With her resolve, Xiao Yianua was determined to pursue her ambitions independently.

Observing that the castle could not be upgraded in the immediate future, she decisively opted to utilize iron ingots for trade.

Seizing the moment when a majority of lords have yet to elevate their castles to level 9, Yinshi is acutely aware of the significance of iron ingots.

despite her uncertainty regarding their exact applications.

Presently, it appears she is the sole lord engaged in trading iron ingots to the marketplace, granting her the opportunity to emulate her peers and transact at elevated prices.

This could yield substantial profits as she possesses an abundant supply of stones, over 300 industrious dwarven craftsmen, and the capability to smelt iron ingots.

She finds herself in a position of complete independence, embodying the quintessential protagonist.

At this moment, Xiao Yinshua brims with confidence, her heart a light with hope for the days to come.

She has meticulously surveyed the vicinity of her castle, discerning no imminent threats.

Once the 7-day novice protection period concludes, even a beast tide would pose little challenge.

Chapter 27.

cooperation though by you vosiferously denounced the Xiao family orphans as scoundrels.

Her hands remained busy.

Previously, she had stocked 3,000 portions of food with 600 still available in the warehouse.

Without hesitation, she opted to trade food for iron ingots.

After all, food was the one resource by Yu had in abundance.

However, the ingots listed by the Xiao family orphans were scant a mere 150 pieces.

Seizing the opportunity while the dim-witted lords debated the utility of the ingots in the world chat, Bayou decisively exchanged 200 portions of food to acquire the last remaining 100 ingots.

Bayou retrieved the ingots from the warehouse, holding them in her hands.

The ingots, shaped like bricks, weighed over 10 lb each.

Yet in the presence of her 35 strength attribute, they felt as light as cotton.

This was iron ingot.

She had expected something of greater sophistication, but it turned out to be just ordinary iron, as its name suggested.

To upgrade the town required 10,000 ingots, demanding a trade of 20,000 portions of food.

Assuming such food was available.

Moreover, the price of food would only continue to decline if others lacked alternative means to procure ingots, their value would inevitably rise.

Gazing at the 10,000 ingots required for the town upgrade and then at the hundred ingots in her possession, Bayou lamented the long wait ahead.

She wore a sorrowful expression, feeling discontented, uncertain if there were any miners among the undead.

She considered that mining was simple, but the true challenge lay in the smelting process.

Given the intellect of the undead, she doubted their capability.

Ah, the gargoyle and several unstrengthened undead returned.

It seemed she had misjudged the foolish bird.

It had indeed comprehended her commands.

Bayou instructed the gargoyle and the other undead to enter the blackwater altar for strengthening.

After a minute, the enhancement was complete.

The gargoyle had turned black, resembling a small shadow.

Bayou examined the gargoyle's attributes.

Gargoyle enhancement skin increases its own defense.

can transform into a statue to absorb a portion of magic, enhancing itself, not exceeding its own level.

Each attribute five, unlike the legends of her past life, these gargoyles did not fear sunlight, nor did they revert to stone when exposed.

On the contrary, after this enhancement, they could voluntarily transform into statues, absorbing magic to bolster their abilities.

Truly, high tier units were remarkable.

The enhancements became increasingly extraordinary with each level.

After a night and a morning of upgrades, the gargoyle had reached level 5, Bayou found herself looking down on the once summoned, unupgradable level one skeleton soldiers.

The efficiency of the undead and slaying foes within the castle territory had improved thanks to the enhancement of the bone throne.

Even a level one skeleton soldiers incapable of upgrading could reach level two.

Unfortunately, the area surrounding the castle had become devoid of wild monsters, and the number of undead continued to grow.

A casual glance outside the castle revealed several skeletons compelled to venture further away to fulfill by you's orders.

You have a new private message from friend.

It was obvious who it was, for Bayou had but one friend.

Uncertain of the orphan's intentions, I was informed that the food had once again run out, and I began to suspect that you were nothing but a glutton.

Bayou said indignantly, having already labeled that detestable Xiao orphan as a schemer, a greedy eater and a bloated lord in her mind.

Bayou opened a private chat.

Xiao orphan, are you there, boss? I find myself in need of food once more, specifically 500 portions.

This time, I shall trade you wooden planks.

I will exchange both wood and stone with you.

Little green tea ugo orphan label one scorn yellow fortress.

Sure.

I have a question for you.

Do you have any iron ingots for the development of my castle? By you was compelled to lower her status.

Xiao orphan.

Yes, I have a mine nearby.

Coincidentally, my troops can refine iron ore.

Haha, how foolish to divulge the source of the iron ingots.

Just as Bayou suspected, the iron ingots were simply unadorned pieces of metal undoubtedly mined and then smelted in a furnace.

Bayou felt she had overestimated this game.

Indeed, some things were as unpretentious as they appeared.

Why did he feel the need to share this with me, even if he told me? I had neither a mind nor a furnace, and I was utterly unskilled in refining ore.

With this thought, Bayou found herself in tears once more, overwhelmed by emotion.

Just as she was about to respond to Xiao, Orphan with a proposal for collaboration, her little hand froze midair.

If she traded food for his iron ingots, he would clear out his stone supply, allowing him to barter with other lords for more food.

His diminished food requirements would consequently mean he would not frequently seek Bayou for food in exchange for iron ingots.

He surely understood the significance of the iron ingots and would not treat their trade as casually as Bayou did with her food.

How infuriating.

I have no advantage whatsoever.

still caught in her thoughts by you noticed that Xiao orphan had sent another message due to her delayed response.

Xiao orphan boss, are you interested in trading ironing its? This revelation also conveyed to Xiao Lianua the information that Bayou's castle had reached its maximum level.

Xiao Yianua was no fool.

She had upgraded her castle to full capacity precisely because of her advantageous position, while Bayu's circumstances were evidently less favorable.

Xiao Yinua speculated that Bay used troops were likely powerful and probably consumed little to no food.

Otherwise, it would be inexplicable how she could so readily offer such an abundance of food.

Xiao Yinshua believed by us strength must be formidable.

Her own troops were woefully weak.

Although Xiao Yinua felt confident about the impending beast tide, the real challenge lay ahead in the contest among myriad factions.

Relying solely on her dominion of craftsmen, she would be in peril if discovered.

Thus, forming an alliance with Bayou was of utmost necessity.

Xiao Inua simply hoped Bayou was not a balding, greasy old man.

Preferably a tall, handsome figure standing at least 6 ft.

Scorned yellow fortress.

Indeed, how many can you trade? Xiao, orphan, to demonstrate my sincerity, how about I offer 300 iron ingots in exchange for 500 portions of food.

Moreover, should the esteemed individual require it, I can pledge to trade 200 iron ingots daily in exchange for merely 300 units of food, considered an opportunity to forge a friendship with you, esteemed one, by you exclaimed, "You, my dear fellow, possess a knack for business.

You have even granted me a discount of 100 food items, making me appear rather foolish, yet I find it delightful.

" Sneering Hang Bao.

Very well, my dear friend.

Bayou, in her excitement, nearly uttered, "If you do not abandon me, I would gladly call you father.

" Fortunately, Bayou remained composed.

Otherwise, she would have been left in utter embarrassment.

Chapter 28.

The howling silver wolf approaches.

The Xiao orphans have initiated a trade.