The land contract competition of the Tianwei Empire has greatly stimulated the desire of lords to cultivate elites, significantly diminishing the competitiveness of incompetent lords and further enhancing the prosperity and strength of the empire.
For those seeking fame or aiming to showcase their martial prowess, as long as they possess some ideals and strength, they will strive to secure a spot in the competition in various territories.
In order to better achieve this goal, some adventurers form mercenary teams to venture far and wide. This approach allows them to accumulate strength while searching for a more suitable territory to align with.
Given that each territory has only five slots for participants, the choice of territory becomes crucial. However, territories involved in the main city's land contract battle often become less desirable. The intensity of such battles can be brutal, as failure results in the removal of the lord from power, a prospect that frequently leads to severe injuries or even disability.
Adding to the complexity, if victorious, the territory is obligated to participate in the Battle of the Defeated Cities, a nationwide announcement of their defeat!
Considering the fact that the residents of Loran City have been generously compensated by Tian Stone City and relocated, Weng Ling finds it impossible to assemble a team of five for the competition.
"It seems the Lord of Tian Stone City is adept at exploiting the rules, ruthless and cunning. A true tactician," Night Sangeng nodded approvingly.
Both money and strategy are essential components of a territory's strength, and Weng Ling finds herself powerless against her opponent's tactics.
"I am more surprised by the talent promotion system of the Tianwei Empire. No wonder it has become the foremost empire on the Saint Stone Continent, unshakable for two decades. The Tianwei Emperor is indeed a genius!" Bede exclaimed in awe.
It resembles a comprehensive system for cultivating national heroes, radiating from each territory to stimulate the citizens' desire for strength, providing them with a platform to shine.
In a world with magic, the quantity of soldiers may not always determine the outcome. Instead, the influence of mid to high-tier combat capabilities often plays a more significant role.
However, in the current state of relative peace among the empires on the Saint Stone Continent, with only minor conflicts and no large-scale wars, the challenge lies in how to cultivate and maintain the combat effectiveness of elites.
Without a stage, there can be no epic heroes. Yet, the Tianwei Empire effortlessly achieves this goal through its unique approach.
If war were to break out, who could withstand the onslaught of a group of powerful magicians and transcendent-level warriors? Even the individually strongest dragon race would hesitate to boast such capabilities.
Moreover, other races, even if aware of the Tianwei Empire's plan, cannot replicate it. The diverse beast tribes are exhausted from internal conflicts, the elven empire venerates the art of war over individual brute combat, dwarves remain secluded in mountainous forges, and the dragon race is scarce in population.
Upon closer inspection, it seems the Tianwei Empire truly has no worthy opponent.
Observing the admiration expressed by the two individuals, Weng Ling frowned and cleared her throat:
"It seems someone was a resident of my Loran not long ago. How come today you're speaking in favor of someone else?"
Night Sangeng chuckled, "How could that be? By the way, how do you plan to navigate this crisis?"
Weng Ling shot him a glance and confidently raised her hammer:
"I can take on all five opponents by myself!"
"Why do I feel like there might be a rule stating that insufficient participants lead to an automatic loss?" Night Sangeng remembered the words of the old man with the white beard.
Indeed, Weng Ling's face paled, and she silently set down her hammer.
Seeing this, Night Sangeng revealed a toothy grin and patted his own chest, unintentionally causing the silver teapot in his arms to clink:
"How about me?"
"You? What do you mean?" Weng Ling looked up in surprise.
"Just that. You, me, her, plus Old Ancient and Dusty Old West, and we have a team of six. Enough for the competition, right?" Night Sangeng shrugged.
"You want to help me? What's your motive?" Weng Ling held a wary stance.
She wouldn't easily be moved by this man; he must have ulterior motives.
"Motive? Well..." Night Sangeng scratched his chin, turning to Bede, who covered his mouth as he chuckled, "Proxy, isn't that the term?"
"Yes, exactly. Proxy," Bede confirmed.
"I'm not fond of being in the limelight, and you're better suited for these matters!" Night Sangeng explained.
Asking a girl to take the spotlight while he remained in the shadows – how audacious!
Weng Ling pressed her lips tightly but, considering Night Sangeng's wounded soul, she accepted her solitary and reclusive nature.
After all, she only sought to uncover her mother's murderer. As long as she remained the Lord of Loran City, the black hand would undoubtedly reappear. Thus, she cared little about who managed Loran City and its practical matters.
Wait a minute!
Thinking about being swindled by gold coins, this man in front of her seems even more unreliable, doesn't he?
Weng Ling glanced at Night Sangeng, who was now holding a silver teacup, looking quite portly. Her expression changed from cloudy to clear, and after a moment of contemplation, she sighed softly.
"Well, you can have Loran City, but I have a condition."
"No, you don't have the right to propose conditions," Night Sangeng suddenly wore a serious expression, gazing at Weng Ling. Then, he slowly extended his fingers and counted:
"First, if I don't help you, you'll lose Loran City."
"Second, even if I help you, there's no guarantee you'll keep this city."
"Third, if you find my actions contrary to your beliefs, you're free to leave."
"So..."
Night Sangeng fully spread the fingers of his right palm and reached out to Weng Ling, "Does proposing conditions even make sense?"
Silent, Weng Ling admitted that the man was right.
She only had the choice to reject his help and leave, but the outcome would be the same.
"Fine, I hope you won't disappoint me."
Weng Ling extended her right hand, tightly shaking hands with Night Sangeng.
"Rest assured, I also don't want that day to come! Truly!" Night Sangeng flashed a toothy smile.
Loran City, belonging to the undead, was now within reach!