Li Ling gave the Merfolk princess a long, searching look. He felt she was no hidebound traditionalist.
Yet her attitude made it clear how firmly she favored isolation. She truly had little interest in discussing trade.
The changes on the Mystic Continent seem to have arisen from a similar mindset. Those mighty experts have little interest in the money Dao, and are even wary of its development.
Li Ling sighed inwardly.
Sea Ji said, "Young friend, you are telling me all this because you want to take part in trade, aren't you? If you wish to trade with our Merfolk Kingdom, that is no problem. I can issue credentials in my private capacity, allowing you to bring goods here."
Li Ling said, "Oh? What do you mean? Would I be following those rogue cultivators' example and becoming an itinerant merchant?"
Sea Ji said, "Yes. The rules laid down by the late emperor cannot be broken, but as you have seen, some rogue cultivators do come and go within our borders, conducting business as individuals. It is indeed much like the itinerant trading those rogue cultivators do on the side."
Li Ling said, "I understand. That resembles certain arrangements on the Mystic Continent... If Your Highness were willing to give me credentials, how much trade could we conduct each year?"
Sea Ji said, "That would depend on our kingdom's needs. Each year, I would give you a list in advance for you to purchase elsewhere. The total value should be somewhere between several hundred thousand and a million."
Li Ling could not help feeling a little disappointed. He had thought he might secure a deal worth several hundred million.
Still, cultivators lived long lives. Several hundred thousand to a million a year could add up to a hundred million over a