Eliminating Hidden Threats

More and more people fell, but only the lame Monkey One was still holding on, muttering something about not being able to embarrass the Young Master, and how a mere Sky-Swallowing Crocodile dared to be so presumptuous.

Weiwei, you really keep your word.

I didn't cheat.

He had swallowed all the alcohol and was now somewhat dazed, his body swaying precariously.

Keke had finished eating and lay on the ground with her limbs back and her head tilted back, her round belly bulging. Her face was full of enjoyment. Keke, who was less than half a meter long, looked like a miniature figurine, at least compared to Weiwei.

Chen Fan lay on the Rocking Chair, a smile playing on his lips as he watched the scene unfold before him. He felt slightly tipsy, until Weiwei and Crippled Monkey finished off the last bottle and then both passed out.

Weiwei and the Crippled Monkey both fell asleep on the ground, drowsy and confused.

He couldn't remember the last time he had gathered his brothers together for a meal. As the Mortal Domain grew larger and larger, everyone was busy in different places. It was truly not easy to get everyone together and have the leisure to eat and drink together.

He got up and prepared to walk into the house.

But the moment he stood up, a cool breeze swept over him, instantly refreshing him but also making him even more dizzy. He shook his head vigorously and, leaning on his Jadeite Staff, walked towards the foot of the City Wall: "This wind feels like it has a temperature reading."

He then took out Message Talisman from his pocket.

"Guards, take them all back inside to sleep."

Happy times are always fleeting.

The next day.

After sobering up.

Wang Kui and the others returned to their respective posts and began their busy work again.

These days.

The "Formation Pavilion" has begun Mass Production "Acceleration Formation Disc" and is trying its best to adapt them to all Flying Boat in the Mortal Domain. However, production capacity is still somewhat insufficient, and only a portion of Flying Boat are equipped with "Acceleration Formation Disc".

With the combined acceleration boost from the Acceleration Formation Disc and the Heavenly Dao's Blessing from the Vehicle Workshop, the Mortal Domain's Flying Boat are now the fastest in this Sea Domain.

The next day.

Dozens of Flying Boat bearing the Mortal Domain Banner had already arrived at this newly discovered First-Level Continent located in the Southern Region of the "Eternal Night Continent".

"I really miss those days."

Standing on the deck of the Flying Boat, the Deputy Pavilion Master the Commerce Pavilion looked nostalgically at the Sixth-Level Defense Line standing on the Coastline below, and took out an Exotic Treasure from his pocket and said loudly.

"This is the Flying Boat exploration team from the Second-Level Continent, 'Eternal Night Continent'."

"Let's get someone in charge, come out and have a chat."

It was Daytime.

There are quite a few humans outside the City Wall who are Dissection the corpses of the Strange Entities, collecting Eerie Stone, and picking up Exotic Treasure.

Many people heard the voice and looked up at them from time to time, but their work did not stop. Even if the sky fell, they had to pick up the General Strange, as these were necessities for the Cannon Tower.

I need it tonight.

Soon

Behind the defensive line, a Flying Boat took off and cautiously approached them. On the deck stood a Middle-Aged Man with Square-Faced Man, surrounded by a group of subordinates armed with sharp weapons.

After getting close enough.

The Middle-Aged Man then looked at the group of people from the Mortal Domain and spoke in a hoarse voice.

"King Zhangba."

"The head of the Western Strange-Suppression Defense Line No. 6 'Despair Continent'."

"May I ask?"

What does "Second-Level Continent" mean?

The Deputy Pavilion Master the Commerce Pavilion, who was in charge of this diplomatic operation, was slightly taken aback before he couldn't help but laugh. This continent didn't even know what First-Level Continent or Second-Level Continent was, much like their former Eternal Night Continent.

He then introduced it in the same way.

"My name is Zhang Damao."

"Deputy Pavilion Master the Mortal Domain Commerce Pavilion, our Mortal Domain's External Exploration Flying Boat discovered your continent the other day, and I was specifically dispatched here to negotiate with you." "Perhaps there are some opportunities for cooperation."

"Continents are divided into levels. A continent like yours belongs to the First-Level Continent, and the next level up is Second-Level Continent, for example..." "The most obvious example is that your current Cannon Tower level cap should be level 10, right?"

"After advancing to the Second-Level Continent, the level cap becomes 20."

Buildings that have reached their upgrade limit can be upgraded again.

After a long silence, the Middle-Aged Man finally spoke, "I can't make that decision myself; I've already reported it to my superiors."

"Has your mainland achieved unification?"

"Unification?"

The Middle-Aged Man frowned. "I suppose so. The strongest force on the continent right now is called 'Heaven-Seeking Tower.' Basically, all the construction of defenses and Resource Coordination are under the jurisdiction of Heaven-Seeking Tower. We are responsible for protecting this continent."

"Um."

Zhang Damao nodded without saying much, simply waiting patiently. He didn't show much superiority; he admired everyone guarding the defensive line.

They are all risking their lives to protect their continent and their homeland.

Not long after.

A Flying Boat rapidly approached from a distance behind the defensive line until it was almost upon them. On the deck of this Flying Boat stood only an Elderly Man, an extremely thin Elderly Man even looked somewhat frail.

What is your name?

"The Pavilion Master Heaven-Seeking Tower, Wen Tian."

"Zhang Damao, Deputy Pavilion Master of the Mortal Domain Commerce Pavilion."

Zhang Damao stared at the Elderly Man and slowly said, "Is the headquarters of Heaven-Seeking Tower behind this defensive line? I thought it would take some time." "No."

The Elderly Man shook his head. "The other day I learned that an extremely fast Flying Boat approached this defensive line, took a look from afar, and then turned back. I guessed it might cause some trouble, so I came here to wait for it."

"This place is Heaven and Earth"

"Is it not just our 'Despair Continent'?"

"Naturally, there are countless continents in this Heaven and Earth."

"Will other continents also have to face this Strange Tide?"

"Need."

"Can they hold them off?"

"Some were blocked, some weren't."

"What about those that weren't blocked?"

"Dead."

What is the main purpose of your visit?

"Selling goods."

Zhang Damao laughed, "I am the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Mortal Domain Commerce Pavilion. Commerce Pavilion Commerce Pavilion, it is naturally mainly responsible for business matters. I brought some samples with me this time."

"For example... the 'Soul-Devouring Sculpture' can reduce Ammunition Consumption by 40% within a certain range."

"Pick-Up Sculpture" can automatically pick up items dropped by all Strange Entities Building Institute within its drop range.

"Another example is the Wall Guardian Set' which can automatically repair City Wall: 'Copper Pipe + Altar'."

"An 'Acceleration Formation Disc' that doubles the speed of the Flying Boat."

"At key points, we'll help you build 'Teleportation Formation' that allow for rapid travel between locations, but only for people and can transport a limited amount of supplies."

"If any of your defenses are about to fall and you need emergency support, you can also purchase reinforcements from our Mortal Domain's 'Sky-Piercing Pillar.'" "Etc."

"It can be purchased with Eerie Stone, or through Special Resource, special blueprints, etc."

"Let's see what you have; we can discuss this together."

Zhang Damao smiled happily.

Finally, it was his turn to introduce himself. He was one of the earliest members of the Mortal Domain Commerce Pavilion, and he was there when they explored the New Continent. He was also the one who discovered that piece of Earth Gold in the New Continent.

With sufficient seniority and the most meritorious service, he finally became the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Mortal Domain Commerce Pavilion.

This is a very important position.

He usually didn't have the chance to introduce himself to others, but today he finally did. He wanted to introduce himself to everyone he met, but it seemed that none of these people understood the significance of his position.

It's a bit of a pity.

Let me put it this way.

His direct superior is King Mazi, and King Mazi's direct superior is Chen Fan. There is only one level between him and Chen Fan. If he goes up one more level, that would be the highest point that everyone in the Mortal Domain can reach.

He was promoted early, but now it won't be so easy for him to become the Deputy Pavilion Master. Even if he takes the Spring Examination, he certainly won't be able to get the Top Ranker. He has a clear understanding of himself.

The treatment for this year's Spring Examination is the best; the Top Ranker in subsequent Spring Examination definitely won't be able to directly become the Pavilion Master.

But this year's Spring Examination was also the most difficult.

After all, this year's Spring Examination represents the culmination of many years of talent accumulation from the Eternal Night Continent, with the largest number of participants and the most intense competition to date.

The gaunt Elderly Man stood silently with his head down, not saying a word, but his breathing gradually became more rapid. Each product casually mentioned by the other party made him breathe even faster.

The Soul-Devouring Sculpture reduces ammunition consumption by 40%.

How much does this cost?

Exorbitant price!

Automatic pickup, automatic repair, Flying Boat acceleration, Teleportation Formation, long-range fire support – are these things really things they can afford?

They want everything!

Having just one would drastically reduce their pressure; if they had both, they were even confident they could launch a counterattack within three years! "How much does a Soul-Devouring Sculpture cost?"

"It's not expensive."

Zhang Damao said with a smile, "A level 10 Soul-Devouring Sculpture has a range of 100 meters and only costs 100,000 Eerie Stone."

He didn't know how much the Mortal Domain would cost.

He didn't have the authority to check the building's construction cost, although the Strategist Pavilion did. However, as an elder of the Mortal Domain, he knew a little bit about it, and he remembered that the cost definitely didn't exceed 10,000 Eerie Stone.

The Elderly Man didn't answer. The price was indeed reasonable; he could recoup his investment quickly, but...

"Pavilion Master Zhang."

"May I ask, are you acting on orders from your Mortal Domain to conduct this transaction, or... are you selling it privately?"

This is his biggest worry.

These things are the very foundation of a continent, and they cannot be sold off casually. If the people below sell them privately, what will happen if the continent finds them later? They cannot afford to offend a Second-Level Continent.

"Of course, it's on the orders of the Domain Lord."

Zhang Damao curled his lip. "That Sky-Piercing Pillar long-range fire support, I can't sell it even if I wanted to. I don't have control over it; it's usually handled by the Logistics Pavilion."

"That's good, but... we don't have many of those Eerie Stones."

"No rush."

"In the next few days, bring us samples of items produced within your continent, such as Exotic Plant, Exotic Treasure, and Building Blueprint, for our evaluation."

Even the most common, readily available items are on the list.

"Every continent is different. What might be a very common commodity here could be quite rare on another continent."

We will assess a reasonable price.

"And"

We also accept credit.

"On credit?"

The Pavilion Master the Heaven-Seeking Tower in this "Despair Continent" was utterly shocked. He looked up at Zhang Damao with a bewildered expression, wondering if the other party was plotting something enormous. "You can do business on credit?" he thought.

"Nature."

Zhang Damao chuckled and said, "After you advance to the Second-Level Continent, you'll have a three-year protection period. During this period, a large number of Eerie Ore will be generated. You can use these Eerie Ore to pay off your debts then."

"There's one more thing."

"Are the Strange Entities you've encountered intelligent? Or have you ever encountered Strange Entities that can speak?"

"No."

The Elderly Man shook his head, his brows furrowed. "There are intelligent Strange Entities too?"

"Nature."

Zhang Damao didn't explain much. It seemed that the Strange Entity Clan hadn't found this continent yet. The Strange Tide they encountered on this continent were all Strange Entities formed from dark nature, so the threat they faced wasn't too high.

I will come again in seven days.

"Within these seven days, you must compile a list of all the goods from your continent. I will then bring the Pavilion Master of the Mortal Domain Heavenly Storehouse Pavilion Master to inspect them and set a price for each item."

I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you."

The Elderly Man looked at Zhang Damao and his group, who were quickly disappearing into the distance, with a complicated expression. He had no other hobbies but reading Storybook.

There is a common plot in Storybook storytelling.

The protagonist makes a serendipitous discovery in the wild: a wandering merchant who sells a wide variety of strange and unusual goods.

Their financial strength is unknown, but the goods they sell are all of good quality and inexpensive.

That's how he felt at that moment.

If

If "Despair Continent" can really buy all these goods, perhaps... they really will be able to hold on.

Strategist Pavilion the Mortal Domain.

Chen Fan sat in the main seat, while Long Live sat to his right, reporting on the recent discussions.

"Domain Lord."

Our next plan can be summarized in eight words.

"Accelerated Growth" and "eliminate hidden dangers."

"We can use trade to promote the growth of all the First-Level Continent we discover in the future, and help them quickly grow into the Second-Level Continent."

"This way, we can ensure that we won't be taken over by the Strange Entity Clan."

Secondly, there is a certain return on investment.

"This is called Accelerated Growth."

"As for 'eliminating hidden dangers,' we've received intelligence from other continents regarding the continents occupied by the 'Strange Entity Clan.' Three of these Strange Entity Clan appear to be just one continent away from advancing to Third-Level Race."

"We must first nip these three races in the bud."

These three races are each named One.

"The Heaven-Slaying Clan," "The Dark Star Clan," and "The One-Eyed Clan."

"The continent occupied by the Strange Entity Clan has no mountains or City Wall. The plan to deploy Heavenly Dao Cannon on their territory is still feasible, and even easier, but the Strange Tide is extremely large."

"The moment the Sky-Piercing Pillar carrying Nuclear Warhead clears an area, it's immediately replaced by a tidal wave of Strange Tide. Clearing an area and then Rapid Deployment City Wall and Heavenly Dao Cannon is a point that needs discussion."

Chen Fan leaned back in his chair, glancing at the intelligence report in his hand. His knuckles tapped the table unconsciously as he remained silent. The biggest task for the Mortal Domain next was to Eradication these three troublesome races.

He didn't want to see a Third-Level Race suddenly appear in this area.

This is a potential hazard.

If it is a hidden danger, it must be eliminated.

After a long while.

Chen Fan said softly, "There was once an extremely fortified City that the enemy tried every means to breach but could not. Later, the enemy feigned surrender and sent a giant wooden horse to the City."

"It's exquisitely crafted and very beautiful."

"They joyfully welcomed the giant wooden horse into the City."

"After nightfall."

Suddenly, the sound of mechanisms rang out inside the Trojan horse. Immediately afterwards, nearly a hundred armored enemy soldiers hidden inside the Trojan horse quickly emerged, stormed the city gate, Open Gate.

The army, which had been lying in ambush, swarmed forward.

"This supposedly extremely fortified City has fallen."

"If we can't break in from the outside, perhaps we can try from the inside."

A bead of sweat dripped from Long Live's forehead as he quickly pondered the Domain Lord's meaning. As the Military Strategy Champion and the Strategist Pavilion Master, he should, in principle, be the one offering suggestions while the Domain Lord considered them.

Perhaps the pressure was too great.

He felt his brain was getting increasingly muddled, and he couldn't think of anything coherent.

Fortunately, only he and the Domain Lord were sitting here at the moment; otherwise, it would have been quite embarrassing for his Subordinate to see them.

A moment later.

Chen Fan said softly.

A direct assault is not advisable.

"We are fighting across continents. If we get bogged down in land-based offensive and defensive battles, the pressure on our logistics and population will be enormous. If we get caught up in the vortex of war, it will cripple our development."

"We're here to Eradication potential hazards."

"It's not about taking the enemy down with you."

"For example."

"Let the Weird Emperor Jiu Wu feign surrender, for example, by surrendering to the 'One-Eyed Clan' first. Since they haven't been waging war against other nations, they must be recruiting soldiers and building up their strength. At that time, they might not refuse a group of Strange Tide joining their race."

"The only condition for the Weird Emperor Jiu Wu to join was that he wanted a territory."

"A piece of land in Coastal Area."

"Then."

"We'll coordinate with the Weird Emperor Jiu Wu from within and without, and quickly deploy the City Wall and Heavenly Dao Cannon on this territory. Then we can wipe them out in one fell swoop." "An easy victory."

"A fake surrender?" The Long Live instantly understood the plan. As long as those few Strange Entity Clan were willing to accept the surrender of the Weird Emperor Jiu Wu, the plan's success rate would be almost 100%.

No one could have imagined that a group of Strange Tide would pledge allegiance to their Mortal Domain.

This is almost impossible.

"Won't this sound bad if word gets out? People won't believe our Mortal Domain's peace talks and surrender anymore. Won't it damage our reputation?" "Killing Strange Entities is unscrupulous; you want to keep your word with Strange Entities?"

"I hope that when the 'One-Eyed Clan' advances to Third-Level Race and begins wreaking havoc in this Sea Domain, you can keep your word with them." Chen Fan looked at Long Live with a furrowed brow.

"Long Live."

"The reason I made you the Strategist Pavilion Master is because I saw in your exam paper the ruthless methods and determination you showed in order to win."

"So now you're starting to consider keeping your word with the Strange Entities?"

No, no!

Upon hearing this, Long Live hurriedly stood up. Despite his advanced age and graying temples, he resembled a child who had made a mistake in front of Chen Fan, stammering hastily, "I... I'm just a little worried about the reputation of the Mortal Domain."

"I've got it."

Chen Fan calmly looked at the Strategist Pavilion: "The Strategist Pavilion has only one mission, and that is victory. Anything else is none of your concern."

Other departments are there to cooperate with you; you don't need to cooperate with them.

"Insufficient population is a matter for the Logistics Pavilion to consider."

"Insufficient resources are a matter for the Heavenly Storehouse Pavilion to consider."

"Reputation is a matter for the Publicity Pavilion to consider."

"Your Strategist Pavilion must act as the backbone, ensuring the cooperation of other departments, rather than you worrying about how other departments should handle the mess afterwards."

Did you hear me clearly?

"Understood." The Long Live stood ramrod straight and said decisively.

"You've just joined the Mortal Domain and still need time to adapt. I have high hopes for you; you're my handpicked Top Ranker, and I hope you'll surprise me with your performance in the future."

Don't let me down.

Chen Fan stood up, patted Long Live on the shoulder, and then strode outside. He had to go to the Huyi Continent.

He did not use the Teleportation Formation.

Instead, he traveled through the Undersea Tunnel. The Undersea Tunnel between the Huyi Continent and Eternal Night Continent had long been completed, but he had never traveled through it before.

Chen Fan, sitting on the Mortal Domain High-Speed Rail, looked out the window at both sides.

This Undersea Tunnel much wider than the one they initially built; it even has eight lanes and can accommodate eight Mortal Domain High-Speed Rail traveling at the same time.

It has opened up considerably.

It's become much more standardized.

Along the walls of the Undersea Tunnel, there were many glowing "stones" embedded in the walls, as well as numerous signs indicating the remaining distance. Chen Fan silently observed all of this; the Undersea Tunnel even felt somewhat unfamiliar to him. The Mortal Domain was becoming increasingly organized.

It's no longer the Mortal Domain he hastily built up.

With the continuous improvement efforts of departments such as the Logistics Pavilion, the various projects have begun to take on a more standardized and professional appearance.

This is a good thing.

It just feels unfamiliar.

There's a feeling that something is being subtly stripped away from me.

Three days later.

He arrived at "Huyi Continent," much slower than by taking the Teleportation Formation, but he mainly wanted to use this undisturbed time to think. The moment he stepped out of the High-Speed Rail station and stood on the Huyi Continent...

I've figured many things out.

She had a very clear and insightful feeling about her.

"A warm welcome to Domain Lord Chen for his arrival on the Huyi Continent!"

Having already received news of Chen Fan's impending arrival in the Huyi Continent, the Ghost Emperor had been waiting at the High-Speed Rail station for three days. He stood there, his face filled with tension and trepidation. Soon...

A Ghost Emperor quickly approached and crouched down in front of Chen Fan.

As usual, Chen Fan stood on the shoulders of the Ghost Emperor, looking straight at the Weird Emperor Jiu Wu, which was tens of meters tall.

He smiled and then said softly.

"Just browsing out of boredom."

How have you been lately?

The Weird Emperor Jiu Wu and Chen Fan, who was standing on the Ghost Emperor's shoulder, strolled Coast beach. The Weird Emperor Jiu Wu hesitated nervously.

"Good."

He didn't know the purpose of Domain Lord Chen's visit. He dared not say that he was doing well. Mortal Domain, he was happily retiring here. Would the Domain Lord feel comfortable hearing that?

"Is it just okay?"

"No, it's very good."

The Weird Emperor Jiu Wu hurriedly changed his words, scratching his head somewhat awkwardly. "I dare not say, actually... it can only be described with two words, and that is happiness."

"I never imagined that living could be so easy."

"I wish these days could last forever."

"By the way, Domain Lord."

"That Illusory Black Tortoise disappeared a while ago. Do you have some Illusory Black Tortoise time? It feels like something's missing from our daily entertainment without it."

Chen Fan glanced at the Weird Emperor Jiu Wu: "Okay, I'll make arrangements when we get back."

Then he said softly.

"Normally speaking, you are a monster, and I am a human; we should be irreconcilable enemies."

"But back in the Eternal Night Continent, you and I Peace for a year in the Yellow Springs Mouth Region. On the eve of the final battle, you risked your life to trap a group of commanders of the Strange Tide, perishing together with them."

"He awakened his Dark Sacred Physique after death and was resurrected by sheer luck."

"And I saw you again."

"And from then on, I stayed on this continent."

"Perhaps this can be considered fate."

"But"

"Your good days won't last forever. Have you thought about what you'll do if the Mortal Domain is defeated and loses its protection?"

"You haven't fought in a long time, have you?"

"Do your men still have the will to fight? After enjoying such a good life for so long, do they still have the courage to fight to the death?"

The Weird Emperor Jiu Wu hadn't expected the topic to be so serious. After a long pause, he said hoarsely, "It's not that I haven't thought about this, but I firmly believe that the Mortal Domain will not be defeated."

"If the Mortal Domain is defeated, then even if we have the will to fight, Strange Tide is ten times larger, we will still be doomed!"

Nothing is absolute.

Chen Fan shook his head calmly and said, "Currently, I don't want to see any advancement of the Third-Level Continent or Third-Level Race in this Sea Domain." "But..."

"Currently, there are three races in this Sea Domain, all of which are about to advance to Third-Level Race."

"These three races pose a huge threat to the Mortal Domain. Once they advance to the Third-Level Race before the Mortal Domain, they will take action against the New Continent and cut off the Mortal Domain's logistical supplies."

"The Mortal Domain is prohibited from external exploration and trade, and will be targeted after the Mortal Domain 'Mortal Domain protection period ends."

"In the past two years, they have even aggressively occupied other continents, thus becoming a deeply rooted Third-Level Race, and possibly even a Level-Four Race. This poses a huge threat to the Mortal Domain."

"These three hidden dangers must Eradication from the Mortal Domain."

"Currently, the Long Live Pavilion Master of the Mortal Domain Strategist Pavilion has come up with a plan."

"The Weird Emperor Jiu Wu, leading the Strange Tide, feigns surrender, demanding a Coastal Area we designate. Then, the Mortal Domain will secretly land and deploy City Wall and Heavenly Dao Cannon," thus quickly Eradication these three threats in a short time.

What do you think?

The Weird Emperor Jiu Wu suddenly stopped, lowered his head and remained silent for a long time before raising his head to look at Chen Fan with a complicated expression.

"Domain Lord Chen."

I will not refuse any request you make.

"But"

"I really don't want to get involved in any more conflicts; I just want to retire peacefully."

I think it's fine as it is now.

"Furthermore, we don't have the Black Abyss; once my subordinates die, they cannot be resurrected."

"Your current life is provided by the Mortal Domain. If the Mortal Domain were to perish, would you still have the life you have now?" Chen Fan said calmly in a low voice.

"What I can promise you is..."

"The Mortal Domain will provide you with the greatest support."

"If any of your subordinates perish in this Battle Plan, you may use the Black Abyss of the Mortal Domain to revive them."

"Peace."

"It needs to be protected by war."

"If you help the Mortal Domain this time, I can make you a promise: as long as the Mortal Domain doesn't perish, Mortal Domain protect you for life, allowing your 'Retirement Clan' to live out their Mortal Domain under its protection."

After standing silently for a long time, the Weird Emperor Jiu Wu finally managed a somewhat bitter smile.

"Okay, I agree."

"Domain Lord, I've always been grateful to you. It's not that I don't want to repay you, it's just... deep down, I really resist being drawn into conflict." "I understand."

Chen Fan nodded and suddenly laughed, "I heard you have a child? Now that you're back, you can enjoy family life with your baby." "The best is yet to come."

"Hey-hey."

The Weird Emperor Jiu Wu scratched his head and chuckled. It wasn't easy for their Strange Entity Clan to have a child, and he'd only learned of this this morning. Was the Domain Lord's information network really that extensive?