The begining Of power

So, if my followers grow in number, my Lord level will increase, and with that, I'll gain more privileges. For example, if a beggar submits to me now, I'll receive 200 silver coins—that's a massive amount! But to reach the next level, I need 500 more followers.

However, it's not just about numbers; their strength and status matter. A single cultivator is worth two followers, while three beggars combined only count as one. This system is seriously a pain in the ass… It's not as simple as just recruiting anyone—I need to find powerful and influential people to submit to me if I want to rise faster.

DING!

[We are giving You next level Knowledge about this world]

So this is the Kian Dynasty… But wait, I thought this was the Ming Dynasty?!

From what I know, the Ming Dynasty is one of the strongest kingdoms, while the Kian Dynasty is among the weakest. And the most pathetic part? I haven't read a single thing about this Kian Dynasty before.

Damn it… If I really ended up in this weak kingdom, then I need to become stronger as soon as possible. There's no way I'm staying at the bottom in a place like this!

Noel arrived at the hotel, deep in thought.

Shaking off his worries, he walked up to the manager. "Alright, I need a favor from you."

The manager perked up. "Of course, sir! What can I do for you?"

"I'm looking to purchase a villa."

The manager's face Brightend into a confident smile. "Oh, that's easy! We actually have a real estate division as well. Finding a villa for you is just a piece of cake!"

"Alright, find me the best villa in the city," Noel ordered.

The manager nodded eagerly. "Understood, sir! I'll handle it right away."

Sometime later…

Noel stood before the grand villa, taking in the sight of the elegant architecture. The soft breeze rustled through the trees, and the peaceful aura of the place calmed his mind. Despite the obvious wealth and grandeur of the estate, he couldn't help but feel a small pang of unease. A place like this… it's not just for anyone. It's for someone with power.

"Manager, how much is this villa?" Noel asked, trying to mask his surprise at the price tag. His eyes had momentarily widened when he realized just how much money it would take.

The manager, with a gleam of pride in his eyes, quickly responded, "It's 150 gold coins, sir."

150 gold coins… Noel blinked, momentarily stunned. But before he could react, a realization struck him. Wait, that's… no, that can't be right.

He cleared his throat, forced a composed smile, and leaned slightly toward the manager. "You're serious? It's really 150 gold coins?"

The manager nodded, "Yes, sir. It's a great deal. The villa was once owned by the emperor's family. After they moved to Chan City, it was abandoned for years. At one point, the price was as high as 300 gold coins. But no one bought it. Now, it's at a fraction of the original price."

Chan City... Noel thought, mentally noting that the Emperor's family had once resided here. He had no time to be sentimental. The villa was more than just a residence to him; it was a symbol. A symbol of the power he was on his way to acquiring.

Trying to hide his growing excitement, Noel asked, "Is there any way to negotiate the price?"

"I'm afraid not, sir," the manager said with a slight shake of his head. "I've already spoken with the second prince. He made it clear that the price cannot be lowered any further."

Noel frowned, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes. But only for a moment. No matter. I need this place.

With a deep breath, Noel stood tall, his voice calm and confident. "Alright, I'll buy it."

Later, inside the Villa

The manager had taken care of all the paperwork and formalities. Noel stood in the center of the luxurious villa, feeling a slight discomfort at the messiness of the interior. But he didn't mind. Soon, this place will be mine completely.

"Everything is settled, sir," the manager said. "We've also hired workers to renovate the interior. It will be ready in a few weeks."

Noel nodded, though his mind was preoccupied with the cost. 200 gold coins... His mind raced as he calculated the expenses. I was rich just a moment ago… and now, I'm spending like a king. This is the cost of power. It's worth it.

"Alright," Noel said, trying to hide the sting in his chest. "I'll take it."

Back at the Hotel

Noel returned to his hotel room, exhausted yet satisfied with the day's events. A villa... check. Now, I just need to get more followers.

He lay down on the bed, his mind whirling with strategies and ideas. Followers. The more followers, the more power I'll have. And with power, I can get more followers, more control, more respect.

As he closed his eyes, a wicked smile curled up on his lips. This is just the beginning.

Word of Noel's extravagant purchase spread like wildfire across the city. The once-abandoned villa, now under the ownership of a mysterious young man, became the talk of the town. Whispers filled every corner, every tavern, every market square.

Who is this young master?

Is he really as wealthy as they say?

How did he come by so much gold?

The curiosity and excitement in the air were palpable.

But not everyone was excited. In the shadows, the leader of the Beggar Alliance paced restlessly. He'd heard the rumors of Noel's marriage to Yunha, the daughter of the City Lord. His face darkened, fear and anger twisting together.

"If Noel ever decides to take revenge on me, I'll be finished," the alliance leader muttered to himself, pacing even faster. "He's a dangerous one. If he can rise from nothing to this… he's more dangerous than anyone I've faced before."

His servant stood silently by, watching his master with a mix of respect and fear.

"My lord," the servant said cautiously, "Do you think this young man is worthy of your attention? He's just a brat, isn't he?"

The alliance leader shot him a sharp glance. "You don't understand. He's more than just a brat. He has the potential to become something far more dangerous. He has power... and ambition. If we don't do something soon…"

But the servant was not so sure. "But, my lord… what can we do?"

The leader of the Beggar Alliance paused, thinking. "We'll see how things unfold. But I don't plan to sit idly by."

In the Emperor's palace in Chan City, whispers of Noel's rise also reached the ears of the royal family. The Emperor, known for his cunning and strategic mind, listened intently to the news.

"A young master, you say?" the Emperor mused, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest of his throne. "Interesting. This will be worth keeping an eye on."

He leaned forward, his sharp gaze focusing on the messenger. "Continue to monitor this 'Noel.' He may prove to be a useful ally… or a dangerous enemy."

The messenger nodded and quickly left the room, leaving the Emperor alone with his thoughts. Noel… the game has only just begun.