157: Start business

Chapter 155: Getting Down to Business

Arthur was currently focused on guiding the leyline power, a task that was both complex and tedious.

The leyline power here was raw and abundant.

If the leyline of the Whispering Place was like a trickling stream, then the leyline here was like a surging, rushing river.

It was wild and untamed, like a runaway horse, crashing unrestrainedly across the land.

And the Wolf Pack was teaching Arthur how to guide this power.

“This is a complex process,” the demigod said, “I will go through it with you.

“Once it is fully tamed and can truly be used by us, I will fall into a long slumber once more.”

From last night until today, Arthur had initially grasped the method of guidance.

What he still needed to do was practice diligently and familiarize himself with the leyline’s flow.

According to the subsequent content of that golden intelligence report, Arthur planted oak trees within the protected area that the demigod’s power could cover.

This was also one of the reasons he had been busy running around yesterday.

“Aren’t you coming with us?” Arthur asked.

The Wolf Pack was undoubtedly a powerful ally, even if he was currently weak; if he could get his help, it would surely yield twice the results with half the effort.

“Believe me, young follower, I will be more useful in the dream realm than remaining in reality.” The Wolf Pack responded, “I will assist you in better controlling the Goddess’s divine power, making it less violent.

“This way, some of your allies will also be able to move freely within the protected area.”

“Allies?”

The first person Arthur thought of was Airo.

The Wolf Pack explained, “Yes, my former followers, in order to survive, had no choice but to become evil beings.

“If I do not guide this power, they will never be able to enter the protected area.”

“You mean the Night Outcasts, right?”

“Exactly, follower, believe me, they will become powerful allies.”

“I understand.” Arthur nodded, then asked, “What about Undead creatures, can they enter too?”

“Have them carry holy emblems woven from oak trees, and then infuse them with the Goddess’s power, so I can distinguish your friends.

“But are you sure? The Undead are very dangerous; they have no heart.”

“Don’t worry, she is very reliable.”

The Wolf Pack transformed into the green-robed man and said, “It’s time to rest, follower; your body won’t be able to take it.

“When you’re ready, we can talk about those oak trees.

“I can feel that those oak trees are helping to stabilize the Goddess’s power.

“Well done, follower, this way, we can speed up the completion of the protection circle.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the Wolf Pack dissipated like mist.

Arthur let out a long sigh. The continuous work had indeed pushed him to his limits in all aspects.

But his rest time had not yet arrived.

Arthur opened today’s intelligence report and carefully reviewed it:

[Blue Intelligence] You have cleared the land corrupted by negative energy, and the threat from the cultists will be greatly reduced.

Ingabado has become their leader.

They will plunder all merchant caravans on the main road two days later.

This information clearly made Arthur quite uneasy.

Ingabado, the Mad God’s priest, had finally reappeared after a long silence.

It seemed his elder brother, Henry, had no intention of letting him off so easily.

However, this time, he might be able to completely eliminate this hidden danger.

[Purple Intelligence / Follow-up] A group of Pixies will hold a meeting tonight in the abandoned row houses to the south.

Help resolve their differences, and they will offer generous rewards.

[Green Intelligence (Enhanced)] Isgrasa is gathering his Undead army; he is no longer able to harass Mist Town.

He will close the ancient tomb’s gate in five days.

[Green Intelligence] Holy emblems woven from oak branches and leaves, when infused with leyline power, can protect creatures leaving the protected area from being eroded by dark forces.

[Green Intelligence] A group of refugees from the border will arrive near Lookout Fort tomorrow. Rescue them from cultist attacks, and they will follow you.

After reading these intelligence reports, Arthur had Flora, who was waiting outside, summon all the high-ranking members of the Pioneer Group.

Before long, the leaders of the Pioneer Group, including Vanka, arrived at the church.

They cleared an area in the dilapidated church where they could sit and talk.

“Alright, it’s time to discuss the next steps.” Arthur said to them, “But before that, I need to know the latest situation.”

Newt replied, “My Lord, according to our statistics, we lost about seven people and had about ten injured.

“As for the fanatics, a considerable number of them sacrificed; we are still counting.”

Arthur nodded and asked, “Have the pensions and disability benefits been disbursed?”

“We are currently calculating and further confirming.” Newt said, “However, My Lord, we don’t have much money left.

“Miss Catherine took most of our funds.”

“How long can it last?”

“Counting the fanatics, at most half a month.

“Of course, this is without disbursing pensions and disability benefits.”

Arthur thought, he hadn’t expected the financial situation to be so tight.

He shared some of the newly acquired intelligence with everyone.

After listening to him, Jessica offered her suggestion: “My Lord, since those cultists will also threaten our caravans, we must quickly inform Lord Godwin.”

“Yes, and Mr. Godwin might also have funds.” Newt added, “Also, I have discussed with the mayor of Mist Town,

“Mist Town doesn’t have much grain left; it can last at most another month, and we need caravans to transport grain.”

Arthur replied, “So I want to send someone to inform Godwin of all this. Do you have a suitable candidate?”

Newt stood up: “I’ll go, My Lord.

“No one knows the logistics of the Pioneer Group better than I do.

“I have also noted down everything you just said and will inform Mr. Godwin exactly as it is.”

“The journey back will be very dangerous.” Arthur was somewhat worried, “The various forces in Qingfeng Valley are now eyeing us.

“Wait until I find you some guards.

“Have you discussed the financial matters with the high-ranking officials of Mist Town?”

Newt shook his head: “Sorry, My Lord, I think they would prefer to talk to you.”

“I understand.” Arthur nodded, “Everyone, we have now established a foothold in Mist Town, and the Goddess’s power is also blessing us.

“The oak trees I planted yesterday are crucial and must be protected. Of course, I have already told the town’s druid, and he and his people will help.

“As long as those oak trees are there, we will be safe, and any evil force wanting to enter this place will pay a heavy price.”

Everyone nodded; they could clearly feel the leyline power surging within them.

This power nourished them, not only accelerating the recovery of their injuries but also allowing them to quickly recover from fatigue.

“We can establish some outposts centered around the oak trees.” Jessica suggested.

“Yes, I have that intention.

“However, we first need to recuperate.

“Since the mayor has given us the southern district of the town, we will first manage our own territory well.

“I will have the people of Mist Town figure out what to do about the oak trees.”

Afterward, Arthur gave a series of instructions, especially concerning the fanatics.

He entrusted the handling of the fanatics to the Mountain People and Vanka.

He told Vanka and Flora that the fanatics’ madness would slowly subside, and once they could communicate, they should bring them to the church,

and have them live nearby.

Flora was responsible for slowly training them, so that the qualified ones among them could become true Warrior of Faith.