Chapter 154: A Visit, Profits Soar After System Division
Above Youhu City, two figures flew slowly through the skies.
Looking down at the prosperous city below, where various races—including Puppets, humans, Vampires, and Sphinxes—coexisted harmoniously, Traveler couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
For any Level Three Wizard Apprentice, it would not be difficult to control a single City State in the Underworld with a few decades of planning.
However, for someone like Su Nan to develop a powerful force encompassing three City States was quite remarkable.
Not to mention that Su Nan had the Starry Sky Empire backing him.
The more Traveler interacted with Su Nan, the more enigmatic he became.
That was why he had accepted Su Nan's invitation to visit Youhu City.
“I didn’t expect even the Sphinx and Vampire to become your vassals,” Traveler remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice.
Su Nan grasped the implication in his words and asked, intrigued, “Have you been here before?”
As he spoke, Traveler’s gaze swept over the Stone Golem patrolling the streets below.
Flying from the city gate, he noted that most of Youhu City's defense forces comprised various Golem Puppets.
Among them were quite a few legendary-level Puppets!
The Sphinx, Vampire, and other enslaved races constituted only a small portion of the forces.
It appeared that Su Nan's powerful Golem Legion was the reason he was able to conquer the Lake of Gloom, Matu, and Olsen.
Night Owl was right; the resources Su Nan controlled were truly astounding.
An ordinary Level Three Wizard Apprentice could never muster such a large-scale Golem Legion.
What puzzled Traveler even more was that legendary-level Puppet Materials were extremely rare; just the intermediate Small Soul Crystals alone had thwarted many other Wizard Apprentices.
Where, he wondered, did Su Nan get so many intermediate Small Soul Crystals to refine legendary-level Puppets?
Traveler was completely perplexed.
Just then, Su Nan spoke up.
"We're here."
The two slowly descended to the ground, where Karolina and Red Widow were already waiting at the palace gate.
"Master, welcome back," the two women said in unison, bowing respectfully.
Traveler observed this and inwardly praised them. Su Nan indeed led a fortunate life and possessed great courage. Both the Sphinx and the Vampire were notoriously cunning. Without a certain level of skill, an apprentice wizard would struggle to suppress these two races, let alone bring them under control.
"It's getting late today. Why don't you rest for a few days? We can have a proper chat later," Su Nan suggested.
Traveler readily agreed. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"You're too kind," Su Nan smiled before turning to Karolina. "Arrange the best room for Traveler."
"Yes, Master," Karolina replied respectfully, then slightly bowed to Traveler. "Please follow me."
Once Traveler had left, Su Nan entered the palace without looking back. He asked, "During the days I was away, what progress has been made in the exploration?"
Red Widow followed closely behind Su Nan, smiling as she replied, "Thanks to Master's foresight in involving Xie Man and Cole, as well as the Knight Guard, the progress has accelerated significantly."
"The Subterranean Toad Monster and the Slime Monster to the east of the Star Alliance at the swamp have been completely cleared, and the exploration teams are currently pushing deeper."
"The northern region has also been thoroughly investigated; within a radius of over fifty kilometers, we have identified four Eye Demon tribes. We have already annihilated two, and resolving the remaining two is only a matter of time."
"The previously discovered Iron Mine in the west has officially started development. Additionally, our exploration teams uncovered two new mines: a Medium Copper Mine and a Small Tungsten Mine. We are currently focused on clearing the monsters around them, and we expect them to be ready for extraction in a month."
Su Nan nodded in satisfaction. Judging by Red Widow's tone, the newly established Knight Guard appeared to be performing quite well. But upon reflection, that was to be expected, as the Knight Guard's equipment was far superior to that of the Underworld natives.
"Magic Pattern Construct goes without saying; it was also equipped with Enchanted Weapons and Enchanted Armor. Furthermore, various potions were carried on their persons.
Any random Knight from this group could hold their own against a Grand Knight. With a team like this, led by Xie Man and Cole, they would fear nothing—provided they did not encounter a legendary-level creature. Even if they did, with the Rune Gem in hand, escape would not be difficult.
Seeing Su Nan's satisfied expression, Red Widow's heart swelled with joy, and she smiled charmingly. "Master, just five days ago, I personally led the team to wipe out the Minotaur Tribe in the south. Their Gold Mine is now in the possession of our Star Alliance."
"That was a Medium Gold Mine, and preliminary estimates suggest it could yield over three hundred thousand Gold Coins!"
"Not bad," Su Nan replied, his smile growing even wider.
With a Medium Gold Mine and the Clay Golem’s efficient mining rate, he wouldn’t have to worry about funds for at least the next six months. He could stockpile more Magic Mithril and refine a few more Mithril Golems.
Having already killed Magic Hand, Bloodmaw, and Wu Ge, three members of the Eternal Life Society had fallen by his hand. While the organization might not initially realize he was behind those deaths, once they did find out, even if the Eternal Life Society was disorganized, they would surely be at odds with him.
It was best to be safe than sorry, and he needed to prepare early and accumulate more strength. If he possessed dozens of Mithril Golems, he could navigate the entirety of the Starlight Continent with confidence; the Eternal Life Society would hardly be worth mentioning.
"Continue exploring, find more mines, and gather intelligence about the surrounding forces," Su Nan ordered.
Until now, the external explorations and expansions of the Star Alliance had only encountered tribes of weak and insignificant strength. However, considering that the exploration range had already expanded to nearly two hundred kilometers, it was expected that they would soon encounter another city-state. At that point, if they wished to continue expanding their territory, war would inevitably ensue, and the Star Alliance had to prepare for this.
One of the reasons Su Nan had invited Traveler to be a guest at Youhu City was to gather intelligence on the Underworld's forces."
"Traveler has been adventuring and exploring the Southeast Region of the Underworld for many years, so he likely knows more about this than I do."
"How are things at Flash City?" Su Nan asked again.
"The detailed report is already in the study."
At that moment, the two arrived at the door of the study. Su Nan pushed the door open and sat behind the desk, immediately noticing the report resting on the surface.
Since reaching an agreement with Ke Yi about dividing the systems, Su Nan had begun to implement the changes. By the time he left for Ryan City, the system split had been underway for some time and was on the right track.
The report on the desk contained the financial data for the last six months.
According to the report, after the system split, Base's profits had surged by almost fifty percent. The majority of this increase came from the purchases of Black Rock Leopards, Clay Golems, Stone Golems, and puppets, as well as from the procurement of goods such as potions, enchanted weapons, and Dragon Blood Fruit, which accounted for over eighty percent of the profits. The remaining less than twenty percent originated from various metal ores mined from the Underworld.
Su Nan wasn't surprised by these results. After all, during their previous dependent relationship, the benefits that Base provided to the army far outweighed what the army offered in return. In fact, a portion of the profits from mining at the Underworld Mine had been used to subsidize the Starry Sky Empire. This is why the Starry Sky Empire was able to recover so quickly after the war.
Su Nan had always accepted this fact, as his early capital accumulation heavily relied on territorial resources. Now that the two sides were separated and Base no longer had to incur losses to support the Starry Sky Empire, its profits naturally soared.
"As long as the Starry Sky Empire continues to grow stronger, Base's profits from procurement will only continue to increase."
After reviewing the report, Su Nan left the study and headed for the laboratory.
Taking out gems and silver, Su Nan spent half an hour setting up the magic array, then injected his spiritual power to activate it.
As the light glowed, countless rays emanated from the magic array, intertwining and wrapping around each other until they formed a light gate four to five meters high.
"Done."
Su Nan clapped his hands, gazing at the teleportation channel before him, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
With this teleportation channel, he could enter and exit Long Lin from Base 2 at any time.
He also needed to set one up on the Base 1 side when he had the opportunity, for easier access.
He could even enter Long Lin through the Base 2 channel and then exit via the Base 1 channel, effectively achieving long-distance teleportation between Base 1 and Base 2.
This way, he wouldn't have to travel back and forth constantly, saving a significant amount of time.
After establishing the channel, Su Nan used the contract to summon Hidden Dragon.
To his surprise, Amy came running over as well.
"Meow, what's this?"
Amy widened its eyes, curiously examining the glowing portal before it.
"Go in and see for yourself," Su Nan replied with a smile, stepping into the light portal.
Seeing this, Amy quickly urged Hidden Dragon to follow.
The portal connected to the common lounge area on the first floor of Dragon Bone Tower, and then Su Nan led Amy and Hidden Dragon to teleport to District 1.
When Amy beheld the magnificent forest filled with towering trees, it was utterly stunned.
"Meow! This, this is the Ecological Garden!"
Now it was Su Nan's turn to be surprised.
"You've seen the Ecological Garden before?"
"Of course, meow!" Amy lifted its head proudly. "My former master also had an Ecological Garden and raised many strange creatures, but after I woke up, I couldn't see it anymore."
Su Nan pondered this; it seemed that the Ecological Garden had likely been moved away by Amy's master, unlike Long Lin, which had remained on the Starlight Continent.
"Meow, Su Nan, did you gain control of this Ecological Garden?"
Amy suddenly recalled Su Nan's casual teleportation from before and quickly understood.
"Yes, I am the master here now."
"That's amazing! How did you do it, meow?" Amy asked curiously.
"It's a long story. Let's talk as we go."
Su Nan took the lead and flew forward, with Hidden Dragon quickly following.
Along the way, he recounted his experiences to Amy, leaving it dumbfounded.
"Meow, you're so lucky!" Amy exclaimed.
Having witnessed the glorious age of Wizards a thousand years ago and with a powerful master, it understood far more than many other Wizard Apprentices and recognized the astounding value of a large Ecological Garden.
"Even if this is a half-abandoned Ecological Garden, its value exceeds that of an entire Starry Sky Empire!
Immediately after, Amy, recalling something, excitedly patted Hidden Dragon's back with her fleshy paw and exclaimed, "Meow, big guy, you're in luck!"
"Hidden Dragon?" he replied in confusion.
Su Nan smiled slightly; this was the intention behind bringing Hidden Dragon here. Though Dragon Forest Zone 2 was abandoned, it still housed numerous Sub-Dragon Species, including many high-level varieties. These were more than capable of providing ample Subdragon Blood to rapidly enhance Hidden Dragon's Bloodline concentration.
Su Nan's goal was to target high-level Sub-Dragon Species such as the Multi-necked Dragon and the Magic Tyrant Dragon. Arriving above the lake where Traveler had recently battled Magic Hand and Bloodmaw, Su Nan briefly focused his Spiritual Power senses and quickly pinpointed his target.
The Silver Light shimmering on his surface flashed as silvery metal liquid flowed from his body, forming countless metal spikes that sliced through the air and plunged into the water.
In the next moment, the lake's surface surged violently and erupted with a loud bang. Amid the splashing waves, more than a dozen snake heads broke the surface, letting out a deafening roar that echoed across the lake. Blood poured from one of the long necks, staining the water beneath it a deep red.
Su Nan swiftly employed Mage Hand to gather the blood and collect it in a prepared glass tube.
"Roar!"
Upon realizing Su Nan, the culprit, had injured it, the Multi-necked Dragon roared furiously, with its numerous snake heads surrounding him from all sides, attempting to bite down fiercely.
Su Nan's expression remained calm. With a thought, he unleashed a Metal Storm.
The confrontation between man and beast raged over the lake. After about seven or eight minutes, Su Nan, having collected sufficient blood, departed without hesitation. The Multi-necked Dragon, unable to pursue, could only roar indignantly at the sky.
Connecting with Amy and Hidden Dragon, who had been watching from a distance, Su Nan and the two beasts returned to Base 2. He immediately brought Hidden Dragon into the laboratory to perform Bloodline Refinement surgery."
In terms of power, the Multi-necked Dragon was already approaching Fourth Circle Legend, while the Hidden Dragon had yet to reach Third Circle Legend.
The former's Bloodline concentration completely overshadowed the latter's.
As a result, after fusing the purified Subdragon Blood from the Multi-necked Dragon, the Hidden Dragon's Bloodline concentration surged by 0.36%.
Previously, relying solely on extracting Hidden Dragon's own blood would have required at least two or three months to see such an increase.
"High-level Subdragon Blood Fruit is indeed more effective," Su Nan acknowledged with satisfaction.
Until the Hidden Dragon Blood vein's concentration surpassed that of high-level Subdragon species like the Multi-necked Dragon and the Magic Tyrant Dragon, its Bloodline concentration growth rate would remain rapid.
By the time the increase rate slowed down, it would likely have already broken through to Fourth Circle Legend.
At that point, he would possess another powerful ally!
Furthermore, even if the Bloodline concentration increase rate began to decline, with a sufficient supply of high-level Subdragon Blood, he wouldn’t have to worry about Hidden Dragon's stamina when extracting its blood as he had in the past. The Bloodline concentration growth rate wouldn't slow down any more than before.
The Hidden Dragon's ascension to become a pureblood dragon race was only a matter of time!
Comments