Huh? Isn't this an adventure kingdom building game?!-Chapter 750 - 726: Strength in Numbers
"The flame is highly ornamental... its main use is for Eternal Lamps?" Qing Niao, holding a thick album and comparing it with the firestone in her hand, curiously asked, "What is an Eternal Lamp?"
After reincarnation, many fragmented memories were lost, but fortunately, all the members of the small courtyard were very tactful and never probed into her secrets. Thus, Qing Niao got used to asking whenever she didn’t understand and tried to store as much knowledge as possible anew.
Moreover, by reading and asking more, she could occasionally awaken dormant memories and remember other bits of knowledge along the way.
Xie Chenyuan also stood by the album, looking at the golden charcoal he saw when gathering information in Carefree City, and secretly marveled at the difference in price between the two, and when he heard this mysterious bigwig asking, he hurriedly explained: "Actually, the original meaning of supplying the Eternal Lamp was ’the fire that never extinguishes’.
It is said that the flame of the Celestial Palace above the Celestial Realm never extinguishes. Which of the tribes in the Lower Realm wouldn’t want to ascend and live in the Celestial Palace? However, ascending to immortality is something that happens to one in a million, and for most cultivators, it is just a dream.
Therefore, to give themselves some psychological comfort, they would supply Eternal Lamps inside caves, temples, or ancestral halls, specifically searching for top-quality lamp oil close to the legendary fire that never extinguishes to ensure the lights do not go out easily;
Gradually, this generated a lot of demand for Eternal Lamps, as everyone has some family members, friends, or elder masters whose lives have ended, and in front of the memorial tablets of the deceased, they supply Eternal Lamps, praying for their spirituality to reincarnate and ascend to the Immortal Realm;
Similarly, for the deities worshiped, the divine statues in temples and Daoist temples, as long as they have the means, will use them. Even more, those ostentatious sect families would never let their grand halls be dark, so they simply burn money to light Eternal Lamps, ensuring brightness both day and night."
The fire that never extinguishes?
Upon hearing this, Qing Niao looked up at her brother, thinking that it was just like him.
Jiang Yuan didn’t know what kind of nonsense she was imagining again. After listening to Xie Chenyuan’s "knowledge-sharing," he thought, since there were many particular cultivators offering Eternal Lamps, would Miss Qi and her friends use them?
They’re all super-wealthy. Last time, they exchanged a Feathered Robe for a lot of rare resources. If he could directly sell the firestone to high-end clients, wouldn’t the price increase several more times?
"You’re blocking customers at the entrance of someone else’s firm; that’s too reckless. What if you’re caught and beaten to death for it?" Listening to Hou Ze joyfully recounting the whole process, Leng Yutang frowned.
The golden-haired little monkey, who had been enviously looking at the magnificent and splendid tree house in the courtyard, immediately waved its paw and squeaked in protest.
"I don’t understand, I don’t understand, you let him speak for himself!" Leng Yutang didn’t understand monkey chatter, so he stuffed a fruit into the little monkey’s mouth to shut it up.
Hou Ze lazily said, "Do you think I’m stupid? If I dared to do so, I must have had confidence, and I didn’t show my face, letting the little guy lead them over.
You don’t understand, people like us in business don’t miss any opportunity. She has been waiting since last year, and now she’s anxious, shouting before even entering the firm, obviously in a hurry for the goods.
Doing business is about integrity; the firm was untrustworthy, delaying again and again, and she was already deceived by the firm. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have said: suspecting that they hadn’t agreed and hadn’t received the firestone to sell. Don’t worry, at least I’ve traveled the world and fought hard to open a small shop, so I know what I’m doing."
"Travel the world? Have you forgotten what happened in Maple Forest Plain?" Leng Yutang immediately got angry seeing his indifferent look, "If I didn’t happen to pass by, who knows how many times your Eternal Lamp would have gone out. Nowadays, the world is chaotic, and traveling in the wilderness, you need to be cautious if you’re not strong enough!"
"Squeak, squeak, squeak!"
The golden-haired little monkey was clearly displeased, holding a fruit in its paws and munching away, not forgetting to protest.
"Even eating can’t shut your mouth." Hou Ze lightly patted it, "Yutang is right, you indeed have to be a bit more careful when traveling in the wilderness. But on Trapped Snake Island... haha, that’s a place where Spirit Stone transactions happen in the blink of an eye, where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold. The Demon Realm Alliance has invested heavily there, so merchants coming and going needn’t worry about being tracked or killed. We can afford to be a bit bolder; after all, nobody’s tremendous wealth is completely safe and secure."
On hearing this, Jiang Yuan’s brows also furrowed, "The firestone market has been turned into a high-end luxury business by the combined forces of the Five Great Merchants of Silver Valley and the Fire & Flame Firm. For us, the advantage is: by directly taking over, controlling the flow of firestone, we can keep prices high and quickly earn several times, even dozens of times, in Spirit Stones;
The disadvantage is that, since ancient times, wealth moves people’s hearts. There’s no secret a wall won’t leak. The news about us cutting off the firestone business will soon be known by the other side. First, Sand Hill City would be in danger; second, Hou Ze’s safety would also be at risk. We indeed need to plan ahead."
"Ah? Sand Hill City? Sir, are you worried the Five Great Merchants will cause trouble?" Leng Yutang carefully asked, "Haven’t we already released the news of the Insect Demon? Would they dare to take such a big risk?"
Hou Ze’s face changed too, "Damn! I was so focused on poaching the Fire & Flame Firm’s customers that I inadvertently revealed the source of Sand Hill City’s firestone. Would it also attract covetous eyes? Oh my! I should have been more thoughtful. I was only thinking about how Silver Valley shamelessly stole the name of Sand Hill City... what should we do?"
Jiang Yuan gestured for them to calm down first and patiently explained, "Releasing the truth about the source of the cold poison only temporarily buys Sand Hill City some time.
After all, to the Five Great Merchants, they are very confident in controlling the teleportation array of Sand Hill City. The firestone is basically a feast at their doorstep, and naturally, they wouldn’t risk their lives for it.
But over time, it’s hard to say, and Sand Hill City having a mine inherently carries potential risks; it’s just a matter of when it will erupt.
Moreover, Hou Ze, you’re right that frivolously revealing Sand Hill City isn’t wise. Right now, it doesn’t pose a threat, but don’t make the same mistake again in the future. Let Silver Valley continue to take the blame for wanting to seize the firestone’s abundant reputation; this way, Sand Hill City can gain more time.
Now, contact Ruan Yanluo and tell her that she can spare one box each of Level One, Level Two, and Level Three firestones of different qualities, and the trade will be conducted with Spirit Stones, no credit. If she agrees to the transaction, she needs to prepare the transport boxes herself. We will set the time for the transaction, and she can set the location.
After the transaction is completed, you need to go to Trapped Snake Island to purchase a large number of essential supplies. This task will be assisted by Yutang, with a priority on buying the Furious Fire Bear Race’s urgently needed daily necessities.
I need to go solve the defense issues of Sand Hill City. Additionally, does anyone have a recommendation for a reliable array master to construct a stable Teleportation Array?"
Both Qing Niao and Xie Chenyuan almost simultaneously turned their gaze toward him, thinking that since he could manage even an Ancient Teleportation Array, why would he need an array master for such a minor cargo Teleportation Array?
Subsequently, Xie Chenyuan realized the situation and quickly stepped forward to say, "Sir, you need to worry about the security issues of Sand Hill City, so if you’re not available to construct the Teleportation Array, I can recommend a fellow cultivator. His temper is a bit peculiar, but his character is excellent, and his craftsmanship as a Fifth Grade array master is very good; it’s just that I’m not sure if he can be persuaded."
The issue of Sand Hill City concerns the safety of the entire race, the firestone mines, and the materials for Resurrection Talismans. Emotionally and logically, we must try our best to protect and develop it well.
"If the problem lies in the remuneration, Elixirs and Immortal Jade can be discussed," Jiang Yuan contemplated. He thought that those with great talents tend to have somewhat peculiar tempers, and as long as they’re reliable, giving them a little extra isn’t an issue.
Time is now life, it is money!
"That’s not it; his temper is truly peculiar. Sometimes he’s so appropriate that he doesn’t even want recompense, and other times, no matter what, he can’t be moved. He prefers more challenging work..." Xie Chenyuan thought that if they used offering a small courtyard as a condition, that fellow would certainly be over the moon.
If it weren’t for Mr. Jiang having more important matters to attend to, they wouldn’t need to temporarily seek an array master. He himself can’t settle permanently, and if that guy came, it would become even less useful.
Upon hearing this, Hou Ze’s eyes immediately brightened, "Please trouble Senior Xie to ask that array master if constructing the other end of the Teleportation Array in the Market controlled by the Demon Realm Alliance has any challenge, and whether he wants to give it a try!
This is what I think: I previously didn’t realize the precious scarcity of firestones. Once I learned of the high prices, I was overwhelmed and made the mistake of trying to cut off our main customers.
Furthermore, the Teleportation Array needs to be more concealed, to ensure the safety of transporting firestones for the Furious Fire Bear Race and us.
So, I plan to vacate and transform my little store in the Golden Carp Lake Market. The Teleportation Array leading to Sand Hill City will be built inside the store. Then I’ll connect it to the delivery location, making use of the Demon Realm Alliance’s array protection. Isn’t that more convenient and safer?"
"Great idea!" Leng Yutang clapped his hands in agreement, "After all, your little store hasn’t been doing well, and permanent customers needing customized Magical Artifacts all have Communication Stones to contact you. You might as well close and transform it into a Teleportation Array!"
The Golden-haired Little Monkey, hearing him describe the business as average, turned its face away angrily, clutching its paws and muttering softly. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
Xie Chenyuan immediately took out a Communication Stone, "I’ll get in touch with him right now; he should be very interested."
Finally, they sorted everything out and assigned tasks. Jiang Yuan first used a system-awarded Building Upgrade Card to raise the distillery to Level Eight, unlocking three more Spiritual Wines.
Then he took out several jars that were already brewed, adding materials to brew new Spiritual Wines. The main quest requires brewing ten different Spiritual Wine illustrations, and after unlocking two more, it would be a great success!
The two quests for the Daughter of Fortune sideline task were also prepared, but he wasn’t in a hurry. He first took out the Communication Stone and sent a message to Qu Luming—Brother Qu, would you like to be freed from the shackles of the vine prison?
"Of course! I’ve been dreaming of it!" Qu Luming immediately perked up upon receiving the message, quickly touching the flower at his ear that could end his life at any moment, wishing he could eliminate it immediately!
Having held a high position for many years, his pride and integrity could not tolerate his life being in someone else’s hands.
But despite searching through renowned healers and even causing a big commotion with his true self, he couldn’t find a way to solve the root problem. With the mysterious Mr. Jiang reaching out at this time, Qu Luming felt that the counterpart was unfathomable.
"The Cloud Grocery Store in the Golden Chicken River Market! Good, very good!" Qu Luming slightly furrowed his brow when he saw what the counterpart wanted to trade, "An array capable of protecting the entire city, with the higher the level, the better, this..."
He hesitated for a moment and immediately decided to ask his true self for one set!
Damn it, the grievances grandpa suffered were endured to cover up for you, aren’t the arrays the Demon Realm Alliance set up in those markets working just fine? Being the Vice Alliance Hierarch, is it so hard to get a higher-grade one?
Having arranged to meet Mr. Jiang in one stick of incense time, there was just enough time for a trip. Qu Luming immediately formed a hand seal, and his figure disappeared from the Netherworld.
The next second, his ghostly figure appeared in the courtyard exclusively belonging to Vice Alliance Hierarch Du Li within the Demon Realm Alliance.
"Quick, quick, quick, open the treasure house and find me a set of the top-grade arrays. Don’t you have many spares from setting up those markets?" Qu Luming yelled as he pushed the door open, "Time is tight, the faster, the better!"
A pretty face, indistinguishable as male or female, slowly lifted above, and the hand continued to move the pen across the paper, forming a drawing. Du Li rolled his eyes and said coldly, "Why are you yelling? Demanding an array identical to those in the markets, do you even fathom how precious it is?"
