The Elven City Lord: This is "Just a Little Left"?

The cost of the three shield types varied dramatically, especially between the low and high-end ones. The former cost a mere 5 million coins, while the latter skyrocketed to 140 million.

Hao Tian turned to Aila and asked, "What level of defense do these shields provide?"

Aila explained, "With sufficient energy, the low-level shield can withstand attacks from extraordinary professionals. The mid-level corresponds to saint-level, and the high-level to demigods. However, this is theoretical. The actual effectiveness depends on the intensity of the attack."

A single demigod's assault was different from an onslaught by a hundred. Hao Tian nodded, understanding the distinction.

"I need a better price," he stated.

Aila asked, "What level of shield do you want to build?"

"Naturally, the high-level shield," Hao Tian replied. For his domain, only the best would suffice. If the nature elves could craft a shield that could withstand attacks from lesser gods, he wouldn't hesitate to sell even more spring water to afford it. Unfortunately, such a service wasn't available; even the renowned nature elves struggled with this feat.

After a moment of hesitation, Aila said, "As neighbors, I can offer you a discount of 10 million coins. Anything more would require approval from the kingdom."

With the discount, the cost was 130 million coins. Though he wasn't sure if Aila's sincerity was genuine, he didn't haggle further. Instead, he asked, "How long will it take to complete the shield?"

Aila responded, "If we proceed with the deal, I can immediately contact the mages in Kayati City. They can prioritize this project and arrive by tomorrow morning."

"Perfect!" Hao Tian was impressed by their efficiency.

He then produced four large barrels filled with Elven Spring Water from his spatial ring. "Build two shields—one for the inner city and one for the outer city. These 20,000 bottles of high-quality spring water will cover the cost of 260 million coins."

Aila's eyes widened in shock, and the Elven City Lord, forehead creasing in exasperation, thought, "This is 'just a little left'?"

She now doubted everything Hao Tian said, suspecting he had even more spring water stashed away. Yet, without concrete evidence, she couldn't confirm her suspicions or comprehend how the Golden Oasis produced such high-quality water. She refrained from asking directly, knowing he wouldn't reveal such secrets.

Aila collected the barrels and contacted the elven masters in Kayati City. "If all goes well, our people will arrive this afternoon to install the defense shields."

"Install?" Hao Tian questioned.

"Yes," Aila confirmed. "The components are pre-made. They need only assembly and tuning, which can be done overnight. If we had to create them from scratch, it would take a month or more."

The nature elves had streamlined the production of such shields, as well as other items like spring water and elven equipment, unlike the Ratmen or Grey Dwarves, who lagged significantly behind.

"I look forward to their arrival," Hao Tian said, pleased that the shield issue was resolved with just four barrels of spring water. Next, he planned to relocate the market and residential areas to the outer city, preparing for incoming dwarf blacksmiths and external merchants.

Turning to the beautiful elf Amy, he said, "Now that the shield issue is settled, you are welcome to stay in my domain, but at night, you'll have to reside in the outer city."

"Thank you, Lord Hao Tian!" Amy replied, delighted. Though disappointed she couldn't stay in the core area, it was a small inconvenience. She could still enjoy the oasis during the day.

The Elven City Lord and Aila exchanged glances, suspecting the Golden Oasis held secrets at night. If uncovered, they might understand why it was blessed by the Elven Goddess.

"Lord Hao Tian, I..." began the nature elf with the flower crown, wanting to stay as well. 

However, the Elven City Lord interrupted, "If there's nothing else, we should return to the Forest City."

"Safe travels," Hao Tian nodded, casting a glance at the flower-crowned elf. She seemed significant, possibly even a princess, protected diligently by the City Lord despite her silence and demeanor as a mere attendant.

In the end, the flower-crowned elf departed with the others, leaving Amy and her unicorn, Teresa, behind. Once the delegation left, Amy gleefully dashed to a nearby flowerbed, arms wide open, falling among the blooms. Teresa, glancing at Hao Tian, transformed into a little girl in a white dress, bounding to Amy's side.

"Amy, shall we catch butterflies?" Teresa asked.

"I'm over two hundred years old, not a child," Amy replied.

"But I saw a beautiful black butterfly..."

"Where? Show me, quickly!" Amy's excitement returned as she followed Teresa.