Chapter 2279: Chapter 2279 Redeem Resources
Liang Xue and Wu Qingcheng were well-versed in the complexities of trade. Having managed merchant associations before, they could swiftly assess the status of this particular establishment, which includes its location, scale, and the quality and pricing of its goods. This allowed them to form a rough evaluation.
With a clear strategy in mind, they devised the most advantageous method of resource exchange based on the local supply and demand.
After their initial visit, Ye Liuyun’s clone discreetly led Wu Qingcheng and Liang Xue back to the merchant association.
Their appearances were altered by the Phantom Illusion to avoid detection.
Rather than inquiring about purchases right away, they took a different approach, presenting themselves as sellers offering valuable goods.
Leveraging the extensive intelligence Ye Liuyun had gathered earlier, they adopted the persona of a merchant from another Royal Management. They introduced their wares, such as mid-tier ninth-rank elixirs, finely crafted weapons, and high-quality timber acquired from the Devil Clan.
The steward of the merchant association quickly realized that this group was remarkably well-versed in local pricing. Their keen grasp of market values left him momentarily stunned, unable to determine their true origins.
Given the merchant association’s close proximity to the battlefield, the demand for weapons and Elixirs was bound to be high among martial practitioners. The timber, on the other hand, was an invaluable resource for constructing temporary shelters and defensive barriers.
The superior weapon-refining technique of the items on offer was apparent, particularly when contrasted with Ye Liuyun and his companions. The steward made a lucrative offer. He proposed purchasing 3,000 elixirs, 3,000 weapons, and 3,000 logs of timber at a premium price.
Yet, instead of sealing the deal immediately, Ye Liuyun casually steered the conversation toward Storage Stones and artifacts capable of energy conversion.
The steward naturally wanted to avoid paying in Alora Crystals. If he could push some of his own goods in the process, his profits would be even greater. Thus, he enthusiastically promoted what he had to offer.
However, the supply of refined Storage Stones and energy conversion artifacts was limited.
Unimpressed by their poor quality and small quantity, Ye Liuyun turned his attention elsewhere. Instead of purchasing finished products, he opted to buy raw ores directly. The amount he ordered had already been estimated by Qiong Qi—just enough to equip all 12,000 soldiers of the Dark Legion.
Although these raw ores would still need to be refined, Ye Liuyun did not need to worry because Tong Xin and Qiong Qi would be in charge of the procedure.
Moreover, these ores were a widely used material in this world, meaning Ye Liuyun could exchange them for Alora Crystals elsewhere if needed. The steward saw no issue with the transaction and even offered Ye Liuyun a slightly lower price to ensure a small profit margin.
With this, a major trade was successfully concluded, leaving both parties satisfied with the exchange.
At the end of the deal, the steward praised the exceptional craftsmanship of the Elixirs and weapons provided by Ye Liuyun, expressing interest in establishing a long-term partnership.
Ye Liuyun had no reason to refuse. His army still required a significant amount of equipment. Seizing the opportunity, he proposed a follow-up deal: the next transaction would be three times the current volume, giving the steward time to prepare sufficient stock.
Before leaving, he also brought up the Emerald Essence Liquid. Qiong Qi had previously inquired about it. However, the steward immediately dismissed the possibility, stating that the Royal Management had strictly prohibited its trade. Selling such an item was simply out of the question.
But now, the steward pretended to be nervous and immediately gestured for silence, warning Ye Liuyun, "Shh! How dare you speak of such a deadly matter? The trade of Emerald Essence Liquid is strictly forbidden in the guild!"
Yet, his face showed no real concern. Instead, his eyes gleamed with cunning.
Ye Liuyun immediately probed further. "I was just mentioning it casually! Besides, even if I wanted to buy it, it’s not like I could get my hands on it, right?"
The steward played along. "Mm, as long as there’s no transaction, it’s fine. But I’ve heard that our headquarters does have some. Just two drops, not much."
It was clear he was hinting at a possible deal, likely trying to gauge Ye Liuyun’s offer.
“How long would it take to get here from your headquarters?” Ye Liuyun pressed.
"Heh, we have a teleportation formation. Supplies can be sent over the same day," The steward said smugly.
"Is it really as miraculous as the rumors claim?" Ye Liuyun asked again.
Feigning secrecy, the steward leaned in. "I wouldn’t mention it to just anyone. I’m only telling you because we’ve already done business."
"Using it guarantees a breakthrough, but how much you advance depends on luck."
Meanwhile, Liang Xue and Wu Qingcheng had already estimated a fair exchange rate. They figured that one drop of Emerald Essence Liquid should be worth about a thousand mid-grade tier-nine Elixirs.
Ye Liuyun immediately fostered a sense of camaraderie. "This isn’t just a one-time deal. Our next transaction will be three times the size! And as long as we work well together, there will be plenty more to come."
"Of course, of course! That’s exactly why I’m sharing such confidential information with you," the steward responded enthusiastically.
Ye Liuyun seized the opportunity. "I still have quite a stock of mid-grade tier-nine elixirs, but I’m not sure what resources would be best to trade for. Could you give me some advice?"
The steward quickly replied, "Emerald Essence Liquid is absolutely off-limits. The Royal Management strictly prohibits its trade. However, we do have another kind of jade-green Verdant Spirit Dew. Would you be interested?"
"But it’s not cheap. For one drop, at least 1,100 Elixirs."
It was obvious he had merely renamed Emerald Essence Liquid to bypass the trade restrictions.
Ye Liuyun caught on and smiled knowingly. He immediately bargained, “With the quality of our Elixirs, you could easily sell them for ten percent more."
"How about this? Let’s settle on 1,000 elixirs per drop, and I’ll take both. Consider it a gesture of goodwill for our long-term cooperation. What do you say?"
The steward pondered briefly before agreeing to the deal.
Shortly after, he had the headquarters transmit both drops of Emerald Essence Liquid. Meanwhile, Ye Liuyun discreetly activated his Golden Phantom Eyes to inspect the steward’s Conveyor Disc, memorizing the intricate Formation engraved upon it.
The two drops of Emerald Essence Liquid were carefully sealed in small porcelain vials, encased in genuine energy to prevent evaporation.
When Ye Liuyun cast his Golden Phantom Eyes over them, he saw two shimmering drops of vibrant green liquid, exuding an irresistible allure.
Still, he feigned a meticulous inspection, sensing the dense energy within.
He gave the steward two thousand mid-tier ninth-rank Elixirs in return for their potency, which he confirmed by nodding in satisfaction and putting them away.
Ye Liuyun had come well-prepared, bringing over a million elixirs for his soldiers, so he had no concerns about depleting his stock.
However, the steward made sure to remind him, "Although we technically didn’t trade Emerald Essence Liquid, it’s best not to mention this deal to others. You wouldn’t want to attract unnecessary trouble."
Ye Liuyun readily agreed before leaving with Liang Xue and Wu Qingcheng, setting a date for their next transaction two months later.
He also hinted that he might send his "younger brother" in his place next time.
Not long after departing the merchant guild, Ye Liuyun withdrew Liang Xue and Wu Qingcheng into his Spatial World. Then, he donned his Concealcape and vanished into the night, making his way back to camp.
