Published: February 12, 2025
In the hall of his residence, Ye Zhongming encountered representatives from the local forces of Black Dragon City, all displaying various expressions that suggested they were somewhat distracted.
Exchanging a glance with Xiao Peng, Ye Zhongming was puzzled about what had transpired. Was it his negligence last night that upset them? However, from the expressions on their faces, there was no anger or resentment, but rather shock, disbelief, and contemplation.
Brother Hei acted as the intermediary and took the initiative to speak, introducing the people present to Ye Zhongming.
"This is my boss, Sister Ru, the leader of the Moonfall Ice Plains Battle Group."
"This is Jiang Dabaos, the owner of Jiang Dabaos Shop."
"This is He Qin Chuan, the captain of the Lin Chuan Hunter Team."
"This is Mr. Li Long, the steward of Morning Light Pavilion."
"This is Qing Shao, the young master from Cold Extreme."
Brother Hei introduced everyone in the room and then stood behind his boss, Sister Ru. The remaining matters were beyond his purview, as the individuals present were all leaders or representatives from their respective factions, all seven-star evolvers, constituting nearly half of the core power in Black Dragon City.
Ye Zhongming nodded as he listened to the introductions. The people he sent out yesterday had already gathered enough information on the local forces, and he knew that those present were influential figures in the city. Although the strongest factions were absent, the collective strength of those here should not be underestimated.
Naturally, this was all relative.
With Brother Hei's opening, everyone adjusted their demeanor and began to engage in casual conversation with Ye Zhongming, gradually steering the discussion toward the main topic.
They were unaware of Ye Zhongming's identity, only knowing that he was generous and had strong purchasing power. Most people who came here were eager to do business with him.
They did not have the same misconception as Xiao Xuan, who thought Ye Zhongming was brought in to assist them; they understood that he was merely a passerby.
Under normal circumstances, they wouldn't place such importance on him, but this was a special period for Black Dragon City, with battles against foreign invaders from the north imminent. Everyone was trying their best to enhance their own strength and that of their factions.
There was a demand, but that didn't guarantee they could get what they wanted. Currently, Black Dragon City was in dire need of items that could directly boost combat effectiveness.
Everyone was on the lookout for good resources, but there were limited quality items available in Black Dragon City at present, leaving few opportunities for everyone.
Facing the imminent invasion, the people of Black Dragon City exhibited a degree of unity. They were resolute in their decision to engage in fierce combat with the foreign invaders. However, the reality restricted their ability to “sharpen their swords” on the spot.
Businesses like Pinnacle Pavilion and Jiang Dabaos Shop had some quality items, but firstly, their three bottles of goods came at a cost and wouldn’t be given away for free. The locals were basically offered at cost price, which was already quite generous.
Moreover, during this incident, these businesses couldn't remain uninvolved; they had their own needs. Anything they could sell would be sold, while unsellable items would be kept for their own use.
Secondly, the items that could immediately enhance combat power had mostly been sold out, leaving only those requiring time to cultivate or other conditions. For example, what Ye Zhongming had acquired, aside from Ice Marrow Liquid and Heart of Frost, were materials like Cracked Coldstone, eighth-grade beast skins, and Ice Soul, with Snow Pattern Ants requiring long cultivation periods. All of these had potential but couldn't be immediately realized.
As for the owner of Morning Light Pavilion, the creator of the four dragon heads, Old An, he was not like Ye Zhongming, who could mass-produce equipment. It was impossible for him to manufacture large quantities of gear in a short time, and at over seventy years old, he was likely willing but unable.