Relic treasure map, make the cake bigger (5400)

Half an hour later.

The chaotic battlefield at the entrance of the exchange had returned to calm.

The corpses of the White Eagle Mercenary Group members and the loot on their bodies were all collected by Cao Xing into the [necromancers bag] and the [Dragon Pattern Bag].

Even the blood on the ground was cleaned up, as if nothing had ever happened.

Meanwhile.

In the central area of the underground black market, inside a relatively well-preserved building hall.

Cao Xing sat on a large wooden chair; this was the main seat of the hall.

Assam, Isabelle, Braum, and the others sat on either side.

Leopard sat at the lower end, a look of respect on his face.

A group of good-looking maids walked in lightly, bringing them steaming hot food and tea.

After placing the tea on the table, they smiled slightly and then quietly retreated.

Cao Xing picked up the tea on the table and took a sip.

Then, he chuckled and said: "Leopard, your life here is quite good; you're living quite comfortably, aren't you?"

The burly man wore an apologetic smile, his tone filled with humility as he said: "Not at all, I've just picked up some scraps."

"It cannot compare to the territory of Lord Cao Xing."

"King Kunad once said that you are a great lord who possesses eight Legendary-class powerhouses."

"Your territory must be prosperous, far surpassing a small place like ours."

Hearing this, Cao Xing's face darkened immediately.

Damn it, his territory had only just reached the scale of a small town, and even the Giant City had only just begun construction. This guy was really hitting a sore spot.

Sensing that something was wrong with Cao Xing's expression, Leopard suddenly felt uneasy.

But he didn't know where he had said the wrong thing, and he felt anxious.

At this moment, City Lord Oran came out to smooth things over, saying: "Lord Cao Xing's territory just happens to have a large number of powerhouses; the scale of the territory is currently still in the initial stages."

"These Otherworld Lords have only been in this world for less than half a year since they descended; how could they have any large-scale territories?"

"Even Lord Cao Xing has only just prepared to build a city."

A look of realization appeared on Leopard's face, and he quickly apologized: "I see. It was my loose tongue, Lord Cao Xing!"

Cao Xing waved his hand, not minding it.

At this moment, Leopard continued: "To have already begun building a city in just half a year, you are truly worthy of being someone who could defeat the Blood Legion!"

"If you need to build a city, I can dispatch all members of the Giant Axe Mercenary Group to assist you with all our might."

"No matter what you need, we will try our best to satisfy it."

This guy was quite good at handling things; as soon as he realized he had said the wrong thing, he immediately started making up for it.

This made Cao Xing look at the burly man with a bit more respect.

Sure enough, to be able to control such a massive black market, besides having powerful strength, this person's abilities were also not weak.

Cao Xing chuckled and said: "Personnel is not needed; I already have enough manpower here."

"However—I do have one more thing that I need your help with."

Hearing this, Leopard's expression shifted, and he quickly patted his chest, saying: "Lord Cao Xing, please speak!"

"As long as it is within my power, I will do my utmost, even if it means going through fire and water!"

Seeing his serious expression, Cao Xing shook his head and said: "It's nothing major."

"I need you to help me collect all the jars in the entire black market."

"Collect—jars?" Leopard couldn't help but ask in confusion.

Cao Xing nodded: "That's right."

"Whether they are earthen jars, silver jars, gold jars, or even black jars, I want them all."

"And I want as many as there are!"

He paused and added: "Of course, I won't take them for free."

"You collect these jars first, and then you can give them to me at the market price when the time comes."

Hearing this, Leopard quickly said: "Lord Cao Xing, money is easy to talk about."

"There aren't many jars in the entire black market; even if we collect them all, it would only be worth a few billion crowns."

Cao Xing's eyelids twitched.

What do you mean by 'only a few billion crowns'! That sounded like he was talking about a few hundred thousand crowns.

It seems this guy's resources are richer than I imagined!

Since that was the case, Cao Xing wouldn't be polite. He nodded: "Alright, then I'll trouble you with this matter."

Leopard quickly said respectfully: "You are too polite, Lord Cao Xing; this is just a small favor."

He paused and asked with some confusion: "But my Lord, what do you want so many jars for?"

"As far as I know, these jars usually contain ordinary gems, materials, and the like; rarely do valuable items appear."

"Although it is said that there is a chance to open precious Relics from black jars, that probability is too small."

"I have been adventuring here for so many years and have only seen it once."

"If you want to obtain Relics by opening black jars—I think that is a bit unrealistic."

Cao Xing rolled his eyes at him and said speechlessly: "Why do you have so many questions? Just do as you are told."

Leopard quickly nodded and said respectfully: "Yes!"

"I will definitely give the order."

Cao Xing didn't say anything more, just picked up his teacup and took a gentle sip.

At this moment, Leopard said cautiously: "Um, Lord Cao Xing, collecting all the jars in the black market involves a large workload and will require some time—"

"Do you think you can wait a few days?"

"Of course, if you are in a rush, I can immediately mobilize all the forces of the mercenary group and strive to finish collecting them within two days!"

Cao Xing waved his hand, his tone indifferent: "I am not in a rush. Next, I plan to take a trip to the Lost Royal City, which might take about ten days."

"I will come find you after I return."

Hearing this, a look of realization appeared on Leopard's face.

"I see. That ruin indeed contains many astonishing opportunities, but it also holds immense danger."

"However, with Lord Cao Xing's strength, you should be able to move as easily as a fish in water and harvest a large amount of treasure."

He paused, as if remembering something, and suddenly said: "By the way, Lord Cao Xing."

"If you are heading to the Lost Royal City this time, are you going straight to the inner city? Or will you explore the outskirts as well?"

Hearing this question, Cao Xing pondered for a moment and replied: "It depends on the time."

"If the inner city has already opened when we arrive, we will go straight in."

"If it hasn't opened yet, we'll wander around the outskirts first."

Hearing this, Leopard tentatively asked: "Then—is Lord Cao Xing interested in searching for the treasure in the outskirts of the Lost Royal City?"

"Treasure in the outskirts of the Lost Royal City?" Cao Xing couldn't help but repeat, a flash of interest in his eyes.

Leopard nodded and said mysteriously: "Yes."

"To tell you the truth, by a stroke of luck recently, I obtained a treasure map of the outskirts of the Lost Royal City in the black market."

"It records a location for a treasure hidden somewhere in the outskirts."

"It is said that it might hide some incredible treasures, but I haven't verified the truth of it yet."

"And recently, I have to find time to organize the auction, so I really don't have time to explore it."

"If Lord Cao Xing is interested, you might as well take it and see for yourself."

Cao Xing listened and pondered for a moment. He didn't immediately agree just because he heard about a ruin treasure map. Instead, he said: "Let me see the treasure map first."

"Yes," Leopard replied respectfully. Then, he reached into his backpack and took out a piece of yellowed parchment.

"Lord Cao Xing, please take a look."

Cao Xing reached out and took it, and a system message appeared.

[Obtained: Lost Royal City Treasure Map]

Spreading out the treasure map, Cao Xing's gaze swept over it carefully.

The parchment was damaged, and the edges even had some charred marks, clearly having gone through long years.

The map seemed to only depict a corner of the entire ruin's outskirts.

On a piece of desolate land, the surroundings were shrouded in some kind of strange mist.

Within it, one could faintly see the shadows of some buildings, as well as several special symbol markings, as if guiding towards something.

And in the top right corner of the treasure map, one could see a corner of a huge city wall.

Although it was just a corner, it occupied almost a quarter of the entire map, from which one could imagine the vastness and magnificence of this city!

However, it was a pity that just from the information on it, one could not tell the specific treasure location.

Cao Xing decided to use the system's functions to see if he could find any clues.

[Lost Royal City Treasure Map]

[Quality: Unknown]

[Map Introduction: It records the location of the tomb of the Statics Master 'Alcade'. When Alcade realized he was about to die, he built a secret tomb in advance.]

He placed all his life's research results and wealth into the tomb, and later executed all the craftsmen who participated in the construction.

But being arrogant by nature, he did not directly make the location of the tomb public, but instead left behind a series of puzzles. He wanted future generations to try and solve his puzzles, and only then could they find the true location of the treasure.]

[Treasure Coordinates: ??? (Not lit up)]

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

(Note: Alcard is a famous Statics Master of the Apilaya Race, who also possesses unique research in alchemy. Combined with his strength as a Legendary Arcanist, his research has elevated the technological level of the Apilaya Race to the next level.)

(Note 2: When the Triple Echo resonates at the same moment, the sleeping gears will turn again, and the true path will be revealed. Remember, balance is the key to opening everything.)

After reading the information above, Cao Xing's brow furrowed slightly once more.

Leopard was indeed correct; this was a precious treasure map.

And from the looks of it, it seemed to have quite a significant origin.

It actually related to someone titled the "Statics Master."

Although Cao Xing didn't know what statics was, he could tell from the description on the drawing that the research results of this being named Alcard were certainly not simple.

Of course, this master was also a person with a distinct personality, requiring descendants to solve the puzzles he left behind to find the true location of the treasure.

"The Triple Echo resonates at the same moment, and only then will the true path appear?"

Cao Xing's brow furrowed slightly as he pondered the meaning of this sentence.

At the same time, his gaze swept back and forth across the treasure map.

But after a period of contemplation and observation, he still had no clues.

He shook his head. "Forget it—there are too few hints here; it seems it can't be solved for the time being."

Up until now, he hadn't actually entered those ancient ruins and only had a superficial understanding of the situation inside, let alone being able to crack the puzzle using the hints on this treasure map.

But regardless, the value of this treasure map was certainly extremely high.

Cao Xing looked at Leopard with a strange expression.

"You fellow, giving me such a precious treasure map—you're not plotting something against me, are you?"

Hearing this, Leopard waved his hands hurriedly and said, "I wouldn't dare!"

"This is just a small token of my gratitude for Lord Cao Xing's magnanimity!"

"Besides, I don't have time to explore the ancient ruins this time, so this treasure map would just be sitting around anyway."

"It's better to place it in your hands so it can fulfill its true purpose."

The expression on Cao Xing's face remained unchanged.

He knew that a fellow like Leopard would never offer such a precious treasure for no reason.

Sure enough, in the next moment.

Leopard rubbed his hands sheepishly and said in a low voice, "However, I do have a small matter that I need your help with."

Cao Xing thought to himself, 'As expected, this guy isn't that kind-hearted.'

He asked indifferently, "Speak, what is it?"

The Mercenary Leader hurriedly said, "It's like this: in about ten days, which is the day the Lost Royal City closes."

,

"We will be holding an annual auction here."

"There will be some unique items in it that you should be interested in."

"If possible—I hope Lord Cao Xing can attend."

"Of course, if you have any valuable items, you can also entrust them to us for auction, and we won't charge you any commission fees."

Speaking to this point, he seemed to remember something and hurriedly explained, "I'm not trying to get you to consign that dragon hatchling; please don't misunderstand."

Upon hearing this, a look of consideration appeared on Cao Xing's face.

He had heard that middle-aged man explain this auction once before, and it was indeed of a high caliber.

Even he was somewhat interested.

If time permitted, it would indeed be worth coming to take a look.

After hearing him out, Cao Xing nodded slightly and said, "Fine, I'll accept this treasure map."

"If I have time then, I'll come to participate in your auction."

After receiving Cao Xing's confirmation, Leopard's face immediately lit up with a smile.

His tone carried a bit of excitement: "Good! Then I shall await your return right here."

Cao Xing waved his hand and then led his group to stand up and leave.

A smile remained on Leopard's face the entire time.

It wasn't until Cao Xing and the others had completely left that he gradually let out a sigh of relief.

He lightly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and murmured in a low voice, "Phew—"

"This Lord Cao Xing doesn't look very old, but the aura on him is truly terrifying!"

"He truly deserves to be the existence who could lead a group of Legendary powerhouses to crush the Blood Legion!"

In fact, the reason Leopard was so respectful toward Cao Xing,

besides Cao Xing's strength, was also because he knew a piece of secret information.

That was—this Otherworld Lord possessed the ability to slay a Demigod.

However, the four kings had all tacitly remained silent about this matter and had not made it public.

Only some high-level figures knew about it.

As the commander of the Giant Axe Mercenary Group, and because he had a good relationship with the War King of the Kunard Kingdom, Leopard had learned this news.

Otherwise, if he had unknowingly offended this person today, he would have died for nothing!

Thinking of this, he tapped the armrest of his chair.

A moment later, a capable-looking middle-aged man in his early forties walked in.

He bowed and said respectfully, "Commander, please give your orders!"

Leopard nodded slightly and said, "Pass down the order: mobilize all the mercenary group's forces to collect all the jars in the entire black market."

"In addition, tell everyone in the group that from now on, whenever they see Lord Cao Xing or the people around him, they must be extremely respectful!"

"If anyone offends him, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

His expression was incredibly serious.

The middle-aged man's expression stiffened as he realized the severity of the matter.

He said solemnly, "Yes! Commander, I will execute it immediately."

A few minutes later, Cao Xing and the others had walked out of the black market entrance.

Compared to the temperature underground, the temperature in this forest dropped sharply by a large margin.

It was as if they had jumped from a warm cave straight into a freezing snowy field.

The drastic temperature difference made even everyone's powerful physiques shiver involuntarily!

At this time, City Lord Oran suddenly asked tentatively, "Lord Cao Xing, why did you—just let Leopard go?"

"With your strength and status, even if you wiped out the Giant Axe Mercenary Group and took over this black market,"

"no one would say a word."

City Lord Oran could see that Cao Xing was very interested in this black market.

If it could be brought under his control, it would bring in staggering profits every day.

However, Cao Xing smiled and shook his head, saying, "There's no need."

"Although my strength is very high now, there's no need to solve everything with force."

"And doing so is not good."

"If everyone in this world had that thought, that the strong could wantonly plunder the possessions of the weak, then this world would only fall into endless chaos and hatred."

"Eventually, you will encounter an existence even more powerful than yourself."

"Instead of using force to fight over limited resources, it's better to cooperate and make the cake bigger."

After a pause, he continued, "Besides, Leopard is more valuable alive than dead."

"He promised me a condition."

"From now on, this black market will continuously generate wealth for me, and I don't even need to send people to manage it."

"With such a good thing, why not?"

City Lord Oran nodded in realization, and at the same time, his gaze toward Cao Xing held a bit more admiration.

"Lord Cao Xing, your magnanimity and foresight are truly admirable; it was I who was short-sighted."

Before this, he didn't know much about Cao Xing.

He only knew that this Otherworld Lord's strength was extremely terrifying and that his speed of becoming stronger was beyond imagination.

Even His Majesty the King had to treat him with great courtesy.

Now, he had gained some understanding of his way of handling things.

Cao Xing smiled, his gaze calm. "It's nothing, just a bit of my personal insight."

At the same time, with a wave of his hand, he released the Griffin King from the necromancers bag.

*Whoosh—*

Old Wang spread his massive wings and proactively crouched down, waiting for everyone to climb on.

Cao Xing chuckled, "Let's go; we'll continue our journey and head straight for the Lost Royal City."

After speaking, he was the first to jump onto Old Wang's back.

The others also jumped up one after another.

Then, Cao Xing lightly patted Old Wang's wing.

The griffin understood his meaning; this was the command to set off.

In the next moment, its wings flapped gently.

*Whoosh—* A gust of air rose as the Griffin King's massive body broke through the canopy, quickly carrying them into the high sky.

Then, it shot forward like a sharp arrow.

The surrounding scenery receded rapidly.

In the blink of an eye, they had left the forest behind them.

While on the road,

City Lord Oran said, "Lord Cao Xing, from the black market to the Lost Royal City is about seven or eight hundred kilometers."

"We will still need to fly for a while."

Cao Xing replied nonchalantly, "It's fine, no rush. We can just take our time on the journey."

City Lord Oran nodded and said no more.

Old Wang's flight speed was as fast and stable as ever.

Furthermore, the howling air currents at high altitude were entirely borne by Braum alone.

Therefore, their flight experience could be described as quite pleasant.