Zhou Yi couldn't help but think: "The main steel exports of Steel Refining City are aimed at United City, right? I haven't heard anything about trade with us being stopped on their side, what exactly is the problem?"

"Transportation."

The Steel Refining Lord explained: "The distance from Steel Refining City to United City is far, and along the way, it is necessary to pass through some large ports, navigating along the fixed commercial routes in the Dead Sea. The most important transit hubs, Coral Port and Sixth District, are neither accessible for docking nor for entering."

"Coral Port aside. Although Sixth District is a Guangna City run independently by the Guangna Species, they have close economic and technological cooperation with Mechanical City. Therefore, they are greatly affected. They also forbid our ships and goods from entering and docking."

He expressed helplessness: "We have to find other transit hubs for ship maintenance and supply, allowing the crew to rest a bit. The ports that are currently willing to accept us are charging too high prices, and are unwilling to sign any agreements, only making verbal promises. Changing the route still carries the risk of being raided by pirates."

Zhou Yi listened with a frown.

The sanctions against companies by Mechanical City mainly involved a substantial reduction in related income; however, as the company's industrial layout is diversified, it's only a matter of earning more or less.

But for other cities in the Alliance, this represents a huge blow. The Mechanical and Electrical City Group is constricting from all sides in an attempt to impact and squeeze their core industries.

Zhou Yi asked, "Can other Human Cities absorb the steel?"

"Besides United City, the main selling targets of Steel Refining City are actually the Mechanical Cities, because mechanical lifeforms have the greatest demand for metal. They are continuously consuming large amounts of metal and energy."

"Human Cities, perhaps the Shuanghe Region can digest a part. However, they have fixed suppliers and buying from Heavenly Kingdom would be cheaper."

The Steel Refining Lord continued, "Currently, we have a large excess of steel without buyers. In addition, we've been attacked at sea twice, three transport ships were hijacked, one of which was stolen."

Everyone was out of ideas.

Mechanical City controlled the port's throat, possessing a de facto monopoly in Dead Sea trade. Whether it be Human Cities or Guangna Cities, they all need their support and nod in every respect.

"I've already halted half of the steel mill's production, retaining only one blast furnace for basic production."

The Steel Refining Lord also offered his response, "Nearly half of the workers, I have redirected to the production of refrigeration boxes."

"Fortunately, we have the refrigeration boxes, which can feed a large population. And unlike steel, the external demand for refrigeration boxes is very large."

"Because of our price and unique technology, the sanctions have had no effect in this area. Everyone is buying a large number of refrigeration boxes, and we don't even need to worry about transportation."

Zhou Yi's heart relaxed a bit.

At last, there was some good news.

Lord Sand Sea also chimed in, "Speaking of exporting signature products, our Sand Port is not bad either. The production of Jade Soup and the New Flame Cup has been gradually increasing, and there's still a large purchasing volume. After all, every city needs easily stored, high-quality food, and tools for heating and starting fires."

"Among us, the least affected is Shell City. Duke Beidu had been making transition plans early on, further commercializing Mushroom House – indeed, a keen and unique vision."

Duke Beidu spoke, "This is also thanks to the technological inventions from Mushroom Forest; I just discovered this during the war. It's a mix of blessings and curses."

"Actually, we have also been affected to a certain degree. Because Shell City was downgraded and Mechanical City accounts were frozen, trading must go through the Guangna Box, which brings certain risks. I'm currently trying to solve this problem."

"However, Mushroom House did have an interesting situation. Initially, due to the hot summer with little rainfall, Mushroom House fell into difficulty. Lack of water slowed their growth, and while Death Light allowed them to absorb strength, it made vertical growth difficult."

"The lack of water resulted in insufficient height, causing them to expand horizontally. Horizontally enlarged Mushroom Houses turned out to be even more spacious and cool. Lack of water and abundant Death Light made the outer shell as hard as stone, leading to a special kind of Mushroom House for summer."

"The special Mushroom Houses got enhanced resistance to impacts and could endure E-level or even D-level energy explosions. As long as they were connected, they could be used as public buildings."

"Because of this characteristic, there is now an upward trend against the current. The Alchemist Association, the Craftsmen Guild, and the Knight Order are all purchasing large quantities of the summer special Mushroom Houses."

Zhou Yi marveled inside, nature truly is wondrous, always creating a subtle dynamic balance and Regulation.

He finally asked the silent Tree Monster Lord, "How is the Tree Monster Territory doing?"

This one had been sanctioned as soon as they joined the Development Alliance.

It could only be said their luck wasn't very good.

On the screen, the Tree Monster Lord, who looked like a black cat, licked its tongue: "Our main exports are timber, fruit, and fish. Now they can be absorbed within the Alliance, and we are not feeling much of it. It's just previously the aquatic mechanical enhancer Sai'erliba chose to resign, making it difficult for us to recruit mechanical Professionals..."

This point mentioned was also a situation faced by other cities.

Under the strong sanctions of Mechanical City, several cities in the Development Alliance lost a number of mechanical lifeforms who resigned and left. Currently, unable to employ mechanical lifeforms, another part of Professionals, enhancers, also quietly departed.

Only ordinary humans are less affected, as long as they get their pay.

Lord Sand Sea said with a laugh, "The company is formidable, now even the Angel of Death has become an employee, truly a joyous occasion."

It then said in a softer voice, "Mechanical City has already warned us, if we want to lift the sanctions, we have to leave the Development Alliance. But of course, we all resolutely refused. Everyone is clear that this is where the future lies."

Mechanical City's further sanctions aim to pressurize and disintegrate this alliance group.

Zhou Yi pondered in his heart.

They were targeting the company so specifically.

The intensity of these sanctions far exceeded the other two cities from the first batch.

It seemed, the pressure from Mechanical City was greater than imagined.

The more the enemies opposed us on something, it indicated what we were doing right.

They were afraid of the Time Anchor and the repair of more civilizing bodies.

Zhou Yi became even more confident.

Against the unilateral sanctions of Mechanical City, the Development Alliance had to tough it out, persisting in independent production and seeking breakthroughs.

The victory in the Honor War had clearly bolstered the confidence of the sea lords considerably, and everyone was actively searching for countermeasures.

At the end of the video conference, the Steel Refining Lord suddenly contacted Zhou Yi.

"Mr. Zhou, if you're available, please come to Steel Refining City."

"We have a worker here who has devised a new generation of refrigeration boxes, which I think are quite good. I'd like for you to come take a look and give some guidance."

Steel Refining City had a new invention.

Zhou Yi immediately replied, "I'll come over at once."

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