Read Novel Full Chapter 1276 Condition
Chapter 1276: Chapter 1276 Condition
The father and son walked closer, their expressions calm and respectful. However, the moment they got a clear look at Ross, both of them froze.
Their eyes widened in disbelief. Ross possessed a face that could only be described as absolute perfection.
Every feature seemed flawlessly crafted by the heavens themselves.
His sharp eyebrows, deep eyes, straight nose, and perfectly sculpted jawline combined into a level of handsomeness that appeared almost unreal.
Even his casual posture carried an indescribable charm and elegance. For a brief moment, the father and son completely forgot why they had come.
Their minds went blank.
They had seen countless talented youths, nobles, princes, and famous cultivators throughout their lives, yet none of them came close to Ross.
The difference was simply too great. It was as though an ordinary mortal had suddenly encountered a celestial being.
“Please, sit down, gentlemen,” Ross said with a friendly smile. “Tell me, how can I help you today?” His voice finally pulled the two out of their daze.
The father and son awkwardly regained their composure before taking their seats. Only then did they realize they had been completely spellbound by Ross’s appearance.
The father secretly coughed to hide his embarrassment. The son looked away for a moment before forcing himself to focus. Both of them felt somewhat ashamed.
After all, they were straight men, yet they had reacted in such a manner. If they could be stunned this badly, they could only imagine how devastating Ross’s appearance would be to women.
beautiful woman might lose her train of thought after a single glance. Some might become infatuated instantly. Others would probably be unable to sleep after meeting him.
The son suddenly understood why Ross was surrounded by so many wives. With a face like that, it would be stranger if women did not pursue him.
Fortunately, both father and son possessed strong wills and quickly regained control of themselves.
Remembering the purpose of their visit, they straightened their backs and focused their attention on Ross once more. This time, however, they made sure not to stare for too long.
The father and son finally took their seats, and it was General Lei Jun who spoke first.
“Master Ross Oakley, congratulations on your successful conquest of Hidden River Fortress. My name is General Lei Jun, and this is my son, Lei Tianyu. I command the armies of Hidden River Fortress. If Master Ross is willing, I would like to provide a report regarding the territory that now falls under your rule.”
General Lei Jun spoke respectfully and without the slightest hint of arrogance.
Although he commanded hundreds of thousands of soldiers and was one of the most powerful figures in the region, he understood clearly who sat before him.
In the cultivation world, military might alone did not determine true power.
The former king had never possessed an army that could rival the entirety of Lei Jun’s forces, yet he had ruled over them all the same.
The reason was simple. The king possessed powerful cultivators who could suppress entire armies through sheer strength.
Against ordinary mortals, hundreds of thousands of soldiers were terrifying. Against true experts, however, such numbers meant little.
A sufficiently powerful cultivator could fly across battlefields, slaughter thousands with a single technique, and leave without suffering a single injury.
To such beings, ordinary soldiers were little more than ants. Lei Jun understood this reality better than most.
The man before him had conquered Hidden River Fortress almost effortlessly.
Furthermore, rumors already spread throughout the region that Ross Oakley possessed strength far beyond what anyone had initially believed.
Such a person was not someone he could afford to offend. Ross listened calmly before giving a small nod.
“Of course. Understanding my territory can only benefit me. Please proceed with your report, General.”
Lei Jun inwardly sighed in relief.
Although Ross Oakley possessed terrifying strength, he did not seem to be the unreasonable type. At the very least, he was willing to listen.
“Very well, Master Ross.”
The general organized his thoughts before continuing.
“Hidden River Fortress controls approximately eight thousand square kilometers of territory. Within our borders are thirty-seven villages, six large towns, numerous mines, several forests rich in spiritual herbs, and the Hidden River itself, which serves as the main trade route for the entire region.”
Ross listened attentively.
“Currently, our population is estimated to be slightly above ten million people. Most are farmers, craftsmen, merchants, and laborers. The fortress also maintains a standing army of approximately five hundred thousand soldiers.”
Lei Jun paused briefly before continuing.
“Of course, that number only includes active military personnel. In times of war, additional militia forces can be raised from the towns and villages.”
Ross nodded thoughtfully.
“Continue.”
“The greatest source of income for the territory comes from agriculture and river trade. However, the previous king taxed the people heavily in order to support his court and military expenditures. While the treasury remains healthy, many villages have become increasingly dissatisfied over the years.”
Lei Jun carefully observed Ross’s reaction as he spoke.
Most rulers would be pleased to hear of a full treasury.
Ross, however, appeared more interested in the condition of the people than the amount of gold available.
Seeing this, the general secretly felt hopeful.
Perhaps this new ruler would prove better than the last.
“There are also several matters that require immediate attention,” Lei Jun continued. “The greatest of which are the barbarians once again threatening our borders. They are marching here as we speak.”
A faint smile appeared on Ross’s face.
“Let them. Once they get here, I’ll take care of them once and for all.”
When General Lei Jun heard those words, the room seemed to plunge into a sudden, biting chill. In his mind’s eye, he could already see corpses stacking into mountains.
He swallowed hard, acutely aware that Ross Oakley possessed the terrifying ability to make it happen.
“I understand, Master,” Lei Jun managed at last. Deep down, he already felt a wave of pity for the doomed barbarians.