a large net, it can catch large wild animals. The barbs on it will hook on their bodies. The more the animals struggle, the deeper the hook will go."

Cao Xing also seemed to have thought of the relevant scene.

Then he exclaimed: "Yes, Harold, you are really a dwarf full of knowledge."

"I feel that in the near future, you will definitely become a master blacksmith!"

It has to be said that Harold is very experienced and can bring out the greater value of some special materials.

There are better ways to use both of my materials.

Hearing Cao Xing's praise, a humble smile appeared on the dwarf's face.

"By the way, Harold, I have some new materials here, which you can also make."

After saying that, Cao Xing took out a large amount of human-faced tree bark from his backpack.

From an ordinary human-faced tree to a chieftain human-faced tree.

Among them, there is even a human-faced tree bark of golden quality!

Harold naturally saw at a glance the two pieces of ancient bark in Cao Xing's hands.

He exclaimed: "Gods, these two pieces of bark contain such a strong breath of life!"

"My Lord, is this the legendary golden quality material?"

Cao Xing said, "That's right, Harold."

"Let's use these golden barks to make a few sets of leather armor."

After hearing this, Harold did not agree immediately, but showed some hesitation.

"what happened?"

He said respectfully: "My Lord, Harold is only a senior blacksmith now, and the success rate of forging gold-quality equipment is not high."

"If I were to build it, a failure would be a huge loss..."

"You should find a more advanced blacksmith to forge it..."

Hearing this, Cao Xing laughed.

"It's okay, Harold, just build it with confidence."

"It's okay even if you fail. Just consider it as increasing your proficiency."

At this moment, Harold looked at Cao Xing, a complex look flashed in his eyes, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings.

He didn't know what to say.

After all, everyone knows how precious gold-quality equipment is.

Even if converted into crowns, a level 10 gold equipment is worth at least 50.

The barks in Cao Xing's hands are at least fourth-grade materials.

Any one of them is priceless!
But now, Cao Xing waved his hand and directly told him to give it to him to improve his proficiency...

Before Harold could speak, Cao Xing took out another elite soul from his hand.

It was also handed over to Harold.

As mentioned before, the promotion of these staff members to elites may not bring any help to Cao Xing in terms of combat effectiveness.

However, as Harold's physical condition improves, his forging skills will become more powerful.

"Lord Lord..."

Harold didn't know what to say at this moment, he was deeply moved.

Cao Xing smiled and said, "Okay Harold, just focus on forging."

"As I said before, remember to combine work with rest. You don't have to worry about other things."

Harold immediately said respectfully: "As you command, Lord, I will definitely put all my efforts into making these equipments as successful as possible!"

The dwarf straightened his body and looked at Cao Xing with excitement!
[Your words and actions have impressed the territory member: Harold Iceberg. His loyalty has been greatly improved. Current loyalty: 95]

...

Seeing the system prompt, a smile appeared on Cao Xing's lips.

He patted Harold on the shoulder and put the rest of the vines, bark, and thorns of the Piranha Plant in the backpack into the storage box in the blacksmith shop.

Then, he left the [Blacksmith Shop].

Not long after he left, the sound of "dangdangdang" of iron hammering was heard again behind him.

...

...

Cao Xing continued to hum his little tune while patrolling the territory.

Along the way, we passed residential areas, as well as machinery factories and training grounds.

Next to these buildings, there are several half-built buildings.

It is the [King's Altar], [Mage's Tower], and [Knight's Hall].

Cao Xing said happily: "Not bad, not bad. After these things are built, I can use the recruitment function of the tavern to see if I can recruit some talents for me."

Since Cao Xing's plan is to repair the territory during the day and take people to the Witch Castle at night, he is quite free now.

Then, he saw Sabina and 'Mpo' who were busy with Dahua.

Cao Xing's eyes showed a thoughtful look.

At this moment, they all seemed to be working honestly in their territory.

After taking a quick glance, Cao Xing thought to himself, "This Mpo's loyalty is still below 50. We can't contact her now."

"After what happened the night before, Sabina's loyalty has increased a lot. She probably won't think of running away anymore."

"Also, I remember that this woman seemed to have a skill called [Advanced Poison Mastery]."

"It just so happens that this time, I got a material from those carnivorous plants that can be used to make some kind of poison."

So Cao Xing shouted directly: "Sabina."

Hearing Cao Xing calling her, the woman in her thirties with a black mole at the corner of her eye walked over quickly.

At this moment, Sabina knelt on her knees and prostrated herself respectfully in front of Cao Xing.

"Your Excellency, Lord."

……

　Recommended today, 5400 more chapters!!!

(End of this chapter)