This time, Dragon Cypress led 1,000 Soldier Ants, 400 Worker Ants, and 400 Blue Ants, arriving two days early at the Rednan Mountain Ant Nest, directing the Worker Ants to expand and perfect the nest.

Fragrant Cypress led the Blue Ants to rest inside the nest.

Spiked Cypress and Giant Cypress led the Soldier Ants to garrison, defend, and hunt.

The Dominating Throne also halted at the entrance of the ant nest, assigning Soldier Ants to stand guard.

Dragon Cypress, accompanied by Blue Catalpa and Snakebark Maple, set off on foot, crossing the Starship Passage and entering the Ten Thousand Nations Continent.

On the hillside.

Looking down at the groups of massive Flame Spider Caravans below, unusually, the two little ones didn't chatter away— instead, they quietly watched.

This was their first time seeing so many Insect Clan Warriors, and each one was above Mountain Lord Level; Lord-Level and King-Level were everywhere.

Every Flame Spider Roving Merchant had their carapace loaded with huge bundles of Origin Force Food.

According to Dragon Cypress, each year, wealth worth billions gathered in the soil square below, was exchanged, and then flowed to all corners of the continent.

...

At the foot of the mountain.

The Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord used Earth System Abilities, shaping the soil before him into a miniature map with undulating peaks and valleys.

Seven-Leaf was giving a detailed explanation to a Little Flame Spider Warrior in front of him, introducing every trade point on the four-month-long roving merchant journey ahead: the kingdom names, races, rulers and key members, core products, trade items, precautions, and so on.

The Little Flame Spider Warrior listened intently, occasionally raising questions.

"Seven-Leaf. Natsumi."

The Aconite Spider King was increasingly satisfied with this direct-line junior, and seeing that he was absorbed in teaching the younger ones, not noticing the movement atop the hill, reminded:

"Dragon Cypress Ant King has arrived. He even brought two Little Warriors."

Little Warriors? Seven-Leaf turned to look at the hill, then turned back, pressing lightly with his front foot to smooth out the soil-formed map.

"Two Sky Ox Warriors!" Seven-Leaf muttered, not immediately asking the Aconite Spider King, nor moving at once, but sinking into thought.

There were quite a few questions:

First, isn't the neighboring Cloud Trace Continent in an Origin Force Silent Period? How come there are still Little Warriors being born? Was this an accident?

Second, didn't Dragon Cypress and Ink Orchid say they lived in a very small pocket where Origin Force was relatively abundant? Where do these two Little Warriors live?

Third, what does it mean that he brought those Little Warriors here?

The Aconite Spider King untied the Carapace Spider Silk Rope, retrieved a square cabinet made of Outworld Civilization Primordial Energy Metal from the very bottom, a rattling sound as the cabinet door opened.

A petite and exquisite Spider Silk Bag floated out, opening automatically, and the Spider Silk Rope pinched up two Six Paths Wood Seeds from Six Peaks Mountain, handing them to Seven-Leaf.

The Aconite Spider King said calmly: "On the side of Cloud Trace Continent close to the Divine Force Barrier, there might be a few places with abundant Origin Force, but it's impossible for a tribe to develop there, nor could it support a second Ant King. Those two Sky Ox Little Warriors are basically that Ant King's juniors. It's clear he takes good care of them and trusts them very much."

"I understand! Many thanks for your reminder, Spider King!"

Seven-Leaf's mind moved quickly; after two seconds, he accepted the seeds, carefully stored them, and called on Natsumi to set out.

Bringing an 8-Age-Period Intermediate Little Flame Spider into the treacherous trade of the Ten Thousand Nations Continent would attract too much attention. Seven-Leaf made no further attempt to conceal; he went straight up the hill, heading for the little grove behind it.

"Dragon Cypress Ant King!"

"Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord!"

They exchanged greetings upon meeting.

Big eyes staring at little eyes, scrutinizing each other.

Dragon Cypress took the initiative with introductions: "These are Sky Ox Little Warriors, unexpectedly born in my and Ink Orchid's territory. This one is Blue Catalpa, and this one is Snakebark Maple. I brought them over to meet you; from now on, during each annual trade, they'll come to help carry goods."

"Greetings, Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord!"

Blue Catalpa and Snakebark Maple obediently shook their tentacles in greeting to Seven-Leaf.

"Good. Very energetic Little Warriors. With them as company, you and Ink Orchid won't be lonely trying to survive in Cloud Trace Continent."

Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord also introduced: "This is my direct junior, Natsumi, an 8-Age-Period Intermediate Diaphus Flame Spider. If there are no issues, starting next year, she'll be the one running the Starship Passage, delivering messages and transporting goods."

"Dragon Cypress Ant King. Blue Catalpa. Snakebark Maple."

Natsumi likewise greeted politely.

"A Flame Spider Little Roving Merchant as steady as Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord." Dragon Cypress praised cheerfully, then said:

"So, starting next spring, you three little ones will be tasked with moving cargo."

"Understood!" Natsumi, Blue Catalpa, and Snakebark Maple agreed in unison.

After the mutual introductions…

Dragon Cypress handed over a Spider Silk Bag, saying: "Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord, the Divine-Given Gorgon Fruit Seeds for sale this year are still 235 in number. Please count them."

"No problem."

Seven-Leaf accepted it, gave a quick look, and quoted: "5,170 Source Stones. What do you want in exchange?"

Dragon Cypress: "1,170 Source Stones in cash. Then I'll select high-quality Origin Force Food worth 10,000 Source Stones. The 6,000 Source Stones I still owe you— I'll have Melde or White Ivy Mountain Lord pay on my behalf later."

Seven-Leaf was stunned: Your deal with Melde or White Ivy lets you net 6,000 Source Stones profit?

You can't mean your 'Origin Force Honey' is actually earning Source Stones?

Last early winter at the Dulai Flame Spider Kingdom, he saw that White Ivy guy lugging around bundles of metal cans, clanking everywhere, with quite the happy look…

Seven-Leaf also understood Dragon Cypress's intention: let Blue Catalpa and Snakebark Maple, the two Little Warriors, get familiar with the cargo on their own carapaces, and with the pricing of Origin Force Food, so it's easier to procure in the future.

A one-time purchase of 10,000 Source Stones' worth of high-quality Origin Force Food was quite a sizable transaction.

Seven-Leaf readily said: "No problem! Pick as you wish!"

Seven-Leaf's mind spun, he untied the Spider Silk Rope on his carapace, and took the initiative to call: "Blue Catalpa, Snakebark Maple, you two little ones, come have a look too."

...

Starting from morning and lasting till dusk.

Seven-Leaf took out all kinds of Origin Force Food he carried, giving a detailed introduction.

Blue Catalpa and Snakebark Maple watched wide-eyed, striving to memorize everything.

Dragon Cypress chose some at moderate prices, buying a huge bagful.

The trade concluded.

Seven-Leaf produced his metal cylinder from Outworld Civilization, unscrewed it, pinched out two Six Paths Wood Seeds, kindly asking:

"Do you live together with Dragon Cypress Ant King and Ink Orchid?"

Blue Catalpa: "Yes."

Snakebark Maple: "That's right."

Seven-Leaf asked naturally: "Then you must know what these two seeds are, right?"

Blue Catalpa: "Six Peaks Mountain, Six Paths Seeds."

Snakebark Maple: "They strengthen the soul!"

Blue Catalpa: "Super precious."

Snakebark Maple: "Even if you have Source Stones, you can't buy such good stuff."

Based on years roaming as a merchant, Little Warriors don't lie.

Insect Clan Warriors as full of fibs as Ink Orchid were truly rare.

These two Sky Ox Little Ones probably weren't lying.

So it's clear; these two were indeed born in Dragon Cypress and Ink Orchid's territory.

Seven-Leaf, not the suspicious type, used two Spider Silk threads to hand the gifts to Blue Catalpa and Snakebark Maple, kindly saying: "A little gift for your first meeting."

"Thank you, Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord!"

"Generous Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord!"

"Wealthy Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord..."

Blue Catalpa and Snakebark Maple were delighted.

Dragon Cypress saw the two about to launch into one of their clumsy little acts and swung its tentacles, giving a warning smack.

Blue Catalpa and Snakebark Maple promptly shut up and stood quietly.

Seven-Leaf, manipulating spider silk, tidied up the Spider Silk Bags on the ground.

Dragon Cypress hesitated, then said slowly, "Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord, there's one more thing."

Seven-Leaf: "What is it?"

Blue Catalpa blurted, "Ink Orchid has recently obtained a Divine-Given Seed of Cuihua Hanlan through hybrid cultivation."

Snakebark Maple added: "Preliminary assessment suggests it's Wood Element. We'll know for sure in two years, when it matures and bears seeds."

Blue Catalpa: "Ink Orchid wants to evolve into a 5-Age-Period High-Level Flower Mantis Warrior as soon as possible."

Snakebark Maple: "If only there were Divine-Given Persimmon Fruit Seeds."

Blue Catalpa: "Ink Orchid would be very grateful."

Snakebark Maple: "In the future, Ink Orchid will sell you more Orchid Seeds."

Seven-Leaf: "!!!"

Here we go again~

Seven-Leaf didn't even have time to get happy before being left dumbfounded by the conversation. Glancing at Blue Catalpa and Snakebark Maple, then at Dragon Cypress, his mind was clear as a mirror—he knew Dragon Cypress had put them up to this, also knowing that Dragon Cypress had always wanted Divine-Given Persimmon Fruit Seeds. He said helplessly:

"Right now… I really don't have any... I'll see what I can do…"

The temptation of a share of a Divine-Given Seed was so great that even Seven-Leaf couldn't supply one, so clearly he really didn't have any left.

Dragon Cypress knew Melde's stock completely, so there was no need to even ask— still none.

"Then sorry to trouble Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord first."

Dragon Cypress swung his tentacles, giving Blue Catalpa and Snakebark Maple a couple of whacks on the head, scolding: "Follow Natsumi's example and quiet down. When elders are talking, you two should interrupt less."

Seven-Leaf: "..."

Wasn't it you who taught them that?

Seven-Leaf didn't want to say more.

Dragon Cypress said sincerely to Seven-Leaf, "Seven-Leaf Mountain Lord, the Divine-Given Cuihua Hanlan Seed is an herbaceous plant. Barring surprises, the yield will be low. No need for wide distribution—just split it between you and the Melde Caravan, half each."

"Good!"

Seven-Leaf was very satisfied. After thinking for a moment, he cautiously asked, "What about White Ivy Mountain Lord?"

Dragon Cypress: "Forget White Ivy—he still owes me Source Stones."

Seven-Leaf: "???"

Seven-Leaf instantly thought it through and comforted: "Don't worry, with Melde around—Melde has plenty of vital trades here on the Ten Thousand Nations Continent side. He can't run away."

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