After meeting with Zhang Song, Zhang Bo returned to Deherim; after all, he still had his work, which was to lead the 20 middle-level managers from the new Blue Star Humans on the second day to meet Respected Lord Shen Mu.
After all, gaining the trust of these Blue Star Humans was one of the detailed plans Zhang Bo needed to execute.
At that time, Zhang Bo would also incite these Blue Star Humans to create chaos in Deherim to delay Deherim's reaction time, preferably causing the relationship between Deherim's Lingjie Human Race soldiers and these Blue Star Humans to drastically deteriorate, ideally leading to conflict and greater disorder.
This was what Zhang Bo needed to do.
Then Zhang Bo arrived in front of the Noble Residence, and on the street not far from the entrance, 20 middle-level managers among the Blue Star Humans had already arrived in advance.
They were respectfully waiting for Zhang Bo.
Seeing Zhang Bo arrive, they were all quite excited, immediately taking a step forward and respectfully greeting him: "Bo Ge, you're finally here."
"Mm."
Zhang Bo merely waved his hand, responding casually, and a smile appeared on his lips as he looked at their eager gazes, still appearing as amiable as ever: "Alright, follow me, we're going to meet Respected Lord Shen Mu now."
"Understood, understood, thank you, Bo Ge."
These humans immediately formed a neat line, arrayed behind Zhang Bo.
Then Zhang Bo arrived in front of the Noble Residence.
And right in front of this Noble Residence stood a row of 20 Holy Tree Knights, holding their long spears and wearing their shiny silver armor, standing guard at the entrance with a very imposing and majestic presence.
Furthermore, inside the Noble Residence, there were 20 Swadian Knights wearing even heavier armor, standing with their long spears raised.
They also held their knight's swords, glaring menacingly at Zhang Bo and his group outside the door.
No one spoke in advance; they just had solemn expressions in their eyes, ready to use their weapons if these Blue Star Humans at the Noble Residence entrance made any unusual movements, to let them know that Respected Lord Shen Mu's authority was not to be infringed upon.
However, they didn't make too many movements, as they knew that there was only one reason why these Blue Star Humans came every day.
That was to receive Respected Lord Shen Mu's enfeoffment.
To become a small Ten-Man Commander.
This was also why they only watched Zhang Bo lead the 20 Blue Star Humans over; after all, they also needed to report beforehand, and only after reporting could they then meet Respected Lord Shen Mu to convey their intentions, and after receiving Respected Lord Shen Mu's permission, they could enter the Noble Residence.
This was a complete set of procedures, and they had to follow them, otherwise, it would be malfeasance and dereliction of duty, subject to punishment.
And as long as Respected Lord Shen Mu did not permit or agree to their entry, these Blue Star Humans could not enter.
Procedures absolutely had to be followed.
Zhang Bo naturally knew this.
"Esteemed sirs, I am here to bring these 20 Blue Star Humans, as per Respected Lord Shen Mu's previous instructions, to receive their enfeoffment and inheritance.
I am Mage Zhang Bo, in charge of this project, and I have previously been registered at the Noble Residence."
Zhang Bo spoke very clearly and with great respect.
"Understood, Mage Zhang Bo, we know about this matter, but please wait here.
I need to go report this matter to Respected Lord Shen Mu and ask for his opinion."
The Holy Tree Knight on guard at the entrance nodded, telling Zhang Bo and his group to stay put, then turned and entered the Noble Residence to report.
However, it didn't take more than two or three minutes for this Holy Tree Knight to reappear from inside the door.
"Alright, Respected Lord Shen Mu has permitted your meeting.
Please follow me now."
This Holy Tree Knight nodded to Mage Zhang Bo, who was at the head of the group, and then looked back at the 20 Blue Star Humans who had already lined up neatly, counting them to confirm there were exactly 20 people before stepping aside to clear the passage to the main entrance of the Noble Residence.
He gestured for these 20 Blue Star Humans to follow Mage Zhang Bo into the Noble Residence.
Furthermore, this Holy Tree Knight also pointed to one of his companions and said to him: "You lead the way, and on the way, tell these Blue Star Humans some things they need to be cautious about.
And Mage Zhang Bo also hopes you can cooperate and re-inform them of the relevant taboos."
This was said to both the Holy Tree Knight's companion and Zhang Bo.
"Understood."
"Understood."
The Holy Tree Knight's companion nodded, and Zhang Bo also nodded, both responding in unison.
However, the Holy Tree Knight still warned these Blue Star Humans in a deep voice: "You are about to meet Respected Lord Shen Mu.
You must be honest.
If you dare to be dishonest, then all security personnel, including myself, will take compulsory defensive measures against you."
"Okay, okay, we understand."
These Blue Star Humans all nodded obediently like quails.
"Please rest assured, esteemed Knight, I have already warned them about the relevant precautions beforehand when we came."
Zhang Bo maintained his respectful demeanor.
Then, after the Holy Tree Knight nodded, he followed him into the Noble Residence.
And just as they were about to enter the Noble Residence, he turned his head again to these Blue Star Humans and said: "Alright, I know you are very excited, but don't be excited yet.
Now listen to me: when you enter the Noble Residence and are about to enter Respected Lord Shen Mu's presence, absolutely no other sounds are allowed except for whispers, and no aimless wandering is permitted.
Remember what I said, otherwise, if you are punished, do not blame me."
"Understood, understood, we all know.
Brother Zhang Bo, you told us about the things inside before, and we have kept them firmly in mind and dare not make any moves."
These Blue Star Humans all nodded, their attitudes extremely respectful.
They couldn't help but be respectful; they were genuinely very excited right now.
After all, they could now easily become Spiritual Realm Commanders and lead Spiritual Realm Followers, so how could they not be excited?
And in their excitement, they were also very grateful to Zhang Bo.
They all understood why they could become Spiritual Realm Commanders: it was because Zhang Bo had recommended them onto the list of Spiritual Realm Commanders.
Then, with Respected Lord Shen Mu's permission, they could become Spiritual Realm Commanders, possessing Human Race soldiers as their Spiritual Realm Followers, which meant reaching the pinnacle of their lives.
For anyone, this pinnacle of life was extremely joyful, and they also understood that it was all Zhang Bo's credit; if Zhang Bo hadn't nodded in approval, they wouldn't be able to become Spiritual Realm Commanders even now.
This was a very realistic matter that changed their life's destiny, a generous and extremely benevolent gift, one could say.
And for Zhang Bo, this was effectively taking credit for something he didn't do.
Currently, his prestige among the Blue Star Human middle-level managers was actually very, very high; it could be said that he was the number one, with no error, especially since the list of middle-level managers who could be promoted to Spiritual Realm Commanders were all recommended by Zhang Bo.
Therefore, every middle-level manager felt a debt of gratitude towards Zhang Bo in their hearts; they were all very much indebted to him for recommending them to advance.
This was also a reality that Zhang Bo intentionally created.
Zhang Caidong gave this authority to Zhang Bo and also had Zhang Bo sow discord, intentionally separating this authority from those senior managers.
Although those senior managers also had the right to make suggestions to Zhang Bo, the choice of who became a Spiritual Realm Commander was still Zhang Bo's to make.
After all, even if Respected Lord Shen Mu performed the enfeoffment, he had already delegated the power to their own Blue Star Humans.
As long as the list was reported, Respected Lord Shen Mu would completely agree to the enfeoffment, not caring who these Blue Star Humans were, whether they had any relation to him, or what their relationship with him was like.
He simply didn't care.
Because for Respected Lord Shen Mu, his essential goal was to use these Blue Star Humans to bring in more Mount & Blade Soldiers, and then through the special connection between Blue Star Humans and Mount & Blade Soldiers, he could obtain a continuous stream of more Faith Power.
As for the degree of these Blue Star Humans' faith in him, and their loyalty or disloyalty, Respected Lord Shen Mu truly didn't care, because even if Blue Star Humans were extremely loyal to him, it still couldn't compare to the loyalty of Mount & Blade Soldiers to him.
Mount & Blade Soldiers, under the Mount & Blade Rules, possessed the most loyal kind of devotion, willing to die for him.
Even if Blue Star Humans were willing to die for him, one or two fanatics might be possible, but how could thousands or tens of thousands of people achieve that?
Moreover, the current Respected Lord Shen Mu didn't have that level of fanatics.
Therefore, he simply didn't care about the loyalty and degree of faith these Blue Star Humans had in him; he only cared whether his Mount & Blade Soldiers could combine with these Blue Star Humans to provide him with more Faith Power, because with Faith Power, he could obtain more recognition, more food, and more material supplies.
Faith Power was everything.
"Greetings, Respected Lord Shen Mu."
Upon entering the Noble Residence, these Blue Star Humans respectfully saluted and greeted Respected Lord Shen Mu.
"Mm, very good, you are the candidates for this batch of Spiritual Realm Commanders to be enfeoffed, aren't you?
Since Mage Zhang Bo has submitted the list, then it is you."
Respected Lord Shen Mu was still studying the parchment scrolls on city defense and town construction at this time.
When he saw Zhang Bo and the 20 Blue Star Humans arrive, he simply said a casual remark and then directly extended his hand to confirm their enfeoffment.
Again, white data streams surged out, forming egg-like shapes, and then these Blue Star Humans were transformed into Swadian Recruit.
They obtained the Swadian Recruit template and gained the power of the rules.
These were all procedural matters.
Respected Lord Shen Mu was already quite skilled at it.
At this point, seeing that they had all completed the enfeoffment and transformed into Swadian Recruit, Respected Lord Shen Mu waved his hand, signaling them to leave: "Alright, now you will have to work hard on your own.
Oh, Zhang Bo, stay for a moment, I have other matters to inquire about."
"Understood."
Zhang Bo stayed behind, then waved his hand, signaling the other Blue Star Human middle-level commanders to leave first.
And at this time, outside, 200 Swadian Commoners were already prepared, joining the ranks of these Ten-Man Commander who had already been enfeoffed, becoming their Spiritual Realm Followers.
Next was the work for these Ten-Man Commander, formed from the middle-level managers, to lead these Mount & Blade Soldiers to gain combat experience and allow them to be promoted.
"Is there anything, Respected Lord Shen Mu?"
At this time, Zhang Bo respectfully inquired of Respected Lord Shen Mu in the conference room.
"Oh, nothing special, it's just that over at the Torch Tower, James told me that your performance is very good, and they have all benefited greatly recently."
Respected Lord Shen Mu praised him.
"This is all what I should do, Respected Lord Shen Mu.
Your kindness and generosity are the original intentions that make me willing to work hard to repay you."
Zhang Bo naturally wouldn't say anything else at this moment; instead, he respectfully flattered Respected Lord Shen Mu again.
"Mm, then let's not talk about anything else.
My mage teams also have a very good impression of you, and I have consulted their opinions.
They are willing to form a contract with you after spending some time together."
Respected Lord Shen Mu, seeing Zhang Bo's respectful demeanor, also directly drew a picture: "You teach them well, and if the time is right, you can directly sign soul contracts with them, turning them into your Spiritual Realm Followers.
This way, you can both progress faster."
"This is truly a great honor."
Zhang Bo was actually extremely ecstatic inside at this moment, but there was no excessive expression on his face; instead, he bowed respectfully, touching his chest like a true gentleman, and said to Respected Lord Shen Mu: "Speaking of which, I have a small suggestion that I hope I can explain directly."
"Speak."
Respected Lord Shen Mu nodded.
"It's about those two magical artifacts I gave you before, Respected Lord Shen Mu.
If possible, I hope to bring them to the library.
That way, I can explain the magical structures to them in more detail."
Zhang Bo reported earnestly: "After all, although my inheritance contains a lot of knowledge, my shallow abilities prevent me from fully expressing it.
If I can explain to those mages through the magical power and magical structures within the magical artifacts, I think it will be much clearer and more understandable."
"Is that so?"
Respected Lord Shen Mu had no objections and simply nodded: "Then so be it.
I will have someone send those two magical artifacts to the library later."
"Thank you very much for your trust, Respected Lord Shen Mu."
Zhang Bo's heart was even more ecstatic.
However, his face still showed no emotion; instead, he bowed again, chatted briefly, and then left the Noble Residence.
The plan succeeded.
Now, it's time to continue increasing those people's favorability towards mages. (End of chapter)
