Chapter 1213
After thinking it over for a moment, Joseph realized this method was actually quite feasible. Right now, everyone was arguing about how to divide the territory, and the most important thing was the boundary lines. Some people's domains got trimmed a bit, some got expanded—ultimately, it all depended on who had the bigger fist.
Take Cloudspire Tower, for example. Their forces suffered heavy losses in the Blazeforge Realm, but now they've got a Sky Rank Three powerhouse, Crompton. So when it comes time to divvy up the spoils and land, everyone instinctively gives Cloudspire Tower some face, and they end up with a sizeable chunk of territory.
“Isn’t there a small patch of the Four Seasons Plain wedged between our territories? Let’s split that in half and draw a boundary right down the middle. No need to fight over it—it’s an irregular area anyway and hard to divide. Add that little piece of the Four Seasons Plain, and it’ll even out nicely into a regular block…”
Joseph offered this suggestion to the bickering Blackflame Orcs, a faint smile on his face.
That greedy orc definitely wouldn’t let such a juicy piece of meat slip by. Teaming up with him, Mafa Merlin—who isn’t even Sky Rank—wouldn’t dare put up a fight, would he?
The Merlin Family has no Sky Rank mages left in the Blazeforge Realm, yet they still dare to claim such a fertile territory. What a waste. Sooner or later someone else will snatch it away, so we might as well let Shadow Tower have it first. Besides, we’re only taking a third—he still gets two-thirds, doesn’t he?
Joseph was brimming with confidence, not even considering that Lin Yun might object. But suddenly, he realized the chaotic meeting room had gone completely silent…
Everyone stared at him as if they’d seen a ghost, their eyes eerily strange.
Across from him, the Blackflame Orc who’d just been acting as greedy as a goblin suddenly put on a serious face, staring intently at his own fingers as if pondering some deep mystery—completely ignoring Joseph’s words.
Joseph was a little annoyed. He’d finally come up with a win-win solution, but now Blake—the stupid, dark-skinned orc—refused to cooperate. A third of the Four Seasons Plain was worth more than half of either of their territories.
What a golden opportunity. That greedy fool must be angling for even more benefits, right? Damn it, even half the land isn’t enough to satisfy him. I should’ve negotiated with him beforehand…
“Sir Blake, what do you think of my proposal? It’s the perfect solution—there’s no way to make it better. This way, we’ll have a clear boundary between our territories, and there won’t be any future disputes over land. Isn’t that great?”
Joseph wore a confident smile, not even bothering to ask Lin Yun’s opinion, already set on carving up Lin Yun’s territory.
The discussions around them came to a halt. People looked at Joseph with amusement, and over on the orc side, quite a few Blackflame Orcs were grinning strangely—like they were watching an idiot.
Next to Joseph, Slytherin from Dunespire Tower couldn’t help glancing at him, then quietly scooted his seat away, as if afraid Joseph’s stupidity might be contagious.
What an idiot—trying to mess with Mafa Merlin. Even the brainless slimes on the prairie are smarter than this guy.
Hasn’t Shadow Tower suffered enough? The Shadow Tower’s commanders in the Blazeforge Realm were all wiped out. Bilbo died mysteriously in the Abyss—does he really think Bilbo’s death was just an accident?
Anyone who believes that is an idiot. Bilbo was a cunning assassin mage—even after becoming a demon, his odds of survival were way higher than other mages. Morgan, that fool, didn’t die in the Abyss, but Bilbo did?
How could that not be a wake-up call for Shadow Tower? Damn, I thought Shadow Tower had been so quiet lately because they finally realized what happened at Sacred Mountain. Never expected they’d send such an idiot to negotiate.
What a fool, trying to snatch Mafa Merlin’s territory? And just a tiny piece at that—does he really think everyone else is an idiot? The part of the Four Seasons Plain wedged between Shadow Tower and the Blackflame Orcs takes up nearly a third of the plain.
And that section of land has recently turned up a lot of rare resources. By value, it’s easily half of the Four Seasons Plain’s total output.
How does an idiot like this survive? Mafa Merlin isn’t even Sky Rank, yet he’s here negotiating among Sky Rank powerhouses—doesn’t that say something?
Moron, didn’t he notice that even the two Sky Rank Three powerhouses haven’t raised any objections? The Blackflame Orcs border Mafa Merlin’s territory even more, but why hasn’t he gone to discuss boundaries with Mafa Merlin?
No brains at all. If I keep working with idiots like this, it’s bound to rub off on my IQ…
After an eerily quiet ten seconds, Joseph finally sensed something was off—but he still didn’t care. He was Shadow Tower’s top negotiator; any time Shadow Tower had a problem, Joseph was the one sent to talk.
This was a crucial negotiation over dividing the spoils, so Shadow Tower had specially summoned Joseph from Northend World. Too bad they forgot to warn him about a few things…
Joseph approached Blake again.
“Sir Blake, didn’t you hear my proposal? It’s a great solution—what’s not to like? This is my bottom line, I won’t back down any further. That little patch of the Four Seasons Plain, splitting it with you is the biggest concession I’ll make…”
This chapter isn’t over yet ^.^, please click next page to continue reading!
In the strange silence, Morgan, Rafael, and even Dida La looked at Joseph with mocking eyes. Everyone had made up their minds—it was best to steer clear of Shadow Tower’s idiots in the future.
These guys already have a bad reputation. The only reason their Mage Tower hasn’t been toppled is sheer luck, and now they’re out here stirring up trouble—this isn’t just stupid, it’s downright annoying, worse than being weak…
In the midst of the awkward silence, Lin Yun slowly opened his eyes. His expression was calm as he glanced at Blake, then at Joseph.
In that instant, Blake’s dark-skinned face turned a little ghastly. If not for his ebony skin, you’d see he’d gone pale as a ghost…
Damn Joseph, that idiot who ought to have his head squeezed by gods and demons. If he wants to provoke that terrifying Mafa Merlin, fine—but why drag me into it?
It’s just a bit of land—I’d give it to you if you asked. Did he really have to set me up like this?
That idiot clearly has no idea how terrifying Mafa Merlin really is. Not even Sky Rank, yet he’s taken out Sky Rank powerhouses before. Lord Kros said it himself: Mafa Merlin’s already at the limit of Title Archmage, ready to break through to Sky Rank any day now.
Once that monster breaks through to Sky Rank, aside from Lord Kros, nobody will be able to stand against him.
And he commands a terrifying army of alchemical golems, three ancient powerful races, and even a colossal warship.
That damned guy clearly hasn’t seen that warship in action—a single shot nearly blasted a hole through Sacred Mountain, tearing a rift in the realm of gods and demons.
This idiot must’ve had his brains kicked in by a Golden Swine—he clearly has no idea. Damn it, going after Mafa Merlin? I’m not looking to die…
Seeing Joseph about to complain again, Blake, terrified, hurried to speak up.
“Joseph, right? You win. The mountain range where our territories meet is yours. North of the mountains is our land, but the mountains and everything south of them are yours—no need to argue, it’s all yours.”
Joseph was surprised, but quickly broke into a smile.
“Sir Blake, how could I accept that? We’re talking fairness here, so that little patch of the Four Seasons Plain between our territories should be split evenly—half for each of us.”
Blake glanced at Lord Kros and saw that even Kros was looking at Joseph like he was an idiot. Instantly, Blake felt relieved.
He forced a smile and looked around the room.
“Gentlemen, I just remembered I have some urgent business to attend to, so I’ll be leaving now. As for the Blackflame Orcs’ territory, let’s leave it at this—we’re already satisfied with what we have.”
After a pause, Blake looked at Lin Yun’s calm face and managed a strained smile.
“Master Merlin, since our territories border each other, if you have time, you’re welcome to visit the Blackflame Orc lands. We have a local delicacy—the Golden Swine from the Blazeforge Realm. It’s not only delicious but also improves physical constitution, and it’s extremely rare. Anyone who’s tried it has never been disappointed.”
Lin Yun nodded.
“Very well, Sir Blake. If you have time, you’re welcome to visit the Gray Orc Fortress.”
Blake was overjoyed and nodded eagerly at Lin Yun’s words.
“Good, good, good! I’ve long admired Master Merlin’s Ironhold—always wanted to see it for myself. As soon as I’ve wrapped up my affairs, I’ll come visit, and I’ll bring some Blackflame Orc specialties for you to try.”
Blake left, beaming, and the other orcs looked on enviously. The Gray Orc Fortress in the Four Seasons Plain had long lost its original name—now everyone just called it Ironhold.
It might not be the largest fortress in the Blazeforge Realm, but it’s definitely the most prosperous. Even in times of war, orcs and humans can coexist peacefully there. Under the watchful eyes of the alchemical golem guards, anyone who dares break the rules of Ironhold ends up dead.
Many orcs are jealous but don’t dare visit for trade. Now that Lin Yun himself has extended an invitation, nobody wants to miss such a golden opportunity.
Kros smiled and spoke first.
“Master Merlin, I’ve admired Ironhold for ages. Ever since I first heard about it, I’ve wanted to see its prosperity for myself. Would you welcome me as a guest?”
As Kros spoke, Crompton joined in with a smile.
"Indeed, ever since I arrived in the Blazeforge Realm, I've wanted to see its most prosperous and peaceful city, but I've never had the chance. Archmage Leon, surely you wouldn't refuse an old man's request to go and see for himself?"
Kros and Crompton spoke up politely, and soon the other orcs followed suit, each expressing their desire to visit Leon's Ironhold. The humans joined in with laughter, eager to be guests as well.
In an instant, more than twenty Sky Rank powerhouses, every branch of the Blazeforge Orcs, and every human faction present all expressed their intent to pay a visit.
Some even forgot all about the territorial disputes.
Joseph stared at the scene, utterly dumbfounded...
Even the two Sky Rank Threes, who usually couldn't stand each other, were now showing goodwill to Leon. Joseph was instantly thrown for a loop.
My god, what is happening? Isn't Leon Merlin just a Title Archmage? Isn't he just a bit stronger than usual? Why are all these human factions cozying up to him, and those damned orcs even want to tour Ironhold?
Damn it, what the hell is going on?
Even Joseph, slow as he was, finally realized something was off—things had gone far beyond his expectations.
After the Blackflame Orcs greeted Leon, they hurried off, as if lingering any longer would risk their intelligence being contaminated by Joseph's aura of stupidity...
Joseph hesitated, then glanced at Arno from the Henry Family. The Shadow Tower and the Henry Family didn't have the best relationship, but they did cooperate—after all, the Henrys were merchants among mages and mages among merchants. Unless they were outright enemies, there was always some business to be done.
But now, when Joseph looked at Arno, hoping for answers, Arno just gave him a pitying smile and immediately pretended not to notice Joseph's silent inquiry.
In that instant, Joseph thought of a thousand things. With that smile, Arno had not only repaid old favors, but also distanced himself for good.
As the Shadow Tower's sharpest negotiator and quickest thinker, Joseph felt cold sweat beading on his forehead.
It's over, it's over. Who the hell gave me this intel? Is Leon Merlin really just an ordinary member of a mage family in the Kingdom of Andalusia?
Is he really just a bit stronger than your average Title Archmage? Bullshit! Which idiot fed me this intel? When I get back, I'm going to chop him to pieces—I'll wring his neck myself.
Damn it, I'm in real trouble this time. Not only are those Sky Rank Threes cozying up to Leon Merlin, even the Golden Orc Sky Rank Three is treating him with unexpected warmth—none of it matches the intel I received.
The Sky Rank mages and orcs here all seem a bit wary of Leon Merlin. Is he really just a nobody from a country mage family?
Damn, this is an insult to my intelligence. No wonder, once everyone came in, they fought over resources and territory, but not a single person dared challenge the lands controlled by Leon Merlin.
Damn it, don't tell me all those unclaimed territories actually belong to Leon Merlin?