Published: March 12, 2025
Chapter 390: Processing Machine's Charging Standards
Those who have never been to sea will never know how boring sailing can be, yet at the same time, how tense it is.
On the seemingly calm ocean, one can encounter various dangers at any moment—undercurrents, storms—especially in the absence of radar. During such times, sailing on the continent becomes significantly more perilous.
Most importantly, the ships on the Ark Continent are far less advanced than those in the ocean. The ships here seem rather dull, and just being on the sea can drive one insane.
Fortunately, Zhao Hai’s ship is crewed entirely by undead beings, allowing them to sail on the sea for extended periods. Although these undead beings are high-level, they have completely lost their human emotions, resembling more advanced robots.
This time, their destination is Chushui City. Chushui City and Jadewater City are famous port cities located on the eastern coastline of the Roson Empire. However, for people from other countries, Tianshui City is considered the best port city due to its prime location and excellent transportation. Even though the taxes in Chushui City and Jadewater City are lower than those in Tianshui City, few people choose to go there.
The royal family of the Roson Empire is quite envious of this situation, but it does not change anything. Tianshui City was not always so prosperous; it only became so after coming under the influence of the Karlqi Family, a result of generations of hard work.
While Jadewater City and Chushui City have also seen significant development through the Roson Empire, the royal family's internal conflicts make things more complicated. Compared to a family, the rivalry within the royal family is much more intense, which is why Jadewater City and Chushui City cannot compete with Tianshui City.
Indeed, on the surface, the tax revenues of Jadewater City and Chushui City seem lower than Tianshui City. However, when one actually arrives in Jadewater City and Chushui City, they will realize that this is not the case at all. Both cities have various other taxes that, when combined, definitely exceed the total of Tianshui City.
This is for a reason; Tianshui City serves as the financial lifeline for the entire Karlqi Family and can be considered their main source of income.
In contrast, Jadewater City and Chushui City are places where the royal family of the Roson Empire tests potential heirs. The king will first assign these two cities, along with a few others controlled by the royal family, to selected heirs, allowing them to manage the cities in hopes that their profits will help them in their quest for the throne.
You can imagine the difference: one city is the family's financial backbone, which they will naturally manage well, while the other is merely a testing ground, where in a few years or a decade, the city will no longer belong to you. Your job is to make as much profit as you can during that time, thus, the circumstances are quite different.
It is like two types of investment: one where you want to invest and turn it into a cash cow, and another where you just want to make a quick profit and leave. The approaches must differ.
Despite all these reasons, Zhao Hai still decides to visit Chushui City, not just to procure goods, but also to establish a storefront. Ideally, he wants to connect with some major merchants so that they won't have to rely solely on the Karlqi Family in the future.
The recent reaction of the Karlqi Family has raised alarms in Zhao Hai's mind. Almost all of their current partnerships are concentrated within the Karlqi Family, which is not a good situation for them. They should seek another partner; otherwise, the Karlqi Family could use this method to strangle them financially. While they may not be afraid of the Karlqi Family, if the family decides to press them, it could lead to significant losses.
For this reason, Zhao Hai has decided to go to Chushui City. He wants to see the situation there to explore another path for development. He also wants to make it clear to the Karlqi Family that he can survive without them.