Chapter 490 – Two Identities
The Crook Family's lobby was relatively similar to the Calci Family's. Although Jesse's influence in the family was unprecedentedly high, the other members of the family still held their own power. If they united, Jesse wouldn't have any choice but to surrender. But in addition to Jesse's influence, his skill and wit was also good, drawing support from his family members. Because of all of these support, Jesse's word carried heavy power, however, he was still polite to those who supported him.
After having sat down on the lobby, Jesse didn't become polite as he looked at Zhao Hai and said, "Little Hai, I have a few things to say first. In my mind, you now have two identities. The first one is the Patriarch of the Buda Clan, and the other one is Jason's friend. With your first identity, you'll be my equal, in the other, I'm your elder. Which identity would you use today?"
Zhao Hai smiled faintly and said, "Grandfather, of course I'll talk to you as Jason's friend. I can only be the Patriarch of the Buda Clan in public. Privately, I'm Jason's friend. You're Jason's Grandfather so you are naturally my elder. I will be speaking to you as a junior."
Jesse looked at Zhao Hai, he was waiting for this response. When Zhao Hai said it, he was certain about how this man carried great importance for sentiment. Such a man was worthy of the Crook Family's full support, of being their ally.
Upon hearing Zhao Hai, Jesse couldn’t' help but laugh and said, "Alright, Little Hai, since you'll treat me as an elder, I won't be polite. I hope that the Buda Clan and the Crook Family can have an Eternal Alliance, becoming allies forever. I don't know if Little Hai can agree?"
Zhao Hai smiled and said, "Naturally I agree. But from the current matter, I think that the Crook Family would suffer a loss."
Jesse laughed and said, "Even if the Crook Family suffers some losses, it wouldn't be for long. Alright, since this matter has been decided, we'll go announce it in two days. Right, Little Hai, how about your new fief? Will you claim it? Or you'll just leave it alone?"
Zhao Hai smiled faintly and said, "Naturally, I'll claim it. If I don't, then wouldn't that be a waste?"
Jesse frowned, "Little Hai, the situation with Golden Island isn't simple. If you really want to claim it, it would be very difficult. Moreover, it might even lead to a war between two nations."
Zhao Hao coldly snorted and said, "War? I don't think so. If the Aksu Empire really wants to contend for Golden Island with me, we'll have to see if they have the ability. Rest assured, the Calci Family will fully support me, and if the Crook Family support me as well, the Aksu Empire wouldn't have any choice other than recognize my claim over Golden Island. Grandfather, don't forget, I'm still a noble from the Aksu Empire. If necessary, I can use this status as a leverage against them."
Jesse stared, then he immediately understood Zhao Hai. Even if Zhao Hai did have a stiff relationship with the Aksu Empire, he still had his title, he just cannot be attacked. In the end, his identity in Aksu Empire was still very useful.
Jesse nodded and said, "What would you plan to to do after securing Golden Island? You cannot mine gold from there anymore."
Zhao Hai smiled, "I haven't thought about this yet. I'm still thinking about how to claim it."
But Jesse was an old fox, he knew that Zhao Hai wasn't telling the truth from what he saw. He knew that Zhao Hai already had a clear idea but just didn't want to reveal it at this time.
Jesse didn't question him and just smiled and said, "Alright, today's matter ends here. Everyone can disperse. Little Hai, accompany us to drink a few cups!"
Zhao Hai bitterly smiled and said, "Grandfather, I'm preparing to visit the Third Prince this afternoon. Can we not drink today?"
Jesse doesn't care, he stared at Zhao Hai with one eye and said, "No need to waste your breath, you're drinking with us today. What's there to be afraid of? When you visit the Third Prince later, the least he could do is reprimand you for being incompetent." When he heard Jesse, Zhao Hai couldn't help but smile bitterly.
At noon, Jesse's group and Zhao Hai drunk so much liquor that Zhao Hai's mind began to turn dizzy. Jesse wouldn't be satisfied if they he don't drink until he collapses, Zhao Hai had no other choice but to keep up.
But Zhao Hai still went to Charlie, he didn't want to leave Charlie disappointed. When Zhao Hai left the fort, his appearance almost couldn't be recognized. However, he immediately drank Life Liquid and recovered.
Megan felt very amused by this. The Calci Family treated Life Liquid as though it was a treasure while Zhao Hai just uses it to sober up. If the family knew about this, then it was certain that Randolph would kill Zhao Hai on the spot.
In Charlie's mansion, the Third Prince was waiting for Zhao Hai in his front door. The two gave their respects to each other before going to the rear courtyard. Zhao Hai didn't ask for tea from the servant, instead he asked for water since he was supposed to be drunk.
Charlie looked at Zhao Hai's appearance and smiled, "What's wrong? The Crook Family made you drink too much?"
Zhao Hai smiled bitterly and said, "I didn't know that they can drink so much. Have you tried having dozens of people offering you a toast? I was scared that I almost ran away from the table."
Charlie laughed and said, "The Crook Family is always like this. People from the Imperial Capital actually has a nickname for them, the Rascal Nobles. People from their family were well known to be troublemakers. There were few people who can receive their actions peacefully."
Zhao Hai forced a smile and said, "Who would've thought that such a very old man can be so shameless, really."
Charlie laughed, then after a while he said, "Right, what matter did you go to the Crook Family for? Did you only go to drink with them?"
Zhao Hai smiled faintly and said, "It's a good thing, the Crook Family and my Buda Clan have formed an Eternal Alliance. In two days, their family will announce it to the outside world."
Charlie stared, then his face became happy as he said, "Really? That's fantastic!"
Zhao Hai was on Charlie's side. The strength of the Buda Clan was shown to be not weak, and they also had a good relationship with the Calci Family. This made Zhao Hai's reputation change greatly. If you add the Calci Family's full support for Zhao Hai, then even if Charlie fails the succession, keeping his title as a Prince wouldn't be difficult. It might even be possible for him to be a Prince who held real power.
Of course, Charlie understood that he currently had the best chance of acquiring the throne. The Crown Prince used the strongest among the Princes, with Charlie coming close second. But since Charlie was acting low-key, nobody noticed it.
Afterwards, because of Terry, the Great Clans came to know that the Crown Prince had the Robert Family's support. This was an extraordinary matter, the Crown Prince's strength increased immediately, making him look like he would definitely get the throne.
But the sudden demise of the Robert Family, the appearance of Engraved Ark. and the Antimagic powder, placed the Crown Prince in an awkward position. These made the Crown Prince's plans go into disarray. Because of his relationship with the Robert Family, he had displeased the current Emperor. He had also disappointed the Mages of the continent because of the Antimagic Powder. And because of Engraved Ark, the other nobles kept a safe distance away from him. At this point, he now became the most unlikely candidate to get the throne.
The Second Prince was too crude, he just couldn't be compared to Charlie. Rising Water City and Jade Water City had always been in a competitive relationship. However, Rising Water City had no way no contend with the current Jade Water City. Therefore, it was impossible for the Second Prince to get the throne.
But Charlie was different, he had the very competent Zhao Hai by his side, who had just been rewarded by the Emperor with a title of Marquis as well as Golden Island as his fief. All of these affirmed Zhao Hai's strength and status. This made Charlie's influence increase. And adding the indirect support from the Calci and Crook Family to the mix, Charlie's strength had now surpassed the Crown Prince by a few levels.
Zhao Hai smiled and said, "Your Highness can feel relieved, this matter has already been settled, there will be no mistakes."
Charlie's face was currently red. It took some time before he managed to calm down, he looked at Zhao Hai and said, "Little Hai, you really are my lucky star."
Zhao Hai smiled faintly, "It's too early to say that I’m a lucky star. Right, your highness, I'm afraid that I'm going to be very busy for a while. I'm preparing to claim Golden Island."
Charlie stared and then he nodded, "Claiming Golden Island is also good. But this matter was not easy to do, have you thought about what to do after that?"
Zhao Hai nodded, then he told Charlie about his plan to turn the island into a free harbor. While he was talking to Charlie, the other party listened closely as well. Charlie was surprised, he didn't think that Zhao Hai's plan for the island would be this big.
However, he still supported what Zhao Hai wanted to do. If this plan succeeds, it wouldn’t only benefit Zhao Hai and the Buda Clan, but him as well.
Thinking about this, Charlie then said to Zhao Hai, "Little Hai, I fully support your plan. If you want help, then I will provide help. But you have to give me one thing, if you succeed in making the place into a free harbor, then you have reserve a place for me to establish a shop. What do you think?"
Zhao Hai smiled and said, "Your Highness is too polite, with our relationship, this is a natural thing to do. Rest assured, I will certainly have a piece of land for you in Golden Island. When that time comes, I'll have to ask you for help and carry some goods over from Jade Water City."
Charlie became happy with Zhao Hai's response. He was afraid that Zhao Hai might change his attitude towards him now that his status has increased. If Zhao Hai did, then it would be a great blow towards him.
If Zhao Hai leaves Charlie at this time, not only would he lose his strength, the blow on his reputation would be very heavy as well. He simply cannot forcefully keep a strong person like Zhao Hai. When that happens, how can he become the Emperor? People who were following him would lose confidence, and the current Emperor would feel disappointed in him.
Chapter 491 – Announcements
After coming back from Charlie's place, Zhao Hai immediately returned to the Space. Laura and the others had been very busy these days. Now, the documents that they have acquired were already organized. Even though they didn't read them, putting them into categories wasn't very difficult. It has been two days since Zhao Hai asked the undead to write, Laura and the others were now in the final step in their task.
The reading materials were then divided into two classifications, those which were to be placed in Iron Mountain Fort to use for education, and those which were important to the Buda Clan and were placed inside a room in the Space's Villa.
When Zhao Hai entered the Space, Laura and theo others were relaxing in the living room while drinking some tea. When they saw Zhao Hai enter, Laura immediately went to serve Zhao Hai a cup.
Looking at Zhao Hai somewhat red and smelt of alcohol, Laura knit her brows and said, "Brother Hai, you should drink less liquor. You smell like wine."
Zhao Hai couldn't help but smile bitterly and said, "I really don't want to, but I have no choice. The Crook Family wanted to celebrate our Eternal Alliance while Charlie wanted to give me his regards."
Laura nodded, she also understood Zhao Hai's position. Zhao Hai had a lot of matters to consider, returning another person's courtesy wasn't something that he can avoid. But she still felt grieved. [1]
Meg felt grieved as well, then she quickly said, "Young Master, you should bathe in the hot spring. That should make you comfortable."
Zhao Hai thought for a moment before nodding. Him smelling of wine made him very uncomfortable. Bathing in the hot spring would be great, the warmth would do him good.
While Zhao Hai went to soak in the hot spring, Laura and the others sat outside and continued chatting. Laura turned to Megan and said, "Megan, with Brother Hai's title, how about we build a fort outside Carson City?"
Megan nodded and said, "That's a good idea, but I'm afraid that Big Brother Hai wouldn't agree. It costs a lot of money to build a fort, and all of the nice hills around the capital are already taken. The ones that are unoccupied aren't very good."
Laura thought for a moment and said, "Or Brother Hai can just ask His Majesty to take over Robert Family's place. In any case, nobody would want to take their fort."
Meg knitted her brows and said, "I don't like it. The Robert Family has been eliminated by us. Occupying their fort would seem very strange."
Megan nodded and said, "I don't like it as well. And His Majesty likely won't agree to it. I think we should just built one for ourselves, we can't skim on the money. Building a fort around Carson City is also a status symbol. This would show how dedicated one was towards the crown."
Laura knit her brows and said, "There's that as well. If we can build a fort around Carson City, then it would be good for the Buda Clan's face. I think we should discuss this matter with Grandpa Green."
Megan nodded, "We should ask Grandpa Green and the others' opinion. This isn't a minor matter, this would affect the Buda Clan's future."
Laura nodded, then the group talked about other topics. Before long, Zhao Hai came out of the hot spring looking very neat. Laura told Zhao Hai about what they had discussed, he didn't oppose to it, in fact, he was very interested.
However, constructing a castle cannot be done in one or two days. Zhao Hai told them that it would be better to solve the matter with Golden Island before thinking about a fort. Laura and the others naturally agreed.
The night went by uneventfully, then the next morning Smith informed Zhao Hai that the Calci Family would be having a banquet in Dark Soldier Fort. This was to celebrate Zhao Hai becoming a Marquis.
Zhao Hai didn't decline, he knew that this was part of the process of being a noble. This banquet can also make him better known to these Great Nobles. It would let these nobles be aware of his existence.
The banquet went very successfully. Zhao Hai's name was very resounding in the Rosen Empire recently. These nobles wouldn't dare to not give Zhao Hai face.
Additionally, these nobles aren't fools. From the strength that Zhao Hai has shown, as well as having the support of both the Calci Family and the Third Prince Charlie, these nobles knew that the Buda Clan was on its way to greatness. At this time, these nobles wouldn't miss the opportunity to make an early impression.
The day after Zhao Hai's banquet, the Crook Family formally announced their Eternal Alliance with the Buda Clan. This was without a doubt a huge bomb, making the people look into the Buda Clan yet again.
There were no nobles that didn't know what an Eternal Alliance meant. No noble would dare violate an Eternal Alliance, if they went back on their word, they would get ostracized by the other nobles. When that happens, they wouldn't have any other place to survive in the continent.
After hearing this announcement, the old nobles immediately knew that the Buda Clan was no longer worse than they are.
While the waves of this announcement was still echoing on the continent, another news came that made the continent shocked even more. The Shelley Family released word of their alliance with the Buda Clan.
An Alliance and an Eternal Alliance were different. Although an Alliance can also make two parties allies, both of them weren't bound by being an eternal ally. An ally was just what it states, when one of them gets into trouble, the other would give some help. The two's relationship can just be considered to lighter than an Eternal Alliance.
The Shelley family's fame was very huge in the continent. They held the most profitable hotel business in the continent. All of the Great Nobles respect them as a Merchant Family. For them to form an alliance with the Buda Clan came as a surprise, this made the people anticipate for the future.
This matter was already known to Zhao Hai. When he arrived at Carson City, this matter was discussed to him by the Shelley Family, of which he agreed. His alliance with the Shelley Family was settled much earlier than the Crook Family, Zhao Hai just chose not to announce it.
The Buda Clan was quite busy recently, so they hadn't had much chance to announce the alliance. Now that the Shelly Family made the announcement, Zhao Hai's clan would get very great benefits.
The Shelley Family also understood that in the end, they were just a Merchant Clan. If they made an alliance with the up and coming Buda Clan, they could only benefit without losing anything.
Although having an alliance with the Buda Clan would have an effect on their businesses outside the Rosen Empire, the Shelley Family believed that they would be able to take this loss, they have enough reserves from their many years of operation. On the other hand, if they let this opportunity for an alliance with the Buda Clan slip by, they would find it difficult to find another one.
When Shelley Family announced their alliance with the Buda Clan, the people of the continent went into an uproar. Now, there was nobody who underestimated the Buda Clan.
However, there were also people who took this opportunity to humiliate the Buda Clan. These people were no other than the Aksu Empire. The Aksu Empire used this time to come out and announce in a high profile manner that they absolutely couldn't agree with the Rosen Empire's reward for the Buda Clan. If the Buda Clan dared to lay claim on Golden Island, they wouldn't hesitate to use force in occupying the place.
This wasn't a warning, but a threat. WIth the Aksu Empire's announcement, the people turned their attention to the Rosen Empire and the Buda Clan.
The Rosen Empire didn't respond. They just declared that Golden Island would be the perpetual fief of the Buda Clan. The only people who will own the island would be the Buda Clan. If the Buda Clan asked the empire for help, they would without a doubt provide it, this was because Zhao Hai was a noble of the Rosen Empire.
The nobles of the continent weren't fools. They all knew that the Rosen Empire was just doing this to aggravate the situation between Aksu Empire and the Buda Clan.
When Zhao Hai saw how tyrannical the Aksu Empire had become, he also released his own statement. He gave a strong word that Golden Island completely belonged to his Buda Clan. This was the territory that was bestowed to him by the Rosen Empire, those would dare to oppose this decision would be challenging the Buda Clan. He wouldn't hold back in using force.
This statement of Zhao Hai was also a warning for the pirates that were occupying the island.
Regarding Zhao Hai's announcement, the Aksu Empire immediately fired back, laying claim to the island, announcing that it is the Aksu Empire's territory. Those who dared to occupy the island would meet the fiercest attack of the empire.
Zhao Hai released another statement, giving all those who were currently occupying the island ten days to leave. Ten days later, if people were still occupying the island, the Buda Clan would dispatch their own troops and deal with those people with no mercy.
This situation made the continent riled up. Everyone was anticipating about whether the Buda Clan would actually send troops to the island ten days later. Zhao Hai actually declared that he would deal with Golden Island's matter in ten days.
At this time, a Blood Hawk was carrying the Ghost Staff as it kept flying around Golden Island; not only to monitor the place, but to also see the Aksu Empire's action.
After Zhao Hai's declaration, the pirates immediately left the island. Whether it be the Buda Clan or the Aksu Empire's threats, Golden Island was no longer a good place to stay in. Therefore, all of them went and left the island.
Just like what Zhao Hai said, even if Golden Island was a crucial location, it wasn't that important for the pirates. The pirates only occupied the island because nobody owned it. But now that the Buda Clan made their claim, the pirates would naturally avoid offending them.
Zhao Hai's ruthlessness was well known in the continent. He was able to eliminate the Robert Family, in front of such a person, these pirates were naturally afraid.
The only thing that can kill Zhao Hai right now is a bullet shot in his head, what are you worrying for?Chapter 492 – Switching Owners in One Night
Zhao Hai was very glad about the pirate's response, but he also felt a bit of regret. He really didn't want all of these pirates to run away. If all of them left, nobody would remain on the island, and he wouldn't have any excuse to attack those pirates. These pirates have looted for many years, they should have a lot of good things in their hand. If all of these ends up in Zhao Hai's hands, he can surely make a great profit.
Zhao Hai was now a little obsessed with robbing people. Taking things by force made more profit than any other business, and its earning was gained all at once.
But Zhao Hai knew that it was impossible, the reason he made his announcement was to make these pirates leave. He knew from Smith that these pirates certainly had a major power as their backing. If he said nothing and just attacked the pirates, he would be offending a lot of people. Then, the Buda Clan would be placed in a disadvantageous position.
He issued his statement with a heavy tone so that the pirates would leave. If there were still some groups who remained, then nobody can blame Zhao Hai for killing them.
However, Zhao Hai underestimated his image in the hearts of the major influences of the continent. These people weren't fools, they knew that Zhao Hai was strong, they were also aware of how formidable his web of relationships was. Because of this, nobody dared to go head to head with Zhao Hao at this time since they still want to live. Therefore, they immediately had their pirates leave and find another place to settle in.
In fact, Golden Island wasn't the original lair of these pirates. They all have their own hideouts and were just using Golden Island as a trading hub. Pirates would trade with each other here with goods that had dirt cheap prices. They would trade living commodities here as well, allowing them to survive for a long time at sea.
Also, even if these pirates stay in Golden Island all year round, they still kept their base on other islands. Therefore, they immediately left the moment their backers told them to retreat.
These pirates also understood what when the Buda Clan goes to the island, the Aksu Empire would make a move. At that time, Gold Island would become a battlefield, and these pirates didn't want to get caught in the crossfire. They knew that they weren't qualified to join in.
After the pirates left, Zhao Hai switched his focus on the Aksu Empire and the Rosen Empire. The nearest territory to Golden Island belonged to Southern King Boris. With Zhao Hai's enmity with him, it would be impossible for Boris to let this opportunity go.
The Rosen Empire might also carry bad intentions. They bestowed Golden Island to Zhao Hai not only because they want Zhao Hai to aggravate his conflict with the Aksu Empire, but also because they wanted to terrorize the Aksu Empire's waters. Zhao Hai was afraid that the Rosen Emperor was just using him and would then have him removed when the matter gets finished. Because of this, he was also keeping a keen eye on the Rosen Empire.
However, he placed more importance with regards to the Aksu Empire's actions. In Rosen Empire, he has Charlie, the Calci family, and the Crook Family. If the Rosen Empire wishes to make a move, he had people who will come and inform him. Therefore, Zhao Hai didn't worry much about Rosen Empire. But with regards to Aksu Empire, Zhao Hai had no choice but to stay vigilant.
Sure enough, as Zhao Hai thought, the Aksu Empire has assembled more than 500 large and small ships and were preparing to occupy Golden Island.
Seeing this scene, Zhao Hai didn't make a move. He just calmly stayed inside Dark Soldier fort everyday. Some days, he would attend some noble banquets while having a carefree expression, as if he has forgotten about Golden Island.
Such actions made the people of both the Aksu and Rosen Empire confused. They didn't know what he was doing, it seems like his prior statement was a lie.
Only Laura and the others understood what Zhao Hai was planning, he was waiting for the Aksu Empire's fleet to arrive at Golden Island. As soon as the fleet reached the island, Zhao Hai would immediately appear and release his undead to wipe them out. Then, he would turn the fleet into his own undead navy.
Zhao Hai's actions made the people of the continent confused, they began to despise him as well. But nobody said anything to his face. After all, even if they think that Zhao Hai's strength was weak, he wasn't someone that common folk can offend.
Boris' fleet didn’t care about Zhao Hai's inaction. No matter what happened, they still started their operations. More than 500 ships started to sail from the Aksu Empire's southern port of Sula and were headed towards Golden Island.
Smith and the others were puzzled about Zhao Hai's actions as well. They asked Zhao Hai what he was doing, but Zhao Hai just gave them a smile and didn't answer.
Two days before the arrival of the Aksu Empire fleet, the Rosen Emperor suddenly summoned Zhao Hai. Zhao Hai knew why the Emperor called for him, he didn't say anything and just immediately boarded his carriage as it went towards the Imperial Palace.
This time, the only people present in their meeting was the Emperor and Zhao Hai. They were in a place at the rear part of the palace, inside the Emperor's study. Zhao Hai gave his greetings to the Emperor before he was invited to sit down.
After Zhao Hai sat down, the Emperor looked at him and said, "Marquis Zhao Hai, do you know the movement of the Aksu Empire's fleet?"
Zhao Hai didn't expect that the Emperor would be this direct, he immediately answered, "Answering his Majesty, this official knows."
The Emperor nodded, then he looked at Zhao Hai and seriously said, "I wonder if Marquis Zhao Hai has any plans for it. You should know that Golden Island was bestowed to you by the Rosen Empire. You shouldn't let those Aksu Empire savages snatch it. Do you understand?"
Zhao Hai quickly responded, "This official understands. Your Highness can rest assured, Golden Island will forever belong to the Rosen Empire under the rule of the Buda Clan. This official wouldn't hand it over to anyone, His Majesty doesn't need to worry."
When the Emperor heard Zhao Hai's answer, his expression turned slightly mellower, he nodded and said, "It's good that you understand. Marquis Zhao Hai, you are now a Marquis of the Rosen Empire, a subject under the crown. If there are matters that are out of your control, then Rosen Empire can provide you with help."
Zhao Hai understood what the Emperor meant. The Emperor was afraid that Zhao Hai didn't have the strength to handle this matter, so he told Zhao Hai that if he couldn't solve this situation, the Rosen Empire will act for him.
Zhao Hai smiled and said, "His Majesty can feel relieved, this official can certainly deal with a small thief. What this official wants to do is to invite the thief inside the house and then close the door behind him. This way, he wouldn't be able to escape."
Upon hearing Zhao Hai, the Emperor stared, then he immediately laughed and said, "Alright, Marquis Zhao Hai. Remember those words that you said, do not disappoint me."
Zhao Hai stood up and gave a salute, "His Majesty can be assured, this official surely won't betray your expectations."
The Emperor nodded, "Alright, you can go back. This Emperor shall be watching your performance." Zhao Hai nodded, then after he gave another salute, he asked to be excused.
It was already the eighth day in Zhao Hai's ten-day announcement. In two days, Zhao Hai's deadline would be done, at the same time, Aksu Empire's fleet would arrive at the island.
Now, every person in the continent had focused their sights on Zhao Hai. They wanted to know what Zhao Hai would do. But in the end, they were left disappointed, it seems like Zhao Hai wasn't planning to do anything. He still stayed inside Dark Soldier Fort and occasionally attended noble banquets with a smile on his face.
At this time, a lot of people believed that Zhao Hai had already accepted his fate. In their minds, they couldn't blame Zhao Hai, the other party has dispatched more than 500 ships. The fleet had about 200 ironclad ships, and more than 300 three masted battleships. The sailors numbered several hundred thousand people. Moreover, the number of 8th ranks that the Aksu Empire had sent numbered about a thousand people. They had also heard that a 9th rank expert was in charge of the operation. In this case, Zhao Hai would have no choice but to give up.
But there were still nobles who went to ridicule Zhao Hai. The Buda Clan's reputation had been rising too quickly, this made people feel uncomfortable with their rise.
Two days passed by in a flash as people kept watching the Aksu Empire fleet. The fleet had already entered Golden Island's waters and were preparing to land. It seems like they were preparing to station their troops there.
Sure enough, as soon as the Aksu Empire's fleet came to land, the Empire immediately declared that Golden Island was an inseparable territory of the Aksu Empire. They even want to build a naval base on the island.
Aksu Empire's statement made the people on the continent speechless. Then, all of them simultaneously turned their heads towards Rosen Empire. In their minds, Zhao Hai was already not in the equation. What they paid attention to right now was the Rosen Empire, they wanted to know how the Rosen Empire reacts towards Aksu Empire's obvious provocation. They waited to see where the situation boils down to.
However, what made them surprised was the nonresponsive stance of the Rosen Empire. It seems like the Rosen Empire chose to swallow this time's humiliation, it seemed very strange.
Under the looking eyes of the continent's people, the Aksu Empire spent ten days doing construction. In this ten days, Zhao Hai didn't have any response while the Aksu Empire went all out, freighters kept coming and going to the island carrying building materials on board. They didn't stop for even a minute, hundreds of thousands of man-hours were used. In the end, with the help of Mages, the naval base took roughly ten days before completion.
The establishment of the naval base symbolized Aksu Empire's victory. In the minds of the people, with Aksu Empire's naval base on Golden Island, the Rosen Empire would find it very hard if they wanted to take it away. Also, at this point, it seems like the Buda Clan was already forgotten.
Ten days after the Aksu Empire's fleet landed on the island, their naval base was already up and running, all of the people involved were celebrating in the evening. While the celebration was taking place, countless undead suddenly appeared on the island. The assault spread all throughout the island, including inside the Aksu Empire battleships. The slaughter continued on until daytime arrived.
Nobody knew about what happened on Golden Island that evening. The people just noticed that on the next day, the flags of the Aksu Empire were nowhere to be seen, in their place, Buda Clan's Wild Dragon Banners were waving with vigour. Aksu Empire's naval base was turned into the Buda Clan's base as well. At the same time, Aksu Empire ships were being blocked when they tried approaching the island.
The overnight transformation made everyone shocked. They didn't know what just happened. Did Aksu Empire's fleet do a collective revolt?
While the people on the continent were baffled, Zhao Hai had already left Carson City. He rode his carriage and travelled using his ship to head towards Golden Island.
Everyone turned their gazes towards Zhao Hai again. At his side were the same people, the two servants, his three fiances, and one maid, nobody else. The carriage and the ship only had them as passengers.
However, when these people saw Zhao Hai's carriage and his ship, all of them gave way. They wanted to see what would happen when Zhao Hai arrives at Golden Island. They wanted to see whether he would be warmly welcomed or turned back.
Before long, they got their answer. When Zhao Hai entered the island's marine region, the Aksu Empire fleet immediately escorted him towards the docks. When Zhao Hai arrived at the island, he immediately made a declaration, "The Aksu Empire's fleet have all been turned into my undead. If the Aksu Empire didn't immediately construct their naval base, their fleet would've been exterminated the day they stepped foot on the island. Let this be a lesson to the Aksu Empire! Let this also be a warning to those in the continent who wishes to invade Golden Island. Take the Aksu Empire's fleet as an example!"
Such remark immediately made the entire continent speechless. However, they didn't suspect ZHao Hai's words. This was because when Zhao Hai made his announcement, the Aksu Empire sent another fleet to attack Golden Island. In the end, they were repelled by the original fleet. In the process of their battle, the people on Aksu Empire's second fleet noticed that the people they were fighting with were all undead!
Their testimony confirmed Zhao Hai's statement. This made the backs of everyone in the continent turn cold. They felt shocked by Zhao Hai's method, and then they felt fear. In their minds, Zhao Hai was no longer a person, but a living devil instead!"