Fang You's words had barely fallen when Adams's face stiffened.
Firstly, he was angry that his potion was being looked down upon.
Secondly, his true purpose had been revealed with a single statement?
That was right.
Adams had no intention of discussing any business with Xin Huo. He had only recently gained full control of Yong Sheng Technology and was just beginning to enjoy a life of superiority. He had no desire to concern himself with Dong Huang and Xin Huo, thousands of kilometers away.
However, "that lady" wanted him to.
When she learned that Dong Huang had defended against the wave of horrifying creatures, "that lady" had repeatedly urged him to meet with Dong Huang and Xin Huo.
It was this pressure that had driven him to travel thousands of kilometers.
Adams's expression flickered, but he eventually regained his composure.
"Since President Xin Huo wishes to meet that person, your wish shall be granted."
As he spoke, Adams withdrew a thread from his sleeve. The thread gradually unraveled, transforming into a bundle of scrolls, which then slowly unfurled in Adams's hand, forming a scroll? No, it formed a mirror!
A mirror with a tangible texture, inscribed with mystical patterns.
As the magic mirror stood upright, a blurry, graceful figure appeared within it.
"Good day, honored lady."
Adams's eyes were fixed on the mirror, almost unable to tear themselves away.
The blurry figure in the mirror paid him little attention, merely uttering a soft "Mm," before turning her gaze to the white-robed figure seated opposite.
She let out a soft exclamation.
Then came a gentle laugh, a sound that seemed to stir the heartstrings.
"Interesting, you don't seem simple at all."
"You flatter me, Madame."
Fang You's gaze remained calm, yet reflected in his pupils was more than just a single blurry figure.
The lady had a slender waist like a water snake, eyes like blooming peaches, radiating an enchanting allure. Her low-cut attire accentuated her magnificent and righteous form.
Appreciating the scenery, he merely nodded his head slightly in a gesture of respect.
During the brief exchange that followed, Fang You learned that this lady hailed from the Myriad Serpent Society.
It was one of the known Grand Oasis level factions, but compared to the Grand Oases like Sword Flower City and Wave City Confederacy, the Myriad Serpent Society was far more mysterious, with very little information available to the public.
In his eyes, this Serpent Lady was by no means simple.
She was far from being merely an Oasis elite like Medisa and the others.
"President Fang hasn't yet told me which Oasis is responsible for this grand undertaking. It wouldn't be fair if only I reveal information, would it~"
Her voice, naturally seductive, mesmerized even Adams, who then shot Fang You a glare of anger.
But Fang You himself remained unfazed.
He simply tapped on the table.
"What if I said there was no supporting Oasis?"
"President Fang is truly joking. To open up the Dawn Zone, capable of dispelling the gray fog, and to repel the attack of the super tide... the one who achieved all these feats would likely be... Falling Star City, wouldn't it?"
"From what I hear, Madame, this Falling Star City is quite extraordinary. Is it perhaps a Super Oasis?"
Fang You's words caused the Serpent Lady to pause slightly.
She wasn't playing by the usual rules.
Was he feigning ignorance?
But looking at his eyes, it didn't seem so. The Serpent Lady didn't believe anyone could act before her. Mentioning 'Falling Star City' was merely a test, and there were still many things she couldn't comprehend.
At this moment, she saw a brilliance erupt in Fang You's pupils.
His furnace-like gaze and lightning-like will seemed to illuminate the entire reception room.
The Serpent Lady was surprised. After a moment of contemplation, she said,
"Adams, I need to speak with President Fang alone."
"Madame..."
Adams was jolted from his admiration, his eyes filled with disbelief and unwillingness.
But looking into the lady's watery eyes, he couldn't bring himself to refuse. His slight unwillingness dissolved in an instant.
"Yes, as you wish."
As he closed the door, he shot Fang You another fierce glare.
*Click.* The door shut.
A lone man... and a mirror.
The person in the mirror regarded the person outside with curiosity.
The person outside regarded the person inside, contemplating business.
Whether the Serpent Lady believed his words was not important. What mattered was that by displaying some strength, he could truly negotiate as an equal with this Serpent Lady.
"I have no interest in doing business with Yong Sheng Technology, but I am very interested in doing business with the Myriad Serpent Society."
"Business, you say..."
The Serpent Lady brushed a strand of her hair, exuding an alluring charm. "Our Myriad Serpent Society does indeed have many special products, but if you only represent Xin Huo of Blue Star, what treasures can you offer?"
She hadn't been particularly concerned initially.
Strength and foundation were two different things.
Of course, she had to admit that this Blue Star powerhouse before her possessed a certain charm.
"Are you interested in settling down in our Myriad Serpent Society? I can reserve a place for you by my side."
She suddenly spoke again, a smile curving her ruby-red lips.
But that would be unnecessary.
Vixen-like women would only hinder the speed of this tutor's lightning techniques.
"Madame, why not first take a look at Xin Huo's special products?"
From his Sky Net Hand, he produced several treasure boxes, pushing them out one by one and opening them.
Xin Huo now had no shortage of intelligence on various 'basic' and 'common knowledge' items. In other words, the scale of their transactions had upgraded, and ordinary delicacies were no longer sufficient for exchange.
Even last time, when purchasing the 'common knowledge' grade lantern blueprint, they had used a batch of improved Tier 2 and Tier 3 crops.
Blueprints, knowledge, and intelligence were ultimately risk-free ventures, and 'common knowledge' items were found in all major Oases, so their prices weren't exceptionally high.
But now, Fang You wanted to buy materials and specialty goods.
The price he had to pay would be much higher than before. Fortunately, Xin Huo was now beginning to develop its own specialty products.
Although not many yet.
Treasure box number one contained a blue-grade improved seed.
Treasure box number two held a blue-grade potion.
Treasure box number three contained a peculiar artifact.
Treasure box number four contained a small bottle of Life Droplets.
Treasure box number five...
There were items of various types. Fang You was also probing to see which categories the Myriad Serpent Society's output leaned towards, and which they needed more.
The result was that Life Droplets were the most favored.
While presenting these treasures, Fang You also inquired about some items, including the legendary material 'Eternal Radiance Stone,' which he had mixed in.
"Eye of the Divine, Touch of the Divine, Tears of Bright Light, Eternal Radiance Stone..."
Murmuring these material names, the Serpent Lady narrowed her eyes slightly.
These were legendary items.
Even a mere mention of them was considered confidential in the Grand Oases, accessible only to a few high-ranking officials.
Yet, this Xin Huo tutor was reciting them as if listing dishes.
Her appetite was growing rather large.
Moreover, did you, Blue Star, possess the capability to utilize legendary items?
"President Fang should be aware of the value of treasures like the Eternal Radiance Stone. The items presented are far from sufficient, or perhaps... at least a substantial quantity of Life Droplets would be needed."
"Then, what if it were a treasure that could prolong life and maintain youth? Madame, you wouldn't want to see yourself age day by day, would you?"
Three-quarters of an hour later,
When Adams re-entered the reception room, he saw the Serpent Lady and President Xin Huo chatting and laughing.
"When I arrive on Blue Star, I shall trouble President Fang for his hospitality."
Wait a minute,
Wasn't Madame my investor in Yong Sheng Technology!
Adams was furious.
Adams's fury instantly dissipated under her gaze.
Everything was for Madame.
...
"Excellent, another line has been opened with the Myriad Serpent Society."
"Negotiations are also underway with the Scorching Flame Grand Oasis, and the Black Stone Alliance line. That was the earliest one, and we can't fall behind either."
In a normal world, one would choose to cooperate with a single Grand Oasis.
And could only choose one.
Fang You, however, preferred more. After all, he wasn't a representative of an Oasis. They were all here for business, for mutual profit and win-win situations.
His ambition was even greater, aiming for treasures like the 'Eternal Radiance Stone.'
There was still a deficit of more than a dozen, and even with four lines opened, he felt it was far from enough.
He desired an era of grand trade.
He needed more win-win partners.
"The construction of the Blue Star defense perimeter cannot be delayed. Otherwise, once the Void Realm's erosion progresses halfway, and the entire Blue Star is shattered, nothing can be done to salvage the situation."
"Moreover, as the erosion intensifies and the barriers weaken, the pawns of those evil gods will act with even greater impunity."
"Fortunately, judging by the Serpent Lady's demeanor, she likely possesses the 'Eternal Radiance Stone.' As for the treasures for trade..."
He chose to offer the longevity fruit!
The fruits from Yidora's Tree of Life were of extremely high value, and he believed they would be enough to attract the powerhouses of the Grand Oases.
If that wasn't enough, he could also offer the 'Water of Origin' and other such treasures.
For the powerful figures in the Grand Oases who faced numerous tribulations upon awakening, the Water of Origin held greater allure. Not only could those with high potential accumulate mystery faster, but it also made it easier to expel the pollution that accompanied mystery.
However, the 'Water of Origin' also held great value for Xin Huo, as it was a treasure that could enhance strength.
Fang You would not trade such a treasure unless it was absolutely necessary.
...
...
On the other side of the ocean, Sector Fifty-One.
"How is the momentum building for the World Conference?" the leader in black leather asked.
The assistant replied, "The momentum is building very smoothly. Sunset Nation, Wave Nation, and others have responded positively, strongly supporting the convening of the conference to discuss the future direction of the world."
"However, there has been a minor unexpected development."
"Unexpected?" The leader raised an eyebrow. "Dong Huang doesn't support it?"
"No, Dong Huang doesn't oppose the World Conference. It's just that they want to host it in Dong Huang."
In the past, World Conferences were usually held in neutral countries.
Of course, after the arrival of the gray tide, most neutral countries had been wiped out. Even if a few cities could barely maintain order, they lacked the power to host a conference.
At this point, only a few major powers were qualified.
The leader in black leather naturally wanted to host it in their own homeland, the Eagle Nation.
However,
"Sunset Nation, Wave Nation, and White Bear Nation are also leaning towards hosting it in Dong Huang, at the Water Marsh Base City."
The assistant stated.
The leader in black leather fell silent.
Very well. After all, Water Marsh Base City was the Dawn Zone, with all sorts of mystical aspects. Sunset and Wave Nations, and others, were likely looking to use this opportunity to probe the secrets of Water Marsh Base City.
He was silent for a moment before saying, "...It's not impossible."
He paused, then asked again, "Which powerful entities currently exist in the world, and which are suitable for recruitment?"
The assistant listed them one by one.
After the gray tide descended, the world had undergone dramatic changes. Many small and even medium-sized countries had been destroyed, but a number of organizations and factions had also risen to prominence.
This was no longer an era of nation-states.
At the World Conference, world-class powers such as Torchlight Town, Yong Sheng Technology, and the Truth Association would undoubtedly have a place.
"There has also been a major event in Sakura Country recently."
"The former strongest individual in Sakura Country, 'Saint Swordsman Ito,' was defeated and beheaded on the challenge platform by an opponent. The former strongest faction in Sakura Country, 'Zai Xin Palace,' was also incorporated."
At this point, the leader in black leather showed a slight flicker of emotion.
"If I recall correctly, Saint Swordsman Ito was a Three-Awakened expert and a master swordsman."
"That's correct. The one who killed Saint Swordsman Ito was also a master swordsman. She is very young, yet her swordsmanship is considered peak perfection. She defeated the former Saint Swordsman Ito with overwhelming force, claiming the title of Sakura's strongest."
"And she was given the universally recognized title—Sakura Falling Saint Swordsman."
"It is said that cherry blossoms fall when her sword hums, and when the cherry blossoms touch the ground, no one can survive her blade. She is an astonishing sword prodigy, no, a sword fiend!"
The assistant spoke with awe. "Our intelligence personnel in Sakura Country have also investigated the true identity of this 'Sakura Falling Saint Swordsman.' She is from the Moon Moon family, a family renowned for their swordsmanship. The Moon Moon family was annihilated in the disaster of the horrifying creatures, but that Yueqi Maika has returned from hell, possessing god-like power, and now controls Sakura Country's strongest faction."
"I believe we should attempt to recruit this Sakura Country Saint Swordsman."
"During the World Conference."
--- Author's Notes ---
Still struggling with writer's block, *bang bang bang*! (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻