Fort Lasberg was the largest fort controlled by the House of Lavers. It was one-seventh the size of the City of Shadows. It was surrounded by mountains that were rich in natural resources. There were also several small-scale energy mines. It was the largest stronghold of the House of Lavers outside the City of Shadows.
This Fort was obviously much more valuable than the cities that Andre assigned to the lesser family clans. Other than the fact that Fort Lasberg was a little far from the City of Shadows, there was nothing else that could be said about it. It was no wonder that the patriarchs of lesser family clans were displeased when they heard that Andre had handed over Fort Lasberg to Han Shuo.
Han Shuo had visited the House of Lavers' residences in the City of Shadows when he first arrived in the City of Shadows. Each and every one of those buildings towered into the clouds and occupied an enormous area. They had all the facilities one could wish for. Energy towers and energy boundaries could be found in every area. There were even several gymnasiums.
In the City of Shadows where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold, it was truly a luxurious mansion! Even the Celestial Pearl Pharmacy that Han Shuo was currently residing in paled in comparison to that mansion. Now that the Lavers Family, one of the five major family clans, had left, it would be impossible to purchase that mansion without several million black crystal coins.
Fort Lasberg and that mansion in the City of Shadows were the two biggest pieces of meat left behind by the House of Lavers. Now that both pieces of meat had been handed over to the Han family by Andre, it would be strange if the patriarchs of lesser family clans didn't complain!
Han Shuo did not expect that Andre and Wallace would be so generous. It was as though all the good things were going to happen to him. Fort Lasberg and the mansion of the Lavers Residence were two of the most coveted pieces of meat. Han Shuo was at a loss as to what to do. He did not understand why the two would hand them over to him.
The patriarchs of the lesser family clans were still arguing. Andre and Wallace remained unmoved. After a while, seeing that they were still arguing, Wallace let out a soft groan and said in a deep voice, "Brian has made a great contribution to the City of Shadows. He has successfully located the largest godhunter stronghold and allowed us to deal a heavy blow to the godhunters. Mirage City and Hushveil City are aware of this. Besides, the Han family is just starting out. It is only natural that we give them some benefits. There is no need to discuss this further!"
Since Wallace had spoken, even if the patriarchs of lesser family clans were unwilling, they had no choice but to keep quiet. They looked at Han Shuo with gazes filled with jealousy.
"Don't be disgruntled. The Han family will not take Fort Lasberg and that mansion for nothing," said Andre smilingly. Andre put on a faint smile and said, "Bryan, you've gotten such a great bargain. A million black crystal coins is definitely not a small price to pay!"
"No problem!" Even ten million black crystal coins wouldn't be enough to purchase Fort Lasberg and that mansion. Fort Lasberg, in particular, was a city several times larger than the Lancelot Empire on Profound Continent. Its value to Han Shuo was simply immeasurable.
Moreover, with the Celestial Pearl Pharmacy, Han Shuo didn't have to worry about crystal coins. Candide, Emily, Phoebe, Ayermike Cotton, and the others were all talented in city management. It was unimaginable how much profit Fort Lasberg could bring to Han Shuo in their hands.
"I'm willing to fork out five million black crystal coins for Fort Lasberg and that mansion!" the patriarch of a small family clan muttered indignantly.
"That's settled then. There's no need to discuss this further!" Shouted Wallace with his brows bunched. All the patriarchs of lesser family clans immediately shut their mouths.
Andre cleared his throat to attract the crowd's attention. He put on a faint smile and said, "Alright, let's move on to another issue. My elder brother wants someone to fill Avery's vacant position as Chief of Fifth Corps. You can nominate some capable candidates for the position. My elder brother will make the final decision."
As soon as Andre said those words, the eyes of the other three major family clans who had not revealed any emotion suddenly lit up. They sat upright and still. It was obvious that they attached great importance to the matter.
To the three patriarchs, the position of Chief of Divine Guards in the City of Shadows meant military strength. Compared to the shops, houses, and fortresses left behind by the House of Lavers, they valued the authority and military strength of the Chief of Divine Guards more. The three major family clans had no shortage of fortresses and shops. To them, the shops Andre bestowed upon them were just the icing on the cake.
However, every one of the seven Chiefs of Divine Guards in the City of Shadows had the right to command a team of elite divine guards. These elite divine guards were the forces that they truly cared about.
In the City of Shadows, major family clans had the right to recruit divine guards. However, the House of Sainte would strictly control the number of divine guards they could recruit. This was to prevent smaller family clans from outnumbering the House of Sainte in terms of quality and quantity. Based on the size of a family clan's business and strength, the number of divine guards they could recruit would be strictly controlled.
On Elysium, wealth, identity, and status were earned by a family clan's strength. The strength of a family clan was determined by the strength of its military strength. This referred to the number and quality of its divine guards. Having two Chiefs of Divine Guards in a family clan was tantamount to having a new source of military strength. Therefore, when the patriarchs of the three family clans heard Andre mention the Fifth Corps, they immediately displayed their desire.
The eyes of the patriarchs of the smaller family clans were even brighter. They knew that as long as they had sufficient military strength, it was only a matter of time before they could obtain those shops and houses. All along, the reason why the House of Sainte, House of Kinson, House of Lavers, House of Kisa, and House of Buller were able to stand above all the other small family clans was because they controlled the military force of the City of Shadows.
The reason why the House of Sainte was so far ahead of the other four major family clans, other than the number of elite and expert divine guards in the family clan, was that the top three Chiefs of Divine Guards were from the House of Sainte!
For those small family clans, only when a member of their family clan became a Chief of Divine Guards would their family clan be considered as one of the major family clans. For a major family clan, the position of Chief of the Fifth Corps signified that they could advance a step further and become the second largest family clan in the City of Shadows, second only to the House of Sainte. For a small family clan, it signified that they could truly become one of the top family clans in the City of Shadows!
Those who coveted the position of Chief of the Fifth Corps immediately became restless and excited when they heard that Wallace was looking for someone to take over the position.
"Lord Andre, didn't you say that only Avery's head can be taken for this position?" asked a patriarch of a small family clan puzzledly.
"Avery has disappeared without a trace. However, the position of Chief of the Fifth Corps cannot be left empty. We need to find someone to replace him. If someone can take Avery's head, we can discuss further!" said Andre.
These people had been drooling over the position of Chief of the Fifth Corps for a long time. After hearing Andre's words, they immediately started making plans.
The people in the hall were whispering to each other and discussing about the vacancy in the Fifth Corps. The patriarchs of the three major family clans could no longer remain calm and collected. They started whispering to their family clansmen. It was obvious that they were very interested in the position of the Fifth Corps.
Wallace cleared his throat and in a deep voice, he said, "The position of Chief of the Fifth Corps is of great responsibility. The successor must have sufficient strength and talent. Who do you have in mind for this position?"
As soon as those words left Wallace's mouth, the crowd in the hall went into an uproar. Many people were recommended in an instant.
The patriarchs of the three major family clans didn't utter a single word. The members of their family clans pushed their own family clans up one by one. Han Shuo observed carefully for a moment and discovered that none of them had recommended any outsiders. Almost all of them were from within their own family clans. Each and every one of them revealed their determination to win this position.
The people in the hall were discussing fervently. All kinds of people were pushed onto the stage. None of the parties were willing to budge an inch. The situation was in a deadlock.
As the voices of discussion grew louder and louder, Wallace put on a rather impatient face and said in a low voice, "The position of Chief of the Fifth Corps is of great responsibility. The successor must be at least a highgod. This is the minimum requirement!"
Upon hearing those words, the midgods recommended by the minor family clans were undoubtedly sentenced to death! The patriarchs of the major family clans were startled. They gestured to their family clans and their family clans began recommending their patriarchs to take over the Fifth Corps.
Although there were very few highgods in minor family clans, almost all the patriarchs were highgods. Han Shuo made a rough estimation and found that there were a total of nine candidates recommended for the position of Chief of the Fifth Corps. All of them were from major family clans.
"I think Brian is a good candidate. In the last godhunter hunt, Brian has proven his ability and strength. I think he is a suitable candidate!" said Andre as the crowd paused for a moment. He pushed Han Shuo onto the stage.
The patriarchs of the three major family clans bunched their brows. Their eyes started to flicker. The patriarchs of the minor family clans immediately shut their mouths. The hall became quiet in an instant.
Andre was from the House of Sainte. Did his words mean that he was from the House of Sainte? Did Wallace have the same intention? The crowd stared blankly for a moment before they immediately thought of this question. Therefore, many of them became silent.
Han Shuo had long known that Andre and Wallace intended for him to take over the Fifth Corps. Therefore, after hearing Andre's words, Han Shuo feigned shock and humbly replied, "Lord Andre is flattering me!" Upon hearing those words, Han Shuo shut his mouth. He did not express his interest in the position nor did he decline. His attitude was worth pondering.
"I think Brian is a good candidate!" said Wallace in a soft voice after keeping silent for a long while.
The patriarchs of the minor family clans felt bitter in their hearts after hearing those words from Wallace. However, they still put on serious looks on their faces. None of them made a sound.
The patriarchs of the three major family clans did not have much contact with Han Shuo. However, some members of their family clans were very close to Han Shuo due to the Celestial Pearl Pharmacy. If it was just an ordinary position, the patriarchs of the three major family clans might just give it to Han Shuo. However, this was a matter of great importance. Even though they had a good relationship with the Celestial Pearl Pharmacy, they could not give it to Han Shuo.
Therefore, the patriarchs of the three major family clans remained silent. Their eyes flickered with uncertainty. Although they did not say a word, they had indirectly revealed their unwillingness to cooperate.
Wallace regarded the patriarchs of the three major family clans very highly. Seeing that the three were not saying a word, he took the initiative to ask for their opinion, "What do the three of you think?"
The three exchanged glances with each other. Kinloch of the House of Kisa hesitated for a moment before he said, "Brian is still young and not too familiar with the situation in the City of Shadows. He has just taken over a family clan and has yet to prove his capabilities. Wouldn't it be too much of a leap to take over the Fifth Corps?"
The patriarchs of the other two major family clans nodded in agreement after hearing Kinloch's words. They all agreed that Han Shuo needed more tempering. The three were not willing to give up so easily on such an important issue.
"I see …" Wallace softly muttered. He then turned to the patriarchs of the minor family clans and asked, "What do you all think?"
Seeing that someone had taken the lead, the others also expressed their agreement with Kinloch.
With so many opposing opinions, Wallace couldn't be too obviously biased towards Han Shuo. After keeping silent for a moment, he suddenly said, "How about this, let's forget about the matter of Avery. I have another thorny matter on hand. I have received news that someone has discovered a large energy crystal mine near Fort Lasberg. The area doesn't belong to any city. Currently, various forces are gathering there. I have sent some men to investigate but I have yet to receive any news. I reckon that the odds are against them. Whoever can find that energy crystal mine and claim it as the private property of the City of Shadows will be the new Chief of the Fifth Corps. Isn't that fair? "
After hearing Wallace's words, the crowd no longer raised any objections. The patriarchs of the three major family clans were the first to nod in agreement.
The three major family clans had stood proudly in the City of Shadows for many years. They had an advantage over other family clans in many aspects. It was obvious that the three major family clans believed that they had the upper hand and therefore readily agreed. When the patriarchs of the minor family clans and the patriarchs of the three major family clans nodded in agreement, they knew that the matter was pretty much settled and there was no point in objecting.
"That's settled then!" Wallace made the final decision. Soon after, in a deep voice, he reminded, "I will send someone to investigate. I hope that the major family clans will refrain from using their family clan forces. Every competitor is only allowed to bring ten people to the mine. Those who exceed that number will be automatically eliminated. Also, other than the competitor themselves, the divine guards must not be highgods!"
The three major family clan patriarchs pursed their lips after hearing Wallace's words but did not say a word. Even if there were only ten divine guards, they would still consider their family clan's divine guards to be the elites. Besides, even if there were only ten divine guards, they could still use their family clan forces to investigate the situation.
"One last reminder. It is strictly forbidden to kill one's own people. You should know the consequences if you violate this rule!" With that, Wallace waved his hand and said, "That's all for today. You can all go back now!"
The crowd stood up one after another, saluted Wallace and Andre, and left the hall.
Just as Han Shuo was about to leave, Andre lightly coughed and said, "Brian, about the one million black gold coins, we still need to discuss it!"
Han Shuo nodded smilingly. He knew that Andre had something to say to him.
The patriarchs of the major family clans who left knew that Han Shuo had a close relationship with the House of Sainte. When they saw that Andre had asked Han Shuo to stay behind, they could not help but complain in their hearts.
Soon enough, the hall was empty. Wallace stood up, nodded at Han Shuo, and smilingly said, "Although I have the intention to let you take over the Fifth Corps, the obstacles are just too great. You will have to work hard on your own!" After taking a short pause, Wallace went over and patted on Han Shuo's shoulder in a very amiable manner, saying, "Do well. The City of Shadows will not mistreat you!" Upon finishing those words, Wallace and Andre nodded at Han Shuo and left the hall.
After Wallace left, Andre smilingly said, "My elder brother believes that in order to ascend to power, one must overcome the cruel competition. You have won Fort Lasberg and the mansion of the Lavers Family for your performance against the godhunters. Whether or not your Han family can take over the Fifth Corps will depend on your own efforts!"
"Lord Andre, you didn't ask me to stay just to talk about this, did you?" Han Shuo put on a faint smile and said meaningfully.
"Haha, you youngster!" Andre laughed heartily. Shortly after, he said, "Erebus is currently at Fort Lasberg. I have already asked him to keep an eye on things over there. You can go there and have a chat with Erebus. I believe he will tell you everything he knows!"
There was no such thing as true fairness in this world. Andre's words to Han Shuo were obviously cheating. Given that Han Shuo had once saved Erebus' life, Erebus would not hesitate to inform Han Shuo if he had any information. Perhaps Erebus would even lend some of the elite divine guards of the Third Corps to Han Shuo.
"I knew that Lord Andre would have something good for me!" Han Shuo laughed heartily.
"Alright, it is the House of Sainte's fortune to have you come to the City of Shadows. Since the Goddess of Destiny has such a good impression of you, perhaps our House of Sainte will benefit from your glory in the future!" Andre said jokingly. He then patted on Han Shuo's shoulder and said in a friendly manner, "As for the one million black gold coins, it will be used to shut the mouths of those in our House of Sainte. Go back and tell Phoebe about it." After taking a short pause, Andre praised, "Youngster, you are really lucky. That woman Phoebe is very business-minded. There shouldn't be any problems in leaving Fort Lasberg to your family!"
"Alright, I know what to do!" Han Shuo replied smilingly and left the House of Sainte.
All these years, Phoebe had delivered Carmelita's share of the profits on time. As the Celestial Pearl Pharmacy flourished under her management, Carmelita would receive more and more black gold coins every time. The House of Sainte was very satisfied and they began to admire Han Shuo's ability to judge people.
After returning to the Celestial Pearl Pharmacy, Han Shuo gathered everyone and informed them of the news he had received today.
When they heard that the Han family had officially established their position in the City of Shadows and had acquired Fort Lasberg and a mansion owned by the Lavers Family, the crowd was indescribably excited. This was especially true for Han Shuo's women, Phoebe, Emily, Fanny, Lisa, Jasper, and the others were clamoring to move into the mansion immediately.
"You guys take care of this matter," Han Shuo straightforwardly delegated the power and said to Phoebe, "Withdraw one million black gold coins and send it to the House of Sainte!" Han Shuo pointed at Sanguinar, Bollands, and Gilbert and said, "The three of you, come with me!"
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