The Chamber of Commerce arrives to trade resources.

Both men wore expressions of confusion.

"Does this mean Lord Cao Xing invited both of us at the same time?" Hilton asked, uncertain and surprised.

Just as they were lost in confusion, a young man dressed in frost-white robes and dark blue cloth boots walked toward them.

His pace was slow and his footsteps light, but the powerful aura he exuded invisibly still made Hilton, Jace, and the guards behind them feel a strong sense of oppression.

This young man was, naturally, Cao Xing.

A smile appeared on Cao Xing's face as he said, "Sir Hilton, Sir Jace, I hope you have been well."

"You two must be exhausted from your long journey. Let's go to the tavern later, and I will host you properly."

Recovering from their surprise, the two quickly returned the greeting, "We have been well, Lord Cao Xing!"

Upon seeing Cao Xing, Jace was even more flattered, saying, "I didn't expect that Lord Cao Xing, now a great lord, would personally come out to welcome us. I am truly overwhelmed!"

"Last time in Merlind City, it was also Lord Cao Xing who led his Legendary experts to rescue me."

"I haven't had the chance to thank you yet. Now, please allow me to express my most sincere gratitude."

Having said that, he bowed deeply.

Hilton, standing beside him, was slightly stunned, momentarily wondering if he had misheard.

Because the Black Lion Chamber of Commerce's roots were in the distant Yoke Kingdom, countless miles away from the Ice Crystal Kingdom.

This time, the Blood Chaos hadn't even had time to spread to the Yoke Kingdom due to the distance before Cao Xing led his people to directly extinguish it.

Therefore, although Hilton knew that the Blood Chaos had broken out in regions like the Ice Crystal Kingdom and Orchid Kingdom…

…because he was at most a small merchant of the Black Lion Chamber of Commerce, he didn't possess much information.

He only knew that the Blood Legion was eventually ended by the powerful experts of those major kingdoms.

But now, he heard Jace say that this Otherworld Lord had actually led 'Legendary' experts to rescue Merlind City during the Blood Chaos!

What was the concept of a Legendary expert?

This was an existence that could make a king personally come out and treat them with courtesy!

At this moment, he suddenly remembered the mysterious being who had come to find him earlier.

He had said: Lord Cao Xing of the Ice Crystal Kingdom wants you to visit soon.

Moreover, this mysterious person had specifically warned him to be very polite to this lord.

No matter what requests he made, he must try his best to satisfy them.

If necessary, he could mobilize the entire strength of the chamber of commerce.

At the time, he felt strange about why just Cao Xing's name would make this person go to such lengths.

Now, he understood!

This lord actually already possessed Legendary experts!

As a veteran who had been rolling in the business world for many years, Hilton reacted instantly.

He quickly stepped forward and said respectfully, "Lord Cao Xing, you are too polite."

"It is our honor to receive your invitation; there is no need for you to host us."

Jace also quickly chimed in, "Yes! I came out in such a hurry this time that I didn't bring any gifts for Lord Cao Xing. Please forgive me."

Cao Xing naturally knew what they were thinking. He chuckled and shook his head, "You two don't need to be so nervous. I invited you here this time because I have some matters to trouble you with."

Hearing this, the two merchants immediately straightened their expressions and replied respectfully, "Lord Cao Xing, please just ask. As long as it is within our capabilities, we will definitely do our best to accomplish it!"

Cao Xing nodded slightly, "Good, let's go back to the tavern first."

After saying this, he turned around first and walked toward the territory.

Jace and Hilton exchanged a glance, then silently followed behind him.

In the tavern, the rich aroma of rum wafted through the air.

The guards of the two merchant caravans were drinking heartily at the tables nearby, and there was sumptuous food on the tables.

Cao Xing, Hilton, and Jace were sitting at another table.

"Whew…"

The two merchants downed their drinks in one gulp, then exclaimed, "Good wine!"

Hilton set down his glass and said with a smile, "The craftsmanship of the brewers in Lord Cao Xing's territory is as good as ever."

"The batch of rum you sold to me last time was highly sought after by many people as soon as it was brought to the city, and it sold out very quickly."

Cao Xing smiled, "I'm glad you two like it."

"Next, let's talk about business."

Upon hearing this, Hilton and Jace immediately held their breath and listened respectfully.

"Next, my territory is preparing for large-scale expansion, but we are currently lacking a large amount of resources and food."

"As you know, food in this world is relatively scarce, especially for large-scale supply."

"Therefore, I would like to use the power of your two chambers of commerce to help me purchase a large amount of grain from various places."

"At least enough food to satisfy 100,000 people for two or three months."

Hearing this request, expressions of surprise appeared on both their faces.

Hilton frowned and calculated in a low voice, "Food for 100,000 people for two or three months… calculating by minimum consumption, that's at least 40 tons of food per day."

"Three months would be… 3,600 tons?"

After reaching this conclusion, not only Hilton, but even Jace beside him, had his expression become very grave.

Cao Xing nodded slightly, "Yes."

Jace couldn't help but say, "Lord Cao Xing, this is truly a staggering number. I'm afraid it will be very difficult to collect so much in a short time."

Cao Xing also replied with a smile, "Yes, that's why I'm troubling you two, isn't it?"

Hilton and Jace exchanged a glance.

Subsequently, Hilton said, "I can mobilize the power of the Black Lion Chamber of Commerce to purchase food in various kingdoms and villages, and transport it to your territory."

"But you also know that food in this world is relatively scarce, let alone when you need so much at once."

"During this period, the transportation costs alone will be very high, not to mention other expenses for hiring guards…"

"When everything is calculated, I'm afraid the price will exceed expectations."

Cao Xing nodded, "I know, so I will purchase at a price higher than the market rate."

"For staple foods like wheat and rice, I can offer 80–100 crowns per kilogram."

"If it's the kind of vegetables that can be transported long distances, I can offer 150–160 crowns per kilogram."

"As for meat, let's set the purchase price at 800–900 crowns per kilogram. What do you think?"

According to the normal market price, items like wheat and rice are between 20 and 30 crowns in towns.

In those villages, it might be cheaper, but not lower than 15 crowns.

But this is because there are no transportation costs, and it is basically locally produced and sold.

The amount of food Cao Xing wanted this time was too staggering; it was impossible to meet his needs in the surrounding areas.

The transportation and storage costs involved would even exceed the value of the food itself.

The two exchanged a glance.

Jace replied, "This is a very reasonable price, Lord Cao Xing."

"However, we were saved by you last time in Merlind City, and we haven't had the chance to repay you yet."

"Our Woodpecker Chamber of Commerce can help you with the purchasing for free; you only need to pay the cost price of the grain."

He spoke with extreme sincerity.

Seeing Jace showing such eager goodwill, Hilton quickly chimed in, "Our Black Lion Chamber of Commerce is the same!"

Cao Xing naturally saw through their intentions. He chuckled and shook his head, "No need, what I said is what it will be."

"There is one more thing I want to remind you of."

"When you two are purchasing grain, if it is in those villages not under any lord's jurisdiction…"

"I hope that after deducting various costs, you will try to give those farmers a higher purchase price."

"The farmers of this world don't have it easy; we shouldn't let them suffer a loss."

"We will have more opportunities for cooperation in the future, and I hope this cooperation can benefit everyone."

After hearing this, expressions of admiration involuntarily appeared on their faces, and they nodded solemnly, "We understand, Lord Cao Xing."

"We are still clear about which money should be earned and which money should not."

Cao Xing nodded slightly, and his heart gradually relaxed.

The matter of purchasing food was settled.

Next, he only needed to wait for them to transport the food over, and he could start the Giant City construction plan.

After drinking two more glasses of wine.

Cao Xing spoke again, "Two, let's talk about the second matter next."

The two merchants immediately set down their wine glasses and began to listen attentively.

"I believe you also know that my territory has domesticated a batch of Cloud Yaks."

"After this period of production, we have produced quite a bit of Cloud Yak milk."

"Also, the brewery has produced quite a lot of high-quality rum."

"Therefore, I would like the two of you to purchase a batch."

Upon hearing this, Hilton and Jess's eyes lit up immediately!

After all, the reason they had such a deep impression of Cao Xing before was precisely because of these magical creatures in his territory!

Furthermore, the byproducts of these magical creatures are extremely profitable!

Through the previous two trades, Hilton had earned quite a lot of crowns.

Having tasted success, he had been constantly longing for another collaboration.

Unfortunately, at that time, Cao Xing's territory was just starting out and production was limited, so he could only wait patiently.

And Jess had also earned a substantial profit through the liquor trade.

Therefore, they were both incredibly looking forward to this opportunity!

The two immediately responded excitedly: "Lord Cao Xing, we are very willing to cooperate!"

Cao Xing smiled, "Alright, then the two of you, come out with me."

Soon, they left the tavern and arrived at the street outside.

Cao Xing pressed the communication device at his ear and ordered: "Du An, arrange for some staff to go to the cellar and bring up some of our milk and rum."

"Yes, my Lord!"

Soon, more than a dozen staff members sprang into action.

They went in and out of the basement, carrying up barrels of fresh milk and rum that exuded a rich aroma.

In the blink of an eye, the street was piled with a large amount of supplies, adding up to hundreds of barrels.

Hilton and Jess looked at the mountain of supplies in front of them, excitement shining in their eyes!

It was as if they saw a massive amount of crowns raining down on them!

Jess exclaimed: "It hasn't been long since the last trade, and yet so much liquor has been produced again."

"The output of the brewery in Lord Cao Xing's territory is truly astonishing!"

Cao Xing smiled.

In fact, this was only a portion of the resources in his territory.

He had also stockpiled a large amount of other supplies, originally intending to open a shop in the Giant City to sell them once its construction was complete.

This way, by cutting out the middlemen, he could earn more profit.

However, he was currently too short on food and money.

So he had no choice but to cooperate with Hilton and Jess first to exchange for the urgently needed supplies.

Cao Xing said: "Well then, the two of you, I will leave this batch of supplies to you, just follow the previous purchase price."

Hilton and Jess nodded seriously upon hearing this,

Then they quickly stepped forward to take inventory, finally arriving at an astonishing figure.

That is, there were 21 barrels of Cloud Yak milk, which is 2100 liters!

Calculating at the previous purchase price of 9500 crowns per liter, the value of this milk is nearly 20 million crowns.

In addition, there were 174 barrels of craft rum, which is 17400 liters.

At the previous purchase price of 4000 crowns per liter, the value of this rum is 69.6 million!

Besides that, there was the most precious 'Dream Demon Wine'.

As a golden-quality demon wine, there were only 16 barrels, or 1600 liters.

But its value is also the most astonishing, at a full 80,000 crowns per liter.

These demon wines added up to 128 million crowns.

Hilton and Jess standing nearby exchanged glances and gulped.

"Lord Cao Xing, the value of these supplies is truly astonishing!"

Hilton was fine; after all, the value of this batch of milk was only 20 million.

Although still astonishing, relying on the size of the Black Lion Chamber of Commerce, they could easily handle it.

But that batch of liquor was terrifying, adding up to a value of nearly 200 million crowns.

Cao Xing smiled and said in a calm tone: "Yes, for the sake of fairness, I am prepared to hand over those hundred-plus barrels of Cloud Yak milk and craft rum to the Woodpecker Chamber of Commerce."

"Your chamber of commerce headquarters is in Merlind City, not too far from my territory, making transportation convenient."

"As for the remaining 16 barrels of Dream Demon Wine, I will give them all to the Black Lion Chamber of Commerce."

"What do you two think?"

Hearing Cao Xing's decision, although the two merchants felt a bit of regret in their hearts, they understood that this was the most reasonable distribution method.

Although they really wanted to swallow it all, in front of Cao Xing, they could not show such greed.

So the two of them nodded, indicating their agreement.

Cao Xing laughed: "Then let's proceed with the trade now. The Cloud Yak milk and rum add up to 90.6 million crowns.

"The Dream Demon Wine is 128 million crowns."

"How do you two plan to pay?"

Hearing this, a look of embarrassment appeared on Hilton's face.

He replied with some difficulty: "Lord Cao Xing, I didn't bring enough crowns with me this time—"

Jess also awkwardly added from the side: "Me too, I didn't bring that much capital with me this time—"

Cao Xing was stunned for a moment, then chuckled and shook his head: "It's fine, you can take this batch of supplies and sell them."

"Just consider it as offsetting the payment for that batch of food."

"I will make up the difference to you later."

"I'm out of money on hand right now—"

Yes, Cao Xing was also poor now.

He had previously spent billions of crowns upgrading over a thousand soldiers to Master rank.

Purchasing those Crystal People also cost over 100 million crowns.

All the resources he had accumulated before were exhausted.

By now, he only had over 30 million crowns left on hand, which was simply not enough to pay for the food.

Jess and Hilton smiled knowingly, "Understood, Lord Cao Xing. We will go back now and sell this batch of goods."

"And we will gather more food for you as soon as possible. You just wait here for our good news!"

Cao Xing nodded slightly, "Alright, then thank you both."

After agreeing on the trade details, Cao Xing had people load all the goods onto their carriages.

Before long, the carriages of both merchant teams were packed full.

Seeing that the goods were loaded, Hilton and Jess bowed to bid farewell to Cao Xing, preparing to leave with their people.

At this moment, Cao Xing seemed to remember something and suddenly spoke up: "Oh, wait a moment."

The two stopped in confusion and turned to look at him.

Cao Xing said: "The supplies you are transporting are of astonishing value, and the journey is long. Relying solely on your own guards is a bit unsafe."

"I will arrange a group of warriors for you."

After saying this, he pressed the communication device at his ear and ordered: "Yaskin, arrange for 20 Ascalon Warriors to come to the buffer zone to find me."

The captain's solemn response sounded in his ear: "Yes, my Lord."

Soon, two squads of well-equipped Ascalon Warriors, all level 70, came neatly to Cao Xing's side and said respectfully: "My Lord, please give your orders."

Cao Xing nodded slightly and said: "From now on, you will split into groups of ten and specifically protect the merchant teams of Hilton and Jess."

"There shouldn't be much going on in the territory recently, and they will be transporting a large amount of supplies back to our territory later."

"You will be solely responsible for the safety of the merchant teams and ensure that the supplies arrive safely."

The twenty Ascalon Warriors responded in unison: "Yes, my Lord!"

Then, they quickly split into two groups and went to the sides of Hilton's and Jess's merchant teams respectively.

At this moment, the two merchants were already in a state of intense shock!

Because they could clearly feel the terrifying power contained within these soldiers.

Any one of them could easily wipe out their entire chamber of commerce.

After all, Cao Xing's subordinates were all Master rank, and their true combat power was equivalent to being invincible below Legendary—that was no joke!

Any soldier coming out could easily wipe out an army of 100,000!

The two also realized that with this squad of soldiers, let alone the Gale Snowfield, even the surrounding kingdoms could be traveled freely!

They no longer needed to worry about the harassment of bandits and robbers on the road.

Hilton and Jess bowed solemnly: "Thank you, Lord Cao Xing!"

Cao Xing waved his hand and said casually: "It's nothing, take advantage of the early hour and set off quickly."

"Understood!"

After these words, the two merchant teams, carrying a large amount of supplies, left the territory.