The Succubus Queen, Han Kexin did not beat around the bush.
She sent a blueprint to Zhang Nu.
[Tower of Teleportation] Level 4 Blueprint. Costs "gold" x10,000, "space gem" x100, "thunder gem" x1000, "earth gem" x1000, quality stone x10,000. You may construct a Tower of Teleportation at any location.
Upon seeing this, Zhang Nu's eyes lit up.
It truly was an exceptional blueprint!
Zhang Nu's draconian priest possessed the ability of "Teleportation Field".
However, this teleportation field had its limitations. Depending on the draconian priest's power, the teleportation distance could range from several hundred to several thousand miles.
The further the teleportation distance and the more targets to be teleported, the greater the MP consumption for the priest.
Currently, within Zhang Nu's territory, the highest consumption of MP potions undoubtedly came from the deployed draconian priests throughout various locations, with each priest consuming one to two hundred bottles daily.
However, being worked from dawn till dusk, the teleportation capabilities of the dragonian priests would eventually reach their limits.
As Zhang Nu's forces grew and his territory expanded, the teleportation capacity of the draconian priests was no longer sufficient.
The Tower of Teleportation was a different story. Although it had a higher cost of use, its teleportation ability was incredibly powerful.
The first was area teleportation, allowing the tower to conduct imprecise teleportation within a certain radius. Although deviations were possible, it would not require specific teleportation nodes.
The second was fixed-point teleportation, which had no distance limitations but necessitated the use of another Tower of Teleportation as a designated anchor.
The Succubus Queen, Han Kexin asked, "What do you think?"
Zhang Nu replied, "Hmm, it's an exceptional item. I'll offer one million gold coins for it!"
Succubus Queen Han Kexin: "Are you joking? This is a Level 4 blueprint, Level 4 blueprint, I repeat, a Level 4 blueprint! Are you trying to anger me to death so you can just inherit the blueprint?"
In the current market, as long as they were somewhat decent and not overly mediocre, a Level 4 blueprint would start at a minimum value of one million gold!
Not to mention a Level 4 blueprint of such high practicality.
Zhang Nu: "Then let's make it two million!"
Han Kexin: "Hmph, forget it. It's at least six million!"
Zhang Nu: "What? Six million? You might as well come and rob me!"
Han Kexin: "I'll give you a little discount. It's a fixed price of five million gold!"
Zhang Nu: "Three million! That's the most I can offer. Perhaps in the future, these blueprints do have the potential to appreciate to five million, but currently, there aren't many Demon Kings capable of paying three million gold coins."
That was the plain truth.
Three million was nothing to Zhang Nu, whose territories could yield a few million gold coins in net income over the course of two to three days.
However, for most Demon Kings, it was practically an astronomical price!
Even for top-tier Demon Kings like Han Kexin, whose number could be counted on one hand, it was not easy to immediately procure three million gold. Such an amount would easily strain their resources and impede short-term development.
Succubus Queen Han Kexin: "The final price is 3.5 million!"
Zhang Nu pondered for a moment: "Deal."
Indeed, this price was quite attractive. Not to mention the significant usefulness of the blueprint.
For Zhang Nu, losing 3.5 million gold would have no impact on the development of his territory whatsoever. Therefore, even as a medium to long-term financial investment, this price was entirely manageable.
He paid the money and received the blueprint.
Zhang Nu was extremely satisfied. It was a win-win situation for both parties.
For Han Kexin, being able to replenish 3.5 million gold coins in one go would greatly alleviate her financial situation. She could construct multiple advanced buildings or recruit an elite army, thereby enhancing her own competitiveness.
Zhang Nu noticed something about the materials required for the teleportation tower construction.
There was something called the "Space Gem".
Such gemstones were exceptionally rare. Zhang Nu had hardly come across them in the market.
He consulted with the Bloody Giant Wang Shi and learned that a space gem was worth at least 20,000 gold. In other words, this material alone would cost 2 million gold.
It was an exorbitant price.
Nevertheless, the construction had to proceed.
Zhang Nu promptly paid the deposit, entrusting the task of acquiring the gemstones to the Bloody Giant Wang Shi.
To Zhang Nu's surprise, just after completing the transaction, Succubus Queen Han Kexin sent him another message.
"Oh, by the way, I have another teleportation tower blueprint. This time it's priced at 6 million gold, not a penny less. Do you want it or not?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Nu was taken aback.
Two sets of Tower of Teleportation blueprints? If that was the case, why didn't she offer them together?
After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Nu quickly grasped the situation. It seemed that this cunning Succubus Queen had played a little trick on him! She initially sold him the first blueprint at a reduced price, only to immediately attempt to sell the second one.
If one teleportation tower could achieve a functionality rating of 100, then having two towers would not be as simple as 100 + 100 = 200.
A single teleportation tower enabled range teleportation and vague teleportation. However, it was only when possessing at least two teleportation towers that the true potential of precise positional teleportation could be unlocked.
Positional teleportation.
Bypassing any distance.
Pinpoint accuracy.
These benefits greatly boosted its value multiple times over.
No wonder the Succubus Queen had the audacity to raise the price so significantly.
She knew that Zhang Nu would definitely buy it. Among the known Demon Kings, only the Dragon Demon King had the financial and operational capabilities to acquire two sets of blueprints simultaneously.
Zhang Nu: "Aren't you afraid I won't make the purchase?"
Succubus Queen Han Kexin: "You have no reason to decline. At worst, I can keep it for myself. Either way, I won't be at a loss."
Zhang Nu: "Well said. Looks like you've got the upper hand this time!"
Demon Queen: "Hahaha! Now you know what it feels like to be taken advantage of. Karma has its way, you know?"
She truly had a petty nature.
However...Business was business. There was nothing more to be said.
As for the second set of teleportation tower blueprint, it did hold that value.
Zhang Nu planned to construct a teleportation tower outside the Chaos Forest. With that, his future expansion and influence beyond his territory would become much easier.
Zhang Nu: "Very well, I'll let you have a small advantage this time. However, I don't currently have that much money. I'll need three to four days to make the necessary preparations. Just make sure not to sell the blueprint to someone else."
Succubus Queen Han Kexin: "You can trust me! I value my reputation, after all!"
Even if she was determined to sell it. Who else could afford such a price?
Teleportation towers were crucial and pivotal facilities.
The Succubus Queen would not simply sell them to a Demon King whose background and intentions were unknown, for fear of future risks. However, she and the Abyssal Dragon King had a deep understanding of each other.
Originally, Zhang Nu had around 20 million or so of disposable gold.
However, summoning the Abyssal Dragon, Long Yi, cost 4 million gold. The baptism of Marilyn required an additional 1 million. The construction and upgrading of the trial tower, as well as the castle's upgrades, incurred substantial expenses.
Now he truly found himself short on funds!
Nevertheless, that was not an issue for him.
Zhang Nu only needed to trade some of the dwarven treasury's equipment and jewelry or tap into the million-dose potions stored in the Giantree City's warehouse. Within a short time, he could easily amass the necessary funds.
However, just then, Li Si rushed over with a sense of urgency. "My master, there's movement from the empire again!"
Zhang Nu paused and asked, "How many this time?"
Li Si replied, "The scale is massive, and we don't have an exact count yet. But judging by the overall magnitude... it's at least several hundred thousand troops!"
Several hundred thousand?
A count could not possibly afford to maintain such a colossal private army. Without a doubt, it must be the empire's formidable official army stationed under Count Kolo's command.
The Thunder Empire's official army was incredibly powerful. It was a force that could not be underestimated!
Yet, Zhang Nu could not help but let out a chuckle.
It seemed that the Thunder Empire, until this moment, still failed to take Chaos Forest seriously.
The emperor might not even be aware of the existence of a Great Demon King like him beyond the southern borders, within the depths of the Chaos Forest!
Oh, the arrogance of the humans!
Once more did they fail to grasp the gravity of the situation!
Zhang Nu said, "As long as the Thunder Empire doesn't mobilize its full force to besiege the forest, it won't pose a significant threat to us. I want you to head to the Bloody Fortress with Zhang San immediately."
"Understood!"
"Please rest assured, my master!"
"We will crush the empire's morale!"
Zhang San and Li Si immediately set off to the frontlines.
Zhang Nu's thoughts turned to the empire's actions. He found it rather amusing that such a vast empire would only send a mere ten to twenty million troops. It was clear they underestimated his own strength as a Demon King.
However, this situation presented an opportunity.
He was in need of funds, and as a Demon King, warfare and conquest were his most lucrative endeavors.
Although Zhang Nu did not plan to personally join the battle, he would not underestimate the enemy. After a brief thought, he called out, "Long Yi."
Emerging from the shadows was a draconian, almost the same height and appearance as Zhang Nu. However, Zhang Nu's temperament and appearance were more domineering and majestic.
Furthermore, their dragon scales were noticeably different.
The scales of the Demon King had a dark golden surface adorned with intricate natural runes that were barely discernible to the naked eye, enveloped in a faint glow. On the other hand, Long Yi had pure black obsidian-like dragon scales.
Even though they belonged to the same race and shared striking similarities, a mere glance would reveal who held the position of authority.
Zhang Nu commanded, "Long Yi, make your way to the Bloody Fortress and assist Zhang San and Li Si in repelling the Empire's invasion."
"Understood!"
Long Yi was filled with excitement.
He never expected to have an opportunity to prove himself so soon after his arrival.
He was eager to showcase his abilities, and this was the perfect chance!
......
Count Kolo's territory.
The empire army was fully prepared, ready for action.
This was the Third Legion of the Southern Border. The entire legion consisted of 200,000 soldiers, nearly all of them well-trained elites. As a legion, it was inevitable that there would be a diverse composition of troops.
There were light and heavy infantry, cavalry, flying units, mage units, archer units, healer units, specialized defensive barrier units, as well as auxiliary teams and special forces to adapt to various battlefield situations.
In short, a true official army must be versatile and comprehensive. Their strength was on a completely different level from a ragtag group.
The Thunder Empire's southern border had been peaceful for a long time, and such large-scale military operations at the legion level had not occurred for at least a decade.
Their objective this time was the Chaos Forest. The mission was to capture the Bloody Fortress.
Unlike previous minor skirmishes with disorganized forces, this was a real war!
"My lord, our soldiers and warriors have all assembled and are ready to execute the will of Duke Bachor and the Empire!"
The commander of the third legion was a middle-aged man with a rugged and chiseled face. As a legion commander, he naturally possessed formidable strength.
Huang Hui said, "We don't have much time. I hope to deliver the news of our victory to Duke Bachor within five days!"
"March!"
Meanwhile, in the rear of this army, several hundred Divine Sword Heroes were disgruntled.
"Damn it!"
"Why does this guy have the right to seize command?"
"Duke Bachor clearly gave the authority to our captain."
"Hey, you know nothing? He is a guardian knight!"
"Guardian knights are the most trusted knightly order by the emperor. In urgent situations, they have the right to take command from local nobles."
"Moreover, this Huang fellow is a guardian knight from the Grand Duke Bachor's side. Whom do you think the Southern Border Duke trusts more?"
"In other words, if we win this battle, all the credit goes to him, but if we lose, our captain will take the blame."
"Hush, here comes the captain!"
"Everyone, shut your trap."
"......"
Su Wenhao appeared among the Divine Sword Heroes.
However, his appearance today was rather strange.
Despite the scorching sun and unbearable heat, the count draped himself in a large, black cloak that almost completely enveloped his figure.
Furthermore, the members of the Divine Sword Warriors noticed that their captain's aura seemed off. A hint of aggression, terror, and icy coldness emanated from him, causing an unsettling feeling among the Heroes, as if they were in the presence of an imminent danger.
What could have happened?
Why has their captain undergone such a dramatic transformation?
This peculiar and eerie appearance was undoubtedly a result of Huang Hui's appearance, and the Divine Sword Heroes exchanged confused glances, each harboring their own thoughts.
Su Wenhao slightly raised his head.
Underneath the hood, his eyes were colder than a venomous snake, but a malicious grin formed on his lips. In a dry and hoarse voice, he said, "Guardian knight? Let's see about that!"