Too Poor, and I'm the Patriarch!

Upon seeing the middle-aged man, Ruida smiled and quickly went to greet him.

"Third Uncle! Why did you come in person?"

The middle-aged man, addressed as Third Uncle, smiled gently and patted Ruida on the shoulder, "You rascal, it's rare for you to come back, how could I just send anyone to pick you up? And who are these gentlemen?"

His self-illumination then fell upon Lin Yi, Zhaoyue, Frost Rainbow Ni.

Ruida quickly stepped aside to introduce them, "Third Uncle, these are our team's newest comrades." He pointed to Lin Yi, "This is our team's Deputy Captain, Lin Yi. These two are Zhaoyue and Frost Rainbow."

Then, he turned to Lin Yi and the other two. "Vice Captain, you two, this is my third uncle, Ruixiao."

Lin Yi stepped forward half a step and nodded slightly. "Lin Yi, it's a pleasure to meet you. I apologize for disturbing you."

Zhaoyue and Frost Rainbow also bowed in greeting.

Deputy Captain?

Ruixiao's smile remained unchanged as he said "Welcome, welcome," but in his mind he directly Soul Transmission to Ruida: "Didn't you say these were new teammates? Why is there a Deputy Captain? Besides, his aura doesn't seem very strong, even weaker than yours."

Ruida quickly responded in his mind, "Third Uncle, these people were rescued from a Cosmic Clam in a region that was about to fall. Our deputy captain is not only a two-star seal reporter, but he has also mastered the first seal of the <Nine Seal Cosmos Art> less than an Epoch after advancing to the True Source Realm. During the team entry test, he withstood three moves from Captain Mantaji, so he was directly appointed as the deputy captain."

Upon hearing this, Ruixiao was immediately startled.

He was naturally somewhat familiar with the rules of the Imperial Army.

The Imperial Army has extremely high recruitment standards; those who can wear the blood armor are the best among their peers. A squad leader is a veteran mid-stage True Source Realm expert. The fact that Lin Yi could withstand three moves from such a leader shows that he has at least the strength of an ordinary mid-stage True Source Realm expert.

But that's not the main point.

The key point is the "Nine Seal Cosmos Art".

Ruixiao had heard of the reputation of this military-exclusive technique, and he knew that his own junior, who had passed the Imperial Army's selection, had complained many times at family banquets that the technique was too difficult and that he had not even been able to master the first seal.

Now, a newcomer who was just rescued from the countryside and has only been promoted to the True Source Realm for less than an Epoch has already mastered the First Seal.

The difference in talent represented by this is self-evident.

Thinking this, Ruixiao thought to Ruida, "You brat, why didn't you say something so important sooner?"

Ruida inwardly cried out in protest, "It was only just confirmed that the vice-captain and the others were willing to come out with me. Why didn't I say so sooner?"

After a moment's thought, Ruixiao quickly made a decision. "Let's not rush back. Let's show them around Mist Sea City first. I'll inform the clan to make preparations, and I also need to have my elder brother come back."

Ruida was somewhat surprised.

Although he had thought that the clan would pay attention to Lin Yi and the others, he did not expect it to be to this extent, to the point that his father, the clan chief, had to make a special trip back.

However, this is also a good thing for some of the thoughts that lie hidden in his heart.

"Alright, Third Uncle, I'll do as you say." Ruida replied with a smile to himself.

This exchange of Soul Transmission was completed in an instant.

Just then, Lin Yi finished saying the polite words, "Then we three will have disturbed you greatly."

Ruixiao waved his hand with a gentle smile, "Deputy Captain Lin, you're too kind. You're Ruida's comrades-in-arms, you're family. Come on, let's talk slowly."

He turned to the side and gestured for them to proceed.

As he finished speaking, the Silverblue airship's hatch slid open silently.

The group boarded the air shuttle, the hatch closed, and the air shuttle rose smoothly, silently merging into the flight path in mid-air and beginning to accelerate.

Ruida looked at Lin Yi: "Vice Captain, how about we go to the most bustling Core Zone of Mist Sea City first, Mist District?"

Most prosperous?

Lin Yi's heart skipped a beat.

He asked, "Are there... any Cosmic Clam for sale there?"

Ruida smiled and nodded, "Although the Cosmic Clam is extremely special, it does exist. Several of the largest trading centers in the Mist District have special sections for rare items, but those things are... a bit pricey."

Lin Yi nodded. "Then let's go take a look there first."

He chuckled self-deprecatingly, "As you know, the Cosmic Clam of our homeland are gone. Right now, our people are all temporarily residing in their inner Divine Kingdom. Although we definitely can't afford new Cosmic Clam, going to see them gives us something to strive for."

Upon hearing this, a slight glint flashed in the eyes of Ruixiao, who was sitting opposite him.

He tapped his finger lightly on the armrest of the seat, and an invisible, encrypted message was sent out through his personal smart device.

The air shuttle is very fast.

Lin Yi noticed that the performance of this private Flying Shuttle far exceeded that of the military shuttle they had previously traveled in.

Not long after, the air shuttle began to slow down.

Through the porthole, Lin Yi saw a magnificent complex of buildings below.

The architectural styles here are more diverse. Some are constructed entirely of a certain crystalline material, refracting brilliant light under artificial skylight; others are covered with layers of energy patterns, radiating powerful energy fluctuations.

The air shuttle landed on a berth outside one of the giant buildings.

The building resembles a multifaceted giant crystal, with countless tiny energy streams flowing across its surface like veins.

The building entrance was bustling with people, and various aircraft were constantly taking off and landing.

"We've arrived." Ruixiao stood up first. "This is one of the most famous trading centers in Mist Sea City, Myriad Crystal Hub. Although it's not the most upscale, it's the most famous and has the most complete selection of goods. Many outsiders come here as their first stop when they arrive in Mist Sea City."

The group disembarked from the levitation shuttle.

Staff in uniform approached the berth, bowed respectfully, and guided the air shuttle to the designated berthing area.

Ruixiao led the group toward the building entrance.

Stepping through the gate, the view suddenly opened up before my eyes.

Lin Yi noticed that the interior of this so-called Myriad Crystal Hub was extremely vast, clearly using spatial expansion techniques. Above him was a starry dome with countless points of light twinkling like stars, and the ground was paved with some kind of translucent energy material.

The entire space is divided into countless floating "commercial islands". These islands vary in size and shape. Some resemble floating courtyards, some resemble inverted mountain peaks, and some are completely transparent spherical exhibition halls.

They are connected by flowing light bridges, where countless customers walk or ride small automated vehicles between the floating islands.

What caught his attention even more were the dazzling array of goods.

On a floating island to the left, hundreds of different types of combat puppets are on display.

Some are made entirely of dark silver metal, with crimson energy flowing through their joints; others are a fusion of biological and mechanical components, their surfaces covered with keratin and energy patterns.

The floating islands on the right mostly display various rare materials, including crystals that burn with inextinguishable flames, metal droplets that spontaneously split and multiply in the void, transparent crystals that seem to seal small nebulae, and chaotic slime that constantly changes shape.

Further away, there are floating islands that specialize in selling cultivation manuals, artifacts to aid in enlightenment, custom-made weapons and armor, and even exotic pets or servants.

The entire Myriad Crystal Hub was teeming with people.

However, the vast majority are at the Cosmic Source Realm.

Furthermore, Lin Yi noticed that all these Cosmic Source Realm were wearing robes of various colors. Although these robes had different styles, they could persist in the chaotic aura, which meant they were all treasures. However, none of them were in the form of armor.

After a moment's thought, Lin Yi guessed the general idea.

Those at the Cosmic Source Realm have virtually no combat power in the Chaos Cosmic Sea; making their clothing resemble armor would probably only make them a laughingstock.

Upon seeing the Fierce Blood Battle Armor worn by Lin Yi, Zhaoyue, Frost Rainbow, and Ruida Ruixiao's clearly extraordinary demeanor, the travelers at the Cosmic Source Realm subconsciously slowed their pace and made way for them.

Ruixiao led the group toward a floating light staircase leading to the upper level.

The light elevator ascended silently, passing through layers of commercial districts.

"The Myriad Crystal Hub has ninety-nine floors in total," Ruida explained from the side. "The higher you go, the higher the level of the shops, and the more precious the items they sell. The top ten floors are the auction area and the top-tier rare items area, which require certain qualifications or guarantees to enter."

Lin Yi nodded, his gaze sweeping over the various floors he passed.

On the forty-third floor, display cases showcase various crystals, medicines, and special devices.

Lin Yi noticed the label on one of the display cases. "Primary Water Origin Law Resonance Crystal Core (Standard Quantity), Price: 87 Eternal Cosmos Coin"

"Fire Origin Law Acceleration Enlightenment Potion, Price: 430 Eternal Cosmos Coin"

"Time Origin Law Introductory Guidance Device, Deposit: 12 Eternal Cosmos Yuan, Rental Fee: 0.8 Eternal Cosmos Yuan /Year"

Eternal Cosmos Coin, Eternal Cosmos Yuan, and Eternal Cosmos Crystal —this is the currency system of the Eternal Cosmos Empire.

One thousand Eternal Cosmos Coin are equal to one Eternal Cosmos Yuan.

One thousand Eternal Cosmos Yuan equals one Eternal Cosmos Crystal.

This currency market setup is similar to that of the original Yu Shen, or rather, the currency market structure of the original Yu Shen should be the currency system that the original powerful beings set up by referring to some of the monetary systems undoubtedly revealed in some insightful books in the Origin Universe Tower.

As far as Lin Yi knows, the most basic unit of account, "Eternal Cosmos Coin," is valued at a standard portion of pure Source Essence Crystal.

He served in the Imperial Army and, in addition to his military merits, received a fixed salary of 10 Eternal Cosmos Yuan per Epoch. He had already accumulated more than 1,000 Eternal Cosmos Yuan.

Hmm... 0.1 Eternal Cosmos Crystal.

The group continued upwards.

Starting from the sixtieth floor, various weapons and armor of the True Source Realm level are sold.

The unit on their price tags has almost all changed to "Eternal Cosmos Yuan".

"Bloodsplit Battle Armor (manufacturer of the same model as the Fierce Blood Battle Armor - for use by beginner True Source Realm), Price: 19,000 Eternal Cosmos Yuan"

"Thousand-Intent Voidshatter Blade, Price: 18280 Eternal Cosmos Yuan"

"Chaos Rules Resonance Seal (Slight Amplification), Price: 39,500 Eternal Cosmos Yuan"

Lin Yi clicked his tongue in amazement.

His Epoch salary was only 10 Eternal Cosmos Yuan, yet a basic replica of the Fierce Blood Battle Armor cost 19,000 Eternal Cosmos Yuan. One can only imagine the price of the genuine article.

As for those weapons and special treasures, their prices are even more frighteningly high.

Zhaoyue and Frost Rainbow were also observing silently.

Having only recently broken through to the True Source Realm, they didn't yet have a clear understanding of the prices in the Chaos Cosmic Sea. However, upon seeing these prices, they were able to make their own calculations.

They walked through each floor, and finally, the light elevator reached the ninetieth floor.

The environment on this floor is clearly different.

The space is more open, with each exhibition area far apart and separated by independent energy barriers.

The number of customers has decreased sharply, but each one exudes an extraordinary aura, at least at the True Source Realm. Occasionally, one can see one or two extremely powerful individuals quietly watching, accompanied by waiters.

Ruixiao led the group toward one of the largest exhibition areas.

At the entrance of the exhibition area, there were eight guards dressed in light blue armor. All eight of them were at the initial stage of the True Source Realm. When they saw Lin Yi and his group approaching, especially when they saw the four sets of Fierce Blood Battle Armor, their expressions turned solemn, and they clenched their right fists and lightly pounded their left chests in a salute.

Ruixiao nodded slightly, and Lin Yi and the others responded politely before entering the exhibition area.

The items displayed here are noticeably fewer, but each one is placed individually in a reinforced display case, radiating a unique energy fluctuation.

There is a holographic explanation next to the display case.

"Eternal Source Realm Puppet Core (Energy Dissipation 19%), Price: 3500 Eternal Cosmos Crystal"

"Chaotic Origin Dew Collected from the Depths of the Black Mist Sea" (3 drops), Price: 11200 Eternal Cosmos Crystal /drop

"Unknown Fragment (containing strong Chaos Law fluctuations), Price: 28,000 Eternal Cosmos Crystal"

The price unit has been changed to "Eternal Cosmos Crystal".

Lin Yi's gaze swept quickly across the area, finally settling on another section of the exhibition.

Three enormous, phantom-like clam-like creatures floated there.

Lin Yi's heart skipped a beat: the Cosmic Clam!

He walked over quickly.

The first Cosmic Clam phantom is entirely grayish-white, with natural patterns covering its surface. The label reads, "Standard Cosmic Clam (Cultivated to Maturity), Stable Internal Space, Energy Concentration 0-7. Price: 1100 Eternal Cosmos Crystal."

The second Cosmic Clam is slightly larger, with pale golden patterns flowing across its surface, and emits a purer energy fluctuation. "Modified Cosmic Clam (energy concentration 1-9), internal space optimized and expanded, ecological cycle system upgraded. Price: 12890"

"Eternal Cosmos Crystal"

The third Cosmic Clam is the smallest, only one-third the size of the first two, but it is crystal clear, as if it were carved from the purest chaotic crystal, and its surface is covered with iridescent light.

"Top-tier custom-made Cosmic Clam (energy concentration level 5-11), highly optimized internal space, achieving perfect ecological balance, equipped with mid-level Chaos Rules protection and concealment field. Price: 90,000 Eternal Cosmos Crystal"

Lin Yi looked at the three prices and felt a chill run through him.

1100 Eternal Cosmos Crystal.

12890 Eternal Cosmos Crystal.

90,000 Eternal Cosmos Crystal.

This does not include purchasing the "place" needed to house the Cosmic Clam.

That usually requires purchasing an additional specially treated stable space anchor, which is also quite expensive.

"See that, Vice Captain?" Ruida whispered from the side, "The Cosmic Clam, although it's said to be a treasure of the True Source Realm, is simply not something that someone in the True Source Realm can afford."

Lin Yi nodded slowly.

He had previously planned to purchase the Cosmic Clam to settle his people as soon as possible, but now it seems that this goal is far more distant than he imagined.

Next, he wandered around the exhibition area and saw some other items with astonishingly high prices.

Cultivation manuals at the Eternal Source Realm level start at hundreds of Eternal Cosmos Crystal; special artifacts that can assist in comprehending the Chaos Law are priced at thousands or even tens of thousands. As for anything related to the Constant Source Realm, he hadn't seen it at all.

After looking around, Lin Yi had a clear understanding of the price level in Mist Sea City.

Here, those in the True Source Realm only possess the basic qualifications for survival and activity.

To truly establish oneself, acquire resources, and enhance strength, every step requires substantial wealth or military achievements.

Now, apart from the Fierce Blood Battle Armor and weapons issued by the Imperial Army, he has almost nothing.

"Let's go," Ruixiao said, seeing that Lin Yi had looked around enough. "Today we're mainly just looking around. If there's anything that Vice Captain Lin is particularly interested in, we can come back another day to learn more."

Lin Yi nodded, without saying anything more.

The group then took the light elevator back to the lower level.

The air shuttle took off again, carrying them to other areas of Mist Sea City.

Lin Yi sat by the porthole, watching the magnificent buildings rushing past outside, lost in thought.

While Lin Yi was broadening his horizons and assessing prices at Myriad Crystal Hub with Ruida and Ruixiao...

Another area of Mist Sea City.

On an island suspended high above the Core Zone, deep within a magnificent manor, in a highly private and luxurious meeting room, a debate is underway.

The oval-shaped table was carved from a warm, dark golden energy wood, with stable energy bands flowing across its surface, illuminating the faces of the people sitting around it.

This is the core meeting room of the Rui Family.

Those present at this moment are all the true power holders of the Rui Family.

At the head of the long table sat a middle-aged man dressed in a silver-white robe, none other than Ruizhan, the patriarch of the Rui Family.

Right next to him on his left was an elderly man named Ruituan, who wore a loose gray robe, had a kind face but a shrewd look in his eyes.

He is Ruizhan's younger brother and the de facto person in charge of handling the family's shady affairs, managing the family's vast intelligence network and many private business channels.

On the right is a beautiful woman Ruiling, dressed in a deep purple gown, with stunning looks but an unusually cold expression.

She is Ruizhan's younger sister and holds a special position in the family, managing a crucial portion of the business. However, she rarely participates in family disputes and mostly listens quietly.

Besides these three core decision-makers at the early stage of the Eternal Source Realm, several elders at the high-level or even peak of the True Source Realm sat on both sides of the long table.

They are leaders or meritorious elders of various important branches of the Rui Family, and they also wield considerable power.

"Everyone is here," Clan Chief Ruizhan said. "You should have all received your third brother's message."

The crowd nodded, some with serious expressions, others lost in thought.

Ruizhan's gaze swept over everyone present. "Xiao Qi is with his newly Deputy Captain Lin Yi, as well as two other comrades from the Cosmic Clam in the team. They are currently with Myriad Crystal Hub and Third Brother."

He paused slightly, then lightly tapped the table with his fingertip. A semi-transparent light screen appeared, highlighting key points such as "Two-Star Seal Reporter," "Early Stage of the True Source Realm," "Mastered the First Seal of the <Nine Seal Cosmos Art> in Less Than an Epoch," "Withstood Three Moves from a Mid-Stage True Source Realm Captain," and "Appointed as Deputy Captain."

"As you all have seen," Ruizhan's voice echoed in the quiet council hall, "This new Deputy Captain, Ruida, in my opinion, has potential far exceeding two stars; he is likely limited by the Cosmic Clam's upper limit. Although the Deputy Captain of the Imperial Army squad is not an official military position, the fact that he was appointed directly after the entry test itself represents the approval of his squad leader and members."

He looked at everyone present, especially the old man beside him. "More importantly, my third brother mentioned in his message that this Deputy Captain Lin has shown clear interest in the Cosmic Clam."

At this point, Ruizhan's gaze sharpened. "Therefore, I have decided to change the previously planned gift."

He turned his gaze to Ruituan, who was sitting on his left. "The original plan was to gift him a top-of-the- True Source Realm floating shuttle, the latest model from the Rui Family."

"But now," Ruizhan said slowly, "I've decided to change the gift to a mid-grade Cosmic Clam. According to the rules, expenditures exceeding ten thousand Eternal Cosmos Crystal require discussion at the clan council."

As soon as he finished speaking, a murmur of discussion arose in the council chamber.

Several elders at the late True Source Realm exchanged glances, while Ruiling, who had been silent all along, slightly turned her cold eyes toward her elder brother in the main seat.

"Big brother!"

Ruituan was silent for a moment, then spoke, "This... from tens of thousands of Eternal Cosmos Yuan to over ten thousand Eternal Cosmos Crystal, isn't that a bit too much of a value jump?"

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping over the other elders. "You are all aware of the clan's current financial situation. Three of our main sales channels for high-end airships have recently been cut off! We still have nearly half of the military special tax due to pay to the military in the next Universal Epoch to be paid! All industries are shrinking, and the clan's treasury is already under severe strain!"

After saying that, he looked at Ruizhan, "Brother, I don't object to investing in Tianjiao and showing goodwill. But everything should be done within our means, and we should save where we can! A top-of-the-line air shuttle is already a very substantial and sincere gift! Why pay thousands of times the price to gamble on a vague and uncertain unknown?"

Ruituan's words clearly resonated with the elders.

They nodded in agreement and began to whisper among themselves.

"That makes sense."

"The family is indeed facing difficulties right now."

"Cosmic Clam... is it a bit extravagant of us to give it as a gift?"

"Even if we were to give it away, the most basic standard model would still be an astronomical sum for someone at the True Source Realm."

Ruizhan listened calmly to the crowd's discussion, and only after the noise subsided did he slowly speak, "Everyone, you've misunderstood."

"Giving him the top-tier levitation shuttle before was just icing on the cake. But now that we know he desperately needs the Cosmic Clam and can't afford to buy it himself, giving him the Cosmic Clam has a completely different meaning."

"This isn't a favor, it's a debt of gratitude!"

He paused, "Favors can be repaid, or forgotten. But debts of gratitude, especially those concerning the very survival of one's people, carry a completely different weight."

"As for this Vice Captain Lin's talent," Ruizhan pointed to the information on the screen, "You've all seen it. As long as he doesn't perish along the way, his future achievements will at least reach the Eternal Source Realm, and he might even have a chance to break through to the Constant Source Realm!"

As he spoke, he looked at Ruituan, "You're right, the family is in a difficult situation right now. But precisely because of this, we need to find an opportunity to break the deadlock. Relying on ourselves, under the current circumstances of Mist Sea City, it's as difficult as climbing to the sky to turn things around. We need external forces, we need a change!"

"And this Lin Yi," Ruizhan said slowly, "Is very likely the variable we've been waiting for, the key to resolving the Rui Family's current predicament!"

Upon hearing this, Ruituan couldn't help but scoff. "Talent is talent, but whether it can last is still unknown. Brother, how many so-called prodigies has our Rui Family invested in over the years? How many resources have we wasted? And what has been the result? Apart from my younger sister back then..."

He stopped mid-sentence, glancing instinctively at Ruiling beside him, whose expression remained icy. He swallowed the rest of his sentence, but the resentment on his face became even more pronounced.

"... And what was the result? How many of them truly grew up and were willing to repay their family?" He rephrased it, "Only one person reached the Eternal Source Realm, and later..."

He stopped again, but his meaning was clear. "Relying on others will never work; talent, temperament, opportunity..."

There are too many uncertainties! We can't afford to gamble!

He took a deep breath and advised, "Even if you want to show goodwill or invest, you can do it gradually. First, build a good relationship, observe his character development, and then increase your investment when he truly demonstrates the potential worth investing in."

Several clan elders echoed this sentiment.

"Clan leader, what Second Master said makes sense."

"Such a heavy bet is too risky."

"The family definitely needs to stabilize right now."

Ruiling remained silent, her cold eyes slowly shifting between Ruizhan and Ruituan.

Ruizhan listened to everyone's objections without changing his expression in the slightest.

He waited until everyone had finished speaking before slowly opening his own mouth.

"Either don't do it at all, or do it properly, step by step. Ha, by the time he shows his potential, a single Cosmic Clam might not even be considered a favor, and whether it will even be our turn to be on good terms with the Rui Family is still uncertain."

As he spoke, he looked at Ruituan: "As for what happened back then... I believe there must have been a reason for it."

As he said this, Ziguang glanced at Ruiling beside him, but Ruiling's expression remained unchanged.

"And this Lin Yi," Ruizhan continued, "Since Xiao Qi was willing to invite him back as a guest, and even offered to show him around Mist Sea City, it means Xiao Qi approves of him and thinks he's worth befriending. I trust Xiao Qi's judgment."

He glanced around at everyone, his gaze finally settling on Ruituan's face, and said, word by word, "This matter is settled. No matter how difficult things are for the family, we can still scrape together the funds for a mid-level Cosmic Clam. I will coordinate the specific details."

Upon hearing this, Ruituan's chest heaved violently, clearly indicating that he was extremely angry.

He stared intently at Ruizhan, and after a moment, seeing that he showed no sign of changing his mind, he finally couldn't hold back any longer. He slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and pointed at Ruizhan.

"Ruizhan! You... you'll regret this!"

Seeing this, Ruizhan slowly stood up, his silver robe fluttering even without wind.

He looked calmly at his younger brother.

"Rui Tuan, I am the clan leader."