Chapter 26
【026】 What? She’s the Lord?
Gu Qing was quite satisfied with the system’s automatic talent screening. At least, to some extent, she no longer needed to personally assess everyone, as the personnel data was now clear at a glance.
After remembering the name of this person called Ji Xiuwen, Gu Qing didn’t experience much of a reaction.
Over the past few days, the number of refugees had been steadily increasing and had already surpassed the 2,000 mark. With such a large population, the number of talents selected by the system was indeed quite high.
After all, in this chaotic world, anyone who could survive and make it to the territory was far from weak. The weak ones were long gone.
Because of this, Gu Qing didn’t feel like she had to use this new talent. Not to mention, the native inhabitants of this world—Ulysses, Bart, Alex, and many of their subordinates—were all highly capable. Most importantly, their loyalty had already reached 100%.
As for the Earth survivors? Currently, even the most capable, Tang Ruiming, only had about 80% loyalty.
So in Gu Qing’s view, the native inhabitants were far more useful than the Earth survivors.
The reason she cared about Earth survivors was simply because of the knowledge they possessed, which was different from that of the world’s natives.
If someone could use their talent well and apply Earth’s knowledge to the territory, the benefits to the territory would be substantial.
As for her personal priorities, as long as she could manage the territory’s upgrades, the circulation of resources, and ensure the safety of the land, that would be enough. Achieving these three things would keep her in an unassailable position.
Thinking this, Gu Qing began to review her own and the territory’s module information.
Since the Beast Tide, there had been some significant changes.
【Name: Gu Qing】
【Race: Human】
【Level: LV15 (5771260000)】
【Health Points: 199,200】
【Health: 199,200】
【Skill Cards: Chain Attack, Chain Sprint, Stealth, Swordsmanship (Max: 4)】
【Class: Earth Elemental Mage】
【Class Skills: Earth Wave: Impact, Rock Shield: Barrier, One Breath (Chance to self-understand specialty when using expertise)】
【Talent: Leadership (Lord’s Token Function Bonus), Earth Elemental Mage】
【Attributes: Constitution 9 (10), Intelligence 8 (10), Strength 4 (10), Defense 3 (10), Agility 7 (10), Charm 9 (10)】
【Territory: Qingyun Village】
【Reputation: 4 (Unnoticed)】
【Population: 28,665,000】
【Tax Rate: 10 (Can be adjusted by the Lord in real-time)】
【Resources: Minor】
【Buildings: Village Affairs Center, Wall, Residential Houses, Trading Hall, Basic Tailor Shop, Basic General Store, Intermediate Warehouse, Farmland, Basic Watchtower, Basic Barracks, Basic Blacksmith Shop, Basic Lumber Mill, Basic Quarry】
【Next Level Upgrade Requirements: Level 1 Wall (1 Reinforcement), Basic Breeding Farm (Already Owned), Basic Inn (Already Owned), Basic Hospital (Already Owned), Basic Mining Field (Already Owned), Basic Carpenter Workshop (Already Owned)】
【Building: Village Affairs Center】
【Household Registration: Permanent Residents (2710), Temporary Residents (156)】
【Tax Revenue: 8982 Copper】
【Assets: 77,730 Copper】
【Resources: Minor】
【Bulletin Board: Operations】
In terms of level, Gu Qing was now level 15, which made her the highest-level person in the territory. For the foreseeable future, she would maintain this advantage.
Her experience came not only from monster hunting and leveling up but also from the territory and its residents. While these experience points were small, they accumulated over time. It wasn’t until more people came that Gu Qing noticed the trend, especially with the Earth survivors, who contributed the most experience points. Because of this, Gu Qing only had one thought regarding Earth survivors coming to her territory—the more, the better.
As for resources, it goes without saying that they had already used the intermediate warehouse. The resources available in the territory were enough to support the entire base for a long time. Moreover, resources continued to be generated every day in the territory, especially from the farmlands that had already been cultivated and planted with crops. Some vegetables were nearly ready for harvest, and staple crops like wheat, potatoes, and sweet potatoes would be harvested soon.
As for the territory’s buildings, all the buildings required for the next level of upgrade were already in place, what she lacked now were just people.
Looking at the population required for the next territory upgrade—over 2,000 people—Gu Qing estimated that with the current rate of new arrivals, it might take another two weeks or even longer, but it would happen soon.
She was very satisfied with the current progress.
With that, she continued eagerly checking the existing buildings in her territory to see if any could be selected for upgrades.
Since the territory couldn’t be upgraded at the moment, she decided to upgrade buildings first. She had a feeling that even if she didn’t upgrade them now, the territory would need building upgrades in the future.
As she interacted with the system, the situation of the territory unfolded before her in the form of a large map, like a miniature version of the territory.
Compared to the original miserable start with only a fence and a wooden hut, the territory had undergone a dramatic transformation.
Each building now had an upgrade button above it. This feature was unlocked after upgrading the basic warehouse, clearly showing that the territory modules upgraded based on the actual situation. No one knew what changes the future might bring, but it added to Gu Qing’s anticipation.
The territory was still divided into five sectors:
Central Area: Village Affairs Center, Intermediate Warehouse
Northern Area: Territory Gate, Plaza, Basic Barracks, Basic Watchtower
Western Area (Residential Area): Residential Houses, Basic General Store, Canteen, Basic Inn
Southern Area (Production Area): Farmland, Basic Breeding Farm, Basic Lumber Mill, Basic Quarry, Basic Mining Field
Eastern Area (Commercial Area): Trading Hall, Basic Tailor Shop, Basic Carpenter Workshop, Basic Hospital
For the current village, many buildings were sufficient in their basic form, so after scanning these buildings, Gu Qing’s attention first turned to the Village Affairs Center.
The Village Affairs Center was the most important component of the territory. It could be said that the orderly development of the territory largely depended on it.
Gu Qing was eager to see if the Village Affairs Center would gain any special functions upon upgrading.
【Host, would you like to spend 10,000 units of stone, 5,000 units of wood, and 20,000 copper coins to upgrade the Village Affairs Center?】
Gu Qing’s heart skipped a beat when she heard the system’s message. If it hadn’t been for the intermediate warehouse, she would have definitely refused to spend the money after seeing this information.
【…Yes.】 This spending was almost painful.
【Congratulations, Host! Your Village Affairs Center has been upgraded to a Level 2 Village Affairs Center.】
Gu Qing: 【What’s the difference between a Level 2 Village Affairs Center and the previous one?】
System 999: 【Host, you can check it out for yourself. It won’t disappoint you!】
Gu Qing listened and suddenly saw that the Village Affairs Center on her screen had transformed into a three-story building. Its exterior decorations had become more luxurious, and at a glance, it was undoubtedly the most eye-catching structure in the entire territory.
Quickly, Gu Qing opened the data module for the Village Affairs Center.
It seemed that, aside from losing 20,000 copper coins and some wood and stone resources, it wasn’t too different from before.
Her expression froze. Gu Qing thought that the real changes must lie in the internal functions of the Village Affairs Center.
Should she… take a look?
With a thought, Gu Qing made up her mind.
She suppressed her excitement and continued to inspect the other buildings.
One building she wanted to upgrade next was the residential houses.
As the population grew and the residents became wealthier, their focus had shifted to the residential houses.
For many residents, the 100 copper coin price was no longer a burden.
For Gu Qing, the fact that the residential houses “produced” with 100 units of wood and stone materials could be sold for 100 copper coins was already an extremely profitable deal.
But in the long run, it wasn’t enough!
Especially since the more capable residents in the territory already had a decent amount of copper coins. Their daily expenses couldn’t really touch these reserves.
Instead of letting those coins gather dust in the residents’ hands, it was better to bring them back to her own and let them continue to work for the territory.
With this thought, a mischievous glint appeared in Gu Qing’s eyes.
She then proceeded to upgrade the residential houses, but instead of selecting specific ones, she directly constructed new ones behind the existing ones.
【Host, would you like to spend 5,000 units of stone, 5,000 units of wood, and 5,000 copper coins to build a 2-story building (Type 10)?】
【Yes.】
【Congratulations, Host! The 2-story building (Type 10) has been completed.】
Gu Qing looked at the total cost and calculated that this 2-story building had only cost 500 units of wood and stone and 500 copper coins. It was an absolute bargain.
So, how much could she sell this 2-story building for?
Gu Qing began to figure it out.
5,000 copper coins, no doubt about it.
This would be quite a tempting offer for the residents.
Gu Qing then set the price for the 2-story building.
After setting it, she went outside.
She was still thinking about checking on the current status of the Village Affairs Center.
At this moment, the appearance of the Village Affairs Center and the 2-story building had already sparked new discussions within the territory.
“The building has been upgraded! The Village Affairs Center has turned into a three-story building, it’s so big! But when I went to take a look, there wasn’t anything else there, and we can’t even go to the second or third floors.”
“Well, that’s where Lord and the village head handle their official business. The upgrade is for their benefit, so of course, we can’t go up there.”
“If it weren’t to check for new announcements, I wouldn’t dare to disturb the Village Affairs Center on normal days.”
“And there’s also the 2-story building by the residential area.”
“Wow! The 2-story building looks so much better than the current houses.”
“The 2-story building must be for sale, but I wonder how many copper coins it costs?”
“Do you want to buy it? Why ask for the price?”
“Yes, I want to buy it. My whole family is cramped into one house, it’s too crowded. If the price is right, I’ll buy a 2-story building.”
“Damn! I went to look, it’s 5000 copper coins.”
“God! So expensive! The previous houses were only 100 copper coins!”
“Then I’ll just stay in the residential houses!”
“When the Lord first built 300 residential houses, they all sold out. After that, no more were built. I suspect the Lord won’t build any more. The price back then was just to give us residents a place to live, that’s why they were sold cheaply. We probably won’t get such a deal again.”
“That’s true, the price of a house in other territories is really high, many people can’t even afford these wooden houses!”
“Lord is so kind!”
“……”
Out of respect for Gu Qing, the high price of the 2-story building was quickly justified.
This left some Earth survivors who were listening in on the news speechless.
The reputation of the Lord here is really high! Completely different from the Lords in other places!
At this moment, Gu Qing, passing by discreetly, overheard similar conversations. She quickly recognized the person who had turned the situation around—he was familiar. This person was none other than an employee under Ulysses.
How this shift in the conversation occurred was unclear from this point.
This Ulysses… really is… impressive.
Gu Qing felt very satisfied. Taking advantage of the fact that no one had noticed her, she continued walking discreetly toward her goal.
But after only a few steps, someone blocked her way.
Looking up, it was a group of familiar Eastern faces.
“Are you an Earth survivor?” The leader of the group asked Gu Qing.
Gu Qing paused for a moment and nodded, “Yes, I am.”
“Hello, I’m Ji Xiuwen. We are all Earth survivors.” The one who stopped Gu Qing was exactly Ji Xiuwen.
Upon hearing this name, Gu Qing raised an eyebrow.
What a coincidence!
“Is there something I can help with?” Gu Qing asked.
Ji Xiuwen listened and then said, “How long have you been in this territory?”
“A little over a month.”
“Did you come here right after the territory was established?”
“Yes.” It wasn’t right after, but she had arrived as soon as it was established.
“Then you must have quite a few copper coins by now?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I just wanted to know if you’re interested in doing some business.”
“What kind of business?” Gu Qing asked with interest. Ji Xiuwen had only just arrived, yet he was already thinking about business?
“We, a few Earth survivors, are planning to pool funds to start a logistics operation. The initial phase requires investment. You know logistics—if it’s done right, it could make quite a bit of money. No one’s doing it in the territory yet!”
“Logistics? It seems like there’s not much need for transportation in the territory yet?”
“Not yet, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be in the future. We’re gathering customers first.”
“How are you going to gather them?”
“Takeout,” Ji Xiuwen said with certainty. “I’ve noticed that there’s only one canteen in the territory. The prices are reasonable, but not all the residents eat there. Many still make their own food to save time. The taste isn’t great, and sometimes it’s even cold. As long as we Earth survivors come together to offer a takeout service, we can deliver food not only within the territory but also outside the territory. We can provide delicious food anytime and anywhere. I think many people would be willing to buy. Even if the price is a little higher than the canteen, they’d still accept it.”
Ji Xiuwen’s plan was well thought out.
“You’re telling me this so directly? Aren’t you worried I’ll just start my own business?” Gu Qing asked curiously.
Ji Xiuwen didn’t seem foolish at all!
“Of course I’m not worried, because I have an ace up my sleeve.” With that, Ji Xiuwen pointed to a person behind him and said, “This is my companion. He’s a chef from Earth, his ancestors were royal chefs, and he’s really good at cooking. Plus, he found a special skill card. When he uses it to cook, the food will have special effects based on the ingredients.”
Gu Qing listened, a little surprised, and then asked the 999 system.
The 999 system quickly responded after searching for the information.
【Host, this Earth survivor is similar to Mei Li, and since he has a skill card, he can create food with special effects.】
Gu Qing looked at the person, considering the situation.
Indeed, if this person could make food with special effects, it would likely gain significant popularity in the territory in a short time.
It was certainly a good business opportunity.
“How much do I need to invest?” Gu Qing asked directly.
“This is just to ask about your interest for now. The official shareholding will depend on how many people join later. If you’re interested, come to the Bart Inn tonight, and we can discuss it in detail then!”
“Alright.” Gu Qing nodded.
“We’ll talk tonight then.” Ji Xiuwen waved enthusiastically at Gu Qing.
Afterward, as Gu Qing walked away, Ji Xiuwen and the others began scanning the territory again. When they spotted some East Asian faces, they quickly approached them and resumed talking about their business, completely unaware that the person they had just stopped was the territory’s lord.
At this moment, Gu Qing’s opinion of Ji Xiuwen had risen considerably.
She wasn’t particularly interested in his business, but she was intrigued by the mention of delicious food. She was curious about when that food would be available.
She was also a bit curious about Ji Xiuwen’s reaction when he learned she was the lord of the territory.
She’d find out tonight.
With a smile on her lips, Gu Qing entered the village affairs center.
Inside the village affairs center, only a few residents and staff were present. When they saw Gu Qing, they quickly prepared to bow.
However, before they could begin, Gu Qing stopped them.
They all knew the temperament of the lord, so they held back, watching respectfully as Gu Qing entered the village chief’s office.
“Lord,” Ulysses stood up immediately when he saw Gu Qing.
“I’m here to check out the upgraded village affairs center.”
“I’ve already taken a look. The first floor doesn’t have much, the second floor has a few more offices and meeting rooms, and I went up to the third floor.” Ulysses quickly explained.
Hearing Ulysses’ explanation, Gu Qing became even more interested.
“Let’s go. We’ll check out the third floor together.”
Gu Qing then led Ulysses to explore the third floor.
However, when they reached the second-floor stairs, a system prompt appeared in front of Gu Qing.
【Host, please set personnel allowed to access the second floor. Currently allowed personnel: Host, Ulysses (temporary manager).】
【Let’s not set it yet.】
With that, Gu Qing continued upward, quickly reaching the third floor. When they reached the stairs to the third floor, the system prompt appeared again.
【Host, please set personnel allowed to access the third floor. The third floor is the host’s personal domain. Currently allowed personnel: Host.】
The third floor was for herself?
Gu Qing was a little surprised. After telling Ulysses to wait, she went up alone.
When she reached the third floor, she was stunned by what she saw.
The third floor was clearly a luxurious residence, blending both living and working spaces. It was obviously prepared for her.
999 system: 【Surprised? Didn’t expect it? I prepared this for you, and living here will be so much more convenient.】
This was what the system meant by “never disappointing.”
Gu Qing wanted to say that she wasn’t disappointed at all, in fact, she was quite surprised.
999 system: 【In the future, this place will become larger as the village affairs center upgrades, and the host will live more and more comfortably.】
Gu Qing: 【Thanks, 999!】
It was truly a modern-style flat, and living in such a place was very comfortable, perfect for someone as lazy as her.
999 system: 【I’m glad you’re satisfied.】
Afterward, Gu Qing returned to the stairwell, where Ulysses was still waiting.
“The third floor will be my residence from now on. If you need to find me, just press the bell.”
As Gu Qing spoke, Ulysses saw the barrier in front of the third floor turn into a door with a button on it—exactly the bell Gu Qing had mentioned.
“Understood.” Ulysses nodded, not probing further into what the third floor looked like.
Over this time, he had come to understand that his lord was different from others in many ways, and there were still many mysterious aspects about her.
But so what? He had already decided that he would dedicate his life to her.
Gu Qing was very satisfied with Ulysses’ attitude. She especially appreciated that he never pried and even helped her keep things secret.
He was truly a good subordinate!
Thinking about everything Ulysses had done, Gu Qing couldn’t help but send him a skill card.
Ulysses, receiving the skill card, felt both amused and helpless.
However, this made him think of something, and he immediately collected his thoughts and said, “Lord, there’s something I need to report.”
“Go ahead.”
“I’ve noticed that some residents in the territory seem to have skill cards. These residents don’t seem to have the ability to use skills with the cards, but they’re a tight-knit group. They often act in groups and have become quite a force within the territory. Today, a new group came in and has been recruiting people nonstop. I’m worried that they might cause some trouble,” Ulysses said, frowning slightly.
The reason he discovered this was because he had anticipated such things. After noticing some anomalies during registration, he sent a few trusted people to monitor them, which led him to uncover their unusual situation. Otherwise, it would have been hard to detect this secret.
Upon hearing Ulysses’ words, Gu Qing paused for a moment and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
As expected, she couldn’t underestimate the natives.
The movements of these Earth survivors were clearly observed by Ulysses, and he had even sent people to monitor them.
She wondered if Earth survivors in other territories were also easily monitored?
Shaking that thought out of her mind, Gu Qing spoke, “The people with skill cards are from the same place as me. It’s a special skill of the people from our region. As for their gathering… keep an eye on them. As long as they don’t violate the territory’s rules, let them be.”
“Ulysses, their existence will make our territory completely different from other territories.”
Ulysses had naturally sensed some vague connection between these people and Gu Qing, but he hadn’t expected her to admit it so openly in front of him.
His heart skipped a beat, feeling a strange sensation.
“Lord, I will never disappoint your trust!”
Since the lord had said this, Ulysses was eager to see what kind of surprises these extraordinary people would bring to the territory.
As night fell, the residents who had been out began returning to the territory, making the area lively once again.
The Bart Inn was equally bustling.
Speaking of which, more and more residents in the territory had increasingly abundant funds, and their lives were no longer just about getting enough to eat and staying warm.
After a hard day’s work, they were willing to treat themselves to a little more enjoyment in life.
The inn had started becoming their first choice.
So at this moment, the Bart Inn was filled with many residents, ordering drinks and snacks, gathering in small groups to talk about the day’s experiences.
“The resource points around the territory are getting fewer and fewer. We have to go farther to gather anything.”
“Yeah! That’s why we stopped gathering and started focusing on beasts. The rewards from killing beasts are way more valuable than gathering.”
“My combat strength is insufficient. Fighting beasts would just be me sending food to them. I’ll keep my distance, it’s fine.”
“Anyway, I heard some teams have already started looking for new paths.”
“What kind of paths?”
“It’s news from some newly arrived refugees. There are territories in several directions, and those territories are worse off than ours. The same resources there can be exchanged for more copper coins.”
“Really!”
“Yes! Several powerful teams in the territory have already started to gather. They’re strong, so they’re not afraid.”
“Forget it. We’ll just stay within the territory’s safe zone. Anyway, we can live well relying on the territory, no need to risk our lives.”
“…”
In a corner, Gu Qing naturally overheard these discussions. Regarding the other territories they mentioned, she had already prepared for this. Both Bart and Alex had brought it up, and there were two teams under different leaders preparing to venture out.
According to them, the territory was short on people, and the main reason for the shortage was the lack of fame. Sending teams out would not only allow the teams to gain more rewards, but also recruit from other territories.
A good territory can attract people, and once there are enough people, the territory can upgrade and develop faster.
When these two brought it up, Gu Qing had agreed to let them go ahead with it.
She didn’t expect the news to spread so quickly after it was mentioned.
Perhaps they were preparing for mobilization.
With this thought, Gu Qing took a small sip of her drink and glanced over at Ji Xiuwen and the others in the distance.
In their area, more and more Earth survivors had appeared. Clearly, they had also heard what these people were saying, their ears all perked up.
Gu Qing could see that Ji Xiuwen, the Earth survivor, had bright, shining eyes.
She thought to herself that Ji Xiuwen must be a great businessman back on Earth.
As Gu Qing was thinking this, another group of Earth survivors entered. These people were familiar to her as they were the first batch of Earth survivors to come to the territory. Even Tang Ruiming had been invited by them.
After taking a quick look, Gu Qing realized that most of the Earth survivors in the territory had already arrived.
When Ji Xiuwen saw Tang Ruiming arrive, he stopped eavesdropping and directly stood up to greet him.
“Brother Tang, it’s an honor to meet you!”
“Hello,” Tang Ruiming nodded in acknowledgment. He hadn’t planned on coming, but after hearing about Ji Xiuwen’s idea, he decided to attend.
He also knew that Ji Xiuwen’s idea was quite good and would work in the territory.
Then, Ji Xiuwen invited Tang Ruiming to sit down.
At this moment, some Earth survivors started to fidget, unable to sit still. One of them couldn’t help but ask, “Is everyone here?”
Hearing this, Ji Xiuwen looked around and replied, “It seems like there’s one more person.”
He had a distinct impression of that girl, not only because she was beautiful but because she had a unique aura. He couldn’t quite describe it, but he had a feeling that she was somewhat important to his business.
“One person? She still hasn’t come? Maybe she’s not that interested. No need to wait any longer,” someone suggested.
“Let’s wait a little longer,” Ji Xiuwen insisted firmly.
Hidden in the corner, Gu Qing naturally overheard these words. She paused for a moment, then smiled slightly before standing up and walking toward Ji Xiuwen.
“Ji Xiuwen!”
The voice suddenly rang in Ji Xiuwen’s ear. He looked up and immediately saw Gu Qing, quickly saying, “The person I was waiting for has arrived!”
Everyone else turned to look in the direction of the voice, and when they saw who it was, their jaws dropped in shock.
Several people couldn’t help but stand up from their seats.
Among them was Tang Ruiming.
At this point, Ji Xiuwen had already brought Gu Qing over and was about to let her sit anywhere, but he noticed that many of the Earth survivors were staring at him with expressions of shock and unease.
What was going on?
“You all…”
“Lord!”
Everyone simultaneously addressed Gu Qing.
Ji Xiuwen froze as he slowly turned his head toward Gu Qing.
What? She’s the Lord?