Then, Yu Lan explained.

"The results are in. In terms of item grade, that medicinal herb is equivalent to a leader-level beast. Consequently, some mentors wish to trade with us, but this matter requires your decision."

Wang Zhan understood. He wasn't at all surprised by the medicinal herb's valuation.

After all, they were a powerful race from the Star War Battlefield, possessing robust strength and numerous Genius Earth Treasures.

Because of this, they had stored some items that weren't particularly precious, intending for them to become the foundation of their race, only for Wang Zhan to benefit in the end.

However, Wang Zhan asked, "Trade? What would we trade for?"

Yu Lan explained, "When we initially established ourselves in the Federal Martial Arts Academy, the commitment and conditions we set forth were that all resources on the platform must prioritize supply to the Federation's top four institutions.

Low-grade materials weren't an issue, and besides, we've never had contact with the high-end market. But what you've brought back has clearly caught their attention..."

"And then?"

Yu Lan stated succinctly, "My point is, that medicinal herb shouldn't be exchanged so quickly. It ought to generate more renown and contributions for us before we consider trading it. But now, it has undoubtedly become an impediment to our expansion, especially since we've developed the resources of five additional Martial Arts Academies in the last two days. Its influence might continue to expand. It's not a matter of scarcity we're worried about, but uneven distribution."

Wang Zhan understood. He fell silent for a moment, his eyes narrowed. Facing the sunlight streaming through the window, he began to contemplate the potential paths for their development. This was an issue of unequal distribution.

At Barter's previous rate of development, it wouldn't have reached this stage so soon. After all, the prominent figures hadn't paid it much mind, and the lesser figures lacked the capability to contend for it.

But ever since Wang Zhan produced a miraculous medicine, demonstrating the potential Barter possessed, some high-ranking individuals began to covet it, realizing its immense profit margin.

Furthermore, rather than cultivating a platform of their own, they preferred to seize Barter outright, turning it into an organization that followed their will. Perhaps Yu Lan also understood that their so-called 'exchange' was merely a superficial tactic.

If not handled properly, there was a significant risk of a major collapse, or even numerous Martial Arts Academies withdrawing one by one.

That would be a great setback for Barter, not just in terms of renown but also market loss. It could potentially lead to its complete downfall.

Finally, Wang Zhan spoke, looking seriously at Yu Lan. "I want to hear your proposed solution."

Yu Lan met Wang Zhan's gaze. Knowing he understood, she immediately said gravely, "We need more support. I know your relationship with Dean Wei Daoming is extraordinary, so I wanted you to try and see if you can get the Federation's big four involved.

I suggest that even if the cost is high and profits are temporarily reduced, we cannot retreat. As long as these influential figures are backing us and help stabilize the situation, anyone wishing to move against us will have to think twice. This not only buys us time but could also resolve the issue permanently. It's a very worthwhile deal. Of course, whether these prominent figures accept is up to them."

Wang Zhan remained silent. Yu Lan probably didn't know the true nature of his relationship with the big four. He was both a talented junior and someone with significant utilitarian value. Naturally, she also wouldn't know that this sudden turn of events served as a significant wake-up call for Wang Zhan himself.

He had reached an agreement with the Lin family of the Chu State Black Market, which was how he had obtained the initial batch of resources for Barter's launch. But facing the entire Federation, even the Lin family was outmatched. Even with the Yang family included, Wang Zhan would still be fighting a losing battle.

He must rally more allies!

So, Wang Zhan nodded, a glint of determination in his eyes. "Let's give it a try! We might not secure all four, but we should at least be able to win over two." This could also be an opportunity for me to break into the Federation market, he mused.

Yu Lan heaved a sigh of relief. "That would be excellent. In truth, we don't necessarily need wealth, but we absolutely need backers. Especially for your project, progress is nearly impossible without support."

Wang Zhan understood. No matter where one went, this was an eternal truth. With money and connections, tasks are easy; without money or connections, one is destined to struggle every step of the way.

With that decided, the two set off in high spirits. Yu Lan accompanied Wang Zhan, with Wang Zhan expected to take the lead in persuading Wei Daoming, as they headed to the School History Museum of the Federal Martial Arts Academy.

「Penthouse.」

"You're here?" Wei Daoming rose with a smile when he saw Wang Zhan and Yu Lan arrive.

He didn't put on any airs with Wang Zhan, and Yu Lan watched in disbelief at the warmth this renowned figure displayed towards Wang Zhan.

It seemed the actual relationship between Wang Zhan and Wei Daoming was even deeper than she had initially guessed when she speculated that they merely had a somewhat unusual acquaintance.

Wang Zhan said respectfully, "Greetings, Predecessor!"

He was no longer the defiant youth of the other day, who had dared to provoke a Martial Emperor to his face.

"I need to speak with Wang Zhan about something. Please wait a moment," Wei Daoming said to Yu Lan with a smile.

It seems he already knows why I'm here, Yu Lan thought.

But what could she do? Though born of a distinguished family, she was no different from anyone else before a Martial Emperor. That realm was a state of power and naturalness one could only truly comprehend after stepping across its threshold.

A faint light, unconcealed, immediately enveloped the two of them right before Yu Lan's eyes.

Wang Zhan looked slightly embarrassed. "Senior, about that day... I didn't mean to... you..."

Wei Daoming chuckled and waved his hand. "It's fine, it's fine. Spirit of the Shield, come out!"

Instantly, a small shield floated from Wang Zhan's hand and into Wei Daoming's.

Wei Daoming gazed intently at the shield, speaking softly. "In fact, upon entering the path of martial arts, everyone faces moments of losing mental control. However, your situation is different. You integrated with it intentionally, which is why you awakened so quickly.

But Wang Zhan, are you aware that if you continue down this path, you might one day truly go berserk? When that time comes, even if we old fellows are reluctant, we will have no choice but to act against you."

「Outside.」

Yu Lan could neither hear any sound nor see any movement.

She could only perceive two figures seated behind the light screen. Even so, she forced herself to remain composed and watch, maintaining the reverence due to a Martial Emperor.

This scene did not escape Wei Daoming's notice.

"Look," he said, "she holds reverence for the Martial Emperor in her heart. I'm unsure if that's good or bad, but I am certain it will become her guiding principle in her actions. Yet, I do not see that in you. So, tell me, do you possess reverence?"

At that moment, Wei Daoming's gaze was as sharp as lightning. The image of him in Wang Zhan's mind suddenly grew immense, pressing down on him like Mount Tai, making his breath catch.

Wang Zhan remained unperturbed, seemingly lacking the reverence Wei Daoming spoke of, but then he gave a bitter smile.

"Senior, of course, I hold reverence in my heart. It's just... could you perhaps retract your imposing aura first? My True Essence hasn't fully recovered yet, and I'm afraid if you accidentally lose control, I'll be done for!"

"Hahaha!" Wei Daoming laughed heartily, unhesitatingly retracting his overpowering aura. Whatever Wang Zhan's reverence entails, Wei Daoming mused, his ability to maintain his original conviction shows he can indeed control himself, though he might require some external aid.

Thus, the Spirit of the Shield returned to its owner.

"Take it back," Wei Daoming said. "From today onwards, use more of your mental energy to refine it. Although it is currently dormant, and I do not know when it will awaken, its power was what I relied on to awaken you earlier.

So, do not underestimate it. With it by your side, even that small wooden figure on your chest is merely on par with it, not to mention your little wooden figure has restrictions on its use and number of activations."

Huh? Wang Zhan hadn't realized the little wooden man could actually be on par with the Spirit of the Shield? That was an Ancient Weapon, a powerful entity that had birthed a 'Spirit'—a veritable king among weapons!

Fortunately, Wei Daoming explained, "Don't regard ancient weapons too highly. If not for limitations in materials, perhaps our current weapons could be countless times more formidable than those of ancient times. Many people are simply short-sighted; they believe they've grasped the truth of the modern era and thus look down on its advancements."

So that's how it is. Wang Zhan thought, In that case, I really need to refine the Spirit of the Shield properly. After all, it's a lifeline.

Wei Daoming then said, "However, I've called you here this time because I have a matter I need you to handle, much like the task you accepted before."

Wang Zhan was startled. He immediately sat upright, his expression serious. "Senior, please speak!"

For Wang Zhan, he could make choices about other things, but not this. This was his duty as a member of the Federal Martial Arts Academy and the basis for his right to enjoy all the privileges of the Academy. Ten tasks... this was already the second one!

Wei Daoming's face grew solemn. "Actually, you've encountered those descendants of the Sacred Clan on the Star War Battlefield. What is your impression of them?"

Impression? Wang Zhan mused. They are very much like humans—scheming, tyrannical in their power, and utterly lacking a moral compass...

Although they appear human, humans, beyond mere appearance, possess a moral baseline they adhere to. Therefore, even if those beings called themselves the Sacred Clan, in Wang Zhan's eyes, they were merely a pack of beasts.

But Wei Daoming's expression turned grave. "If that's the case, can you imagine what would transpire if those individuals from the Sacred Clan were to breach the internal defense lines of the Earth Federation?"

Wang Zhan was momentarily stunned. Then, as the potential consequences and latent threats dawned on him, his expression changed slightly.

"Have they... already infiltrated?"

It was nothing else; those beings had simply left too profound an impression on him. Those beings weren't human at all!

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