[1-200] THE LORD'S EMPIRE

Chapter 16 - Human Village

Most of the soldiers were Militia, but a few of them held bows and arrows and a few others held shields, though they did not have the corresponding profession. Archers, Shieldbearers, and Cavalry needed to be researched or unlocked when a village leveled up. Intermediate Villages could unlock Shieldbearers, Advanced Villages could unlock Archers, and Towns could unlock Cavalry.

Right now, those who were holding bows and arrows and shields were relying on their own efforts and skills. They did not have the profession stats or skills, making them half as effective as those with a profession.

If Zhao Fu could conquer this village, he would be able to instantly gain the numbers he needed for the Great Qin Village. However, if he brought his people and attacked, he would be facing solid defenses and enemies with twice his numbers, so he would definitely lose many of his soldiers and most likely suffer defeat.

It seemed that they would not be able to take care of things through fighting, so Zhao Fu turned and said, “All of you go and hide for now. Bai Qi and I will go negotiate with them!”

Zhao Fu and Bai Qi headed to the entrance of the village, and the guards immediately called out in a loud voice, “Who are you people?”

Bai Qi was about to reply, but Zhao Fu signalled him to stop and said, “I’m the Village Chief of the Great Qin Village, a nearby village, and I’ve come to visit your village. Could I trouble your Village Chief to meet with me?”

The guards immediately went to report this matter, and after a while, the gates opened as a fair-skinned youth walked out and smiled at Zhao Fu, cupping his hands respectfully as he said, “Father invites you in!”

Zhao Fu returned the courtesy, after which he and Bai Qi followed the youth to a building. After walking in, they saw a white-bearded elder sitting down. When the elder saw Zhao Fu and Bai Qi, he stood up and smiled as he gestured with his hand for them to sit down, and the serving ladies brought some tea.

“I never thought that this village would receive such distinguished guests. I apologize for our poor hospitality,” the elder said apologetically.

Zhao Fu calmly smiled as he replied, “Village Chief is too courteous. Our village has not been here for too long, and we’ve only just discovered your esteemed village and come to visit. We’re quite late in doing so, so we hope you don’t hold this against us.”

The Village Chief felt quite surprised. “This old man was feeling quite curious why a village had suddenly appeared near us. So you’ve only been here for a short period of time. In the wilderness, dangers lurk everywhere, and it’s hard to find a place of safety.”

Zhao Fu nodded and was just about to say something when a youth walked in with a serious expression, reporting, “Village Chief! The Wild Wolf Village’s people have come demanding food again.”

The elder’s expression became serious and apologized to Zhao Fu and Bai Qi before leaving with the others.

“Your Majesty!” Bai Qi said as he turned to look at Zhao Fu.

Zhao Fu nodded and they followed the Village Chief outside. They saw 10 or so vicious-looking people standing there, and a big, dark-skinned, and ugly-looking thug roared, “Damn old man, hand over your food!”

The fair-skinned youth became furious and was about to step up to say something but was held back by the elder, who ordered, “Give them the food!”

The villagers complied with the elder’s commands and brought out 10 or so sacks of food and placed them at the entrance of the village.

The thug laughed with satisfaction after seeing so many sacks of food and called out, “You’re quite a smart one, damn old man.” After speaking, the thug ordered the others to carry the sacks of food and left.

When the fair-skinned youth saw them leave, he coldly harrumphed. Zhao Fu went up and asked what had just happened, and the situation was explained to him by the Village Chief.

This village was called the Li Family Village, and the Village Chief was called Li Youcai, while the fair-skinned youth, his son, was called Li Wen.

The Wild Wolf Village was a bandit village about eight kilometers away from the Li Family Village. The Wild Wolf Village had around 300 people, but as a bandit village, it essentially did not have any women, elderly, or children, and most of the 300 or so people were men. They were all bandits, rogues, and thugs, and they had quite a decent fighting force.

If the Wild Wolf Village wanted to attack the Li Family Village, with their solid defenses, the Wild Wolf Village would still lose many people. The Li Family Village was also afraid that the bandits would pillage and destroy their village, so they had maintained a non-aggression pact. However, the Li Family Village needed to hand over a certain amount of food every month.