Xu Hang looked at the little gold coins that were leftover. He wanted to cry.
Recently, he had been building city walls and attempted to make magic weapons.
All of those required gold coins!
He had emptied a month's living expenses by playing a gambling game. He might have to eat steamed buns and pickled vegetables every day for the rest of the month. Even instant noodles would be considered a luxury item at this point.
Maybe he should stop doing things until his resources are replenished?
Definitely not!
Originally, Xu Hang wanted to upgrade the castle to level 4 but now, he did not have enough gold coins.
Xu Hang paced back and forth in the castle hall. He was in a terrible state and did not even take a sip out of his cup of tea.
"I got it!"
Luckily, he had paid attention when it came to history classes. Some developing countries became very powerful throughout history not only through their own productivity and military strength. There was also capital accumulation!
For example, Great Britain had once colonized a country that was rich in spices, using their country's labor force and resources to develop Great Britain itself.
Xu Hang was not so ruthless, but this method could be used as a reference.
To put it in simpler terms, it was like gang leaders taking protection fees from their underlings.
Based on the current situation, it seemed that only Zhao Qing Er would fit the bill.
However, she was kind to him and even offered to help.
'How could I even think about robbing her? I'm really a scumbag.
'Wait, there's someone else!'
The underground dungeon trembled slightly.
"D*mn, I thought that it was an earthquake, but it's just your snoring!"
Xu Hang kicked the dungeon door open, waking Yang Mingyue who was sleeping comfortably.
"The Lord of a castle and a military genius. Don't you want to continue suffering?"
Xu Hang said sarcastically.
Yang Mingyue snapped back.
"Bullsh*t. I made this dungeon myself. If I wanted to escape, I could do it anytime."
Then he added in a helpless tone, "Will you really help me? I have no intention to hurt people. These are chaotic times. I just want to pursue my dreams. This time, I lost because I underestimate you. "
Yang Mingyue drank a mouthful of water, paused, and continued.
"Additionally, I'm the attacker and you're the defender. I lost. There's no argument even if you wanted to kill me. Although you had made my life difficult, you still kept me well fed. I'm indebted to you."
"That's why I just stayed here and slept peacefully. Besides, your food was delicious. I became fatter because of you. Hahaha."
His explanation was quite reasonable.
"Not bad. I didn't expect you to have such a personality. It's rather respectful."
Xu Hang praised while clapping his hands.
"However, your words were carefully crafted. Stop lying to me. I didn't forget your expression when I asked you to work."
It turned out that it was a ploy to win Xu Hang's sympathy!
"Forget it. Since you've found out, I admit defeat. There must be a reason why you came here."
Yang Mingyue's plan was exposed, so he frankly admitted it. He grabbed a grilled chicken leg and took a bite.
"It's very simple. I'll let you go back. You just need to pay me fees," said Xu Hang slowly.
"What? You want me, Yang Mingyue, to be your underling? Furthermore, I've been away for so many days. Perhaps my castle was already stolen. How can I afford to pay your fees?"
"Plus, the Beast Tide is happening soon. You have locked me up for so long. Do you think that I will be able to survive the Beast Tide without any preparations?"
There was a trace of anger in Yang Mingyue's tone.
"Tell me, how can I survive the Beast Tide?" Xu Hang asked curiously.
"First of all, build a solid barricade and summon more soldiers. The key to surviving is not to kill these fierce creatures, but to resist."
"Kill the one and more will follow. It's endless. Generally speaking, the beasts in the front should have low combat power. Use the soldiers and defensive structures to hold them back."
"Also, don't be greedy for loot. The high-level beasts wouldn't approach you that way. Once the Beast Tide ends, they will retreat back to their nest. Then, you can pick fights based on your strength to ensure victory."
"As expected of a military theorist. What you said makes sense. In fact, it's brilliant. However, according to you, resisting the Beast Tide is almost impossible."
"Obviously. Many people do not have the strength yet."
"Then, do you think he can destroy the Beast Tide?"
Xu Hang pulled Hill over and showed his basic attack power, excluding the alloy battle axe.
"Yes, but we still need a strong defense."
"With this, will we be able to fight the elite beasts and bosses?"
Xu Hang accessed the system's panel and sent Yang Mingyue a screenshot. It showed the attributes of the magic cannon and magic four-wheeled car.
"By adding everything up, do you think we stand a chance?"
"This..."
Yang Mingyue took a deep breath.
"May I ask who will protect me?"
"I..."
Yang Mingyue's eyes lit up.
"I don't know either. Hahahaha."
"You…!!!"
"I'll loan you some of my farmers. You can be at ease. If your soldiers can't beat the beasts, use my farmers. However, you will need to pay in the form of resources. If not, you'll be a lonely general. Don't you want a strong army to guard you?"
Xu Hang was reminding Yang Mingyue of the fee but the last sentence was directed to his heart!
Indeed, if Yang Mingye had a soldier with the combat strength of Hill, he could have easily conquered this world!
That was Yang Mingyue's dream!
"What's the matter, brother Yang? Do you accept my proposal? Asking you to pay is just a way to make our relationship equal."
"Alright!"
Yang Mingyue nodded repeatedly.
Actually, he did not listen to Xu Hang's words properly. His brain was filled with the idea of having a strong army.
"Good. Hill, let brother Yang out of the dungeon! Shadow, roast some crocodile meat for him to eat!"
"Xu Hang, you are very straightforward. Let me pay a portion of the fees first."
Ding!
[ Yang Mingyue requests to trade with you ]
[ Yes ] [ No ]
[ Yes ]
A transaction was made.
[ You have received 10 000 gold coins! ]
"Wow, you're a rich man."
Xu Hang joked.
"It's nothing compared to what you have accumulated," replied Yang Mingyue modestly.