"Shut up! No one can question the Clan Leader's decisions. Lucy, put aside your prejudice and ignorance.
I can sense that the Clan Leader's vision has reached heights we cannot even fathom.
If you hold us back, I won't hesitate to cut off your head."
Dylon's eyes widened as he drew the cross-shaped longsword from his back, its cold tip pointing directly at Lucy.
As the only warrior among the second-generation bloodline descendants, his imposing aura was overwhelming.
He was the most unreserved supporter of Li De among all the second-generation bloodline descendants.
"You rude barbarian! I have no objections to Father's decisions. If you keep shouting at me, I'll make you taste the power of an Explosive Fireball!"
Lucy exploded with anger, her mana fluctuating as her emerald-green eyes glared fiercely at Dylon.
A dense ball of mana began to gather in her hand.
Seeing the situation escalate, the second-generation female bloodline descendant, Avi Kachar, stepped forward with a sigh, placing herself between the two fiery individuals.
Avi, dressed in a black mage robe, had beautiful black hair.
"Have you two not fought enough in the past hundred years? Father has strictly forbidden fighting within the Ancient Castle.
If you want to fight, take it somewhere far away. Don't hinder the clan members from transporting the food supplies."
Dylon gave Lucy a cold glance and sheathed his longsword.
"Father's decisions are absolute. Do not judge him with your limited perspective.
Don't you realize how much this plan will benefit our clan once it succeeds?
Such a grand plan is bound to face challenges. So, prepare yourselves for a long period of trials ahead.
You self-proclaimed clever fool, now is not the time for doubt or pessimism. What we need is unconditional support."
Dylon's words caused the other second-generation bloodline descendants to ponder, and even Lucy, who usually clashed with him, remained silent for once.
"Enough, let's not bring this up again.
Has there been any news from Odys?"
Avi shook her head, cutting off the argument. Li De's orders were the direction the Vampire Clan must follow. No one could oppose or hinder them. Besides, everyone knew that if such a city were successfully built, the clan would have an infinite future.
"Odys sends updates every day. He has already identified the locations of twenty towns.
He has also encountered over a dozen groups of human refugees fleeing the war, and even clashed with the Beastmen's wyverns at the border."
Dylon shared the information Odys had sent back over the past few days with a cold expression.
"The current confirmed number of people has reached 3,000, which basically meets the Clan Leader's requirements."
Avi nodded after hearing this, her black eyes showing a thoughtful expression.
"Father's plan is simple: take advantage of the Beastmen Empire's invasion of human territories, while the human armies are too preoccupied to intervene, and plunder enough population.
But the population we plunder doesn't have to be entirely refugees. Foolish refugees can only perform low-level tasks.
The construction of a city cannot lack managers, nor can it lack humans with knowledge and specialized skills.
So, when we plunder the population, we should prioritize those who are educated, literate, and possess unique skills."
Lucy agreed with Avi's words. A large portion of the refugees were from the lowest strata of humanity, capable only of farming and manual labor.
She had seen humans with specialized skills in Green City—tailors, blacksmiths, carpenters, and more. These were the types of people the Ancient Castle lacked.
"Right, Avi's thinking is correct."
Hearing this voice, the second-generation bloodline descendants turned around and saw the figure standing behind them. They immediately bowed with their hands over their chests.
"Greetings, Clan Leader."
Li De had appeared behind them at some point, looking at Avi with approval.
He had been somewhat worried about the food supplies and had found an excuse to leave the Crimson Mage Tower, returning to the Ancient Castle under the cover of night.
Although it was a small matter, the fact that Avi had voiced her thoughts showed that she had seriously considered his plan.
Attitude was crucial. The farming plan was tied to the future of the Vampire Clan, a direction he would not allow to be swayed. Those who could follow his lead would undoubtedly be entrusted with greater responsibilities.
Ultimately, the Vampire Clan was still too small, and he had limited options. After a century of interaction, he had a clear understanding of the abilities of the second-generation bloodline descendants.
"Avi will be in charge of the population plundering plan.
You will lead the clan members and the Whispering Bats to the border.
Prioritize refugees with the following four characteristics:
First, humans with specialized skills, such as tailors and blacksmiths, as you mentioned. These are what the Ancient Castle lacks.
Second, families with complete households. Not a single member should be left behind.
Family is the bond that ties humans together. Do not abandon families simply because they have elderly or injured members. Bring every single one of them back to the Ancient Castle.
Third, literate individuals or educated nobles.
Fourth, young men and women."
High-quality population was undoubtedly what Li De desired most. In "Glory," knowledge was monopolized by the nobility. Most commoners were illiterate, and skilled individuals were rare. The majority were ordinary peasants.
Finding high-quality individuals among a group of displaced refugees would undoubtedly be challenging, but it was still a priority.
Li De paused for a moment, glancing at the attentive group.
"Dylon, Lucy, Avi, take all the Whispering Bats to the border and rendezvous with Odys."
"Remember, do not let impulsiveness lead to irreparable mistakes. The war at the border is still ongoing, and it is not safe there."
"Do not plunder towns that have not been attacked. Prioritize fleeing refugees. Refugees who have lost their homes will be far easier to integrate than peasants who still have their land."
Dylon thumped his chest confidently.
"Clan Leader, await our triumphant return. In the near future, you will see the Ancient Castle filled with humans."
Those refugees fleeing the war were like rabbits under the claws of a hawk, unable to resist.
"Good. I will say it again: these humans will become part of our Vampire Clan in the future. Do not create blood feuds during this process.
The gentler your actions now, the easier it will be for the plundered humans to accept the Vampire Clan. If your actions are filled with brutality, the humans will harbor hatred toward us in their hearts."
Li De feared that the Vampires might treat humans as they had in the past. If that happened, the humans brought back to the Ancient Castle would not integrate smoothly. In fact, it would be a miracle if they didn't revolt.
Suddenly, as if remembering something, Li De opened his attribute panel.
Li De Kachar
Race: Vampire (Progenitor)
Level: Mage lv10 (603/5000), Warrior lv5 (Level cap reached)
Mana: 652/652
Innate Talents: Vampire Progenitor (Unique), Bloodline Shackles (Restricted), Mana Affinity (Extreme)
Racial Skills: Bat Transformation, Blood Drain Recovery, Superhuman Physique (Passive)
Spells:
Among his three innate talents, there was one he had never used before—Bloodline Shackles.
Bloodline Shackles (Restricted): As the Vampire Progenitor, you possess absolute control over your bloodline descendants. You can issue commands that are ingrained into their bloodline, ensuring compliance.