Chapter 398: Arriving at Merlind City, Cao Xing’s Connections (6600)

At this moment, the middle-aged man who was being watched by everyone had a hesitant expression on his face.

As a wandering mercenary, he certainly knew that anyone who could casually pull out tens of millions in bills was no ordinary person.

However, the temptation of so much money was simply too great.

Seeing him hesitating, the others also chimed in one after another: "Captain, our Rust Mercenary Group hasn't had a job for several months. If we don't take on some business, we're going to starve to death."

"That's right, and judging by this person's appearance, he looks like one of those Otherworld Lords."

"These Otherworld Lords seem to be very weak, which makes them perfect targets for us."

"Let's pull a job on him!"

At this moment, the man before them heard the group's persuasion and seemed to have made up his mind.

"Fine, then let's pull a job on him!"

Hearing this, smiles appeared on the faces of everyone present.

The man continued.

"However, the direction this Otherworld Lord is heading seems to be towards Merlind City. This means he is most likely going there to exchange the commercial bills in his hand for cash."

"Let's not act in a hurry. We'll just follow behind him, and once he's exchanged the money, we'll find an opportunity in the wilderness to rob him!"

The other mercenaries nodded solemnly upon hearing this.

…

Time flew by. In the blink of an eye, three and a half hours had passed. They had traveled continuously for over four hundred kilometers. The distance to the city on the map was getting closer and closer.

This also made Cao Xing feel a bit excited, and also a bit nervous. To be honest, this was his first time heading to a city where humans gathered in this world.

Lake Doron City did not count as a gathering place in the true sense. After all, when they entered it, everyone in that city had already been killed.

And now, the Merlind City he was going to was the true large-scale human gathering place in this world.

From afar, he could already see a magnificent grand city!

Cao Xing could already see the towering black city walls, which were at least twenty to thirty meters high and at least five or six meters thick, as indestructible as a Great Wall of steel! They enclosed the entire Merlind City.

The diameter of this city was about six or seven kilometers. Compared to Lake Doron City, the scale was much smaller.

However, as one of the few human cities in the Gale Snowfield, its importance was self-evident, and the flow of people inside was quite astonishing.

Below the city walls was a huge gate over ten meters high, looking imposing. At this moment, the city gate was open. A large number of pedestrians and merchants were coming and going, making it extremely lively.

There were those riding Forest Giant Wolves, those riding Strider Birds, and even those riding Aquatic Giant Lizards… The various exotic mounts were dazzling.

However, someone like Cao Xing, riding a Mammoth, was the first. Dabai's massive body and long tusks gave off a powerful sense of intimidation. The mounts of the people nearby even started to tremble after feeling Dabai approach. That was a suppression at the level of life itself!

However, except for creatures like horses that had no aggression, the mounts of these people were all uniformly placed next to the animal stables near the city walls.

At the same time, there was a group of well-dressed young people at the city gate; these people were clearly young nobles from the city. Underneath them were various imposing and extraordinary mounts, including black steeds with shiny coats and agile Snow Leopards. That Giant Wolf also belonged to them.

However, upon seeing Cao Xing's Mammoth, these people couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"Oh! Gods above, did I not wash my eyes before going out today? What am I seeing? That is actually a Mammoth!"

"My god, someone actually managed to tame this sacred creature and use it as a mount."

"This Forest Giant Wolf under me cost me 1.5 million crowns to capture, and I spent another 500,000 crowns to hire an expert-level beast tamer, but compared to this Mammoth, it's just like a puppy on the side of the road!"

"No way, I'm going back to ask my father for money in a bit; I want to ride a Mammoth too!"

This group of young nobles quickly jumped off their mounts, then had the soldiers at the gate lead these beasts into the animal stables nearby, and walked into the city themselves.

Cao Xing naturally heard the discussion those people had about him. But he didn't care and walked straight towards the city.

Just as he was about to reach the city gate, this group of soldiers clad in black armor stopped Cao Xing.

"Merlind City prohibits large beasts from entering the city, including mounts."

Cao Xing was not surprised. "I know. Please help me arrange an animal stable to let my companion rest."

These soldiers faced a massive flow of people every day and had seen all sorts of people. One of the soldiers said with a flat expression: "That's fine, but there is a fee. It costs 100 crowns a day."

"However, since your pet is too large, it will cost 200 crowns a day."

Cao Xing nodded slightly; this amount of money was absolutely no problem for him. "No problem."

After saying this, he prepared to jump off Dabai's back. But just then, another soldier said: "Besides that, your soldiers cannot enter the city either." He pointed at the Wild Boar Warriors behind Cao Xing.

Cao Xing frowned and asked: "Why? I see those mercenaries and guards, aren't they all allowed to enter the city?"

The soldier said indifferently: "They can enter the city because they have an entry permit processed by the City Guard."

"Merlind City has a regulation that if there is no permit, no private armed forces are allowed to enter the city."

"If you want to enter, these soldiers must stay outside."

Hearing this regulation, Cao Xing frowned again. The Wild Boar Warrior next to him said: "It's fine, Lord, we can just stay with Dabai."

"If you need anything, just call us, and we will be there immediately."

But Cao Xing shook his head. After all, letting these Wild Boar Warriors stay with these mounts—wasn't that treating them like animals? These were his own soldiers; how could he let them receive such treatment?

So, he pressed the communication device on his ear and said: "Yaskin, I have arrived near Merlind City."

After saying this, he looked up again. "It seems to be the East Gate."

Hearing Cao Xing's message, Yaskin's joyful voice immediately came from the other side of the call. "Lord, why have you suddenly come here!"

Cao Xing replied: "I happened to have some time this time, so I took a moment to come and take a look."

"However, we were stopped by a group of soldiers at the gate, and they won't let the Wild Boar Warriors in. Do you have any way to help?"

Hearing this, Yaskin immediately replied: "Please rest assured, Lord, I can bring you in."

"You wait outside for me first; I will come out to pick you up right away."

"Good."

Cao Xing hung up the communication and waited in place with everyone.

Yaskin moved very quickly, rushing towards the East Gate at the fastest possible speed. From afar, he saw a middle-aged man with a vigorous stride appearing inside the city gate. It was indeed Yaskin.

After seeing Cao Xing, he waved his hand with a joyful face. However, he didn't come over immediately but first said something to the soldiers at the gate. The soldiers nodded after hearing this.

Then, they came to Cao Xing's side. "My lord, you can take your soldiers in."

"However, your Mammoth still has to stay outside."

"But you don't have to pay the storage fee."

Compared to the coldness when they first saw him, the attitude of these soldiers could be said to have done a 180-degree turn.

Cao Xing nodded and said: "Then I will trouble you."

After he finished speaking, Dabai followed one of the soldiers into the animal stables nearby.

And Cao Xing's party walked towards the inside of the city.

For Cao Xing, the matter at the gate was just a small episode; those soldiers were acting according to the rules, so it was nothing.

Yaskin followed beside him, saying with a smile on his face: "Lord, I haven't seen you for a few days, and you have become even stronger."

Cao Xing nodded with a smile. "Yaskin, you're doing well; even these soldiers give you so much face."

Yaskin said modestly: "Not at all, it's just that I happen to have some connection with their captain."

Cao Xing nodded slightly and didn't ask further. He could tell last time at Anuo River Village that Yaskin was quite good at handling various interpersonal relationships. After all, the world is not just about fighting and killing; it is more about human relationships and worldly wisdom.

Crossing the city gate, a system prompt appeared. [You have entered a special neutral zone: Merlind City] [Please note: In this city, the use of force is prohibited, and fighting with others is prohibited. If discovered, you may be expelled by the City Guard.]

…

At this moment, they had truly entered the interior of Merlind City. Looking ahead, there were wide streets similar to Lake Doron City. But compared to Lake Doron City, the buildings here were not as orderly arranged. Various two or three-story houses, varying in height, appeared a bit crowded. Of course, such a city also had more of a lively atmosphere.

Yaskin introduced it to Cao Xing while walking. "Lord, this is Horeck Street; this street is basically all the property of Count Winston."

"Look at those tall buildings interspersed among them; they are all defensive towers."

"Most of them are high-level Arrow Towers, Watchtowers, and the like, with many City Guards stationed on them for long periods."

"However, among them, there are also some expert-level defensive towers called Magic Energy Defensive Towers, whose damage is much higher than ordinary Arrow Towers."

"Besides that…" Yaskin kept explaining these buildings in the city, and Cao Xing also nodded slightly beside him.

The passing pedestrians were in a hurry. Of course, most of them were of the Human race. Cao Xing also saw quite a few Survivors appearing in Merlind City.

Although after the system update, it was no longer possible to casually check the aura of other Survivors. But it should be known that the temperament of every Otherworld Lord is completely different from the indigenous people of this world. In a crowd, you can tell at a glance which people are Otherworld Lords.

Just look, Cao Xing saw a woman in her early twenties who was constantly asking a merchant if he needed any help.

There was also a Survivor crouching in front of a beggar on the roadside, occasionally tossing a crown into his bowl.

Including those soldiers, there were also several Survivors pestering them, and the soldiers couldn't drive them away. Obviously, the purpose of these people was to trigger quests.

Cao Xing's mouth twitched… These silly players really don't forget to do quests wherever they go.

As they walked, they passed through two streets and arrived at an area around the third ring in the center. Yaskin said: "Lord, this is the shop I bought; take a look and see how it is?"

Cao Xing scanned it and found that this place was roughly at a key corner location, visible to passersby, and could be considered a golden zone. Except for the small area, estimated at less than thirty square meters, there were no other shortcomings.

Cao Xing nodded and said: "This location is quite good; we can close the deal." A smile also appeared on Yaskin's face. "Okay, then I will go and contact the person in charge of this shop now."

Just then, a curly-haired woman in thick cotton clothing, her figure somewhat plump, walked over from the other side of the street.

Upon seeing Yaskin, she hurried forward.

Before he could speak, the woman shouted loudly,

"Yaskin! Do you want this shop or not? You've been dragging this out for so many days!"

"Let me tell you, if you don't sign now, I'm going to rent it to someone else. You have no idea how many people have been asking me about it these past few days!"

Yaskin said apologetically, "Mrs. Davis, I'm sorry, I really have delayed things for a few days."

"However, my lord has arrived, and today he will be the one to sign the contract with you."

Clearly, this woman was the person in charge of the shop.

Upon hearing this, the woman cast a scrutinizing gaze at Cao Xing.

Seeming to discern his identity as an Otherworld Lord, a hint of suspicion appeared in her eyes.

"Are you sure you want to rent this shop?"

Cao Xing nodded and said straightforwardly, "Let's go with the 150,000 crowns a year that Yaskin mentioned. We'll rent it for five years."

Hearing this, the woman named Davis snorted coldly and said in a sharp tone,

"I'm sorry, but because of your delay over these past few days,"

"someone else has already made an offer on this shop. If you want it, you'll have to pay a higher price."

Yaskin exclaimed anxiously, "Mrs. Davis, I've already paid you a 30,000 crown deposit! How can you allow someone else to make an offer?"

The woman said disdainfully, "This is a shop under my jurisdiction. I can let whoever I want make an offer."

"Besides, we haven't signed the contract yet, have we?"

Cao Xing was not angry. He squinted his eyes and asked, "How much do we need to offer to secure it?"

The woman tilted her chin up slightly and said indifferently, "Now, you need to offer 200,000 a year!"

Cao Xing smiled upon hearing this, shook his head, and said, "Return our deposit. We don't want it anymore."

As mentioned before, he no longer had any interest in this small shop.

He had just happened to be passing by and thought he would discuss it while he was at it.

He had thought it might be nice to use it for some small business in the future.

Since the woman was price-gouging, Cao Xing naturally lost interest.

However, upon hearing this, the woman suddenly said anxiously,

"Refund the deposit? No, absolutely not!"

She said with a fierce expression, "You're the ones who don't want it anymore. That's equivalent to you unilaterally breaching the contract."

Yaskin, hearing this, became so angry his face flushed. "It was clearly you who jacked up the price!"

"If you don't return the deposit, you'd better think about the consequences!"

The woman, however, seemed completely fearless.

She said contemptuously, "Oh? Are you threatening me?"

"Let me tell you, this is Merlind City. Just try laying a finger on me!"

"The guards will be here to arrest you immediately!"

Yaskin was trembling with rage, barely able to contain the killing intent in his heart.

At this moment, Cao Xing walked over and gently patted his shoulder.

Then, with a faint smile on his face, he said, "Yaskin, don't be angry."

"It's only 30,000 crowns. Just consider it a gift to her."

"However, my money isn't so easy to take."

Cao Xing still had a smile on his face, but a cold glint appeared in his eyes.

In this life, no one has ever been able to scam Cao Xing like this.

Upon hearing this, the woman looked like a victorious rooster, her face filled with triumph.

"Your lord is quite sensible, unlike this clueless fellow Yaskin."

Cao Xing ignored her.

Just as they were preparing to leave and find an opportunity to deal with this woman later, several figures suddenly approached them.

The leader was a gorgeously dressed middle-aged man wearing a black silk robe and a special cotton cap.

Following him appeared to be the middle-aged man's attendant.

On the chests of their garments, a woodpecker pattern was uniformly embroidered.

Cao Xing found the middle-aged man somewhat familiar.

It was Jace, the merchant who had previously visited his territory and had dealings with Cao Xing.

At this moment, the woman named Davis also seemed to notice the figures behind them.

The next moment, her mean expression vanished, and she instantly put on a smiling face.

On her wrinkled, aged face, that smile looked even uglier than crying.

She hurried over, then skillfully grabbed Jace's arm and said softly,

"Oh my, Lord Jace! With the Chamber of Commerce's business so busy, how do you have time to come here and take a stroll?"

"Come to think of it, the Woodpecker Chamber of Commerce has been developing quite well lately."

Jace looked at the woman who had crowded over, cast a faint glance at her, and then directly flicked his hand, pushing her away.

The pushed woman felt somewhat stunned and stood there blankly.

When she saw Jace walking straight toward the Otherworld Lord, she felt even more confused.

At this moment, upon seeing Cao Xing, Jace immediately broke into a bright smile.

He said happily, "I just heard from my subordinates that an Otherworld Lord riding a Mammoth had arrived in Merlind City."

"I immediately thought of Lord Cao Xing, so I dropped what I was doing and came over to check."

"I didn't expect it to actually be you!"

Cao Xing also wore a faint smile. "Lord Jace, it's been a while."

He extended his right hand.

Jace, looking as if he were flattered, extended his hand.

"Lord Cao Xing, it's been a while!"

Behind them, Davis, who had been watching all this, was completely bewildered.

What had she just seen?

Jace, whom she had tried so hard to curry favor with, was actually treating this Otherworld Lord with such respect!

Who was Jace?

He was the Vice President of the Woodpecker Chamber of Commerce!

Half of the shops in all of Merlind City were properties of their Woodpecker Chamber of Commerce.

The other half belonged to Count Winster!

It could be said that in business, even Count Winster usually had to give them some face.

And looking at the current situation, this Otherworld Lord's identity seemed to be extraordinary.

This caused a trace of fear to emerge in Davis's eyes!

She had just said such things to this Otherworld Lord, and had even scammed him out of his deposit!

Her heart was instantly filled with intense fear.

The woman reacted quickly.

She hurriedly took out a bag from her backpack that was filled to the brim with crowns.

She ran over quickly and stuffed it into Yaskin's hands.

With a fawning smile, she said, "Oh my! So this lord knows our Vice President Jace. I truly apologize for the offense."

"I am very sorry. Here is your deposit, please take it."

Yaskin looked at her transformation with a look of contempt on his face.

He then snatched the bag from her hand.

He said mockingly, "Didn't you just say you were going to have the city guards arrest us and that you were going to keep our deposit?"

The woman's expression changed, and she hurriedly said, "It's a misunderstanding… it's all just a misunderstanding!"

Jace just took one look and understood what had happened.

He looked at the woman indifferently and asked, "You just offended Lord Cao Xing and even tried to forcibly keep his deposit?"

The woman hurriedly explained, "No! Absolutely not!"

"Vice President Jace, it's really just a misunderstanding!"

Yaskin, standing beside them, didn't give her any face and said bluntly, "It was this woman. We had clearly agreed on a price."

"As soon as the Lord arrived, she immediately changed her mind and unilaterally raised the price!"

"And she even tried to keep our deposit."

Upon hearing Yaskin's accusation, the woman's face instantly turned deathly pale.

She wanted to try to defend herself.

But the merchant Jace's expression remained unchanged as he directly instructed his attendant, "Starting tomorrow, replace the manager for the shops on this street."

"And put this woman on our Chamber of Commerce's blacklist. Do not employ her ever again."

The attendant nodded. "Yes."

They had made the decision in such a casual manner.

At this moment, Davis felt as if the sky had collapsed, and she slumped onto the cold ground.

Previously, relying on her position at the Woodpecker Chamber of Commerce, she had used the same tactics to scam many people out of their deposits and had offended quite a few people.

But because the Woodpecker Chamber of Commerce was so powerful, those people could only grit their teeth and swallow their anger.

Once she lost this job, those people would definitely all come to cause trouble for her.

Thinking of her future, the woman's heart was filled with overwhelming fear!

At this moment, she was begging on the ground, imploring Cao Xing to forgive her.

However, Cao Xing ignored her completely.

The others also paid no attention to the woman and continued walking forward.

On the way, the merchant Jace wore an apologetic expression.

"I'm sorry, Lord Cao Xing. You just arrived in Merlind City and had to encounter something like this."

Cao Xing smiled and shook his head. "It's nothing; I didn't take it to heart."

Jace nodded slowly.

After a pause, he continued, "By the way, Lord Cao Xing, you wanted to purchase a shop—are you looking to break into the business industry in Merlind City?"

Cao Xing did not deny it and said directly, "Yes, I happen to have a batch of weapons I want to sell, and I was planning to open an armory."

"But now, I no longer have that intention."

Jace nodded slightly and chuckled, "Actually, Lord Cao Xing, you could give it a try."

"Your territory has magical creatures like the Cloud Yak. If you were to enter the business world of Merlind City, you would basically have no competitors."

"You would be able to make a name for yourself in this city very quickly."

Cao Xing glanced at him; this guy was still holding onto the fact that he lost to Hilton last time.

He shook his head and said, "That won't be necessary. I have already agreed to a long-term partnership with Hilton."

"Besides, my territory is indeed too far from Merlind City. The round trip for transportation would consume a vast amount of manpower and material resources."

Jace, upon hearing this, naturally understood that the relationship between Cao Xing and the Black Lion Chamber of Commerce could not be easily undermined.

He sighed and said, "That kid Hilton is really lucky."

"I didn't expect him to find Lord Cao Xing so soon after the Chosen Lord descended and establish such a good relationship with you."

Cao Xing shook his head and did not continue this topic.

"Lord Jace, although we have already partnered with the Black Lion Chamber of Commerce for the Cloud Yak business,"

"as I mentioned last time, there are still other opportunities for cooperation."

The merchant Jace's eyes immediately lit up. "You mean…"

"Take a look at this," Cao Xing said directly.

With that, he took out an egg that was as white as jade and emitting a faint glow.

The moment he saw the egg, Jace narrowed his eyes.

He took it carefully, as if it were a precious treasure, and then examined it thoroughly.

The next moment, Jace's eyes lit up instantly!

…