White Crystal

Manor life was actually quite boring, especially for Russell, who had already gotten over the novelty and was starting to miss Earth infinitely.

"Besides the scenery, there's... almost nothing here." And now, Russell was even tired of the scenery of Wuyou Snake Manor.

A river, two mountains, large tracts of farmland and wasteland, that's all.

"Red-nosed Rudy is not bad; the four Magic Potions in the potion field are all in a healthy growing state, and the arrangements for the Serfs are also orderly," Charles said, riding behind Russell, reporting on the manor's situation.

Red-nosed Rudy was a Serf Technician who had been cultivating Magic Potions for the Baron for a long time. After being gifted to Russell by the Baron, he now served as the Tunic Chief of the potion field.

"That's good. The scale of the Fluorite Mushroom and birch forest must be steadily expanded. Remind Rudy not to expand blindly."

"Rest assured, my lord, I will remind Rudy well."

"What about the Manor Court?"

"It's all minor disputes. I personally preside over the Manor Court and coordinate the Serfs. There are no longer any disputes," Charles said proudly, seeking praise. "Old Hans doesn't understand the art of coordination at all. You can't indulge the Serfs."

Wuyou Snake Manor was Russell's territory. Strictly speaking, Russell was the law, and all disputes within the territory needed to be judged by Russell.

Therefore.

Lords would establish Manor Courts in their territories, presiding over them personally or having trusted subordinates do so.

"It's best to have the stewards of each tunic suppress disputes first. The Manor Court will be held once a week, and I will personally go to judge," Russell would not completely hand over the power of the Manor Court to his subordinates, not because he was greedy for power.

It was because he didn't quite trust Charles's judgments.

Although Charles's knowledge surpassed everyone in the territory, he looked down on Serfs too much, which was not a good thing.

"Of course, as you wish," Charles said with a smile.

Perhaps Eric's promotion to Phantom Beast Knight had brought him a huge shock; he was now much more conscientious in his work than before.

Unlike before, when he seemed to be freeloading by Russell's side, he now felt more invested in Wuyou Snake Manor.

Perhaps he didn't want to be too far behind Eric, or perhaps he was certain that Russell could truly achieve something.

"By the way, my lord, do you know that a merchant caravan has arrived in town this year? I heard from the Serfs who went to the mill to grind flour that the town is already crowded," Charles suddenly thought of something. "Why don't we go to town for a stroll?"

"A merchant caravan has arrived?" Russell's interest was piqued.

As the warm season arrived, the Snow Demon's strength weakened, trade routes between regions reopened, and merchant caravans gradually became active.

Turning his horse around, Russell immediately decided, "Let's go to town for a stroll. If possible, invite a group of merchants to sell at the small market in Wuyou Snake Manor, so the Serfs don't have to travel so far to town."

"You are truly benevolent, my lord."

Taking his Knight Retainers and personal valet, Russell hurried to Gloom Town. Compared to the scene when he went shopping a few days ago, it was now more than ten times livelier.

One long street and three cross streets were all crowded with people.

At least half of the territory's population had come to town.

"Come, come, take a look at the Fire Ant Pill, a specialty of the Fire Ant Swamp. After eating it, your body will be strong, and your wife will be happy!"

"Selling smoked rat meat, selling smoked rat meat, authentic Furious Wind City smoked rat meat!"

"Qi and Blood Paste, three silver coins for a portion of Qi and Blood Paste, better than a Magic Potion even if it's not one. If you want to cultivate a Battle Qi Seed for yourself and your children, you absolutely cannot miss the Qi and Blood Paste!"

"The Phantom Beast show is about to begin. Audiences who haven't bought tickets yet, hurry to the big tent by the bridge on the third cross street. The Dreamy Rainbow Sable will bring you a magical experience!"

"More than ten kinds of gemstones for you to choose from. Moray Gemstones stall welcomes your visit."

"Great Wolfdog, Small Wolfdog, Great Hound, Small Hound, Guard Dog, Mixed Breed Dog, we have everything. Boss, are you buying one?"

"Repairing umbrellas, repairing shoes, repairing furniture..."

The newly arrived merchant caravans lined up along the streets, with shouts rising and falling. The stalls displayed a dazzling array of goods, greatly attracting the enthusiasm of the public.

Riding a horse was no longer feasible, so Russell had to leave his horse outside the town and have his Knight Retainer James watch it.

Then, he led Charles and the others into the crowd.

"My lord, you really don't need to stoop so low and squeeze with these smelly Serfs. You could completely have Tom and the others clear the way," Charles shouted loudly to be heard over the surrounding noise.

"Even my father would not choose to disturb the villagers' enjoyment on a day like this," Russell remained noncommittal.

He could certainly reveal his identity as the Baron's second son and have the villagers make way for him.

But there was no need.

He didn't enjoy such a grand procession, and instead, the bustling scene gave him a familiar sense of nostalgia—of course, it would be even better if the stench around him were less.

A moment later, Russell and his entourage arrived at a gemstone stall.

"Boss, are all these gemstones produced by Dragons?" Russell asked, looking at the mixed batch of gemstones on the stall.

"Of course, my lord," the stall owner said, with keen insight, recognizing Russell's noble status at a glance. "Take a look at these gemstones. This is an Emerald, which can attract Battle Qi and is an excellent material for inlaying weapons; this is Dan Quan Stone, which can accelerate wound healing..."

There were more than ten kinds of gemstones of different colors.

However, Russell's attention was drawn to a colorless and transparent gemstone: "Is this White Crystal?"

"My lord has a discerning eye. This is indeed White Crystal, a completely transparent crystal, a specialty of the White Crystal Dragon from the Gravel Earl's family. We spent a high price to get this batch of White Crystal when we passed through Gravel Territory."

The Gravel Earl was one of the two Earls of the Shadowflame Grand Duchy, a powerful figure and always a trusted confidant of the Grand Duke.

"What is the effect of White Crystal?"

"Purify your mind, sir. After you wear a piece of White Crystal, your focus will be sharper when cultivating and meditating Battle Qi."

"How much for these two?" Russell picked out two slightly larger pieces of White Crystal.

"Thirteen gold coins total. Seven for the large one, six for the small one." The stall owner's eyes lit up; a big customer had finally arrived. "Of course, if you have any Hail Beads, you can pay with those too."

"Too expensive," Russell shook his head.

"Ah, this is already a very fair price, sir. You are a noble lord, you know that dragon products have always been so expensive. After all, only someone of your status is worthy of using them."

"It's precisely because I'm a noble that I know it's expensive." Russell wasn't a shy young man who would be embarrassed to haggle after a few compliments. "Two pieces of White Crystal for seven gold coins. I'll take them if you agree, otherwise, I'll leave."

"Heavens!" The stall owner clutched his head. "Sir, just kill me!"

Seeing the stall owner's exaggerated performance, Russell didn't say another word and turned to leave. "Teacher Charles, let's go. We'll look around elsewhere."

"Ah, don't, don't... Sir, sir, wait a moment! Ten gold coins! Just ten gold coins and you can take them!" the stall owner shouted urgently.

The crowded serfs and free citizens in the town weren't his target customers. Only people like Russell could afford and were willing to buy gemstones.

Letting any one of them go was a huge loss.

Russell stopped in his tracks, a satisfied smile appearing, but he quickly suppressed it. He turned back and said firmly, "Eight gold coins at most. That's my bottom line."

"Nine! How about nine?" The stall owner clasped his hands together as if begging for mercy. "This is top-grade White Crystal, with a regular shape and a clear interior. It must have been nurtured in the mine for at least ten years to produce White Crystal of this quality!"

Russell continued to hold firm, "Eight!"

Finally, under the stall owner's look of utter despair, the deal was struck for eight gold coins.

But the moment the stall owner quickly wrapped the White Crystal and handed it to him, as if afraid he would go back on his word, Russell knew he was still too young.

The stall owner had made at least two gold coins in profit, perhaps even more, with tears in his eyes!