Territories were typically built in strategically defensible locations—like undead-themed necropolis domains or Harborhold-style naval bases.

Though Qin Yu held the Blood Cathedral blueprint, it served only as a key auxiliary troop option.

Obtaining legitimate theocratic military structures was nearly impossible; without the Luminous Theocracy’s approval, one would be branded a heretic.

The only path was joining the Theocracy—but doing so rendered a lord’s authority hollow. You’d merely borrow command of recruited forces, which the Theocracy could revoke anytime.

The Blood Cathedral cleverly bypassed this. As a Bloodkin offshoot, it granted access to the Theocracy’s support units—nuns, priests, bishops—while wielding potent Bloodkin power.

Naturally, drawbacks existed. Without ironclad willpower, the mind would fray, slipping into bloodlust… becoming a beast craving blood.

Thus, Qin Yu treated it strictly as auxiliary—not frontline.

For true main forces, he already had candidates.

Across the Central Continent, powers intertwined: the Luminous Theocracy, dwarves, Drow Elves… and rising factions like Lülin.

Qin Yu sought exactly that kind of emerging power.

“Uh… why are we *here*?”

The five girls grew confused as Qin Yu led them into a swamp. What was this for? A swamp hot spring?

“It’s so damp… sticky…”

Bingtang Xueli seized the moment to edge closer to Qin Yu.

“I’m establishing my territory here.”

“What???”

Their unified shout startled birds nesting nearby into flight.

“Servant, have you lost your mind? Building a territory *here*?” Silver Crimson Snow frowned. This place screamed unsuitable.

“Relax. This is just one part. First, we claim our new troop building.”

Qin Yu pressed on. Silver Crimson Snow and the others followed, doubts swirling. At the swamp’s heart, they halted—one step further meant sinking.

“This is no place for humans…”

“Should we run now?”

“Don’t even think it. You’re on my ship now. Run? I’ll drag you back.” Qin Yu grinned.

Silver Crimson Snow stiffened. “Twenty fourth-tier creatures approaching… one’s fifth-tier.”

Tension spiked. Twenty+ fourth-tiers? Their six players were all first-tier—relying entirely on seventh-tier Silver Crimson Snow. Luna, at fourth-tier, barely qualified as Qin Yu’s guard.

Sounds drew nearer. Agile figures swung in on vines.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Dark silhouettes encircled them. Qin Yu signaled Silver Crimson Snow to stand down.

Scantily clad in beast pelts, bronzed skin gleaming, muscular builds armed with spears, swords, shields, bows, and quivers—they were Amazonian warrior women of the swamp: balanced mid-tier fighters.

Though they spoke another tongue, Fate Paradise’s translation made communication seamless.

“Intruders! Leave! This is Amazonian Tribe land!” boomed the fifth-tier leader, her voice jolting Tang and the girls.

The warriors barely glanced at the “delicate” girls. All focus locked on Silver Crimson Snow—and Qin Yu.

Her power was unfathomable. Him? Simply… a man.

The Amazonian Tribe was matriarchal. Females born stronger than humans. Reproduction relied on abducting men—dozens per male—and discarding them after.

No wonder Qin Yu’s mood soured under their blatantly hungry stares.

“More first-tiers closing in…” Silver Crimson Snow warned. They were fully surrounded.

“We mean no harm. We seek the Amazonian Tribe’s aid.”

“Leave now, or perish in this swamp!”

Weapons rose. Reinforcements arrived: dozens of slender second-tier blowgun warriors—younger recruits firing poisoned darts. Deadly.

“Should… should we teleport away?”

“We can’t win against this many!”

The girls’ courage wavered.

“Xiao Xue, subdue them. Don’t kill.”

“Servant… you’re making this difficult.”

Mercy wasn’t Silver Crimson Snow’s nature—but she tried.

“Bloodbog!”

The swamp flushed crimson. Tendrils erupted, coiling tightly around the warriors.

“Can’t… move…”

“So strong…”

Seventh-tier power crushed them utterly.

“Can we talk now?” Qin Yu stepped toward the fifth-tier warrior.

“Man… what’s your true goal?” Her struggles softened—gathering energy.

“I need your Tribe’s help.”

These warriors were his ideal main force: born fighters, dominant head-on, even against cavalry.

“Why should we help *you*?” She coiled strength silently.

“Your Tribe lacks manpower. I have a Territory Core. We cooperate…”

Qin Yu saw her intent. Steel flashed—aimed at him. Luna lunged, blocking the strike.

Boom!

Tier advantage shoved fourth-tier Luna back. The warrior snatched Qin Yu and vanished into the swamp depths.

“Uh… do we save him?”

Tang and the others stood frozen—too sudden to react.

“Did you *let* her take my servant?” Silver Crimson Snow floated toward Luna, eyes blazing.

“No! Never! She was stronger—one tier above! I couldn’t react!” Luna shouted, voice cracking with forced defiance.

Truth? She’d meant it all along…