Chapter 194 - 194, Investigating the Murderer_l
“Really?”
Petty saw that Fang Hao wasn’t joking.
But getting to know the neighbors didn’t seem like something Fang Hao would
say.
“Yes, and time is of the essence. Ideally, we should have these people together by tomorrow,” Fang Hao emphasized.
Petty’s expression turned serious. It seemed something significant was about
to happen.
“Sir, may I know the reason?”
With Fang Hao’s character, his sudden concern for the area around Pigmen
Village must mean something has happened.
“I can tell you, but don’t disclose it to anyone else,” Fang Hao said.
“I understand, Sir.”
“Have you heard of the Bloodthroat Tribe in the Bloody Mountain Range, north of the Pigmen Village?” Fang Hao asked.
Petty shakes her head, “Sir, the Pigmen Village relocated here. We are not very familiar with the surrounding area.”
“Well, the Bloodthroat Tribe is a Troll Tribe, and they might attack us. To ensure safety, I want to eliminate any potential risks, including scattered tribes north of the village,” Fang Hao explained.
Petty’s expression turned grimmer.
She had never expected that the Troll Tribe would attack from the north of the
village.
In that case, the village would be the first to get involved.
“Si-Sir, what should we do?” Petty was momentarily flustered, the first thought that crossed her mind was to relocate the village.
Or maybe hide until the battle was over.
“Don’t worry; we’re not at the point of warfare yet. For now, try to summon all
the clan leaders from the north.”
“Alright, Sir, I will take care of it right away.” Petty nodded in agreement. Having given instructions, Fang Hao stepped out of the Clan Leader’s hall, whilst Petty started contemplating the reasons to summon these Clan Leaders. Since they barely interacted on regular days, inviting them for dinner seemed unrealistic.
She needed to think of a reason enticing enough to draw them over.
After leaving the Clan Leader’s hall, Fang Hao headed straight to the center of the Pigmen Village.
He brought out the Book of Lords and turned to the construction section.
[Tower of the Fallen (Purple): 3350 hardy wood, 4500 stone bricks, 1200 iron,
120 Death Traces, 30 Shadowstones.]
The Tower of the Fallen was a blueprint that Fang Hao had previously won as a reward.
At the time, he was short of Shadowstones, so he didn’t construct it.
Now that he had obtained enough Shadowstones from the Blood Clan tomb, he
could finally start building.
Having chosen a suitable location, he immediately began the construction.
A purple beam flashed, and a towering structure emerged before his eyes.
[Tower of the Fallen (Purple)]
[Category: Undead Structure]
[Ability: Enhances the range of God’s Presence.]
[Description: A special structure for the Undead Faction, can be built in cities/villages within your territory, it enhances the range of God’s Presence.] The Tower of the Fallen resembles a modern communication signal tower.
It transmits signals to farther locations.
Previously, Fang Hao had to use God’s Presence in the Pigmen Village to control troops at the edge of the Bloody Mountain Range.
Now, with the Tower of the Fallen, he can use God’s Presence from his territory, without needing to go to the Pigmen Village himself.
“Lord, the people getting in touch with the other clan leaders have already left.
We should have their replies by this afternoon,” Petty walked over and
whispered.
“Hmm, what reason did you give?”
To gather these guys, a compelling reason was needed.
“The right to excavate a large mine. Pigmen Village has found a mining area which we lack the resources to mine by ourselves. We need the cooperation of the other villages, who we will partner with must be negotiated in person, Petty calmly explained.
It was indeed a good idea.
In this region, mining was both profitable and plausible.
“Can you confirm the time?” Fang Hao asked again.
“Tomorrow noon, at Pigmen Village.”
Seeing Petty’s worried expression, Fang Hao said, “Good, you don’t need to worry. I’ll arrange for the negotiations.”
“Alright, Sir.”
After settling things in the Pigmen Village, Fang Hao and Anjia once again mounted the Bone Dragon to return to their territory.
After lunch.
Fang Hao and Anjia swapped their mode of transportation to a Giant Lizard and headed for Pruell City.
The moment they entered the city, Fang Hao felt a palpable tension enveloping the area.
The number of guards had significantly increased and their patrols had become more frequent.
As they passed the tavern, they noticed it was closed, with guards stationed all around it.
It was clear that the events of the previous night had caught the City Lord’s attention.
“Master.”
Upon their arrival at the shop, Little White saw Fang Hao and came out to greet him.
The cleaning-up process was progressing quickly. That day was committed to the renovation and repairs of the exterior walls.
“What happened over there?” Fang Hao pointed to the tavern.
“I heard someone died in the tavern opposite us, not just one, but several. Guards have been here several times since morning, asking questions,” Little White replied.
The maids didn’t know what Fang Hao had done.
All they knew was that people died across the street, and they had nothing to do with it.
“Didn’t any eyewitnesses see the murderer?” Fang Hao looked towards the direction of the tavern.
“I’m not sure, but based on the circumstances, it seems the identity of the murderer is unknown, otherwise the guards wouldn’t still be investigating, Little White continued.
If the culprit’s identity was known, action would have been taken immediately. Instead, they’re still door to door asking for information, indicating that the murderer is not certain.
“I see,” Fang Hao nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.
Just then.
A team of guards approached from afar.
They stopped in front of Fang Hao and said, “Mr. Fang Hao, Lord Cyril would like to see you.”
Fang Hao raised an eyebrow. He just entered the city and they came to invite him. Seems the City Lord has been waiting for him.
Could they have discovered that he was the one responsible for the murder last night?
It was impossible unless the old man could predict the future.
“Let’s go, I have business with the City Lord anyways,” said Fang Hao.
Under the escort of the guards, they were able to enter the City Lord’s mansion unimpeded.
In the council chamber, City Lord Cyril was seated at the head, waiting.
“City Lord,” Fang Hao greeted with a smile.
Fang Hao was pretty certain that the City Lord knew nothing about his involvement in last night’s murders.
So he no longer felt worried.
City Lord Cyril returned the smile and replied, “Mr. Fang Hao, have a seat.” Fang Hao and Anjia took their seats to one side.
“There was some trouble at a tavern in the city last night. Have you heard, Mr. Fang Hao?” Cyril asked directly.
Fang Hao frowned and replied, “I heard from my staff when I entered the city. Have they caught the criminal?”
“Not yet. I wanted to ask how many servants did you leave in the city last night and how powerful are they,”
Cyril stared into Fang Hao’ s eyes as if to ascertain the truth of his words. Without hesitation, Fang Hao immediately replied, “Twelve Tier 4 infantry, the rest are Tier 1 Orc maids. You surely don’t believe I did it, City Lord? I’m a businessman. I dislike conflict.”
Cyril scrutinized Fang Hao’s expression but found nothing out of order.
He then said, “Hmm, then it seems the mercenaries’ deaths were due to some internal feud.”
Even though mercenaries have a legal status, they are often involved in unethical practices.
Many mercenaries are simply bandits under a legitimate name.
The likelihood of their deaths resulting from retaliation is higher than casualties on duty.
It appeared that Cyril, unable to get to the bottom of it, attributed the murders to a feud between the mercenaries.
Fang Hao did not want to dwell on this topic with him. He cut in, interrupting Cyril’s train of thought.
“By the way, Lord Cyril, do you have any white steel ingots available here?”