The potential profits were simply too great.
With the existence of the Universal Printer, many things could now be mass-produced with incredible profit margins. As long as there were materials, it could endlessly produce all sorts of treasures without limit.
This gave Yi Tianxing a natural and overwhelming advantage.
He held the dominant position. If even with that he couldn't make a fortune or acquire countless rare treasures, then he might as well crash into a wall and die like a complete fool.
And this plan—was entirely feasible.
Letting alien races fight and kill each other? Sure, they were fearless and savage.But getting werewolves to forge weapons? Beastmen to refine pills? Ogres to craft talismans? That was laughable.
Yet ironically, these races held a vast trove of heavenly materials and earthly treasures, an abundance of rare and exotic items. But they couldn't fully utilize them. Their usage was crude and barbaric. Spiritual herbs were eaten raw. Precious materials were used like bricks. There was no craftsmanship, no refinement.
If the news got out that Ice City was selling talismans, magical artifacts, divine weapons, elixirs, and more... it was hard to imagine those races wouldn't be tempted.
"The strategist's plan is entirely feasible. The foreign races drove us from Rock City, shut us out. This time, Ice City will not ban their entry—but we'll make sure to peel a layer of skin off them. That's how we'll repay the humiliation they inflicted on us."Yi Tianxing's eyes flashed coldly.
"Ice City can become a neutral trade hub. But once we open the marketplace, the demand for all sorts of goods—artifacts, weapons, elixirs, talismans—will be massive. Without affecting our military's supplies, large-scale trading might be difficult. We may need to return to Xuanhuang City," Jia Xu said thoughtfully.
"No need. I always carry the Universal Printer with me. As long as I have materials, I can print endlessly. Besides, I prepared a huge stockpile in advance. Starting the marketplace won't create any logistical gaps," Yi Tianxing replied.
This Zerg Disaster might drag on indefinitely. He brought the Universal Printer with him precisely to avoid supply shortages during prolonged battles. Now, it was the perfect tool for the situation.
"My lord is truly wise!" Jia Xu said with delight.
…
Time passed quickly, and it was already the next day.
Within Rock City, the atmosphere was gloomy. Many of the alien races looked exhausted and dispirited. Even after waking from unconsciousness, their spirits were low. They found everything disgusting—eating made them vomit, and their heads buzzed constantly. Whenever they paused, the horrific singing of the Green Emperor would resound in their minds again.
That sound—it had etched itself into their bones, their very souls.
"It's demonic music, real demonic music! That cursed green dog—how could it sing something so unbearable? I'd rather be deaf!"
"Even being deaf is useless. The song drills into your soul. That thing's a monster! A plague! I still feel nauseous. Stars are dancing in front of my eyes. It's horrifying."
"That dog is worse than an army of a million. I'd rather face any other enemy than that green emperor. It's a devil in canine form!"
In Rock City, alien races could be heard groaning in misery, completely drained.
What they'd experienced was simply too traumatic.
Even after a whole day, they still hadn't recovered.
Some couldn't stand the echoing song inside their heads and ran into the city walls headfirst—headbanging until they passed out. A new trend. Fainting had become a form of salvation.
That morning, the same scene repeated itself—groups of aliens crashing their heads into walls just to escape the lingering torment.
Achoo!!
Up in the air, a series of sneezes echoed every few minutes.
"What the hell is going on? Ever since that green dog sang its accursed song, Rock City's been acting weird. The Winged Ones have been sneezing non-stop since yesterday. When have you ever heard of cultivators catching colds?"
"That green dog cursed us. It's a nightmare."
Everyone knew these strange phenomena began the moment the Green Emperor arrived.
"I heard the humans really set up camp nearby, even built a city of ice. It's solid. Built in a day. Not large, but a solid war fortress."
The alien races didn't ignore the humans' movements as much as they pretended to. Building Ice City by the river—how could they not notice?
"That Ice City is strange. Eight walls, eight gates. Small in scale, and the walls aren't even tall. In the face of the Zerg Disaster, a single wave could flatten it. These humans are courting death."
Clearly, some still had no faith in the humans' survival.
Then a clear voice echoed across the sky:
"I am Yi Tianxing, Lord of Xuanhuang City, here to join the effort against the Zerg Disaster. A fortress has been constructed along the Evergreen River, named Ice City. In light of difficulties in inter-racial trade, we are opening a mutual marketplace in Ice City. All races and cultivators are welcome to trade for what they need. Ice City offers a vast array of goods: human-made artifacts, divine weapons, pills, talismans, and more—available in bulk. Those interested may come to trade."
The voice resounded above Rock City, clear for all to hear.
"Humans… Ice City?"
"They're actually opening a market? After what we did to them before?"
"Humans are weak by nature, but their craftsmanship is incredible. The artifacts, weapons, elixirs, talismans—they're all things we can't make ourselves. If those are up for trade, it might actually be worth checking out."
"If we'd known earlier, we wouldn't have shut them out. Their goods really are excellent."
In Rock City, murmurs began to rise among the alien races.
Humans were indeed known for their craftsmanship, their cleverness. The items Yi Tianxing offered were hugely attractive.
"Let's go. Bring some clansmen. Let's check out Ice City."
In one courtyard, a group of Foxfolk gathered. They belonged to a major branch of the Beastman Race. Foxfolk resembled humans, with fox ears and a signature fox tail. Among beastmen, they were famed for their cunning and strategic thinking. Whether in business or tactics, many top minds came from the Foxfolk.
They weren't just clever—they had sharp instincts.The males were often handsome, while the females were widely considered the most beautiful among beastkin—perfect in both appearance and figure. In private affairs, they were considered the most alluring companions. Often, the Foxfolk gained immense benefits through political marriages with powerful races.
Foxfolk beauties were legendary across the races.
…
Not far from Rock City, in a forested area:
A great army marched forward. Hearing the voice in the sky, they halted, eyes flashing with interest.
"That's a human… from Xuanhuang City… Brother Yi Tianxing!"
A tall, burly man with a giant axe laughed heartily. It was none other than Niu Ben, chieftain of the Barbarian Bull Tribe. He had visited Xuanhuang City before, and during foreign invasions, he'd fought alongside them, bathed in blood.
"Come! Your chieftain will take you to feast and drink with the humans. That Yi Tianxing—I've fought with him, drank with him. If he doesn't treat us properly, I'll flip his table!"
"Good! Good! Good!"
"Follow the chieftain for good food and strong drink. I heard human cuisine is amazing. That salt you brought last time—white as snow—tasted way better than our old stuff. And the spices… incredible!"
"Let's go! I heard humans look just like us Barbarians, just a little weaker. But their stuff is great. Let's see for ourselves!"
Behind Niu Ben was a group of muscular warriors in animal skins, wielding axes, sabers, and spiked clubs. Their towering frames burst with explosive strength. They radiated a primal, untamed aura.
They laughed and joked loudly, following their chieftain with ease and excitement.