Starting as a centurion, he fought his way through the chaos of the world.

Chapter 156 Planning and Arrangement

After hearing Hu Fei's words, Lu Ming did not move.

"Just read it aloud, I won't read it."

"My lord, the six major sects, plus the Black Mountain leader's palace, have yielded a total of over 20 million spirit stones, as well as nearly 3 million medicinal herbs. According to Sun Juan's identification, some of them are herbs for refining the Profound Water Pill."

Moreover, there are enough to refine 20,000 of them.

There are also many different kinds of refining materials.

As for pills, there are 18 Refining Spirit Pills, 121 Transforming Spirit Pills, 650 Purple Mansion Pills, 2,500 Golden Essence Pills, over 10,000 Qi Condensation Pills, and over 10,000 Qi Refining Pills.

There are three low-grade spiritual artifacts, more than thirty high-grade magic artifacts, more than five hundred mid-grade magic artifacts, and more than two thousand low-grade magic artifacts.

The remaining items have not yet been fully tallied.

Lu Ming raised an eyebrow; there were indeed quite a few supplies.

If this knowledge is digested, the Marquis's mansion should be able to produce another group of experts.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Transport all the supplies back. Give the medicinal herbs to Sun Juan and have her refine them into Xuan Shui Dan. Send the pills and magical artifacts to Guo Zhun for the soldiers to exchange."

All the spirit stones were sent to the warehouse.

"Yes, sir!" After receiving the order, Hu Fei withdrew.

Then, boxes of goods were seen being carried ashore and loaded onto the ship.

This scene caused Yunhe's lips to twitch involuntarily.

After all, there are things of my own in there.

However, they dare not show it now.

Just then, Lu Ming's gaze fell on him. "Lord Yunhe City, isn't there someone named Feng Ji in your Fengyun City?"

"Yes, he is the son of the Lord of Feng City. He has been spoiled since childhood. How does the Marquis know about him?"

"No, it's just that there are some things I want to ask him in person. Go and find him."

Lu Ming said calmly.

Yunhe didn't dare to hesitate and quickly replied, "Yes, sir!"

Then, he withdrew and walked towards the place where the prisoners were held.

By this time, it was already daylight.

The east was beginning to glow white.

After looking into the distance, Lu Ming noticed that more and more ships were gathering around the island.

"Zhang Meng, have the managers from each household come over. I want to see them before I leave and set some rules." His voice was very calm when he spoke.

However, those standing nearby could sense a faint but palpable killing intent emanating from Lu Ming.

It seems to be targeting someone.

"Yes, Lord Marquis!" Zhang Meng did not dare to hesitate and quickly retreated.

A moment later, he arrived at the beach and looked at the messenger beside him, saying, "Wave the command flag and let all the family members come up."

"Whoosh!" The battle flags fluttered in the next moment.

Those from various sects and families who had been watching this place breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that Lu Ming was willing to see them.

Then, he ordered the ships to dock.

A moment later, the heads of more than twenty families carefully disembarked from the warship under the watchful eyes of the Marquis's warriors.

Looking at the blood on the ground and the large number of corpses after the war.

There were also huge warships docked to the side.

And standing on it, a soldier with a stern face.

All of this made these family members realize that the new master of Black Mountain Island was extraordinary.

Mu Qinglin stood in the crowd, not particularly noticeable.

He appeared very reserved.

"Tap tap!" Just then, Zhang Meng walked over.

Although he is currently only at the Dao Foundation Realm.

However, no one dared to underestimate them, because behind them was a powerful force.

Zhang Meng is much stronger now than before, with a dark, fleshy face.

Wearing armor and holding a sword, he stood in place, exuding quite an imposing aura.

"Greetings, General!" Several fleet managers stepped forward to greet him.

A fawning smile appeared on his face.

"You must be the caravan managers. The Marquis wants to see you. Come with me." His tone was extremely arrogant.

When she was with Lu Ming, she was a completely different person.

However, the managers of those fleets dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction.

Instead, his face was full of joy.

After all, they would all have to rely on the faction of the person in front of them to make a living in the future.

At this moment, Lu Ming was still sitting by the campfire, drinking wine while looking at Feng Ji, who had just been brought over by Yun He.

The other party is now in a sorry state, and has long lost the arrogant demeanor he had when he was in the Mu family.

His left arm was cut off during the battle.

Although it had been bandaged, bright red blood continued to seep out.

He also had knife wounds on his legs.

Her long hair was casually draped down, stuck together by blood plasma.

It smelled fishy and foul.

When she saw Lu Ming's face clearly, her pupils contracted.

Then he knelt down on the ground.

He was initially pleased with himself for surrendering and saving his life, but he never expected that it would be the other side that destroyed Black Mountain Island.

"My lord, spare my life! I was wrong back then. Please forgive me, my magnanimity!" Feng Ji said, his head repeatedly hitting the ground.

A moment later, his forehead turned red.

Those around watched all this with puzzled expressions, wondering how such an insignificant person could have offended Lu Ming.

"Uncle Yun, please plead with the Marquis to spare me." Seeing Lu Ming still drinking, his face expressionless.

Feng Ji was facing Yunhe Road again.

However, the latter had just joined the Marquis's household and was well aware of his own status.

Moreover, they had no idea what grudge Lu Ming had against Feng Ji, so how dare they speak up?

They could only stand aside and pretend they hadn't heard.

"Didn't you say that you wouldn't allow even a single plank of wood from my Marquis's mansion to go to sea? Today, I, the Marquis, am sitting right here, and our warships are anchored outside your Black Mountain Island. Tell me, why can't we go to sea?"

Lu Ming's words almost brought the kneeling discipline officer to tears.

Standing next to Lu Ming, Wu Han was shocked to hear that Feng Ji had actually threatened Lu Ming.

His eyes instantly filled with bloodshot veins, and a surge of rage welled up within him.

"Snapped!"

He snatched the whip from the guard and lashed it across the discipline officer's body.

"Who do you think you are, daring to threaten the Marquis? Even your father would have to kneel before the Marquis."

These generals from the Marquis of Zhige's mansion.

They were all promoted by Lu Ming step by step, and in their hearts, he was almost like a god.

Now that someone dares to threaten the Marquis, how can we tolerate this?

The whip fell like a storm, leaving Discipline Officer howling and rolling on the ground.

Lu Ming felt no pity whatsoever.

If it weren't for his own strength, a single word from Feng Ji might have prevented him from even setting sail, which would have been a devastating blow to the coastal powers.

At that time, no one will pity you.

Just then, Zhang Meng arrived with the families from the coastal region and the sect's managers.

Seeing the scene before them, they couldn't help but swallow hard.

Discipline, in the past.

They can hardly even meet.

The renowned young master of Fengyun City, who was always treated as an honored guest wherever he went, had never been spared any difficulties by the other party. But now, he was being whipped like a criminal.

It's really hard to look at.

While fearing Lu Ming's methods, they couldn't help but feel secretly pleased.

After all, they had suffered a lot of humiliation at the hands of the discipline committee.

Mu Qinglin almost cried out when he saw Lu Ming sitting by the fire with a somber expression and Feng Ji wailing.

Her slender, pale fingers quickly covered her red lips.

Tears welled up in her eyes; this was a reaction to fear.

She never imagined that the people she once looked down upon would actually conquer Black Mountain Island.

Standing there, my body trembled uncontrollably.

Lu Ming looked up and glanced at the people from the various families.

He said calmly, "I have heard about your situation. I can not only protect your safety while sailing on Black Mountain Island, but also guarantee your safety along the coast. From now on, the coastal waters will be under the control of the imperial court."

In other words, the Marquis of Zhige's mansion has the final say. However, those who accept my protection must pay taxes; that is only natural.

What I want isn't much. I'll take 30% of each of your profits. If you're willing, sign and put your fingerprints on it. If not, you can leave now.

However, in this sea area, not only can you not sail, but your family will also have to relocate.

I can give you two weeks.

"Think about your choice carefully. If you can't make the decision yourself, ask your sect leader and clan head. I'll give you one hour to discuss it."

As soon as the sound rang out, the stewards began to whisper among themselves.

They can make decisions about the annual income of 100,000 to 200,000 spirit stones, but they can't make decisions about taking 30% as tax.

This number is quite large.

After all, overseas resources are abundant, so even if they are in coastal areas, they can still sell some things.

Their annual income is around several million spirit stones.

That means the amount of spirit stones handed over is at least one million per year.

Who dares to make decisions besides the clan leader?

Therefore, they all took out communication jade talismans and began contacting their families and sects.

Mu Qinglin was the same.

However, just as she took the jade talisman out of her hand...

Lu Ming pointed at the other person in the crowd and said, "Come out."

After being noticed.

A look of panic appeared on Mu Qinglin's face.

The generals behind Lu Ming, thinking that their lord had taken a liking to the other man, all wore mocking smiles.

There was no intention to make things difficult for Mu Qinglin.

However, Lu Ming then pointed to the groaning Feng Ji on the ground and said, "You said back then that without him, I wouldn't even have the right to enter your hall. Now I'm telling you, without my approval, your Mu family doesn't even have the right to live in this sea area."

Go back now. From now on, there will be no place for your Mu family to live in this sea area.

"Thump!" Mu Qinglin knelt down on the ground, her glistening forehead touching the ground.

"My lord, I know I was wrong. I'll do anything you ask, as long as you don't make things difficult for my family." Her voice was full of pleading. Lu Ming waved his hand dismissively.

The next moment, guards stepped forward and carried Mu Qinglin away.

Even with the opponent's cultivation level of Purple Mansion, they still dared not resist at this moment.

I dared not cry, but out of fear, tears kept falling.

She knew what the consequences would be if she went back like this.

Her family will not let her get away with this.

Endless fear overwhelmed her at that moment.

But the man in front of him remained seated, completely unmoved.

Discipline gradually lost its vitality.

What awaited Mu Qinglin was unknown fear.

At this moment, a steward approached cautiously and said, "My lord, I am from the Zhang family of Jiaocheng. Our patriarch has agreed to your request that the monthly tax payment of 30% be paid on time."

As soon as he finished speaking, the others stepped forward one after another.

A moment later, all the families agreed.

Lu Ming turned to look at Helian and said angrily, "From now on, you will be in charge of collecting taxes, once a month."

"Yes, sir!" the other party quickly replied, clasping his hands in a fist salute.

Those in charge saw Helian Nu.

Their pupils contracted; they had been so focused on reporting the events on Black Mountain Island.

They didn't notice the other people around Lu Ming.

Now that they saw Helian Nu, their little schemes quietly faded away.

This man was already a notorious villain in the coastal areas more than a hundred years ago.

Countless families were wiped out back then.

This established Montenegro's position in the coastal region.

I heard a few years ago that he was imprisoned.

Unexpectedly, he has been released again.

After giving all the instructions, Lu Ming stood up.

Looking into the distance, all the supplies had been loaded onto the warship, and Feng Ji was no longer breathing.

He said calmly, "Let's go back."

After the sound was heard, they walked towards the seaside.

Now that he has obtained so many spirit stones, he is eager to go back.

His generals naturally followed closely behind.

The family stewards, on the other hand, bowed respectfully as they saw them off.

It was noon when the warships started moving again.

Looking at the scattered ships in the sea, Lu Ming's lips curled up.

These family caravans will bring him enormous profits.

Based on the estimate of coarse cloth.

The monthly income from spirit stones will be between two and three million.

This is not a small amount.

At the very least, it should be enough to support the Marquis's current expenses in spirit stones.

And this is only more than twenty companies.

There are hundreds of such forces along the coast. Once I am strong enough, I will subdue them one by one and have them pay taxes to the Marquis's mansion. That will be a terrifying number.

However, given the current size of the Marquis's mansion, it is clearly impossible to achieve this.

We need to improve our strength as soon as possible.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye.

When I first returned to the Marquis's residence.

A large quantity of medicinal herbs were transported to Sun Juan's alchemy department.

The captured pills and magical artifacts were all counted by Guo Zhun and taken to the warehouse, awaiting exchange by the soldiers.

After Lu Ming and his men returned, the five warships, carrying 20,000 naval troops, headed towards Black Mountain Island.

A full 25 million spirit stones were recovered.

For the Marquis's family, it was an overnight fortune.

After instructing Wu Han and the others to return to their respective posts, he...

Lu Ming then turned his gaze to Yun He and said, "Come with me."

Then, they walked towards the front hall.

As he passed by Zhang Meng, he seemed to remember something and said, "Tell Bai Fu to come over here and check the warehouse for any useful refining materials. Then he can come find me."

"Yes, sir." Zhang Meng replied and quickly withdrew.

Lu Ming then led Yunhe into the front hall.

As soon as he sat down, he looked at the other person and said, "Take a look at this formation."

After saying that, he handed the diagram of the Great Spirit Gathering Array to Yunhe.

A moment later, a look of surprise appeared on the other person's face.

"My lord, this formation must be an ancient and wondrous array. Once it's set up, it's practically comparable to some ordinary blessed lands beyond the realms." At this moment, Yunhe looked at Lu Ming with even greater awe in his eyes.

The strength of a power depends not only on its physical strength, but also on its underlying foundation.

Putting everything else aside, this array diagram alone is enough to demonstrate the formidable foundation of the Marquis of Zhige's mansion.

"Within the fourteen prefectures and forty-two counties, including all the county towns, there are a total of over one hundred and fifty cities. I will give you 150,000 spirit stones. How long will it take you to set up the formation?"

"Your Excellency, two months is enough time," Yunhe said hastily.

With his cultivation level, the distance he traveled was almost negligible.

Moreover, setting up this formation is not particularly difficult.

"Alright, then I'll give you two months to withdraw the spirit stones from Guo Zhun."

"Yes, Lord Marquis," Yunhe replied hastily.

At this moment, Lu Ming did not intend to let him leave. Instead, he leaned back, picked up his teacup, took a sip of tea, and said, "Your family has not been affected by the war, has it?"

"Thanks to the Marquis's mercy, they are all unharmed."

"The Marquis's residence also has a house in Hongdu Prefecture, which I will give to you. Settle your family in and then set off," Lu Ming said calmly.

Yunhe felt a chill run down his spine, realizing that Lu Ming intended to keep them as hostages.

However, he had already made preparations and immediately said, "Thank you for your reward, Lord Marquis."

"Return as soon as you've finished your business. There are quite a few experts who have come from Black Mountain Island this time. I plan to establish a Service Department, which will be responsible for protecting and assisting the generals in foreign wars, as well as patrolling the seas."

You should be the first head of the department.

A fifth-rank official position.

With this identity, one can move freely throughout Dayu.

Yunhe never expected that Lu Ming would give him such an important position.

It should be noted that the people who descended from Black Mountain Island were not only quite strong, but also quite numerous.

They are definitely a powerful force.

He quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your trust, Lord Marquis!"

"Alright, go back and settle your family. I heard you have a daughter. When you have time, you can come to the Marquis's residence more often and keep the lady company."

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Marquis. I will have my daughter come over tomorrow," Yunhe replied.

He carefully withdrew.

After stepping out of the front hall, his forehead was covered in sweat.

Being with this marquis is really too stressful.

It seems that your every move can be seen through by the other party.

A short while after he left, Bai Fu came in.

Now, after his seclusion, he has reached the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm and appears to be full of vigor.

Even his full head of white hair is gone.

However, when she came to Lu Ming's side, she appeared particularly respectful.

"Your cultivation has broken through; not bad."

A slightly relieved voice came from the other party.

Bai Fu quickly replied, "It's all thanks to the Marquis's care."

"This time, we obtained quite a few refining materials. Have you seen them?"

"Reporting to the Marquis, we have already inspected them. We can use all these materials and even refine some warships, estimated to be around fifteen to twenty." Bai Fu naturally understood Lu Ming's meaning.

"Then let's forge all the warships. The security of the coastal waters needs to be secured, and the current number of warships is not enough."

"Yes, Lord Marquis!" Bai Fu replied hastily.

At the same time, he was secretly shocked by the sheer number of warships, in addition to the six he already possessed.

Lord Marquis, you're aiming to dominate the entire coastal region!

Clearly, the twenty-odd families and sects that passed through Black Mountain Island did not satisfy the Marquis.

However, in the coastal areas, there are hundreds of sects and some cultivation families.

Although most of their cultivation levels are at the Purple Mansion stage or the Nascent Soul stage.

The strongest among them are only at the Refinement God level, but there are enough of them.

When combined, they become a very large force.

Lu Ming ignored his thoughts.

Seeing that Bai Fu readily agreed, he continued, "You've been a member of the Marquis's mansion for some time now. I'm planning to establish a weapon-refining department, and you will serve as its head. In addition to members of your Bai family, we will train another group of weapon refiners."

You can choose any talent from the fourteen states.

"My lord, how many men do you need?" Bai Fu asked cautiously.

"The more the merrier. Take your time, there's no rush. I'm not asking you to train them all at once," Lu Ming said with a smile.

He also knew that this was a long process.

However, these talents must be prepared in advance; it will be difficult to find them when needed.

"Bai Fu will certainly not dare to disappoint the Marquis's expectations."

"Alright, let's go back and prepare to forge the warship as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir!" Upon receiving the order, Bai Fu carefully retreated.

When only Lu Ming remained in the entire front hall.

He reopened the online store.

Now that they have a large number of points in hand, they naturally want to continue exchanging them for items to enhance the strength of the Marquis's mansion.

Moreover, a large number of spirit stones should be used up as soon as possible to convert them into strength.

Last time, I found a lot of great things in the store, but I ran out of points.

Therefore, we have no choice but to stop the exchange.

Now, I have both points and spirit stones.

We can't miss such a great opportunity.

(End of this chapter)