Chapter 562: Chapter 562: Foundation Building
The Baron’s point was very valid, under normal circumstances, absolutely. However, things had veered from normal the moment Starfire decided to establish a base here.
Starfire’s attempt to make a stand on the sandbar had leaked out, and managed to amass such a force overnight.
For such elaborate preparations to be made in one night, the plot had been brewing for some time. This calculated move to cripple Starfire could only be aimed at hindering the guild’s growth.
How could Li Yao tolerate this? They’ve made such a spectacle; he can’t let them leave without throwing a kick of disappointment. Of course, Li Yao would play along, not according to their scripts. He would keep the stakes high. He had never backed down in his past life, and with so many brothers and friends by his side this time, he definitely wouldn’t back down. If they wanted to play, it had better been big and thrilling.
“I’m sure you’re aware, sir. My rivals want to manipulate me, so I will play nice with them tonight.” Li Yao didn’t elaborate, but he was confident that the Baron, a crafty old fox, would understand his meaning.
The Baron instantly understood Li Yao’s plan, raising his eyebrows, he said, “I understand your intention. Let me prepare a decree for you. As soon as your guild hall is built, I will immediately have the ambassador give you the Guild Undead Battle Flag.”
“Deal. Time is of the essence so I won’t waste time here. I’ll be sure to express my gratitude for your support later.” Li Yao shook the Baron’s hand again, then turned to leave.
The Baron tucked his hand inside his sleeve and gave a final warning, “I can do you this favor, but you must be aware, those monsters are at a much higher level than your guild. Even if you achieve your intended objective, Starfire Guild will probably not remain intact.”
Li Yao paused for a moment before replying, “Better to shatter like jade than to remain complete like a tile. Anyone who plots against me will pay a bloody price.”
“Just like master like apprentice. It’s no wonder the queen appreciates him so much. Though not powerful, he deals with the world in such a sophisticated manner that given time, he will no longer be a small fish in a big pond.” The Baron mumbled to himself as he closed the room’s door and opened his hand.
In his palm was a test tube. He hadn’t opened it, but he’s already sensed the divine fluctuations. This little gift, he didn’t want to refuse, and he couldn’t.
Li Yao didn’t head back directly, instead, he headed to the auction first and started shopping. After nearly an hour, Li Yao’s backpack was nearly filled.
Afterward, he went to a shop and ordered numerous scrolls. He then went to the Royal District and spent more than an hour there.
By now, Li Yao had been busy for over three hours, and Starfire had begun constructing their hall.
Everything had been prepared, the construction of the initial phase of the hall was made from wood. Coupled with the skilled craftsmen, the construction progress was swift.
“Get one of the magicians in the guild to transport me over,” Li Yao messaged Li sister privately.
Li sister didn’t say anything, merely found a magician to conjure a portal to bring Li Yao over.
By the time Li Yao arrived, most of the hall’s framework had already taken shape.
The craftsmen were busy constructing the roof under the guild members’ bustling activities.
“The progress is swift. How long do you estimate before it is completely built?” Li Yao inquired.
Li sister answered, “The craftsmen say that it should be finished in about an hour. Only a quarter of that time is left.”
“That’s good. Our enemy must be growing impatient by now,” Li Yao calmly remarked.
Firehawk was patrolling the area from above, having already discovered the mobilization of a large-scale force.
They were waiting for the moment Starfire’s hall was completed and the territory established. If the guild hall is destroyed by enemies or monsters once it’s built, this guild will be unable to apply for a territory for a whole month.
If that happened, they would be giving neighboring guilds a month to develop freely, and Starfire would inevitably remain under their control.
The high-ranking members of Starfire were aware of Li Yao’s plan; Starfire would never give up this place, nor would they allow any other guilds space nearby.
If the situation was left as it is, it would become increasingly tricky.
“What have you been preparing while you were gone all this time?” Unparalleled Beauty asked curiously.
Li Yao nodded and said, “Just pulling some strings and preparing some interesting props. We’re going to make this a big scene so it won’t disappoint our audience.”
With this, Li Yao briefly and concisely explained his plan.
The members of the guild fell into deep thought. After a while, the Guardian Angel etc said, “This plan is insane. If anyone else suggested it, I would have thought they were crazy. But since you made the plan, you must be confident about it. I’m willing to go crazy with you this once.”
“Fight.” The Fruit Knight expressed her agreement with a single word.
“Anyway, I’ll just do whatever big brother says.” Dim Nectar muttered.
Li sister also gave a sigh and said, “Although the plan is risky, if it is successful is able to solve our problems for good, it’s worth it. With this, the Starfire guild can stand firm here.”
Everyone nodded. If Li Yao’s plan were successful, there would be no guilds exist around Starfire in the future.
They could even gain a lot of resources and materials for free which would allow Starfire to establish a small dock sooner.
The main city wouldn’t supply anything beyond the materials for establishing the guild base. Building expansion for guild upgrading not only requires skilled craftsmen but a great many resources as well.
Other than magic crystals, building materials like wood, stone, and food all require long-term planning. Before the guild territory starts operating, it’s basically a money pit that a regular guild can’t afford.
That’s why many guilds choose areas with public transportation systems. This way, at least the food problem can be managed.
But Starfire had no choice. There was no shipping line along the coastline. Although there were airships, with the sandbar in the middle of the sea, even if they managed to deliver to that point, Starfire’s current level of logistics ability wouldn’t be able to bring the resources back.
So, for Starfire to truly gain a foothold here, apart from the guild territory, they must also get a small dock. After several discussions with the queen, Li Yao managed to rent a medium-sized transport ship at a huge price. The ship would come here once a month, transporting grains and other things.
If this was not the case, which NPC would be willing to settle in the guild’s area? With even food being an issue, who would join your side? Even the most destitute NPCs wouldn’t come. It’s a joke.
If it weren’t for the intention to limit and annoy Starfire, no one would probably establish a territory here.
That’s why Starfire was planning to build a small dock while establishing their territory. The materials for this were limited, and Li Yao wanted to solve this issue once and for all through his plan.
With the bustling activities of Starfire’s members, the guild hall was finally completed.
At that moment, the Guild Ambassador personally presented the Undead Battle Flag to Li Yao before everyone. As a result, Li Yao gained a baron’s title.
Then, under the witness of the guild members, Li Yao inserted the Undead Battle Flag and Guild Battle Flag in front of the guild hall.
Li sister and the others knew that the great battle was on the verge of coming…