Chapter 374: Fundraising

Inside Iron Stone City.

Hong Ying's eyes were bloodshot, yet she felt not a hint of fatigue.

In her eyes, there was only a look of fanaticism.

"Arcane Eye, it's finally a success!"

After three months, under the guidance of the Manager!

In Iron Stone City, there was finally the first defensive weapon: the Arcane Eye.

Although Hong Ying was immersed in building infrastructure to improve people's livelihoods.

However, she also understood that merely improving livelihoods was not enough; she also needed to possess powerful armed protection.

Some time ago, she had been thinking about enhancing the defensive capabilities of Iron Stone City, even researching a great deal of information about missiles, Nuclear Weapons, and electromagnetic cannons in the real world for this purpose.

Because of this, she was even visited by the authorities one day.

As it turned out, the Manager gave her a big gift package, which was the Arcane Eye.

In Hong Ying's view, the power of the Arcane Eye was far more formidable than the weapons of the real world.

Of course, what she did not know was that the Arcane Eye had already been improved by Lin Chao, and its power was more than ten times greater than before.

"Now, the first Arcane Eye has been successfully manufactured.

It's just... when should I test it?" Hong Ying fell into deep thought.

After successful production, one must always test its power.

What if it turns out to be just for show?

However, the Manager had instructed that the matter of the Arcane Eye must not be exposed; this was a major problem.

Hong Ying frowned, pondering something.

On the other side, Lin Chao also received the news that the Arcane Eye had been successfully constructed.

His heart was calm, though he was also somewhat pleased: "Iron Stone City can finally be considered to have some self-preservation capability."

Players are very strong, even being called natural disasters.

But currently, among the players, not a single Legendary has been born yet.

Moreover, above the Legendary level, there is even the existence of gods.

With the powerful version of the Arcane Eye, the defensive capability of Iron Stone City can be considered rare in the world.

It can be said that even if a Holy War occurs, or an Abyss invasion, Iron Stone City can rest easy.

Of course, the prerequisite is that the quantity of Arcane Eyes must be increased.

To provide all-around defense for Iron Stone City.

"Manufacture the Arcane Eye at full capacity; as for the testing, I will find a way."

Lin Chao wrote his approval on the document.

Nowadays, he has to manage the specific affairs of Iron Stone City.

As for Koya City, he rarely intervenes now.

After Lin Chao finished handling all official business, he looked at the guard beside him and asked: "Have the people from the Light Temple arrived in Koya City?"

A few days ago, he learned that the people from the Light Temple intended to go to Koya City to solicit military funds.

"The people from the Light Temple arrived in Koya City yesterday.

The leader is Lei Wu, one of the ten Knight Commanders of the Light Holy War Army. This person is a High-level Professional, only one step away from the Legendary level. This time, he brought eight hundred soldiers of the Holy War Army."

The Light Holy War Army is one of the sharpest swords of the Light Temple.

This legion totals twelve thousand people, with one Legion Commander, three Commanders, and ten Knight Commanders.

The Legion Commander and the Commanders are all Legendary-level powerhouses; the ten Knight Commanders hold noble status, second only to the Legion Commander and the Commanders.

This time, Lei Wu leading a full-strength unit of the Light Holy War Army to Koya City is definitely a major event.

It is no exaggeration to say that Lei Wu could wipe out Koya City with just these eight hundred Light Holy War Army soldiers.

Bringing eight hundred Light Army soldiers, it is less like soliciting military funds and more like a forced intrusion.

"It is said that the Teru and Luofei families are very close to Lei Wu.

This time, the banquet for the Light Holy War Army is being held in the residence of Viscount Luofei."

"Hmm." Lin Chao tapped the table, not knowing what he was pondering.

The current Iron Stone City does not yet have the ability to contend with the Light Temple.

However, if the Light Temple truly wants to have a conflict with him, Lin Chao will not swallow his pride.

"Keep me informed of the news from Koya City at all times."

"As you command." The guard nodded.

The great sun hung in the sky, and the daylight was exceptionally bright.

At this time, Koya City was in a state of panic.

Lei Wu sat in the main seat with a gentle smile on his face.

"This time, the Light Temple's extermination of the Arcane Empire is a grand plan for the ten-thousand-year prosperity of the Human Race.

The Arcane Empire does not respect the gods, despises the nobility, and modifies old systems; it is a blight on the Human Race.

Not only that, the Arcane Empire is also ambitious, constantly expanding its territory and initiating wars.

In the distance, there was the act of destroying the Mieer Island Country, and recently, the annihilation of the Kunan Orc Tribe.

Once the Arcane Empire becomes powerful, the human kingdoms will be in jeopardy, and all nobles will likely end up on the Arcane Empire's gallows.

The Light Temple does not wish for war to occur in the world, nor do we wish to see you all have your wealth snatched away by that group of robbers from the Arcane Empire and distributed to those lowly Commoners, right?"

As one of the ten Knight Commanders of the Light Holy War Army, Lei Wu is naturally two-faced.

They say one thing in front of the nobles, and another in front of the Commoners.

Sure enough, what he said aroused the concern of many nobles.

The first to speak was Viscount Luofei; he stood up, impassioned: "The Arcane Empire has abolished the noble system and even built schools to let Commoners study.

This move is digging up the roots of us nobles, and it must be resisted!"

"Correct, especially for our Koya City, which is not far from the Arcane Empire.

Once the Arcane Empire launches an invasion, not only will our wealth be snatched away, but I fear even our heads will not be left to us.

I heard that when the Arcane Empire destroyed Mier, they hanged all the nobles and distributed the wealth that the nobles had painstakingly accumulated over generations to those mud-legged peasants." Teru was also unwilling to fall behind and hurriedly chimed in.

Many of the nobles present were also moved, joining their voices to denounce the Arcane Empire, as if the Arcane Empire were truly some heinous villain.

Priest Jianlong'er of the Wealth Church listened to these people's words, a flash of disdain crossing his eyes.

He did not like these nobles very much.

In fact, he felt that these nobles were the true locusts.

By comparison, the Arcane Empire was much more likable.

At this moment, Lei Wu's gaze fell upon Jianlong'er, and he spoke slowly: "How does Priest Jianlong'er see it?"

Jianlong'er's expression was calm: "The Arcane Empire does not respect the gods; this is a great sin!"

As for the rest, Jianlong'er did not mention it.

Aside from not respecting the gods, in Jianlong'er's eyes, the Arcane Empire was better than other human kingdoms in every other aspect.

Lei Wu smiled with satisfaction: "The gods created this world and gave us life, food, and warmth; the people of the world should love and respect the gods.

Heretics like the Arcane Empire should fall into the dust of history.

The Light Temple, along with the other Three Great Temples and the Six Great Kingdoms, has launched a judgment against the Arcane Empire.

With the great army on the move, military funds are naturally somewhat tight.

The Radiant Commander ordered me to come to Koya City this time with a task for me, which is to raise military funds.

The required military funds are not much, just three hundred thousand Gold coins.

Presumably, the prosperous Koya City should be able to produce three hundred thousand Gold coins, right?"

After much foreshadowing, Lei Wu finally stated the purpose of his trip.

"Three hundred thousand Gold coins?"

"Hiss."

On the floor, many nobles were surprised.

"Everyone, the time has come for you to contribute." Lei Wu still wore a smile on his face, looking at the nobles present, motionless.

Viscount Luofei spoke at this time: "I, Luofei, am willing to offer thirty thousand Gold coins!"

Teru also added from behind: "The Teru Family is willing to offer thirty thousand Gold coins to help the great army win the first battle!"

Luofei and Teru had long since attached themselves to Lei Wu, so they paid the thirty thousand Gold coins as soon as they said they would.

On the floor, the expressions of the other nobles changed slightly.

They knew that at this time, they had to pay even if they did not want to.

After weighing the pros and cons, many nobles also spoke up one after another.

"Ten thousand Gold coins!"

"Twelve thousand Gold coins!"

But more nobles remained silent, not speaking, still waiting.

Lei Wu sat in the high seat, the smile on his face frozen.

These nobles were somewhat unappreciative.

The Gold coins willing to be offered now did not even amount to half.

Lei Wu's gaze then fell upon Count Kaixiu.

"Count Kaixiu, as the representative of the nobles of Koya City, shouldn't you set an example?"

The nobles below all looked at Count Kaixiu.

Count Kaixiu was the number one person among the nobles of Koya City.

Although more than half of Count Kaixiu's family had already moved to Iron Stone City and were still in the process of transferring, he was still the number one person among the nobles in Koya City.

Upon hearing Lei Wu's words, Count Kaixiu's expression did not change, and he spoke slowly: "Knight Commander Lei Wu, if I remember correctly, the Four Great Temples have united with the Six Great Kingdoms to go to war with the Arcane Empire; among these Six Great Kingdoms, there is no Saya Kingdom of mine?

Some time ago, the High Priest of the Light Temple personally went to my Saya Royal City, and the King of my Saya Kingdom has already clearly rejected the invitation of the Light Temple and refused to participate in the judgment army?

In this war, our Saya Kingdom is not participating, and it has nothing to do with us.

For the Light Temple to come to my Koya City to collect military funds, is it not... in the wrong place?"

In Count Kaixiu's words, there was no politeness; he directly rejected Lei Wu's proposal to raise military funds.

Sure enough, once these words were spoken, the expressions of many nobles on the floor changed slightly.

Especially Lei Wu; the expression on his face stiffened.

He had never expected such a result!

The Light Temple could be counted as a giant on the God Continent.

Which human kingdom did not give face to the Light Temple?

This time, he had come with the Light Holy War Army to raise military funds, only to be rejected like this.

This was a great humiliation!

Lei Wu looked at Kaixiu, his expression cold: "Is this your meaning, Count Kaixiu, and the meaning of Koya City?"

His words were full of threats.

The smell of gunpowder erupted at this moment.

"This is not just my will, but the will of the Saya Kingdom!" Count Kaixiu did not back down in the slightest.

"Hmph!" Lei Wu looked at Count Kaixiu, the murderous intent on his face undisguised. "It seems Koya City does not welcome the Light Temple very much!"

Beside them, Viscount Luofei hurriedly said, "Knight Commander Lei Wu, do not misunderstand, we very much welcome the Light Temple!"

"That's right, the Light Holy War Army is purging the Arcane Empire; for humanity, this is a thousand-year grand plan, enough to leave a name in history!" Teru said from the side.

Lei Wu narrowed his eyes and looked at Count Kaixiu: "Thirty thousand in military funds; if even one Gold coin is missing, then I will have to take it myself on behalf of the God of Light.

I hope the miserable state of the Bona Kingdom does not happen here!"

He stopped pretending.

Last time, the War Copper Kingdom went to the Bona Kingdom to raise military funds, only to be rejected by the Bona Kingdom.

Consequently, the War Copper Kingdom allied with the Death Temple and took the opportunity to purge the Bona Kingdom.

The Death Temple and the War Copper Kingdom made a fortune, and Lei Wu felt an itch to do the same.

If they could make money, why couldn't the Death Temple?

Sure enough, as soon as these words were spoken, many nobles in the room looked panicked.

They also knew about the miserable state of the Bona Kingdom.

Quite a few nobles hurriedly stood up: "We are willing to donate 20,000 Gold coins!"

"I will donate too!"

However, Count Kaixiu remained motionless; the five noble families surrounding him still had no intention of donating military funds.

This made Lei Wu very angry.

"Count Kaixiu, you see they are all sensible; what about you?" Lei Wu threatened directly.

The Light Holy War Army had already entered Koya City, and he would not mind a purge.

Count Kaixiu's expression was cold: "The Saya Kingdom is not the Bona Kingdom, and I am not one to fear death.

Knight Commander Lei Wu, this is Koya City, the fief of His Highness Prince Lin.

If you dare to act recklessly, just wait to reap the consequences!"

After saying this, Count Kaixiu flicked his sleeves and left.

Behind him, the five noble representatives also followed closely, showing no respect to Knight Commander Lei Wu at all.

Lei Wu's face turned blue, then red.

When had he ever suffered such an insult outside?

His expression was extremely gloomy, suppressing his rage.

At this moment, Viscount Luofei leaned in: "Knight Commander Lei Wu, Count Kaixiu and Viscount Fengming and the others are all people of His Highness Prince Lin; their refusal to donate military funds must have been instructed by His Highness Prince Lin."

"Prince Lin?" A flash of contempt crossed Knight Commander Lei Wu's eyes, but remembering the instructions from the Commander, he calmed down again. "A prince of the Saya Kingdom is indeed not easy to deal with."

The Saya Kingdom is not the Bona Kingdom.

The strength of this country is much greater than that of the Bona Kingdom.

Moreover, the Light Temple recently ordered not to involve the Saya Royal Family.

This Royal Family seems to have a deep foundation.

"Knight Commander Lei Wu, His Highness Prince Lin seems to be very close to people from the Arcane Empire.

Hasn't the Arcane Empire been buying Star Sand?

Someone told me that there are people from the Arcane Empire in Koya City right now buying Star Sand, and they are being hosted by Viscount Fengming!"

A flash of murderous intent crossed Luofei's eyes.

Viscount Fengming and Luofei had business conflicts, and the relationship between the two was not very good.

Therefore, he wanted to use the hand of Knight Commander Lei Wu to get rid of Viscount Fengming, so that Viscount Fengming's business would fall into his hands.

"Heretics of the Arcane Empire?" A sharp look flashed in Lei Wu's eyes. "Good, now there are still people who dare to harbor heretics of the Arcane Empire; this is courting death!"

Originally, Lei Wu had no reason to take action against Koya City.

Now, with the heretics of the Arcane Empire present, he would have a legitimate reason.

Count Kaixiu, as well as Viscount Fengming and the other nobles who had defected to Prince Lin, were already dead men in Lei Wu's eyes.

As for the Light Temple's instruction not to touch the Saya Royal Family, he naturally would not hurt Prince Lin, but killing the people under Prince Lin was fine.

"I am very satisfied with this news." Lei Wu narrowed his eyes.

Luofei also smiled, very excitedly: "Knight Commander Lei Wu, I have a daughter, sixteen years of age, with a beautiful appearance, who has always admired you, Knight Commander. I wonder if you might have the time to do her the honor of letting her behold your heroic bearing."

Luofei was an opportunist; he had previously had his daughter stay by the side of City Lord Shivana, hoping to climb the line to Prince Lin.

Unfortunately, his daughter had never even seen Prince Lin.

Now that he had a better target to cling to, he naturally chose to change.

(End of chapter)