The Wetland Lizard-man led the way ahead, turned two corners, and entered a shabby wooden house.

Lear scanned the room, his gaze resting in the corner.

There was a passage sloping downward, with torches made of grease hanging on both sides, occasionally crackling, casting dim light in the air.

Muddy steps led underground, resembling the open jaws of a beast ready to devour flesh.

Lear, with a touch of curiosity, stepped down.

About twenty meters deep, he entered the dungeon interior.

The underground area was quite spacious, with a diameter of fifty or sixty meters.

The air was filled with the heat of flames, the temperature noticeably rising.

Turning his head, this place looked more like a blacksmith shop than a prison.

Several corners were piled with ores shining with a metallic luster.

In the central area, two fires remained unextinguished, with large chimneys directly connecting to the ceiling, venting out the smoke produced by the fires.

The air was not stuffy, with a slightly refreshing breeze blowing from the entrance.

At the moment, Haggs stood with over a dozen Wetland Lizardman Warriors, watchfully guarding a group of trembling figures in the corner.

These were humans shackled around their ankles, faces full of terror.

They were all over 1.8 meters tall, their muscles explosively bulging, full of strength, with a hint of bodybuilder appeal.

They held tools used for forging in their hands — hammers, tongs, pincers...

On the wooden table beside them, dozens of freshly formed long spear embryos lay quietly, not yet undergone a second strike or sharpening, looking dull without much luster.

Lear was a bit surprised at this sight.

Goodness, so the weapons held by the corrupted centaurs came from here; they actually kept a group of human blacksmiths!

Where did these blacksmiths come from? How were they captured by centaurs?

While wondering, a burly man with a bushy beard took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Clang clang~

Clang clang~

The sound of clinking chains echoed as he stepped forward, immediately speaking in a trembling voice.

"Honorable sir, Bulin from the Long Hammer Tribe greets you."

"Those wicked centaurs seized our tribe three months ago; we were captured and imprisoned, forced to forge weapons for them to survive."

"We are not affiliated with those centaurs…"

Upon hearing this, Lear curiously checked his attributes.

Bulin

[Level]: Level 7

[Profession]: Blacksmith (Intermediate, forging skills enhanced by 30%)

[Racial Talent]: Strong Physique, capable of long-duration high-intensity work, stamina increased by 70%, recovery speed increased by 50%.

[Skills]: Fleir Forging Technique (2-star) proficient in various forging techniques, capable of forging 2-star weapons, armor.

Quenching (2-star) proficient in multiple quenching methods, after quenching weapons and equipment become durable, sharp, with an extra 35% increase in durability.

[Evaluation]: Fleyrans possess unique heritage, their forging artistry rivals that of the dwarves.

Fleyrans?!

Lear was somewhat astonished at the evaluation.

These beings were actually Fleyrans?!

Fleyrans are not pureblood humans, though similar in appearance, they can only be classified as human-like beings.

Because Fleyrans have two hearts and two pairs of lungs.

Their unique body structure gives them extraordinarily strong power.

Combined with their mad passion for and heritage in forging, they have renowned fame, even rivaling dwarves for a time.

But these beings, due to coveting extraordinary forging techniques long ago, angered the God of Forging, were cursed by divine forces, and nearly vanished from the world.

Unexpectedly encountered here.

The level of a race cursed by a deity is imaginable.

In comparison, though Mud Swamp People are artisans too, they are completely outclassed by such specialized races.

Interest greatly piqued.

"The corrupted centaurs have been annihilated by me, and this territory now belongs to Weilu City."

He slightly raised his head, his gaze fixed on the Fleyrans before him.

"You should know that in the Wilderness, the victor claims all the defeated owned."

"Now, you are my spoils."

Upon hearing this, the tall and burly Bulin showed a hint of bitterness on his face.

"O Great Sir, can you spare us? The Long Hammer Clan will certainly remember your grace..."

Lear's tone remained calm.

"Do you think it's possible?"

Bulin opened his mouth to say something but couldn't speak.

His fate was not in his own hands; what could he use to negotiate?!

He glanced at his companions, sighed deeply, and fell silent.

Seeing this, Lear spoke in a heavy voice.

"Fleyrans, I am not interested in your life itself, but since you are my spoils, you ought to provide corresponding value."

"If you want me to spare you, you can, but..."

As these words were uttered, all the Fleyrans turned their heads, faces full of tension.

Their hearts throbbed, as if on trial, awaiting the final verdict of the judge.

"If you want to buy back your life, then exchange it with labor."

"My territory is in need of a batch of blacksmiths... Work for me for five years in exchange for your lives."

The Fleyrans exchanged glances, then all looked towards their leader, Bulin.

The leader felt Lear's undeniable gaze and, without any hesitation, nodded directly.

"Sir, we are willing to serve you!"

Moreover, their fate rested in the hands of this human lord; being given such an opportunity was already a great surprise; what more could they ask for?!

The weak never have the power to decide.

Lear spoke with meaning.

"Trust me, you will feel proud of today's choice, and I will keep my word, letting you decide whether to stay or leave five years later."

Five years ahead, how Weilu City would develop, he couldn't estimate.

If after so long he couldn't win over a few Fleyrans, he might as well quit.

The time limit was just to lower their psychological barriers; he had no interest in forcing them to work with chains like the corrupted centaurs.

Occasionally watching a drama, isn't the benefit greater when he willingly creates for him with high enthusiasm every day?

Feeling the sincerity in his words, the faces of these Fray people softened.

Their gazes towards Lear were no longer so resistant.

"Thank you for your kindness, respected Lord."

Who would want to die if they can live?

Who would want to be forced to work if they can be free?

Lear nodded slightly and looked at Haggs.

"Unlock their shackles."

Haggs nodded and stepped forward, his qi blood igniting and covering the steel saber in his hand.

Even with the Fierce Wild Lizard staying outside, his own strength was still fierce and terrifying.

He swung the saber down.

Crack~ a crisp sound rang out.

The foot chains were easily cut, without harming them in the slightest.

One by one, these Fray people regained their freedom.

Upon this, their gaze towards Lear became more amiable.

They originally did not even hope to have their restraints removed.

Now, this Lord's sincerity was directly and unreservedly shown.

It wasn't deceiving them...

Under the extreme inequality of status and position, the superior only needs to show a bit of grace to gain great gratitude... this is human nature.

When Haggs returned after sheathing his saber, Lear curiously looked at the ores nearby.

"Where did the centaurs get these ores from? Is there an iron mine nearby?"

The leader, Bulin, shook his head and smiled wryly.

"My Lord, these ores were all snatched from us."

"The Long Hammer Tribe previously occupied a small iron mine, but it's already dried up..."

Lear was not disappointed.

These mined ores were also a decent gain.

"Haggs, take some people to transport these ores out, let the Bubble Beasts carry them away."

As he spoke, he glanced at the smelting and forging tools.

"Take these back as well."

As everyone busied themselves, Lear seemed to think of something and asked the leader of the Fray people beside him.

"Bulin, the weapons and armor in Haggs' hand are no longer suitable. Can you tailor-make a set for him?"

The Flesh Butcher, this divine life, comes with a flesh and blood war axe, and is not in urgent need of defensive equipment.

Haggs is different; his attributes are strong, but he doesn't have the reviving ability of a divine life. Having suitable weapons can better exert his power.

Bulin scrutinized Haggs for a moment, then confidently said.

"My Lord, the forging skills of the Fray people are no worse than those of the dwarves!"

"As long as we have enough materials, we can forge any weapon you need!"

Lear nodded with satisfaction.

That's the confidence he required!

By looking at the long spears of the decayed centaurs, it's evident that their forging skills are indeed quite impressive.

With these Fray people, the newly occupied vein can be put to use.

Equipping all the troops in hand, their combat power can directly increase by several levels.

The difference between having and not having equipment was made exceedingly clear in the recent hunts.

After a busy period, all the ores, forging tools, and unfinished long spear embryos in the dungeon were transported out.

Upon returning to the surface, the bodies of hundreds of decayed centaurs were also gathered up.

It was indeed a bountiful harvest.

At this moment, two wetland lizard-men approached with a string of muddy, potato-like fruits.

"Sovereign, we dug up the food you mentioned underground..."

Lear's eyes lit up.

Focusing his attention, the attribute panel immediately appeared in his mind.

Blue Heart Mud Fruit

[Level]: 1 Star

[Traits]: Contains abundant energy, can satisfy daily nutritional needs.

[Evaluation]: A highly productive plant.

Lear laughed heartily, feeling elated.

Finally, it's in hand!

The intelligence from over half a month ago has finally concluded today, it wasn't easy.

With the Blue Heart Mud Fruit in the bag, this mission was accomplished.

These foods will greatly increase Weilu City's foundation and hold significant strategic value.

With Granny Green Grass present, there's no worry about being unable to cultivate.

In future military expeditions, there won't be any concern over food, saving considerable manpower and resources.

And war, is fought over logistics.

And today's harvest doesn't just end here—the bodies of hundreds of decayed centaurs will become new nutrients.

Combined with today's hunting gains, it's enough to cultivate a second Cold-blooded Cavalry Squad.

The greatest unexpected delight is the Fray people, these nearly extinct blacksmiths.

A race that can be cursed by the God of Forging, just thinking about it excites one.

In addition, today's battle also gave him a direct understanding of the combat power of the Flesh Butcher.

Accidentally discovering that this divine life has a miraculous synergy with the Swamp Boggart.

It gave him more ideas...

All in all, it's a huge profit.

"Dig up this entire area, bring as many Blue Heart Mud Fruits as possible."

"In one hour, immediately return to the territory."

After digesting this harvest, the strength of Weilu City is sure to rise a notch.

In addition, with a return and busy period ahead, it should be close to midnight, and tomorrow is the 25th... another intelligence refresh.

A double blessing, Lear's mood was very pleasant.

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