Ant Lord in the Star Realm-Chapter 634 - 568 Melde is Doomed_4

Column Spotted had no words to refute.

In the competition for leadership, among the spiders nominated to take the stage, how many truly lacked the backing of wealthy elders?

The rules only prohibited direct assistance; indirect transfers of benefits could not be entirely banned.

Moreover, according to Flame Spider Roving Merchant traditions, the Old Spider King would, sooner or later, have to hand over the resources they controlled to their successor, so there was no reason to forbid it.

White Ivy was at a distinct disadvantage. Column Spotted felt a surge of frustration.

Heliotrope asked, "Dragon Cypress Ant King, would you be able to inform us? How many shares of Divine-Grade Molan Seeds are still available? The Aconite Spider King mentioned that perhaps a significant trade could still be made."

"A significant trade?"

Dragon Cypress replied honestly, "From the last harvest, six seeds were distributed, and six remain. White Ivy of the Melde Caravan traded for one, the Seven-Leaf Lord wishes to trade for one, the Snow Velvet Spider King must have one, and Ink Orchid and I intend to reserve two for our own discretionary trades. That leaves only one share available."

Heliotrope was silent for a moment, then glanced at the Snow Velvet Spider King, thought, and said, "Dragon Cypress Ant King, you and the Ink Orchid Lord don't truly need to reserve those two shares. Your current needs are limited. Whatever you require, we can help you obtain it."

No. It's better to keep autonomy in my own claws. In the future, when Ink Orchid and I evolve into Insect Kings, our need for Divine-Grade Fruits will be immense...

However, judging by his tone, is the Aconite Spider King planning to acquire three shares of Divine-Grade Molan Seeds all at once?

What earth-shattering item could possibly be worth that price?

Dragon Cypress questioned, "Heliotrope, what is this 'significant trade'? Please clarify first." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

The Snow Velvet Spider King interjected, "You two discuss it! I shall take my leave!"

The Snow Velvet Spider King, apparently guessing what would be said next, turned to depart.

Heliotrope called out hurriedly, "Snow Velvet Spider King, please wait a moment."

Heliotrope turned and asked, "Red Peach, Column Spotted, could you please step aside for a moment? I need to speak privately with the Dragon Cypress Lord."

Column Spotted retorted, "No!"

Heliotrope stated, "It concerns business confidentiality."

Column Spotted replied, "This is unclaimed territory—the Starship Passage. I enjoy lounging here."

Heliotrope then turned and said, "Snow Velvet Spider King, since you are aware of the matter, could you please inform the Dragon Cypress Ant King on my behalf?"

Column Spotted was speechless.

The Snow Velvet Spider King paused. "I can—"

The Snow Velvet Spider King continued, "Allow me to say something fair. Is the Aconite Spider King not acting unfairly? Melde and White Ivy are also considered its half-blood descendants, are they not? Since this is a competition among the younger generation, and they are all kin, isn't it inappropriate for an elder like the Aconite Spider King to interfere in such a manner?"

Heliotrope replied, "I wouldn't know about that. I am merely the messenger."

Heliotrope explained, "The Aconite Spider King has a contentious history with Spider King Pickerelweed, who is currently watching Aconite closely. Everything the Aconite Spider King is doing now falls within the rules. If any rule were broken, Spider King Pickerelweed would be the first to raise an objection."

The Snow Velvet Spider King was silent for a moment, then sighed. "Forget it. Do as you all please."

The Snow Velvet Spider King then said leisurely, "Heliotrope, please do me a favor and relay a message to the Aconite Spider King. These are not my words; it is an ancestral teaching: As intelligent beings, the one thing we cannot lack is wisdom. Everything else is external—power, position, wealth, and even strength. All are but fleeting clouds, and one should not become overly obsessed with them."

Heliotrope replied, "Noted."

"It's an ancestral teaching! Not my words!" the Snow Velvet Spider King emphasized again, then called out, "Dragon Cypress Ant King, please see me out for a ways. We can talk as we go."

Heliotrope hastily added, "The Aconite Spider King says that you, Dragon Cypress Ant King, need only trade three Divine-Grade Molan Seeds, with no additional compensation required for any price difference. He also conveyed that, concurrently, the Seven-Leaf Lord has a requirement for three shares of Divine-Grade Molan Seeds."

What could Aconite possibly be offering in exchange for three Divine-Grade Molan Seeds?

Dragon Cypress, Red Peach, and Column Spotted were simultaneously awed and apprehensive.