The moment the seed touched the blood, a faint, subtle dark light flashed across its surface as if it had briefly come to life, only to sink back into silence. However, an invisible connection seemed to have been established between the seed and the soil.
【Shadow Seed has been planted! Growth cycle: 02:00:00】
【Reminder: Do not move the seed out of the Ghost-Rot Soil range during the growth period!】
Who would even move it in the first place?
Cheng Shuili grumbled, planning to take this opportunity to plant a few more shadow essences.
Since she already had the special equipment evolution card, all that would remain after the materials were properly cultivated was to put them to use.
In a pleasant mood, Cheng Shuili picked up her hammer and tapped away at the abyss stone.
A short while later, Cheng Shuili returned to the underground storage room, cradling three unidentified shadow seeds.
Although they weren't identified, Cheng Shuili already knew the planting method, so it surely wouldn't matter, right?
She thought to herself as she dug a small pit in the Ghost-Rot Soil, sprinkled a small circle of cow blood, and pressed the seed into the dirt.
The moment the seed made contact with the Ghost-Rot Soil, a panel prompt popped up in front of Cheng Shuili.
【Unidentified seeds cannot be planted! Please find an NPC in the beastman town for identification!】
Cheng Shuili: “……”
I hate this system, I hate these NPCs, and most of all! I hate this evolution card!
Complaints aside, Cheng Shuili silently put away the seeds and returned to her vehicle.
It was four o'clock in the afternoon. Would it be too late to use the radio now?
She wondered, though her fingers were honest enough as she slotted the radio battery in.
Perhaps fate was smiling upon her, for thirty minutes after installation, the radio began to crackle with static.
The person sitting nearby waiting immediately perked up, picked up the radio, and tried adjusting the frequency.
After twisting to the correct direction, the radio suddenly cleared up.
“This is the merchant! Welcome to the Trading Post to purchase items! Everything you desire, we have it all! But take note, you must bring sufficient game coins; please be sure to bring your game coins!”
Why is it the Trading Post?
Cheng Shuili felt a bit disappointed, but she still stood up, went to tell Su Rui, and asked her to keep an eye out for roadside buildings.
It wasn't long before the vehicle slowly came to a halt.
They had arrived at the Trading Post.
Cheng Shuili stowed her weapons, put on her gas mask, and got out of the car with Su Rui.
Due to the toxic mist, the NPCs here were also wearing gas masks, making them look like a group of silent, busy ghosts.
The guard stood at his post, dutifully keeping his hands behind his back and eyes forward.
The two of them entered smoothly and strolled around outside. With the effects of the famine gone, the prices here had returned to normal.
But as a Tier 3 VIP of the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant House, it was naturally cheaper for her to buy things inside the merchant house.
Besides, she was looking forward to seeing what the rotating merchandise was this week.
Just as Cheng Shuili was thinking this and planning to head directly into the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant House, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.
An English-style suit, leaning on a cane, with a posture that was both elegant and possessed a hint of aloofness.
It was the Rat King!
He was currently standing before an inconspicuous stall, seemingly picking out something, looking entirely out of place in the somewhat noisy surroundings.
Cheng Shuili paused in her tracks, subconsciously touching the wolf fang tucked in her pocket.
Talk about finding exactly what you're looking for!
She had been craving the rocket launchers used by the wolf-race beastmen for a long time, and finally, she had a chance to buy some!
Cheng Shuili was about to step forward but then stopped.
She turned to Su Rui first and whispered instructions: “You go into the merchant house first to see the special items for this week; I’ve run into an acquaintance and will be there shortly.”
Su Rui nodded in understanding, and her figure soon disappeared into the gates of the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant House.
Only then did Cheng Shuili adjust her expression and walk unhurriedly toward the familiar figure.
She stopped a few paces away, cleared her throat, and spoke in just the right volume:
“What a coincidence, we meet again.”
The Rat King turned at the sound, his eyes hidden in the shadow of his top hat sharp and profound. A flash of surprise crossed his face, which then transformed into a gentle, dignified expression, like an elder seeing a junior.
He tapped his cane lightly on the ground with a steady posture, his voice low and magnetic:
“Oh? It seems the goddess of luck always favors those who are prepared, allowing me to encounter my esteemed pen pal here once again.”
Cheng Shuili froze, the words she had prepared getting stuck in her throat.
How did this little old man become so flowery with his language?
And the goddess of luck...
Cheng Shuili grumbled internally but didn't show it on her face. She gave a polite smile and asked: “It seems you are purchasing something?”
The Rat King smiled slightly, his cane pointing at the inconspicuous fruits and vegetables on the stall: “Just some trivial little things to maintain my collection. What about you? You look to be in a hurry; you don't seem to be here for a stroll.”
Hearing this, Cheng Shuili sighed softly and decided to be blunt: “I would like to purchase a batch of weapons from you.”
“A batch?”
The Rat King repeated the word, his cane tapping the slightly damp soil. His gaze landed on Cheng Shuili once more, giving her a thorough once-over before finally parting his lips: “It seems my friend is no longer just a name.”
His gaze was gentle from start to finish, and Cheng Shuili did not feel offended.
Her attention was entirely on the Rat King's words.
“No longer just a name.”
Is it because of Black Feather?
She was now the leader of Black Feather, and the title of Supreme Monarch had finally become a reality.
“Fame or real power, it matters not,” Cheng Shuili met the Rat King's gaze. “What matters is that I now have the capability, and the need, to conduct a transaction of sufficient weight. I just wonder if it is convenient for you?”
The Rat King let out a low, pleasant chuckle. He had always appreciated this young human friend of his, and that remained true now.
“Convenient? For a true monarch, my doors are always open.”
He bowed his head slightly, the shadow of his top hat shifting. “However, this is not a good place to talk business. Follow me.”
He did not head toward the grand entrance of the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant House but instead turned to lead Cheng Shuili into a quiet alley deep within the Trading Post.
At the end of the alley was an unremarkable wooden door. The Rat King tapped the top of his cane rhythmically, and the door slid open without a sound.
Behind the door was not a shop, but a small parlor arranged like an old-fashioned study. A warm fireplace warded off the chill outside and the cold of the toxic mist, and the air was filled with the faint scent of tobacco and aged paper.
It was entirely out of place with the chaotic world outside.
“Sit.” The Rat King pointed to a comfortable armchair by the fireplace and walked over to a small wine cabinet. “What would you like to drink? Although the environment is humble, I still have some hospitality to offer.”
“Just water, thank you.”
Cheng Shuili responded gently.
The Black Market is this old man's business; could the Trading Post be his as well?
Cheng Shuili remained calm, yet she began to contemplate whether she would eventually stand in opposition to the Rat King.
If they truly ended up on opposite sides, would she have the chance...
To replace him?
Rate on N.U.
