Chapter 111 Visit from Eden_1
"Use them," Yan Xing permitted Chui Chui to call upon the corresponding Rare Alchemical Resources. He knew that investment in scientific research should not be skimped on. He clenched his teeth and said, "Use as much as needed... Optimize it to fully unleash the power of Angel's Descent; don't try to save money for this lord."
"Yes, Master!" With Yan Xing's support, Chui Chui was filled with motivation.
At this point, Hibel was somewhat numb to how quickly Yan Xing had finished documenting the "Angel's Descent Auxiliary Spell."
She only felt as if she'd suffered a heavy blow, and her head was a bit dazed.
"Let's stop today's instruction here. Tomorrow, I will continue to teach you Knight's Combat Skills. Don't get complacent just because you learn battle techniques quickly. Without understanding basic combat skills, the more powerful the ability, the quicker it can get you killed."
Yan Xing understood this principle.
In previous games during mass battles, those who died quickly were always the reckless ones. The real pros were those silent types who relied on their skill, the old, sneaky bastards.
If you don't understand how a Knight should fight and just open with an ultimate skill, isn't that like using an area-of-effect taunt right away?
Therefore, the basics must be practiced well.
He had to make Hibel teach him seriously... That set of Titanium Alloy Armor he'd promised her couldn't be for nothing.
"Miss Hibel, rest assured, this uncle will definitely study hard and make steady progress. Later, I'll have Donna take your measurements. I'll have my armor designer draft a blueprint for you to see the style first. Once we finalize the armor's appearance, I'll have the craftsmen work overtime to forge it."
Hibel still felt a bit resistant to calling Yan Xing "Uncle," but for the sake of the platinum armor, she curtsied and said, "Thank you, Uncle Yan Xing..."
Just then, a guard from the Lord's Mansion came running.
"Miss Hibel, Sir Knight Yan Xing..." The guard saluted them and then said to Yan Xing, "A merchant from the Golden Oak Chamber of Commerce is here to see you. He says his name is Eden and he's come to discuss the Ice Jade Porcelain dinnerware auction with Sir Knight Yan Xing."
Yan Xing hadn't expected Eden to come knocking. News about him being in the Lord's Mansion certainly spread quickly.
Still, it was good that Eden had come. Now that his status had become special, it was better not to run around carelessly until he had some means of self-protection.
"Have Eden wait a moment. I'll change my clothes and then go see him."
Yan Xing excused himself from Hibel, left the training ground, and returned to his room. He changed out of his armor and into a sharply tailored suit.
One must look the part when discussing business. This lord prefers fair trade and dislikes using force to pressure people. One must win others over with virtue!
Eden was led by a Lord's Mansion guard to a small parlor, where he waited nervously for his audience with Yan Xing.
The incident in Nuta City's Temple earlier today had spread throughout the city in a short time. The assassination of Priest Temple, who was visiting from the Central Shrine of the duchy, was a shocking event that rocked the entire duchy. Grand Priest Lancelot had held a meeting in the Temple, and all the prominent figures in Nuta City attended. It was said that merely being able to stand in that meeting was a matter of great prestige, let alone having a seat, or even sitting at the main conference table.
Today, Yan Xing had not only attended the meeting but had also ousted Gale, the branch head of the Golden Oak Chamber of Commerce, from his spot and brazenly taken a seat right beside Count Theodore.
The City Lord's close friend! In the eyes of commoners, that status was absolutely unattainable. And what was Eden? A mere traveling merchant who had made his fortune doing business with the Swamp Werewolves of Thunderous Swamp and had only recently gained some standing within the Golden Oak Chamber of Commerce. But in the eyes of truly established merchants, doing business with barbarians was considered unseemly. Recently, the Ice Jade Porcelain had brought Eden some fame in Nuta City. He planned to use this Ice Jade Porcelain dinnerware auction to connect with some true elites and open up new trade routes. That way, if his agarwood business truly failed, he would have other opportunities to fall back on. In Nuta City right now, who among the influential could compare to Yan Xing? Eden had never imagined that the wilderness lord he'd planned to have mercenaries assassinate possessed such a background. The thought alone sent a shiver down his spine. Yet, he also felt fortunate. If he could solidify this connection and latch onto Lord Yan Xing, wouldn't his path in Nuta City be smooth sailing from then on?
Therefore, as soon as Eden heard this news, he had immediately rushed to the Lord's Mansion to pay his respects to Lord Yan Xing.
Eden waited nervously. This was his first time inside the Lord's Mansion. Everything he saw along the way—the furnishings, the servants, the guards—spoke of a deep-rooted heritage that a nouveau riche like himself could never compare to. The exquisitely carved chairs and tables, the beautifully finished lacquerware—these were fine things that money alone couldn't buy.
When the door to the room opened, Eden immediately stood up.
Upon seeing Lord Yan Xing enter, Eden hurried forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Respected Lord Yan Xing, your name is now on everyone's lips throughout Nuta City! You are the city's most dazzling new star. Countless people wish to make your acquaintance; countless young ladies long to dance with you. To be granted an audience with you fills me with immense pride."
"Let's skip the compliments. Sit down," Yan Xing invited Eden to sit. He then asked Donna, who had followed him in, to fetch two dinners from the kitchen. Turning back to Eden, he said, "I actually intended to find you but was delayed by a small matter. It's good you came. How are the preparations for the Ice Jade Porcelain auction coming along?"
Eden immediately reported to Yan Xing on his marketing efforts for the Ice Jade Porcelain, emphasizing how he had linked the Ice Jade Porcelain dinnerware to the legendary Angel's Tableware.
"Lord Yan Xing, the Temple has acknowledged that your Ice Jade Porcelain dinnerware is a replica of the Angel's Tableware. I've heard that Priest Temple and Lady Karol came to Nuta City intending to acquire a set of Ice Jade Porcelain dinnerware for the duchy's Central Shrine and for Duke Silvermane. Unfortunately, Priest Temple was assassinated and passed away. May he rest in peace..."
Eden silently prayed for the late Priest Temple. His pious demeanor showed the influence the Temple held among the human factions. However, the fact that he had no qualms about linking Ice Jade Porcelain with the Angel's Tableware also demonstrated Eden's pragmatism.
Faith is faith, but business is business.
Yan Xing hadn't expected Eden to concoct such an outrageous story on top of his own marketing plan.
Impressive!
With the Temple's endorsement, it would be difficult for the Ice Jade Porcelain to fetch low prices at the auction. V&i$s@i#t My V%irtua&l Lib@r@ary- Em%pir+e (M%_V!LEMPYR) for m@or^e.
Suddenly, Yan Xing remembered he had promised Count Theodore two sets of Ice Jade Porcelain dinnerware... He'd given away too many!
No wonder that old fox had been grinning so widely—he'd definitely given away too many!
But I, Lord Yan Xing, always keep my word. A word spoken is like water splashed—it can't be taken back. A promise is a promise.
Just then, Donna came in carrying two dinner trays, placing one on the table beside Yan Xing and the other beside Eden.
Yan Xing instructed Donna, "Go and ask Butler Atreli for some red wine. Take a bucket."
"Yes, My Lord!"