Chapter 108: Aftermath

Chapter 108: Aftermath

Having dealt with the two Evil Wolves, Claire sent up a signal to notify those outside to come in, and also to inform Alex, telling him to bring his men over to handle the aftermath. After all, Alex had more experience handling this kind of thing.

This time, they managed to seize the Evil Wolf Stronghold without shedding blood, thanks to the surprise attack, which caught them off guard. It was also due to the carelessness of Big Wolf and Little Wolf, which allowed Lin Xing and the other two to kill them in one fell swoop.

After sending the signal, Alex showed up quickly with his men. Alex proved himself a true strategist. Upon arrival, he immediately began working, directing his men to register and process the remaining bandits.

While dealing with these bandits, Alex operated on a voluntary basis. Those willing to stay and merge into the Black Wind Stronghold were allowed to remain, while those unwilling were let go.

Forcing the unwilling to stay wouldn't win their loyalty to the Black Wind Stronghold. Instead, they might harbor resentment, which would not be good for the stronghold.

Finally, Lin Xing led Claire and the others into the secret chamber of the Evil Wolf Stronghold and unceremoniously looted all the wealth inside! Although the Evil Wolves weren’t a very large bandit group, they had amassed considerable wealth—at least ten times more than that of the Black Wind Stronghold!

Lin Xing was taken aback and quickly asked Claire, “How do they have so much wealth, while you only have so little?”

Claire smiled bitterly. “Big Wolf and his men were notoriously cruel. Everyone they targeted was brutally killed, and all their property was seized. When we rob, we only take half, and we usually don’t target ordinary merchants. As a result, we can't cover our expenses.”

No wonder! Lin Xing nodded. Bandits like that would starve otherwise. However, the Black Wind Stronghold could be considered the decent ones among bandits.

When leaving, Lin Xing set the place on fire, burning it to the ground to prevent other bandits from occupying it later.

After this battle, the Black Wind Stronghold gained countless treasures and other items. Most importantly, the three hundred bandits who surrendered increased the total number of people in the Black Wind Stronghold to around a thousand, significantly boosting its power!

The news that the Black Wind Stronghold had wiped out the Evil Wolf Bandit Group spread throughout the Black Mountain Range overnight. However, the more established bandit groups paid it little mind, as attacks and territorial disputes among bandits were common.

But the smaller bandit groups near the Black Wind Stronghold grew nervous. If the Evil Wolf Bandit Group had been destroyed by the Black Wind Stronghold, there was no guarantee they wouldn’t be the next target. These smaller bandit groups feared that the Black Wind Stronghold would come to wipe them out, and they had no powerful experts among them.

However, in the following days, nothing was heard from the Black Wind Stronghold, and the bandits gradually relaxed. Perhaps the Black Wind Stronghold had destroyed the Evil Wolf Bandit Group due to some personal grudge between them, some bandits secretly speculated.

But a few days later, another incident occurred, throwing these bandits back into a panic. Roughly ten days after destroying the Evil Wolf Bandit Group, the Black Wind Stronghold struck again, swiftly wiping out another bandit group not far from their stronghold.

After absorbing the new members, the Black Wind Stronghold's power grew exponentially again. Within a radius of a hundred kilometers, the Black Wind Stronghold had emerged as the largest bandit group!

On this day, Lin Xing, Claire, and the other two gathered again in the meeting hall.

“Everyone,” Lin Xing glanced at the three of them, “I plan to leave here.” Claire and the other two didn’t show any particular reaction, as they had long known Lin Xing would leave. His announcement now wasn’t surprising.

“However, before I leave, I’d like to hear your plans for our future development,” Lin Xing said calmly.

“According to our plan, we’ll first annex some of the smaller forces around us, gradually building up our strength. Once we have enough power, we’ll subdue the larger bandit groups. Our goal is to unify all the bandits in the Black Mountain Range.”

Lin Xing nodded. “However, throughout this process, you need to proceed with caution. Without absolute strength, never provoke forces or individuals we cannot afford to offend. The result could very well wipe the Black Wind Stronghold off the map!”

Lin Xing warned them, fearing they might become overly ambitious and reckless.

“Also, when annexing and absorbing the smaller forces around us, don’t make too big of a move. Avoid attracting the attention of the true top ten bandit groups, or all our efforts will be in vain. Our principle is to act low-key! Understand?”

“Act low-key, develop low-key!” Alex’s eyes lit up.

“And one more thing!” Lin Xing swept his gaze over them. “You must improve your strength as quickly as possible! Especially you, Alex. As the Stronghold Master, even though you’re just a strategist, having only the strength of an Archmage is far too low. If someone launches a surprise attack in the future, Claire and the others might not be able to protect you, and you would be their primary target! With your Archmage-level strength, a Great Sword Master could easily kill you. So, you must improve your own strength as soon as possible!”

Alex gave a wry smile. When it came to cultivation, it wasn’t that he lacked talent—he was just too lazy and unwilling to spend time on it. All his time was spent on other matters.

Afterward, the group detailed some strategies for the future development of the Black Wind Stronghold.

A few months later, in Nether Beast City.

Nether Beast City was the last city outside the Monster Forest, a city nestled right against it.

It was called a city, but in truth, it was just a town, located on the edge of the Monster Forest—a small but prosperous town.

This was the only place for supplies before entering the Monster Forest. Many people heading into the forest would stock up here one last time, while those coming out would choose to rest here, enjoying a good meal and drink.

Not only that, but many merchants also came here to do business! After all, this was the edge of the Monster Forest, where items like magic cores could be bought.

In a noisy tavern, packed with a bustling crowd, Lin Xing sat quietly eating his meal. After several years, he'd finally made it to the edge of the Monster Forest!

Lin Xing looked forward to what surprises awaited him inside. Moreover, as he approached this place, he felt a vague summons from ahead, but whenever he focused on the feeling, it would fade away.

The Monster Forest!