Three minutes later, the barriers were removed, the fences opened, and the gate swung wide.

The dilapidated truck, amidst many bewildered gazes, drove into Xinquan, making its way down the main road. For a moment, whether it was the driver, the bearded man, or the entourage, their expressions were unable to hide their astonishment and surprise.

There was a feeling of having taken the wrong path, an illusion of having entered the city.

The still bustling night market was just ordinary, at most a large gathering.

But everything else...

The asphalt road had been laid during the first phase of expansion, and even in the alleyways, the compacted ground was covered with gravel.

The streetlights were simple and rough, and lines were even drawn on the ground.

The street showed no signs of the cluttered or dirty feeling typical of settlements—while it couldn't be said to be spotless, it lacked any indiscriminate waste or refuse.

The blue stone slabs on both sides of the road were deliberately spaced, and after a rain shower, water would disappear without a trace, indicating there was a sewage system here.

There's more than just a sewer; dilapidated trash bins were placed at intervals on both sides of the road, and they weren't even full of trash, showing there were sanitation workers here.

As for the brightly lit streetlights and the crisscrossed yet perfectly ordered electric cables, everywhere exuded a kind of 'luxury' that differentiated this place from other settlements.

The golden house of a settlement leader isn't uncommon; in some places, the extravagance is even more bizarre than in the city—whether it's underground boxing, casinos, or many decadent and indulgent places, in the wilderness without Tian Yuan, the pleasures of luxury are even more exaggerated. Otherwise, why would the wealthy from the city flock to them?

Yet, the wealth and assets are laid out in the most inconspicuous manner, displayed before everyone.

It's even predictable that there will be no return at all...

If the market management fees and stall fees are considered a return, then the low return rate is almost laughably touching for the Federation.

The same investment, whether in managing a casino or in many places filled with hedonistic pleasures, relying on the current popularity and key positioning of Xinquan, would be enough to become a treasure trove.

Compared to the distant and barren environment and sparse resources of Thousand Islands, it commands the most convenient conditions of the entire Hai Province—this is an entire mountain of gold!

Yet someone covered it with a layer of soil and began meticulously planting vegetables.

Enjoying the process.

It can hardly be described as stupidity.

Ji, a mere student with nothing a little over a year ago, has reached this stage today, becoming an influential figure in Cliff City and even Hai Province; no one believes he is a fool.

Thus, few possibilities remain.

Either his intentions are big, with unspeakable secrets behind him—such as the current investment merely being a guise, aiming to attract more and more people here, then sacrificing them all overnight!

After all, he is a craftsman, so doing this from a stereotype perspective is valid.

Or, he simply...

Doesn't care?!

Upon this speculation, the bearded man almost laughed at himself, but looking at the scene before him, his smile disappeared before it could fully form.

His heart sank slightly.

Expression somber.

This time, it's probably going to be difficult...

"Don't look around heedlessly. Be polite when you see people later, understand?"

The bearded man glanced back at the entourage behind him, expressionless: "If you ruin the General's affairs, you know the consequences..."

"Rest assured, Fourth Master."

The burly man with a mouth full of gold teeth grinned, "Later, we'll keep our mouths shut, adding no trouble... Amin, Amin, speak!"

He elbowed his companion beside him, a young man with skin pale as a corpse, impatiently chewing gum. He was about to say something but saw the eyes meeting his in the rearview mirror, and froze, slowly nodding.

Thus, consensus was reached.

The battered truck slowly drove into the factory area on the Coast and headed straight to the office building.

Upon passing by the window of the finance department, everyone involuntarily paused for a moment, their gaze attracted by the scene of continued overtime work behind the fence.

Piles of small gold sand mountains, crucibles, and instruments melting gold bars, stacked on carts to create a mountain, were being sent into the opening warehouse.

Beyond that corner of radiant golden light...

Behind Tu Sihai, the man with gold teeth licked his lips, sniffing keenly. He was about to say something but noticed Tu Sihai's staring gaze, and obediently shut his mouth.

Following closely behind.

Until he pushed open the door.

At the end of the cubicles, a mundane General Manager's office, besides chairs and cabinets, devoid of any embellishments.

"Sorry, lots of work lately, sleep deprivation, I tend to get sleepy at night."

The excessively young man lowered his head, holding a freshly heated kettle, and smiled warmly: "On regular days, not many people come by. I only have some old tea leaves, my hospitality is lacking, please forgive me."

"Hey, hey, hey, with your busy life, it's actually us who are intruding."

Tu Sihai grinned, laughing heartily, and eagerly stretched out his hand. After shaking hands with Ji Jue, he handed over a business card with utmost humility: "A small business, not much of a presence, please give it your attention."

[Long Island Commerce Tu Sihai]

Ji Jue accepted the business card and looked at the smiling man with a bushy beard before him. His smile was full of passion and sincerity, exuding incredible vitality, making people trust him.

Like a salesman carrying a pouch of treasures while visiting door to door, solving every big and small problem in life for his clients.

Whether it's a blocked drainage or a moldy wash basin, he always has something good.

"Long Island Commerce?"

After inviting him to sit down, Ji Jue asked curiously: "We don't seem to have any cooperation, right? We haven't dealt with each other before either."

"The first time you're a stranger, the second time you're familiar."

Tu Sihai smiled as he picked up the teacup, unfazed by the old tea, displaying complete loyalty and sincerity: "Of course, compared to big platforms like Tianping Commerce and Taiyi Ring, small regional maritime chambers like ours are only small businesses.

But small businesses have their advantages, Mr. Ji."

Tu Sihai smiled meaningfully: "Small ships are light and agile, have a shallow draft and easily turn, 'varieties' are enough, and can provide more thorough service for customers."

Scattered across the Endless Sea, the Thousand Islands are rich in resources in some areas, but many are desolate places devoid of life, unable to compare to continents like the Federation and Empire, yet better than meat grinders and mud pits like Central Earth.

It acts as a middleman, connecting various parties, and alternative trades and commerce have never ceased.

Things the Taiyi Ring doesn't allow to be sold, Tianping Commerce won't help you find, things open and honest can't be found, things unseen...

Why not ask us, these small chambers?

As long as you pay, Resentment Ashes, Artificial Vengeful Spirits, fresh organs, fetus specimens, fresh marrow, or even remnants of natural disasters or worse Mutated beings, we have it all!

"Is that so?"

Raising his eyebrows, Ji Jue seemed to understand, sincerely praised: "That's truly impressive!"

Saying this, he reached out his hand.

Tu Sihai was stunned, momentarily baffled, subconsciously glanced behind him, beckoning, and a person with a mouthful of gold teeth walked up and lifted a box.

"A modest gift, please do not..."

Tu Sihai was about to speak but was interrupted. Ji Jue, however, shook his head helplessly, waved his hand, gestured for the man with gold teeth to leave, and then sighed:

"Goods list."

"..." Tu Sihai hesitated.

Instantly, Ji Jue frowned with displeasure: "Aren't you a commerce chamber? You said a whole lot, surely you wouldn't come without a goods list, right? Or are you letting me order?

That works."

He spoke candidly: "Tianping Commerce's procurement list, Desert Market's recruitment announcement, and Taiyi Ring's order, you should be able to see all that, right? See the plain and embrace simplicity, Dragon Pride Leopard Transformation, if you can bring out even one of these blessings, the price is negotiable, and from now on, there will be more business with Xinquan and you guys."

"..."

In a moment, Tu Sihai's expression grew increasingly astonished but ultimately didn't stall. The smile returned, and he said serenely: "These blessings, to be honest, are too rare. I haven't handled them over the years... However, there is a goods list, but this time I'm here, actually entrusted by someone to connect you, resulting in neglect, unable to bring it."

"Small commerce chambers."

Ji Jue sighed, not hiding his disappointment and regret, having not hoped for much from them from the start. However, before Tu Sihai could speak again, he suddenly asked: "Let me guess, the one who entrusted you... wouldn't be from the sea, would they?"

Tu Sihai was silent for a moment, then decisively nodded.

Thus, Ji Jue's smile grew increasingly teasing: "Let me guess again, wouldn't it be the Northern Endless Sea Blood Washing Fleet?"

In the brief silence, Tu Sihai's expression didn't change much, hard to figure out, as if already expected, his demeanor growing more sincere and composed.

"Mr. Ji deserves his reputation, quick-witted and perceptive, nothing can be concealed."

Praising as he pressed his hand on the box on the table: "Given this, let me not beat around the bush. Friends living on the sea don't really excel in socializing, resulting in numerous misunderstandings from outsiders.

In reality, everyone roams the seas relying on hot-blooded righteousness, still eager to make friends with talented heroes like Mr. Ji.

Thus, they sent me here, especially to send greetings to you…"

In front of Ji Jue, he opened the box.

Revealing on the black velvet cushions inside, one small bottle after another, so exquisite like masterful craftsmanship, tirelessly ornate.

Crystal scarlet drifted within, like living beings, emerging dreamlike and radiant.

Sixteen vials of 'liquified life' nearly 100% pure!

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