Chamber of Commerce routine, trade slaves (5200)

The merchant Orkan explained with great excitement: "The value of these crystals is extremely high!"

"Even a single ordinary Dark Crystal is worth over one hundred thousand crowns."

"And a single Shining Crystal can even sell for a high price of several million crowns or more!"

"Furthermore, there are the even more precious and rare seven-colored crystals; any single one is worth tens of millions!"

"However, the production rate of these seven-colored crystals is too low, and they are rare even among the entire Crystal Folk."

At this point, Orkan changed the subject, then looked at him with a fawning smile and said: "Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, I wonder if you are interested in these Crystal Folk?"

A strange look appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

"They only need to consume crystals to produce crystals of astonishing value."

"For such a rare and valuable race, would you really be kind enough to sell them to me instead of keeping them for yourself?"

His tone carried suspicion.

The goat beard on Orkan's chin trembled slightly.

Facing Cao Xing's questioning, there was a hint of panic in his pupils.

But he immediately regained his composure and explained with a sheepish smile: "It's like this, Otherworld Lord Cao Xing."

"Although this group of Crystal Folk can spit out crystals of astonishing value, raising them is not easy!"

"They need to regularly consume large amounts of crystals daily, whether it's Frost-White Crystals, Shadow-Purple Crystals, and so on."

"Not only are these high-level materials expensive, but their sources are extremely scarce."

"If you don't feed them crystals for a period of time, these Crystal Folk will starve to death, and then you'll lose everything!"

"Furthermore, only by feeding them enough crystals will they produce crystals; it's a case of requiring investment to get a return."

Orkan's explanation was plausible.

After all, these kinds of crystals aren't something you can just easily acquire.

Come to think of it, he did actually control a White Crystal vein.

That mine was huge; over a hundred Goblins had mined it at full capacity for nearly two months to finish extracting all the White Crystals, but it only yielded 120,000 units of White Crystals for Cao Xing.

During this time, quite a lot of crystals were consumed due to crafting robots and repairing ancient swords.

Currently, there weren't many crystal reserves left in the territory.

However, it didn't matter, because the cooldown for the Shining Throne was almost up, and there was a high probability of finding other crystal mines.

Therefore, if he could buy this group of Crystal Folk, it might actually bring him significant returns.

Of course, Cao Xing didn't just listen to this guy's bragging.

Instead, he prepared to check the attributes of these Crystal Folk first.

However, when he cast his gaze over, he discovered that these Crystal Folk had a shielding device on their bodies that blocked his inspection.

Fortunately, Cao Xing's Eye of True Sight was still effective.

It pierced directly through the shielding on these Crystal Folk, allowing him to see their information.

[Name: Three-Leaf Stone]

[Race: Crystal Folk]

[Level: 31 (Tier 4 Elite Creature)]

[Health: 41225/41225]

[Attack: 1894~1917]

[Armor: 385~417]

[Skills: Crystal Body (Reduces physical damage taken by 30%, but cracks will appear when health drops below 50%, and they will shatter if severe), Survival Instinct (When the Crystal Folk encounter danger, they instantly burst with 200% movement speed and evasion probability increases by 30% until they are out of danger), Crystal Shine (When the tribe's elite encounters danger, they emit a strong light, obscuring the enemy's vision and increasing the evasion rate of all tribe members by 20%, Cooldown: 3 minutes)]

[Talent: Crystal Conversion (Can consume various crystals, and after digestion, will produce three types of gems: precious Dark Crystals (Purple), Shining Crystals (Gold), and seven-colored crystals (Orange).]

(Note: The production probability of Dark Crystals is 80%, Shining Crystals is 20%, and seven-colored crystals is 1%)

A look of realization appeared in Cao Xing's eyes.

Just as Orkan said, this was a special race that could produce crystals by consuming crystals.

Although he didn't know what these crystals were used for at the moment.

But the system had said these crystals were quite precious, so clearly, their value wouldn't be low.

Furthermore, there were even epic-quality crystals among them.

Of course, the more precious the crystal, the lower the probability.

However, this also piqued Cao Xing's interest.

After all, under the blessing of the [Shining Throne], he could constantly discover more rare mineral veins, including various crystal mines.

There was no need to worry about the feeding problem of this group of Crystal Folk.

Therefore, Cao Xing asked: "How do you intend to sell this batch of Crystal Folk?"

Upon hearing this, Orkan's eyes gradually narrowed.

He knew that Cao Xing was interested.

He scanned him with shifty, rat-like eyes, then smiled and said:

"Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, this isn't our first trade, and I know your character."

"There are 112 Crystal Folk here; if sold retail, I sell them at a price of 5 million crowns each."

"However—as I mentioned before, these Crystal Folk are social creatures; if separated from their kin, they might stop eating and die before long."

"If you want them, I suggest buying the entire group of Crystal Folk, and I'll give you a package deal!"

A strange look appeared in Cao Xing's eyes: "What's the package price?"

Orkan hesitated for two seconds, seemingly making some difficult decision.

He said directly: "For the sake of Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, I'll take a loss and sell them to you as a package for a total of 500 million crowns, how about that?"

Cao Xing took another deep look at this shifty-eyed merchant.

Although he did indeed have over a billion crowns in his backpack, he didn't want to be such a sucker.

Spending 500 million crowns to buy a group of slaves with uncertain specific value? Cao Xing would have to be crazy!

So he said: "Mr. Orkan, I can't afford such a high price; you'd better go find someone else."

After speaking, he turned to leave.

Seeing this, the merchant immediately grabbed his sleeve and hurriedly said: "Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, don't be in such a hurry; if you aren't satisfied with the price, we can negotiate."

He looked at Cao Xing with a smile, the meaning in his eyes being that they could haggle.

Cao Xing pondered for a moment and held up five fingers.

"I can only offer 500,000 crowns each."

Upon hearing this price, Orkan suddenly felt a toothache.

He discovered that this Otherworld Lord Cao Xing was truly ruthless whenever he haggled.

Others, even the ruthless ones, would at most cut the price in half.

But he? He slashed it right down to the soles of his feet!

If it were an ordinary merchant, they would probably have refused directly by now, too lazy to continue trading with Cao Xing.

But this Orkan seemed to be able to tell that Cao Xing, sitting on such a large territory, must have quite a lot of assets.

In his heart, he didn't want to give up on this big client.

Therefore, with a look of difficulty on his face, he said:

"Otherworld Lord Cao Xing, this price of yours is really too low—"

"In order to capture this group of Crystal Folk, we went deep into the mountains, and many mercenaries died along the way."

"Just the compensation for the families of these mercenaries cost about tens of millions of crowns."

"And counting the transportation costs, as well as the cost of feeding them crystals during this time, if I sell them like this, I'll be making a loss—"

"Could you see if you can add a bit more?"

Cao Xing pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the group of mercenaries.

Then he nodded slightly and said: "Since that's the case, then I'll add a little more—"

A smile immediately appeared on Orkan's face, and then he saw Cao Xing hold up one finger.

Orkan asked tentatively: "—One million?"

Cao Xing said: "Add another 100,000."

"For each Crystal Folk, I can pay a maximum of 600,000 crowns."

This price once again made Orkan roll his eyes uncontrollably.

Cao Xing said directly: "600,000 is the highest price I can accept; my territory has been developing for too short a time, and I don't have many assets."

"I cannot let my territory fall into a development crisis due to a lack of funds just to purchase this batch of Crystal Folk."

Cao Xing spoke with reason and evidence, and after hearing this, a look of hesitation appeared on Orkan's face again.

After a moment, he gritted his teeth and said: "Since that's the case, then I'll give Otherworld Lord Cao Xing a bottom price!"

"How about one million crowns for one Crystal Folk?"

"Any lower, and we will truly be making a huge loss on this trip!"

He seemed extremely heartbroken.

And Cao Xing pondered for a moment in his heart.

Clearly, at a price of one million per Crystal Folk, he was indeed getting a great bargain.

After all, according to what Orkan said, a single [Shining Crystal] was worth several million.

Although the probability was somewhat low, with over a hundred Crystal Folk, they could still produce a significant quantity.

Furthermore, these Crystal Folk wouldn't only produce crystals once; as long as they were fed crystals regularly, they would produce another batch of crystals every so often.

As Orcan had said, this was indeed a race that laid golden eggs.

This made Cao Xing somewhat suspicious; would this guy really be so kind?

After all, the nature of merchants is to pursue profit.

Don't be fooled by how pained Orcan appeared; these merchants were all sly as foxes, with superb acting skills.

There might even be tricks behind it that he couldn't see.

However—given Cao Xing's strength, he wasn't worried about this guy plotting against him.

Once these Crystal People reached his territory, there would be no escaping his grasp.

Thus, he replied, "Fine, let's go with this price. I'll take this batch of Crystal People."

Hearing Cao Xing's agreement, the merchant beamed with joy.

"Lord Cao Xing is indeed straightforward!"

"In that case, shall we conduct the transaction now?"

Without further ado, Cao Xing took out a green backpack containing exactly 112 million crowns and tossed it over.

"Catch."

After Orcan received the spatial backpack and verified the amount of currency inside, he beamed with joy once more.

However, the transaction was not yet complete.

Only when the slaves were handed over to Cao Xing would the transaction be considered finished.

"Lord Cao Xing, please wait a moment. I'll have the guards release the Crystal People."

He paused for a moment.

"However, I suggest you call a few more soldiers over."

"These Crystal People are highly capable of escaping, and they still refuse to fully submit to us."

"They might bolt the moment they leave their cages, and it would be very difficult to catch them again."

He appeared to be looking out for Cao Xing's interests.

Cao Xing, however, smiled and shook his head. "No need. They won't be running anywhere."

His tone was filled with absolute confidence.

Through the system panel, Cao Xing had already seen the Crystal People's skills; their escape abilities were indeed formidable.

There were even two or three elite creatures among them capable of further increasing their kin's movement speed.

However, these abilities were useless in the face of absolute strength.

Upon hearing this, a subtle, almost imperceptible smile appeared at the corner of Orcan's mouth.

It seemed Cao Xing's decision was exactly what he wanted.

He stopped persuading him and turned to the mercenaries. "Release the Crystal People."

The mercenaries beside the carriages immediately obeyed.

However, their gazes toward Cao Xing held a trace of pity.

It was as if they were looking at a fool.

"Clatter—" The sound of dragging chains echoed incessantly.

Cage after cage was opened.

The group of Crystal People stepped out of the cages with tentative expressions.

Their crystal-like legs stepped onto the edge of the carriage, emitting a 'click-clack' sound of stone colliding.

They appeared quite docile and didn't seem to have any intention of escaping, contrary to what Orcan had said.

The merchant smiled. "Lord Cao Xing, they are yours now."

"Good." Cao Xing nodded slightly.

With that, their transaction was officially complete.

At the same time, a system prompt appeared.

[Transaction successful: You have obtained [Crystal People] * 112. You have lost [Coins] * 112 million.]

[Ding! The item [Diamond Membership Card] has taken effect, refunding 20% of the currency from this transaction. You have obtained [Coins] * 22.4 million.]

Cao Xing was amused. He hadn't expected that purchasing slaves would also fall under the scope of the [Membership Card]. This item was truly excellent, saving him over twenty million crowns!

Just as Cao Xing prepared to head over and bring the Crystal People back to his territory,

one of the Crystal People—a thin, extremely gaunt figure standing about 1.8 meters tall—suddenly erupted in a burst of light!

The light was so intense that it blinded everyone present.

It was the elite skill of the Crystal People: Crystal Shine.

Not only could it blind enemies, but it also granted a speed boost to other Crystal People.

This meant they were preparing to escape!

Sure enough, the moment the light erupted, the group of Crystal People sprang into action simultaneously.

Like a flock of startled birds, they scattered in every direction, moving at incredible speed!

The shadows of the Crystal People were everywhere.

Clearly, in this situation, even if Cao Xing sent out all the combat personnel in his territory to catch them, more than half would still escape.

A look of 'anxiety' appeared on Orcan's face as he hurriedly shouted, "Quick, help Lord Cao Xing catch them!"

Hearing this, the mercenaries sprang into action.

However, their speed was nowhere near that of the Crystal People, who were now running at full capacity.

They were left in the dust after just a few steps.

Seeing this, Cao Xing didn't panic at all. Instead, a faint smile played on his lips.

He had already figured out Orcan's scheme.

These Crystal People had long been tamed and trained by him.

Orcan would first sell these Crystal People to nobles or other lords at a very low price.

Once the transaction was complete, the Crystal People would immediately flee.

With their array of escape skills, it was extremely difficult to recapture them.

And those lords or nobles who thought they were getting a bargain would lose everything!

Afterward, Orcan would collect the Crystal People again and find the next sucker to trade with.

Moreover, the other lords couldn't even complain about it.

After all, he could claim ignorance, and since the transaction was already finished, they had no choice but to accept their losses.

However, although Cao Xing had seen through Orcan's scheme, he remained unhurried.

They were just a group of Tier 3 or 4 creatures; how could they possibly escape his control?

Cao Xing's Wind Wings gave a gentle flutter, lifting him into the air.

The next moment, he raised his staff, and a deep aura of magic began to emanate from within him.

At the same time, a powerful Ice Spirit phantom appeared and instantly merged into his body!

"Hum!"

A surge of formidable magic energy erupted instantly!

It created a wave of destructive pressure!

Cao Xing took a glance.

On his skill bar, his minor skills—such as Ice Spear and Ice Wall—had all turned red, indicating they had entered a no-cooldown state.

A system prompt appeared.

[Successfully used skill [Ice Spirit Possession]. For the next 30 seconds, all minor skills will enter a no-cooldown state. Affected by the talent [Eternal Power], this skill has become permanent.]

A smile appeared on Cao Xing's face.

Then, he raised his staff.

"Clatter!"

An ice wall abruptly appeared in front of one of the Crystal People.

Unable to dodge in time, she crashed into it with a 'thud,' emitting a crisp 'click.'

Just as the Crystal Person scrambled to her feet, preparing to continue her escape, she suddenly witnessed a shocking sight!

Ice wall after ice wall rose before her, spreading outward and gradually forming a perimeter.

"Clatter!"

In the blink of an eye, at least hundreds of ice walls had appeared!

At this moment, the group of Crystal People suddenly realized what was happening.

This Otherworld Lord actually intended to surround them all by summoning a massive number of ice walls!

Realizing this, the Crystal People began to flee frantically once more.

However, as mentioned before, no matter how fast they were, they couldn't outpace Cao Xing's casting speed.

Ice walls rose up, blocking their path.

After Cao Xing had continuously released nearly six hundred ice walls, he suddenly felt a stinging pain in his mind.

He knew this was a sign of mental exhaustion.

Without a moment's hesitation, he tossed two drops of premium tree sap into his mouth.

Instantly, clarity washed over his mind as his mental energy was replenished.

Thus, Cao Xing continued to wave his staff.

"Clatter!"

More ice walls appeared in succession, on the verge of forming a complete perimeter to fully enclose them!

At this moment, not only the Crystal People but even Orcan showed signs of anxiety.

He even wanted to send the mercenaries to help the other Crystal People escape.

However, looking at the figure currently flying in the sky, whose magic power was terrifyingly strong, Orcan ultimately abandoned that dangerous idea!

From this burst of power, he had realized something.

This Otherworld Lord possessed at least Tier 7 strength, and he was a mage!

A powerhouse of this caliber could wipe out everyone he had brought with a single large-scale spell!

Now, Orcan could only hope that the Crystal People were fast enough, or that the opponent's magic would run dry.

However, to his despair, the Otherworld Lord in the air continued to summon ice wall after ice wall, like a monster that would never tire!