CHAPTER 120: CHAPTER 120: THE GREAT LAKE AND ITS ILL-TEMPERED INHABITANTS

"Everyone, be careful. The enemies are strong, and they have many soldiers."

"Our Lord only requires us to eliminate the enemy Lord, to execute a decapitation strike."

"There’s no need to get entangled with his soldiers."

"Afterwards, our Lord will immediately take over the opponent’s deserted territory and soldiers."

"However, their team includes a Scout, so make sure not to be discovered by him."

Among the stealthy figures, the one leading the group, clad entirely in black armor with reverse blades on all his joints, carrying two single-edged short swords, spoke softly.

Beside him was a woman holding a green snake-shaped dagger and two soldiers dressed as Assassins as well.

All of them nodded lightly, without saying much, maintaining a distance of several hundred meters while in stealth mode, following the group at a safe distance.

...

"Achoo!"

Riding on a Grassland Horse, Tiezhu, who was keenly observing his surroundings, suddenly sneezed.

"Who’s calling me handsome?"

Tiezhu rubbed his nose.

Zong Shen noticed something too, finding it quite fascinating. He seemed to perceive that the details of this world were becoming more complete and real.

The sense of virtuality was diminishing.

After half an hour of traveling, the group passed through the small forest where they had previously killed the Bear Monster.

Moving forward for another ten or so minutes, they spotted Jiang Yi’s territory not far ahead.

Back then, Zong Shen’s group hadn’t discovered Jiang Yi’s territory due to the obstruction of their vision by the forest.

The entire territory wasn’t very large.

Three Tier Two Houses and three Tier One Grass Huts were arranged in two rows.

The other Buildings were also neatly arranged, showcasing a woman’s meticulousness in the layout.

Apart from her eight accompanying soldiers, there were nine Farmers and four remaining soldiers in the territory.

This power was already considered outstanding among the Lords, except for the fact that she encountered Zong Shen, who had access to Strategies.

Otherwise, she could’ve been a dominant figure in the region.

Her territory didn’t have walls but had groups of wooden chevaux-de-frise surrounding the buildings outside the small courtyard.

These structures ensured that the buildings weren’t directly exposed.

Nearby, a few small plots of farmland had been cultivated.

Unlike Zong Shen Territory’s fertile fields with Effects, these were genuinely plowed lands.

However, these fields, too, were growing well, with each seedling full of Vitality.

In addition, there was an Elemental Arrow Tower and a peculiar stone monument entwined with numerous green vines in the courtyard.

Clearly, Jiang Yi had encountered quite a few fortuitous events.

Zong Shen approached the Territory boundary and sent a request for access.

After Jiang Yi agreed, they entered the Territory.

Jiang Yi’s Territory was also Level One, with a substantial Range.

For the entire region, upgrading Territories early allowed for more land to be Occupied.

It seemed like it was indeed time to upgrade the Territory.

In her Territory, two Wolf Cavalry and two Dragon-kin Rangers were also guarding the area.

This time she left two Wolf Cavalry; six soldiers should suffice to handle unexpected situations.

As for herself, she took along four Wolf Cavalry, a Ranger, and a Mad Axe Warrior to join Zong Shen on his expedition.

Zong Shen stood outside the courtyard, observing the peculiar vine-covered boulder inside.

[Natural Stone Monument (Ruined)]

[Effect: Natural Blessing (can cover a 1,000-meter territorial Range, reducing crop Growth cycles by 30%, increasing yield by 30%, and enemies invading the Territory will be attacked by Thorn Vines)]

"Oh, this is quite nice!"

Being placed in the courtyard, it was indeed a good item.

Even in its ruined state, its Effect was better than the [Vitality Totem] in his Territory.

"Little Jiang, is that big rock in your courtyard for sale?"

Zong Shen casually asked, only to see Jiang Yi, who was rummaging in the Territory Storage Box, shiver as if stared at by a lecher.

She stood up, her face carrying a bit of awkwardness.

"This is a Relic Building, it cannot be moved..."

Upon hearing this, Zong Shen showed a look of regret.

"Oh, what a shame, it would be perfect for farming."

He walked with his hands behind his back, not in a hurry, beginning to stroll around.

At this time, Tiezhu approached Zong Shen, whispered in his ear.

"Master, she is the Lord I told you about last night, the one I saw when coming back from the South."

"I reckon that lake is the one I didn’t get to explore properly."

Zong Shen nodded, saying nothing, only patting his shoulder, indicating his understanding.

About ten minutes later, Jiang Yi handled the matters in her Territory.

The group set off again, continuing towards the Southeast.

The weather today felt off.

Unlike the beautiful weather of the past few days.

The sky was shrouded in gray-white clouds above.

The sunlight was obscured, making it feel somber and oppressive.

Zong Shen rode on Pigsy and glanced at the sky.

Such a change was no coincidence.

Although the newcomer protection period’s countdown hadn’t ended, certain signs were starting to appear.

A more real, vivid world seemed to be on the verge of emerging.

Continuing for about thirty more minutes.

Zong Shen finally reached the outskirts of that lake.

This side of the lake was situated in a depression within the grassland.

It was a beautifully scenic large lake.

Surrounded by forests on both sides.

There was only one entrance spanning dozens of yards.

Several small streams flowed from North to South, converging into the lake.

Upon visual inspection, no other Territory was seen in the area.

Instead, it resembled a Peach Blossom Spring.

Back when Zong Shen inquired about the water source in the Rogue Camp Strategy, it was also mentioned here.

He still remembered the hint stating that the water here was clear, but it was Occupied by a group of ill-tempered creatures.

But looking now, the lake surface was Calm, with some large birds meandering by the shore.

On Earth, this would be a perfect ecological wetland park.

The environment being exceptionally good.

Building a small wooden cabin here could be perfect for a vacation.

Jiang Yi led them cautiously towards the lake.

Halting about a hundred meters from the lakeshore.

There seemed to be something in the lake she was wary of.

Zong Shen focused his gaze, but saw nothing.

(In this lake, there is a Rune Fragment filled with strange Arcane Magic Power, due to which numerous Water Elements were born.)

Golden prompts emerged.

At this moment, Jiang Yi also walked over.

"Sect Lord, let your soldiers prepare. I’ll start drawing them out now."

"There are quite a few of those creatures."

"We’ll slay a batch first and test the waters."

Zong Shen gently nodded, gesturing for the Wolf Cavalry to fall back with a beckoning hand.

At this time, Jiang Yi summoned her Dragon-kin Ranger sister.

"Feiyun, give the lake a shot!"

The Dragon-kin Ranger named Feiyun responded by shifting the Longbow before her, drew an Arrow, and casually shot it towards the lake’s surface!