**Chapter 142: Territory Technology and Crazy Dave**
The City Hall's technology tree is divided into three main branches: **[Technology]**, **[Culture]**, and **[Military]**.
- **[Technology]**: This branch has the most extensive list of research items, spanning from ancient skills like masonry and ironworking to modern advancements like gunpowder and firearms, all the way to futuristic innovations such as nuclear fusion and nanotechnology.
- **[Culture]**: Unlocks entertainment buildings, boosts the livability of the territory, and enhances residents' cohesion and cultural pride.
- **[Military]**: Primarily focused on defense against external threats, this branch unlocks military buildings and recruitment options to bolster the army's combat strength.
Technology is the foundation of both culture and military power. Without robust technological advancement, culture and military capabilities cannot progress. Many research projects in **[Culture]** and **[Military]** require prerequisites in **[Technology]** before they can be developed.
For Su Yu's territory, the immediate priority is the **[Technology]** branch.
Upon opening the **[Technology]** module, Su Yu sees three initial projects he can research:
1. **[Animal Husbandry]**: Allows subjects to raise livestock in captivity and unlocks the architectural blueprints for **[Livestock Farm]** and **[Slaughterhouse]**. Requires 1 gold, with a research time of 8 hours.
2. **[Irrigation]**: Enables efficient water management for irrigation, unlocking the blueprints for **[Well]** and **[Granary]**. Requires 1 gold, with a research time of 8 hours.
3. **[Iron Smelting Technique]**: Allows subjects to mine and forge iron, unlocking the blueprints for **[Mining Field]** and **[Blacksmith Shop]**. Requires 1 gold, with a research time of 8 hours.
All three projects must be completed to unlock further advancements on the tech tree.
After considering his territory's proximity to a river, Su Yu decides to prioritize **[Irrigation]**. Once selected, a progress bar for **[Irrigation]** research appears, showing it will take eight hours to complete.
Su Yu isn't in a rush; he knows he can monitor progress and set alarms to initiate new research on time. With that taken care of, he exits the **[City Hall]**.
Managing the low-level territory remains simple, as Su Yu only needs to maintain its habitability, prosperity, and steady population growth. Additionally, with Winged Dragon and Butler Cole overseeing day-to-day affairs, there's little for him to worry about.
After a quick tour and giving some instructions to Winged Dragon and Cole, Su Yu leaves the territory. With about an hour and a half remaining before the next stage of Tina's quest, Su Yu decides to use this time to recruit **[Crazy Dave]**.
---
Roughly ten minutes later, Su Yu arrives at a small villa on the southern outskirts of Oran City, where he spots **[Crazy Dave]** waiting outside.
"Hello, Dave!" Su Yu calls out warmly, waving as he approaches. "I'm the lord of Apuxi Village, here to pay you a visit."
Dave, who resembles a rugged farmer, looks up at him and nods. Su Yu pulls out several pieces of wild boar and goat meat from his bag as he walks closer. These were harvested by the players in his territory.
"These are for you," Su Yu says, extending the meat.
Surprised, Dave's eyes linger on the fresh cuts of meat—something rare in his diet as an ordinary farmer. Though he eyes the gift with clear interest, he soon turns his attention back to Su Yu.
"What brings you here, lord?" Dave asks cautiously, fully aware that Su Yu must have a purpose in mind.
"No rush," Su Yu responds, clapping him on the shoulder. "I've brought plenty of meat. How about we cook some up and talk over a meal?"
Though uncertain of Su Yu's intentions, Dave nods, his curiosity piqued. He leads Su Yu into his modest yard.
The garden lining both sides of the yard is filled with unique, magical plants. Su Yu recognizes a few of them: **[Sunflower]**, which smiles cheerfully, **[Nut Wall]**, tall and stoic, and the fiercely glaring **[Pea Shooter]**.
As Su Yu steps in, plants like **[Pea Shooter]** and **[Ice Shooter]** immediately aim their muzzles at him, wary of the newcomer.
"Easy now!" Dave exclaims, stepping between Su Yu and the plants. "This guest is a friend, not a foe."
Hearing Dave's reassurance, the plants turn away and resume their peaceful positions.
"Apologies, my lord," Dave says, leading Su Yu onward. "These magical plants have become rather protective. I bred them myself, so they're extra vigilant."
"No problem at all," Su Yu replies, grinning at the unusual guardians before following Dave inside.
---
Soon, the smell of roasting meat fills Dave's humble home.
Using rare spices like black pepper, rosemary, and precious palm oil, Su Yu ensures the meal is a special treat. For Dave, who seldom eats meat, the enticing aroma soon overwhelms his restraint, and he eagerly digs in.
Su Yu, sitting beside him, takes his time, slowly nibbling on his piece.
When Dave finally slows down, Su Yu sees the moment is right to bring up his offer. "Dave, I'll be honest with you. I came here today with a request."
Dave, realizing that Su Yu is about to get to the point, swallows his food and listens intently.
"I've established a small settlement by the Moonlight River, a place I've named **Apuxi Village**," Su Yu begins, choosing his words carefully. "It's still small, with fewer than a hundred residents. Building a new community needs skilled hands."
Su Yu looks at Dave. "From what I've heard, you're the best at cultivation, even able to grow magical crops. Would you consider joining me and lending your skills to help build up Apuxi Village?"
Though he's flattered by the compliment, Dave looks away, hesitation clear in his eyes. Leaving behind his cherished plants and familiar life is not an easy decision.
Su Yu senses his reluctance and quickly adds, "How about this? I'll pay you 100 psionic coins per day. And if you're ever unhappy in the village, you'll be free to leave anytime."
Hearing the offer, Dave's eyes widen. His usual daily earnings are a mere 20 to 30 psionic coins—100 per day is far beyond his expectations!
Yet, looking back at his magical plants, Dave still hesitates. "Thank you for your generosity, lord," he stammers. "But... I can't…"
"200 psionic coins per day!" Su Yu offers, raising the stakes.
"No, no, it's not about the money," Dave says, waving his hands. "I appreciate your offer, but… Let me show you something in the yard. It'll help you understand."
"Alright." Su Yu agrees, realizing that winning over someone like Dave might take more than just money. With patience, he follows Dave outside, ready to make his case.
---
**Author's Note:**
A
**(End of Chapter)**