Chapter 0401: A Gift

"You can't deny that these two types of war arrows are incredibly powerful weapons on the battlefield. However, you also can't deny that they are single-use offensive tools. Only when deployed in large quantities can they exert true deterrent force. I propose this—ten rune war arrows for one Eternal Coin, and as for the bone war arrows, one arrow per coin. What do you think?"Zhen Youde's eyes gleamed with a shrewd light as he spoke with a smile.

"No, no, no. That pricing is not acceptable."Xue Jin immediately shook his head and replied, "Regardless of whether these arrows are single-use or not, there's no denying their immense power. They are far more potent than ordinary war arrows and can even threaten cultivators. Their production involves forging by artifact refiners, inscribing runes onto each arrow, and utilizing valuable materials. Each one requires considerable effort and cost. Ten rune arrows per coin and one bone arrow per coin? That's too cheap. These are weapons meant for cultivators."

"Three rune arrows per coin, and one bone arrow for five coins," Xue Jin said, smiling as he stated his proposed price.

Watching Xue Jin haggling up front, Yi Tianxing and the others remained silent. They didn't interrupt, letting him play freely. After all, Xue Jin was a merchant—no one better understood how to maximize profit.

Besides, these rune and bone arrows could be reproduced in endless quantities as long as there were enough materials. Using the universal printer, they could be produced flawlessly and in bulk. There was no failure rate, no time wasted for cultivators, and barely any resource consumption. The cost was almost absurdly low.

Of course, that was only true for them. When selling, naturally, the higher the price, the better. This would also help boost their prestige and emphasize the value of their goods.

"No deal. That price is too high. If we go with that, I gain almost no profit."Zhen Youde shook his head again. "How about this—eight rune arrows per coin, and four bone arrows for five coins."

...

Right then and there, Xue Jin and Zhen Youde launched into a fierce verbal sparring match. Bargaining back and forth, each emphasized the rarity and value of their goods while the other nitpicked flaws to push prices down. The tactics, methods, and verbal fencing were so intense that even Yi Tianxing and Huang Chengyan were left wide-eyed and speechless.They couldn't get a word in, only watch as the two merchants battled it out.

Eventually, after a brief yet intense exchange, they settled on final prices:Five rune war arrows for one Eternal Coin.One bone war arrow for two Eternal Coins.

Xue Jin placed a massive order: one million rune arrows and three hundred thousand bone arrows—a staggering purchase.

"I also have a Moonwell in Xuanhuang Town. The water it produces can heal wounds and injuries," Yi Tianxing said with a smile.

"Such a treasure, really?"Zhen Youde's eyes lit up, now even more impressed by Xuanhuang Town's deep foundations.

In essence, this Moonwell water could be regarded as a healing elixir. Compared to pills, it had the advantage of containing no impurities or pill toxins—a major benefit.

Yi Tianxing waved his hand and produced a wooden box.Inside were tiny gourd-shaped glass bottles, small enough to fit in one's hand—almost like playthings. Each bottle contained only two to three sips of Moonwell water.

Psst!With a chuckle, Xue Jin pulled out a dagger and sliced his wrist. The sound of blade cutting flesh rang out, a flash of blood appeared, and a wound formed on his arm. Unbothered, Xue Jin lifted one of the little bottles and said,"This Moonwell is a rare treasure, and the water it yields has remarkable effects. Rather than just claim it works, let me demonstrate for you in person."

Still smiling, he poured the Moonwell water directly on the wound. Immediately, a layer of silver-white moonlight shimmered over the wound. The bleeding stopped instantly, and within a few breaths, the wound had visibly closed. It was clear it would be fully healed soon, without even a scar.

"Works both externally and internally."

Zhen Youde nodded with clear appreciation. "Indeed, this is a marvelous treasure. However, it only functions as a healing item, like a standard medicinal pill. I can't offer a high price for it. How about one Eternal Coin per portion?"

"That won't do—the price is too low…"Xue Jin immediately shook his head and launched into another pitch, explaining just how rare and valuable this Moonwell water was. It was, at present, unique—a true treasure.

After yet another round of intense bargaining, the final price was set at three Eternal Coins per bottle.

Next came a series of trades involving various runes, large-scale rune scrolls, and other goods.

Xuanhuang Town's arsenal was also sold in bulk:

Scorpion Blades from the Scorpionmen,

Bone Spears and long weapons from the Undying Undead.

These were all mass-producible and were sold without hesitation—Xuanhuang Town's signature exports. After all, what's the most profitable business?Weapons.

Soon, the once-empty shelves began filling with goods from Xuanhuang Town—all reproducible items.

Materials like Mist Brocade and Cloud Brocade were especially popular. Zhen Youde bought them in huge quantities—these were top-tier materials for refining battle garments and robes. Mist Brocade alone was comparable to some low-tier magical garments, and Cloud Brocade was even better—considered high-grade.

Of course, truly rare items were not sold. Anything non-reproducible, rare, or difficult to produce—such as the Heavenly Astral Pills—was kept for internal use only. Eternal Coins weren't worth spending such treasures.

Trade continued both ways.

When all transactions were done, Zhen Youde's expression showed a touch of shock, which soon turned to admiration. Looking at Yi Tianxing, he said,"I must admit, your Xuanhuang Town is exceptionally well-run and has incredible depth. To possess so many unique goods, even minting your own Eternal Coins and establishing a self-contained system with primitive rules… Among the human settlements, this is surely among the best—perhaps even number one.But remember, there are others even stronger."

"On the Eternal Continent, the number of races is too vast to count. Your opponents aren't just humans—they are the myriad races of the heavens. Many of them are truly terrifying."

"I've seen the Winged Ones—they live in enormous treehouses, and their archery skills are otherworldly. They can fly at will, come and go as they please, and have established a town in the jungle named Guyue Town, made from ancient trees, vines, and flowers. Among them, everyone is a soldier—formidable and possibly no weaker than Xuanhuang Town."

"I've seen Fishmen build tribes beneath the sea. Their population is immense and grows at an astonishing pace. In water, unless you're a water-type being, it's nearly impossible to defeat them on equal terms."

"I've seen blue seahorses roaming the seas, breathing flames that can boil the ocean and burn the heavens—incredibly domineering."

"I've witnessed marching ants in the desert—so numerous they devour everything in their path."

"I've seen beastmen on the grasslands—united and powerful. The Lionmen built Lion King Town, command armies, enforce strict discipline, and fight fearlessly, unafraid of death."

"Countless alien races and ferocious beasts are all amassing strength and growing rapidly. The Path of Destiny isn't limited to humans. The other races can walk it, too."

Zhen Youde's recounting seemed deliberate—revealing the world's reality: while Xuanhuang Town was advancing, so too were unseen and dangerous adversaries. Especially the alien races, with their natural strength and heritage, were rising at alarming speed.

Once one accepts reality, the only response is to prepare to face it head-on.

"The Myriad Worlds have merged into one. With countless races and endless strong contenders, this world follows a simple rule: the strong devour the weak. The only path is to keep growing stronger. If there's a battle, then let it be fought on the battlefield—with swords and steel, life or death!I, Yi Tianxing, will not be outdone!!"

Despite the shock, Yi Tianxing was filled with a fierce fighting spirit. These foreign races were enemies he would inevitably face one day.

"Naturally," Zhen Youde said with a casual wave, "I only mention it in passing. The Path of Destiny is not easy, but once the early obstacles are cleared, it smooths out. Be first in one step, and you'll be ahead in every step. The path of the Destiny Dynasty lies in land and people. Expand your territory, grow your population—go from a town to a true Immortal City.That is the transformation from dragon to serpent.Though dragons and serpents share bloodlines, they're not yet true dragons. They can stir up storms, but only after advancing to a Royal City can a Flood Dragon claim kingship.That is the start of a Destiny Dynasty."

Zhen Youde gave Yi Tianxing a meaningful look, then added,"You are blessed with great fortune and heavenly favor. Since you have such ambition, let me offer something that may assist you.Take it as a token of goodwill."

As he spoke, he took out a scroll and handed it to Yi Tianxing.

Seeing this, Yi Tianxing's expression shifted slightly. He didn't refuse and accepted it with a nod.

Soon after, Yi Tianxing and his group exited the pavilion and left the Wandering Bird.

The bird, too, didn't linger. With a clear cry—

Yoo-yoo!!

—it flapped its wings and soared into the sky, flying off into the distance.

The Wandering Bird never stays in one place for long. Even if it stops briefly, it never stays more than a day or two. It is destined to roam the void endlessly.

Just like the wandering merchants it carries.