The Herb King



This time, the tribe leaders finally took Aethelwolf seriously. Anyone who could make Argus remember them was not ordinary. They also took notice of the Heavenly Might Rankings that they mentioned and from the small clues they said, the tribe leaders believed that it was some sort of rankings for the experts of the civilized regions.

"Since everyone knows each other now, we should begin the meeting." Roderick glanced meaningfully at Aethelwolf as he continued. "Recently, we discovered an Underworlder settlement in this location." He took out a map and pointed to a certain location. 

The old man, Farmar, frowned as he asked. "How many Underworlders are there?" 

Everyone turned their gazes toward Roderick when they heard this.

Roderick glanced at Argus and when he saw the man nodding his head, he looked at everyone and said. "From our estimates, there should be at least fifty thousand Underworlders inside that settlement. Sir Argus also sensed the aura of a Level 5 warrior among them. Though we are not sure how many of them are inside." 

"Without knowing the full strength of our enemies, it might prove to be difficult if we choose to fight them. Who knows if they are hiding more experts in that settlement? My Proud Tiger Tribe won't join your battle without sufficient information." Amishta muttered with a firm tone. 

Roderick's expression fell when he heard this. The Proud Tiger Tribe was the strongest tribe in the Northern Region. Without their help, they would have more casualties if they fought with the Underworlders. "Amishta, I know that you are thinking about the safety of your tribesmen, but you have to remember that these Underworlders might target your camp." He muttered. 

Amishta frowned at his words. It was possible and if that happens, they would face fifty thousand vicious Underworlders! She couldn't help but stare at Aethelwolf. "What do you think, Sir Aethelwolf?" 

Everyone turned their heads at Aethelwolf. They never would have thought that Amishta would actually value this man's opinion. 

Aethelwolf rubbed his chin with a thoughtful look. After a moment of silence, he responded. "I can help you guys. However, I don't want to do this without compensation." 

Roderick furrowed his eyebrows and asked. "What do you want?" 

Aethelwolf smiled when he saw the giant's cold gaze. "I'm not asking for something excessive. In fact, I plan to take you guys into my territory. That's all I ask." He casually replied.

Hearing this, the tribe leaders were taken aback. Even Amishta was surprised by his words. 

"What do you mean by that?" Roderick stared at him in confusion.

Looking at them, Aethelwolf muttered. "The Northern Region will soon become a battlefield as more Underworlders will emerge to the surface. By then, you guys can no longer guarantee the safety of your tribes. You might be strong, but the Barbarians can't handle the billions of Underworlders by themselves. To prevent this from happening, I'm willing to give you guys a piece of land in my territory. Your tribe can live there in peace and you no longer have to worry about your safety." 

"You mean, you are willing to take us in?" Farmar stared at him in disbelief. 

Aethelwolf nodded his head. "That's right. In fact, I can also help the other Barbarian tribes settle down in my territory. My Barden Territory is big enough to accommodate all the tribes in the Northern Region." He muttered confidently. 

"Sir Argus, is he speaking the truth?" Roderick asked Argus with an agitated look. 

Argus gazed at Aethelwolf and nodded his head. "I've heard of the Barden Territory. It's a developing land under the Leone Empire. It should be able to take all the tribes in the Northern Region. However..." 

Everyone held their breaths as they stared at Argus.

"However, are you sure that you want to take these guys into your territory? You should know that the people in the civilized regions view them with disgust. Your Barden Territory would be mocked by the whole Regalis Continent if you do this." Argus muttered calmly.

Hearing this, Aethelwolf's lips curved upwards as he replied in a cold voice. "Who cares about those idiots? I'm Aethelwolf Lassiter! No one would dare mock me!" 

A suppressive aura engulfed the entire house as soon as Aethelwolf muttered those words. 

Argus' calm expression finally changed when he sensed this aura. 

Amishta stood up and saluted. "Sir Aethelwolf, my Proud Tiger Tribe is willing to follow you!" She was sick of the constant fighting and she didn't want her tribesmen to suffer anymore. She didn't mind working for Aethelwolf as long as he could guarantee the livelihood of her tribe. 

When Farmar and Roderick saw Amishta swearing her allegiance, they couldn't help but hesitate. 

"If we follow you, what can you offer to our tribe?" Farmar asked solemnly.

"The children will be sent to the school and they will be taught by the most experienced teacher in my territory. As for the adults, as long as you work and contribute to the growth of the Barden Territory, you will receive resources or even treasures!" Aethelwolf said. His words made Roderick and Farmar ponder deeply. It was very tempting. The Barbarians longed for a peaceful life so Aethelwolf's promise was something that they couldn't decline. 

After a moment of hesitation, Farmar finally gave in. He stood up and saluted. "My Blood Wolf Tribe is willing to follow you, Sir Aethelwolf!" 

When he saw that even the stubborn old man has decided to join Aethelwolf, Roderick no longer hesitated. "My Lion Fang Tribe is also willing to join!" If he had chosen to stay in the Northern Region, his Lion Fang Tribe would have had to handle the Underworlder settlement alone. Many of his tribesmen would die in the process and who knows when the remaining Underworlders would emerge to the surface... 

Argus chuckled in his heart as he watched this scene. 'This guy's appetite is too big. He even dares to swallow all the Barbarian tribes of the Northern Region...'