82: Xinghai Chamber of Commerce

The afterglow of Star Sea Day had finally fully integrated into the daily pulse of Star Sea City. The seven-day carnival came to a close, and all affairs of the territory returned to a track of efficient operation. After handling the backlog of urgent documents and making detailed arrangements for Evan, the old butler, and others, Linn decided to personally make a trip to Haige City.

The purpose of this trip was clear: first, to conduct an on-site inspection of the Star Sea Merchant Guild, which had become an important external tentacle and wealth engine for the Star Sea Territory, and to understand its latest developments and challenges; second, to visit his ally Payson and stand up for his old friend in the struggle for the inheritance of Count Loren's territory, consolidating this precious friendship.

The entourage was streamlined yet sufficient to demonstrate strength and importance: the elven guard Elise followed like a shadow, her emerald eyes always alert and calm; Knight Commander Clay was fully armed, responsible for the command and travel security of the Guard Army; two hundred selected Guard Army soldiers, dressed in uniform high-quality armor with sharp weapons at their waists, stood in strict military formation with solemn discipline, silently showcasing the military might of the Star Sea Territory. Additionally, Ocean Jack was also called along.

Four high-end Gold Rank combatants were enough to attract significant attention even from the Kingdom.

They boarded two early-model medium warships—the "Wave Breaker" and the "wave chaser." These two ships had undergone several modifications; their hull lines were smooth, and the combination of sails and auxiliary Demonic Energy arrays made their speed particularly astonishing when sailing with the wind.

The morning light sparkled on the waters of Star Sea Port. The two warships hoisted their sails and, under the gaze of other ships in the harbor and the people on the shore, slowly sailed out of the port, then accelerated toward Haige City in the northeast. Seagulls circled and the sea breeze whipped, signaling the start of an important journey.

The maritime trade route to Haige City, after nearly two years of operation and maintenance, was no longer the route full of unknowns and risks it once was. Patrol ships from the Star Sea Territory regularly cleared the waters near the shipping lanes of any stray sea beasts or small groups of pirates. Several key islands along the way had simple supply and signal points established. On one of the larger islands, there was even a permanent squad and a small number of residents responsible for providing fresh water, simple repairs, and emergency shelter services for passing ships.

On the tenth day of the voyage, the silhouette of land appeared on the horizon, becoming increasingly clear. The scale of Haige City's port was much larger than that of Star Sea Port. Masts were like a forest, and ships bustled back and forth. The rhythmic chants of loading and unloading cargo on the docks, the cries of vendors, and the calls of seagulls mixed together, forming a wave of noisy and vibrant sound that rushed toward them.

Although not as prosperous as the giant port of Tianhai City, which was directly under the Kingdom's jurisdiction and dominated the eastern coast of the continent, Haige City's recent prosperity as the most important outlet to the sea for Count Loren's territory was visible to the naked eye. Thanks to the Kingdom's recent strategy of tilting more resources toward northern development, this port city had attracted a large number of merchants, adventurers, and opportunity seekers. The streets were crowded with people rubbing shoulders, various accents intertwined, and shop banners fluttered, making it appear vibrant with Life Qi.

The "Wave Breaker" and the "wave chaser" followed the guidance and slowly docked at a reserved, well-positioned pier. As soon as the ship was steady and the gangplank was set, Linn saw the familiar figure of Guild Master Barton already waiting on the pier with several core members of the guild, looking on with anticipation.

Barton was a bit more portly than he had been two years ago, with a glowing face and exquisite clothing, but the shrewdness and capability in his eyes had not diminished at all; instead, they had settled into the steady air of a large merchant guild leader. Seeing Linn walk down the gangplank surrounded by a group of elite guards, he immediately stepped forward to meet him, a sincere and warm smile on his face as he bowed deeply.

"Lord! Welcome to Haige City! You've had a long journey!"

"Barton, it's been a long time. It seems the environment of Haige City suits you well," Linn said with a smile, his tone friendly as he gave a slight supporting gesture. He never hesitated to show trust and easygoingness toward these veterans who had followed him since the early days and passed many tests.

"It's all thanks to your cultivation, my Lord. Although guild affairs are busy, my heart is at ease, so my appetite is naturally good." Barton's eyes crinkled as he smiled, then he stepped aside to lead the way. "The carriage is ready. Please, you and the others follow me to the guild to settle in and rest."

The group boarded a spacious carriage and, escorted by ten Bronze High Rank guards who had followed Linn since the early days, they passed through the bustling streets toward the Star Sea Merchant Guild's headquarters.

Linn was extremely high-profile on this trip, intending to make Payson's potential threats think twice.

Before long, the carriage stopped in front of a rather grand complex of buildings. As Linn got out of the carriage and looked, a hint of approval couldn't help but appear in his eyes.

The Star Sea Merchant Guild headquarters before him was no longer the same as when he had last visited. It occupied an entire prime street-front lot, with high walls and a main gate made of heavy hardwood reinforced with copper nails. Above it hung a brand-new "Star Sea Merchant Guild" banner—the design was a simplified version of the Star Sea Territory's crest, but with a more commercial feel. On both sides of the gatehouse even stood two small but majestic stone-carved seahorses, showcasing financial power and taste.

Stepping through the main gate, there was a spacious courtyard with a floor paved with smooth bluestone slabs, and warehouses and stables on both sides, all in perfect order. The main building was a three-story stone-and-wood structure with upturned eaves and bright, clean windows. The first floor was a spacious exhibition hall and negotiation area, where some merchants were currently selecting goods or talking with clerks; the second floor was the office area and Advanced reception rooms; the third floor was where Barton and other core personnel resided and where the confidential warehouse was located.

"Not bad, it has quite an imposing air," Linn praised with a nod. Elise, Clay, and Ocean Jack also nodded inwardly; the scale of this guild was indeed worthy of the Star Sea Territory's current status and trade volume.

With pride on his face, Barton invited Linn into the most spacious, elegantly decorated, and comfortable reception room on the third floor. After personally pouring Linn some high-quality black tea from the southern provinces, he dismissed the attendants and began his formal report.

"My Lord, ever since you entrusted the guild to us old fellows, we haven't dared to slack off for a single moment." Barton's voice carried a hint of sentimentality for their past struggles together, as well as the familiarity of someone who knew his business inside out. "Currently, the guild's foundation relies entirely on the potions you provide, and the few of us have each performed our duties according to your instructions."

"Hebrew, as you know, is the most steady and thorough in his work; he is now permanently stationed in Tianhai City. His task is clear: to sell the potions you refine steadily to the Blue Silver Merchant Guild in exchange for the massive amount of liquid capital we urgently need. At the same time, he uses this capital to purchase high-quality weapons, equipment, armor, and... screened, reliable Slaves for labor from the channels associated with the Governor of Tianhai City, Lord Aldrich. Especially Slaves with craftsmanship skills."

Linn sipped his tea slowly, listening carefully. Using his own near-zero-cost potions to exchange for the "hard equipment" and population the Star Sea Territory urgently needed was an extremely profitable deal and the key to the territory's rapid armament and construction.

Barton continued: "Carlson has a lively personality and is mainly responsible for the line with Viscount Nocturne. He takes a portion of the potions to exchange for more and better quality Slaves from Viscount Nocturne."

"As for Haige City," Barton puffed out his chest, his tone becoming a bit more solemn, "I stay at the headquarters to coordinate the overall situation. We have deep cooperation with Young Master Payson and Young Miss Lilith of the Blue Silver Merchant Guild. We utilize the Star Sea Merchant Guild's growing financial power and channel network, combined with the Blue Silver Merchant Guild's connections and influence in the North, to jointly develop and integrate the entire northern market."

He paused and summarized: "Overall, my Lord, currently Hebrew and Carlson are 'opening the source' for you—using potions to obtain armaments and population—while I am responsible for 'expanding the territory'—joining forces with Viscount Payson to deeply embed the influence of our Star Sea Territory into the North through commerce. The three complement each other. Of course," he changed the subject, revealing a hint of a merchant's characteristic caution, "a tall tree attracts the wind. Our expansion in the North has also touched the interests of some established local merchant guilds, and there is no shortage of secret friction. Furthermore, although the large-scale input of population and purchase of weapons are kept hidden, over time, it will inevitably attract the attention of those with ulterior motives."

Linn put down his teacup, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest of the mahogany chair. After a moment of thought, he spoke slowly: "You've done well, Barton. This division of labor is clear and effective; I am very satisfied. As for Hebrew and Carlson, convey my message to them: they have worked hard, and the territory will not forget their contributions."

His gaze became steady and sharp, completely unconcerned. "As for the competition and attention, there's no need to be afraid. Neither Nocturne nor Aldrich are small characters; if they dare to sell, we will take it all. For any underhanded methods, have Clay and the others cooperate with you; you must not lack the necessary guards and intelligence. As for the population and weapons, handle them more discreetly, in batches and quantities, and diversify the sources as much as possible. Our core is Shattered Star Island. The industries on the continent are primarily meant to serve and support the territory; just proceed steadily."

"Exactly! What's there to fear? If anyone is blind enough to cross us, I'll run them through with my spear," Ocean Jack chimed in, brandishing his spear.

Hearing this, Barton felt greatly reassured, and the smile on his face grew even wider: "With those words from you, my Lord, we have peace of mind!"},{