Chapter 450: Bluefish City

Chapter 450: Bluefish City

Chapter 450: Bluefish City

The Perfect-class transport ship is sailing at high altitude.

After a period of abyss-like void, the Dawn Continent gradually came into view.

The western part of the empire, relatively close to the Everlasting Dark Continent, is the Western Border, which has a total of six provinces, Cangwu and Jinxi are both one of them, governed by the Yu family and the Yan family respectively.

When the transport ship arrived over Cangwu Province, Yu Jianyue hummed a tune and pushed the ship's power to maximum.

Jiang He looked down from the window of the ship. The area of ​​Cangwu Province was as large as a kingdom, with a total of ten counties, six of which belonged to middle-class families, and the other four were the territories of the Yu family.

"The most important thing for aristocratic families is the right to collect taxes and recruit soldiers."

"Taxes in each region are split 70% between local and central governments."

"Of the 70%, the aristocratic families and the military each took 20%, the upper-class families took 15%, the middle-class families took 10%, and the lower-class families and the poor nobles took 50% each."

"On the surface, the empire is even a little shabby, but under the books, there are naturally undercurrents. Over a thousand years, the tax system has been ruined beyond recognition. Fortunately, the current prime minister has implemented a tax exemption law for military merit, so that the empire will not lose the hearts of all soldiers."

“As for the future, who knows.”

Yu Jianyue drunkenly introduced that the empire was like a pyramid with strict class structure, and the war with the dark race was the channel for circulation between the upper and lower classes. If civilians wanted to stand out, the best choice was to sign up for the military. The mortality rate in various training camps was not low, and if you survived, you would have the hope of becoming a strong person.

Jiang He fixed his eyes on the distribution of provinces. In the current environment, the noble families of ancient dynasties often relied on tax exemption. If it were not for the factor of extraordinary strength, the tax-paying noble families of the empire would be no different from independent little kings.

"Well, you want to land?" Yu Jianyue asked with a side glance.

"If you don't want to stop, I can skydive." Jiang He said.

"Haha, what nonsense." Yu Jianyue laughed and said, "Friendly reminder, don't be too ostentatious recently. We can easily leave the fortress because your life level is only silver. Common sense says that you can't pose a threat to Yan Liang at all. Once you become famous in this regard, not only the Yan family, but the entire empire will be interested in you."

"And you really can't stand being checked."

The transport ship gradually descended.

Jiang He saw densely packed void ships and a large number of military camps at the edge of the province.

There are hundreds of Perfect-class small ships, Ultimate-class conventional ships, Immortal-class battleships, and an epic-class flagship.

"Oh, the Yu family's Qingyu." Yu Jianyue was a little surprised. Even with the background of the Yu family, a top-notch family, they only had two epic flagships, and one of them was severely damaged in the winter offensive and had to return to the port for repairs.

He Xiaoqi looked solemn and said, "I smell the scent of war."

"It should be... the spring offensive." Yu Jianyue was a little uncertain, "Grandpa is really crazy."

Jiang He retracted his gaze. The troops did not move yet, but the food and fodder had to be sent first. The preparations before a war would take at least months. The empire would naturally be faster, but it would not start fighting tomorrow.

The transport ship approached the ground and landed in Qingyu City, the core city of Cangwu Province.

Because it is located on the border of the empire, Qingyu City seems to have a distinct military defense function. It is nominally the fief of Duke Yu, but in fact, as the core of the province, it is also home to dozens of other families. In the power struggle, being away from the core is equivalent to giving up power, so gathering is an inevitable result.

Qingyu City is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and fertile fields, with extremely rich resources and a dense population.

The transport ship landed at the port and the three people got off the ship. Yu Jianyue dealt with the port staff who came to "report on their work". Jiang He looked around and found that Qingyu City was in a mixed state of ancient and modern times. While Chaofan improved production, it hindered the transition of social forms.

“A modern ancient city.”

Not long after, Yu Jianyue came over with a bunch of keys on her fingers and said, "You two can choose the entire port parking lot."

"One?" Jiang He asked.

Yu Jianyue glanced at him and said, "You can all leave. I'm already in debt anyway."

He Xiaoqi stood there feeling somewhat saddened by the scene. His core members were defeated and captured, and his personal guards naturally suffered heavy casualties. None of his blood relatives who had gone to the battlefield with him came back.

"Uncle, stay with me for a while and we will have a good life." Yu Jianyue greeted him with a smile. The command was not in her hands, and she had no way to deal with the war. Judging from the other party's current state, she was afraid that they would not be able to return to the He family for the time being.

However, as long as the other party follows him, with the influence of the Yu family, the He family can at least barely maintain the status quo.

He Xiaoqi replied with a bitter face: "Okay."

Jiang He walked around the port but didn't find a car model he liked. It seemed that it was not an easy task to have the strength of an armored vehicle, the smoothness of a super sports car, and the practicality of a large truck.

He simply materialized his own gray warhorse.

At the same time, a prompt sounded.

[Tip: Main quest ① Return to Cangwu Province has been completed]
[Hint: You get 1 Undying Skill Scroll]
[Tip: You get 10000 game coins and experience points]
[Tip: Your player level has risen to LV32 (656/3200)]
[Tip: You get 4 real attribute points and skill points]
Jiang He allocated real attribute points to strength, physique and spirit.

[Strength: 42+2 → 43+2]
[Agility: 44+2]
[Constitution: 42+2→43+2]
[Spirit: 42+2→44+2]
[Charm: 49+8→49+8]
4 skill points granted to the Gun Master.

[Lance Master LV53: When using a spear, inflict 262% additional damage, and 10% of the total damage is converted into true damage]
[Tip: Your Gun Master awakens the ultimate skill, Impermanence - the effect of Gun Master's attached energy is increased by 50%, and the Gun Master's energy can be freely shaped]
Invest all 10000 game coins in the game.

[Hint: Your Ultimate Level Direct Kick has been upgraded to LV37, causing 47% additional damage]
[Game Coins: 100]
Jiang He stared at the game coins for a moment. It seemed that he would never be rich for long.

"Get rich instantly."

He tore up the Undying Scroll and strengthened the World of Radiance.

[Name: Shining World]
[Category: Active Skills]
[Quality: Unbreakable]
[Effect ①: Yaotian——The attack contains the attribute of judgment, causing 70% additional holy damage. Whenever the energy of one attribute is superimposed, it will cause 30% additional damage (the energy nature is not less than the ultimate status of the skill)]
[Effect 70: Shining Earth - The attack contains the attribute of death, causing 30% additional death damage. Whenever energy of one attribute is superimposed, it causes % additional damage (the energy nature is not less than the ultimate level of the skill)]
[Effect ③: Shining World - 30% of total damage converted to true damage]
[Note: Thunder and Fire - Records the achievements in taking back the world]
Jiang He's fingertips flashed white light. The basic damage of the Ultimate Spell and the Immortal Spell were very different. If before it was harassment and isolation for the gold elites, now it was a complete hit and could directly cause serious injuries.

When the upgrade is over, the main task will appear.

[Tip: Main quest ② has been released]
[Task content: exert control over a middle-class family (actual control degree > 40%)]
[Task time limit: 90 natural days]
[Task Reward: Unbreakable Level Item*1/10000 Game Coins and Experience Points]
[Task Penalty: None]
Just as Jiang He was sorting out the harvest and tasks, Yu Jianyue and He Xiaoqi had already boarded a military armored vehicle.

Yu Jianyue threw a fish-shaped jade pendant and shouted, "Use this to contact me if you need anything!"

Jiang He raised his hand to catch it and casually hung it around his waist. He watched the armored vehicle go away, while his mind was on the main mission.

The leader of a middle-ranking family is at the peak of gold, equal to an imperial major-general and a county governor. If you want to snatch 40% of the family's control from such a strong man, especially if there is no blood relationship, it is basically impossible to accomplish with normal silver.

[Mo Ke: Location]
[Lemon King: Empire Mainland - Cangwu Province - Qingyu City - Yuguo Street - Siminghou Mansion, takeaway can be left at the door]
[Mo Ke:? ]
After obtaining the location of his allies, Jiang He rode his horse into Qingyu City.

The central street is Yuguo Street, and the palace complex at the end belongs to Yuguo Mansion. The Duke of Yuguo is a heroic creature, equal to the Duke of the dark race, and serves as the ruler of a province.

Going straight along the road, the gray warhorse stopped in front of Siminghou Mansion.

Si Ning was obviously still a human being and knew to come out to greet them.

The lieutenant colonel's uniform she wore was pitch black in color, with a slim fit. The top had a small lapel and was double-breasted, with golden decorative lines on the cuffs and collar, and the trousers were straight trouser style. The overall lines were smooth, solemn and exquisite.

Most likely for the sake of ostentation, this guy is wearing a loose winter coat at the moment, and his elegant face looks unusually cold.

Jiang He looked around casually for a while. Different from Yu Jianyue's creed of giving up, Si Ning was extremely keen on authority and power.

Compared to her, the maid beside her looked more like a young lady from a marquis's mansion, dressed in silk and wearing gold and jade jewelry.

"Miss, who is this?" The maid secretly reminded that according to etiquette, outsiders who come in need to deliver a visiting card in advance, unless they are very familiar with the young master, or the situation is urgent.

"My wild man."

maid:"……"

If you don’t want to say it, don’t say it.

Si Ning dismissed the guards on both sides and led someone directly into the mansion. The two walked side by side.

In the front garden of the mansion, there were lush trees and a clear stream meandering through the trees. After a hundred steps, the garden became flat and wide, and one could see the surrounding thatched cottages, quiet Buddhist temples, long corridors and curved pavilions, and square buildings and round pavilions. Si Ning's flower sword eyes moved slightly, and a layer of fluctuations covered her voice. She whispered, "The Siming Marquis's mansion has many rules, and there are many people from the direct lineage. Only the old lady knows where the Mars Sword is hidden."

"My mission is to control the middle-level family, at least 40% of the progress." Jiang He said: "Let's cooperate this time."

Si Ning nodded with satisfaction and took out eleven soul fragments, one of which was pieced together from fragments of fragments. She was not rich in these things, as they were all obtained by cheating people from orthodox sources.

"I'll give you the deposit. The Mars Sword is an epic clan treasure. I'll try to find out about another epic item. When the opportunity is right, we can make a move together. Let's make it clear in advance so that we don't make a fool of ourselves because of the spoils."

Jiang He nodded and took the soul fragment. The basis of long-term cooperation must be win-win. Although the other party is occasionally not very reasonable, as an ally, his awareness and quality are basically qualified.

Eleven soul fragments were used on the spot.

[Lance Master LV64: When using a spear, inflict 306% additional damage, and 10% of the total damage is converted into true damage]
[Hint: You have awakened the ultimate ability of the spear master: Watching the Sea and Listening to the Waves - the area within a ten-meter radius is a spear forbidden area. You are fully aware of all attacks and have master-level foreboding perception.]
The two came to Rong'en Hall in the center of the mansion. As soon as they approached, they heard extremely noisy chattering inside. Through the window, they could see screens everywhere and hundreds of people gathered together.

An old lady with a head full of silver hair sits at the head, behind her is a portrait of the late old marquis. Twenty or thirty years ago, the Si family was once prosperous, and both the husband and wife were at the peak of their golden years and had a deep love for each other.

Duke Yu even personally wrote a letter on behalf of the Si family, and eventually the emperor generously rewarded the Si family with the honorary titles of Marquis Siming and Marquis Siming. Unfortunately, not long after, the old marquis died in a fatal battle on the battlefield of Eternal Darkness.

Old Lady Si gave birth to five sons in her lifetime, and her concubines gave birth to countless children. Due to various factors such as assassination, death from illness, disappearance, and death in battle, only two of them were capable of great use and inherited the titles of Great Siming Marquis and Small Siming Marquis respectively.

But in the defeat of the winter offensive, the young Marquis Siming, who was only about 40 years old, not only had his domain shattered, but also lost all his source power nodes and became a disabled person. The murderer was the Duke of Merick before his promotion, and this duke also killed the old marquis in battle ten years ago.

Outside Rong'en Hall, Si Ning took out a pack of cigarettes from her lieutenant colonel uniform and handed one to someone in a familiar manner. This stuff came from her main force, the Giant Mosquito Swarm. Because the output was too precious, she was reluctant to let the Giant Mosquito Swarm take to the field during the world battle.

“Purely natural and pollution-free.”

Jiang He reached out and took it and looked at it.

[Name: Lemon Mosquito Repellent Coil]
[Category: Auxiliary]
[Quality: Perfect]
[Effect: Mental activity increases by 25%, concentration increases by 25%, thinking sensitivity increases by 25%, mental toughness increases by 25%, duration 4 hours]
[Note: toughness relieves stress, mosquito coils are non-toxic and harmless, natural lemon flavor, more suitable for the physique of knowledge professionals]
Jiang He paused for a moment, holding the mosquito coil in his hand.

"Are you planning to kill me?"

Si Ning exhaled a puff of lemon-flavored smoke and said with a smile, "Being immersed in thoughts for a long time can be very damaging to your brain. I am mainly worried about your health, but it is not too much to take a little bit of the cost."

Si Ning is quite confident that this is a long-term trading product she has created almost exclusively for knowledge professionals.

"Name your price." Jiang He said.

"One perfect bullet for a pack of six mosquito coils."

"can."

A glimmer of light flashed at Jiang He's fingertips, the mosquito coil was ignited, and his mind immediately became relatively active. After the origin notarization, there was no negative cost, and future sales were worth looking forward to.

“I don’t like lemon.”

“There are no other flavors.”

Si Ning directly handed the opened cigarette box in her hand to the other party, treating it as a customer sample. She then said, "Then let's talk about the second cooperation. I plan to run an ammunition and cigarette business."

The currency source gold in the world of eternal darkness can increase the speed of cultivation, and the return on business is immediate. Considering the endless wars for thousands of years, consumables such as bullets and mosquito coils are necessary. Excellent products and a stable market are these two links of great significance.

But there is a huge problem that cannot be ignored.

"Are you looking for death?" Jiang He raised his eyebrows. "In this empire, when will arms and military supplies ever get a turn for ordinary gold?"

It goes without saying that behind both are giants. The interest groups are bound to be huge and complicated, and any target that may seize market share will be seized as soon as it appears.

"So, I plan to sell it to werewolves or spider demons." Si Ning flicked the incense ash and said, "That is, smuggling. If we don't threaten the empire's existing market, the pressure will be much less."

Si Ning pondered for a moment and said, "The main enemy of the human race is the blood race, and within the dark race, the blood race and the werewolves often fight to the death. By instigating confrontation and aiding the enemy's enemy, we can at least get some political help and tolerance in the future and not be isolated and helpless."

"And what you tasted is a special supply. I currently only plan to sell rare mosquito coils and bullets. Since I can't compete with the high-end market, I will go for the low-end market in large quantities. Below the aristocratic families and the dark princes, the common people have an absolute advantage in numbers."

Jiang He fell into deep thought, then took out a lemon mosquito coil and lit it. He was indeed somewhat tempted. Gluttony had no upper limit on the use of source gold, and as long as the smuggling business was successful, it would greatly increase the speed of cultivation. It was not like now, after a year or so, he was still stuck at the seventh node of the Silver Age.

"You are six and I am four."

Si Ning played his last card. As long as the two sides were closely connected, the possibility of stabbing in the back regarding the Mars Sword would be significantly reduced. A qualified businessman would naturally link one thing to another. Smuggling was both a profit and an insurance.

Jiang He stretched out his right hand upon hearing this.

The two sides shook hands and the cooperation was reached.

"Raw materials, production, transportation, sales, warehousing, labor..." Jiang He thought to himself that most of them were not a problem.

Rare alchemical bullets can be made only by relying on the fixed facilities of the alchemy tower. The evil guards can supplement the manpower, while the storage has the portable imperial city and the transportation has the space ability. The alchemy master himself is a symbol of production and creation.

“Only raw materials and sales…”

Jiang He said, "We will handle the rest separately. You will be responsible for the raw materials, and I will be responsible for the sales."

"I'll provide the capital." Si Ning replied, "With the Si family's channels, it's not difficult to get rare raw materials. But I have to explain in advance that the production in the Eternal Dark World is distorted due to the war. According to market research, the price of 100 rare bullets or 100 packs of mosquito coils is similar to that of a stone of rice, which is one or two ounces of source gold..."

The two sides squatted side by side outside the wall, conspiring in low voices and colluding with each other. Mosquito coils were scattered on the ground, smoke with the smell of roasted lemons continued to rise, and the surroundings were shrouded in fog.

"on fire?"

"What a smell, it's quite refreshing."

"Lemon...it's that girl Si Ning, right?"

In Rong'en Hall, the old lady asked her granddaughter to sit down first, then looked out the window.

She shouted with full energy: "Si Ning, come in!"

In an instant, hundreds of people including masters and mistresses, young masters and young ladies, servants and maids, relatives and family members turned their heads.

Si Ning stepped over the threshold with his hands in his pockets, holding a mosquito coil in his mouth, and raised his head and said, "Grandfather, are you looking for me?"

The old lady looked at the only daughter of the third wife who had been found a while ago with some disgust, but her tone was calm.

"Have you read the book I asked you to read recently?"

"Huh?" Si Ning had a complicated expression. After all, she was a double degree graduate from a prestigious overseas university. Military books and swordsmanship were fine with her, but she had no interest in women's rules and regulations.

"My dear, I can't read."

A low laugh came from the crowd. The younger generation in the Marquis' Mansion had grown up together as childhood sweethearts, so naturally they had some alienation with outsiders. Moreover, in the Marquis' Mansion, they were illiterate and looked no different from servants or disabled people, and were not worthy of the status of legitimate children.

Si Ning didn't care about it at all. She already knew a thing or two about this place. It was just a smoky and foul brothel of luxury.

"You are so arrogant just because you hold the honorary title of lieutenant colonel. If one day..." The old lady suddenly stopped talking.

The low noise in Rong'en Hall was even louder than before, and gazes were directed at it one after another, some of which were scorching.

Si Ning turned her head and found someone standing shoulder to shoulder with her. She couldn't help but slap her forehead. If she hadn't been too familiar with him, she would never have forgotten that the guy next to her was actually very outstanding in appearance, and his original charm was probably more than ten points.

"Who is this?" The old lady was a little confused.

Jiang He nodded as a gesture of respect to Golden Peak.

"A passer-by."

(End of this chapter)