Free thought could never grow inside a cage of imprisonment.
Only after reaching the wilderness could it take root, break through the soil, and finally grow into a towering tree.
Originally, the two of them had planned to dig out this passage and then hurry back, pretending nothing had happened to cover up the news.
They would wait until the current turmoil had passed, or until the meeting between the various factions in Qinggang City had ended.
Only then would they make plans to trade with that mysterious Tian Yuan Shelter.
But after they had just lain down in the rain and accepted that baptism-like "shower" from head to toe,
Liu Lu and Lao Lu's thoughts underwent a simultaneous change.
The reason was simple enough.
"Originally, we thought the Pingtan Army would keep a strict watch over its own territory. Who would've thought they didn't care at all? They've deployed most of their manpower near the Fifth Ring, which absolutely means they're still worried that the Harbor Shelter will launch another surprise attack without following the rules, just like last time."
"Given the current situation, if the two shelters reach a settlement or even establish cooperation in the next few days, traces of our dealings are more likely to be discovered by the inspectors."
"And right now is precisely when nobody will pay attention to us."
After leaving the shelter, Liu Lu's mind had become much clearer.
Seeing that it was past four o'clock, the two of them wandered around the nearby streets for a while before returning to the Pingtan Shelter the way they had come.
Of course, they had not forgotten to pass along the message.
In a secluded ruin agreed upon by both sides, Liu Lu left information about the trade.
It was not merely cotton, nor