Chapter 353: Chapter 297: Passion as the Norm, Hidden Blade, War

Sel Wilderness, Ximu Town.

After experiencing a period of initial fear and dread, where days felt like years, the merchants, adventurers, and ordinary residents confined within the small town were surprised to find their nerves gradually relaxing.

They were astonished to realize that the monsters stationed here behaved in a manner completely different from the chaotic and bloodthirsty image rumored about them.

Their appearance might still be ferocious and terrifying, with claws and fangs gleaming coldly.

Yet, they adhered to an invisible but extremely strict order, voluntarily restraining their sharp teeth and claws.

As long as one strictly adhered to the laws issued by the Molten Iron Tribe and did not provoke conflict, these guards were like silent statues, inflicting no harm without cause. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Of course, this was not weakness.

The townfolk had also witnessed the brutal and violent side of the monsters in the square or beside the gallows.

Anyone daring to break the iron laws—stealing, fighting to the death, attacking guards—would invite thunderous punishment.

Depending on the severity of the crime, the forms included but were not limited to: publicly enduring the cruel lashing of a salt-soaked whip; severing limbs; merciless hanging as an example; or for repeated offenders, direct decapitation...

More surprising to the people was this.

Not only did the Molten Iron Tribe not destroy or ravage Ximu Town, but they also began large-scale expansion and transformation of the town while implementing strict control.

They even employed industrial-grade Alchemy Golems! These massive constructs tirelessly compacted the earth, laid roads, and built fortified walls.

Even more astonishingly, the monsters posted recruitment notices, openly recruiting adventurers and laborers for territory construction with fairly reasonable remuneration, as well as various special tasks.

For example:

[Maintaining Dragon Scales and trimming claws for Green Dragon Ludovic]

—Completers will receive a Paralyzing Fruit induced by the Green Dragon.

Initially, the echoes of panic remained, but being trapped indefinitely was never a viable option.

A few brave or financially strapped adventurers applied for the construction tasks.

They worked with the resolve of facing death, only to find... upon completing diligently, they indeed very soon received the rewards promised in the contract without discrepancy!

The ones responsible for tracking work hours, verifying quality, and issuing payments were the sharp-eyed, nimble goblins.

These small creatures were known for their cunning and greed; however, this time, there was no trace of the usual deceit or delay, but rather a brisk efficiency that surprised everyone.

Upon numerous checks by the adventurers afterward, no fraud or cheating was found.

The power of word of mouth is immense; seeing the first batch of pioneers not only safe but amply rewarded, more people found their doubts and fears overshadowed by the lure of wealth, joining the grand wave of the wild town’s reconstruction with mixed feelings.

Time flowed quietly like a stream.

Ximu Town changed almost daily, where a month later, its scale had expanded several times over.

Neatly arranged new houses replaced the dilapidated shanties, and spacious, clean stone streets crisscrossed.

More critically, thanks to the Molten Iron Tribe’s strict yet effective governance, public security underwent a dramatic transformation, with previously prevalent brutal conflicts on the streets now suppressed to mere scuffles and minor infractions.

Order, a luxury on the wild frontier, descended upon Ximu Town with the arrival of the monsters.

Just as the town was developing rapidly, Green Dragon Ludwig officially announced: the lockdown on Ximu Town was lifted!

As people gathered at the previously heavily guarded, impregnable exit.

They saw the burly, intimidating Ogre Guards still standing on either side of the gate, yet their posture was relaxed, no longer maintaining their former stern vigilance, now appearing to suggest "Leave if you wish, it’s up to you."

When the first brave person tentatively stepped out of the town, surprised to find no pursuit, more and more people began to venture out.

However, most of their departures were only temporary.

Often, after wandering outside for a while and breathing in some free air, they returned to the town one after another.

Only a very few truly chose to leave Ximu Town for good.

After this month of day-to-day interaction, the townspeople had long seen that despite their fierce appearance, these monsters were orderly and did not kill indiscriminately, and their fear had vanished.

Moreover, with these powerful monsters maintaining order and fending off the wandering beastly creatures from the surrounding wilderness, the safety of Ximu Town had received unprecedented assurance!

Those daring to make a living in such a lawless land were already fearless or at their wits’ end.

When Ximu Town was initially dilapidated and backward, with harsh conditions, they endured it. Now, as the town thrived and became safer and more comfortable with their own hands, leaving would be a colossal joke.

Moreover, the change was not just in Ximu Town.

Along the Scale Earth Rift extending to both sides, whether dense forests or perilous gorges, patrol posts established by the Molten Iron Tribe dotted the land.

The ferocious beastly creatures accustomed to destruction and attacks were driven away or hunted down, greatly enhancing the safety of the trade route.

Coupled with the reputation built by the Molten Iron Tribe over twenty years ago in this region spreading again.

After hearing that the area returned to Molten Iron Tribe’s control, the number of caravans traveling was not only undiminished but even increased, more bustling and prosperous than during the Albert Family’s rule.