The Exposed Tail

With the arrival of more than a dozen earth and water mages, the gushing from the well was quickly suppressed.

But the well site did not remain quiet.

The most troublesome thing is still floating in the air.

The cloying, sweet smell didn't dissipate as the spray lessened; instead, it pressed in layer by layer, growing heavier and heavier.

The wind-elemental mages took turns casting spells to disperse the constantly dissipating associated energy into the distance, preventing it from accumulating to an explosive concentration.

The readings on the gas detector kept fluctuating.

As soon as Su Ming made a move, he made an urgent request to the Earth Support Team.

However, there was no oil extraction industry nearby, nor the equipment he needed.

The engineers quickly came up with an alternative solution: build a separation tank, connect an elevated venting pipeline, and hang a gas-liquid separation tank at the end.

This simple "flare" system can concentrate and burn off the associated gas that is constantly being released from crude oil.

The workers at the support base immediately sprang into action, using whatever they could find and modifying readily available materials.

"With your digging skills, what if you dig up a bunch of American soldiers with one shovel?" Jin Rongjia joked.

"Today was a complete disaster," Su Ming said with a hint of helplessness. "Once this desert affair is over, I absolutely have to get the inter-realm communication up and running again."

If the two sides can connect their data directly, information feedback will be smoother, and more strategies will be available.

The emergency equipment was quickly manufactured, and the delivery was subsequently completed.

On Taya's side, everyone gathered around, connecting pipes, setting up supports, and tightening flange bolts.

"Check the gaskets again, make sure there aren't any leaks!"

Soon, the makeshift torch was erected.

As the valve was slowly turned open, a short "hiss" sound rang out, and gas rushed out from the pipe.

A mage raised his hand and threw a fireball toward the pipe opening.

Boom!

Flames exploded, illuminating the surroundings.

Its edges curled up like a flag torn by the wind, its inner core white and its outer edge tinged with dark orange, and its flames occasionally rose high, scattering several broken trails of flame.

In Su Ming's eyes, however, it seemed as if a small sun had appeared.

This place is starting to resemble a real oil well site.

"Schedule shifts for duty, and pay attention to pressure changes and the concentration of combustible gases in the air."

Su Ming gave the instructions.

"Yes, Chairman!"

Su Ming waved again, and Bowers quickly stepped forward.

"The frontline camps are beginning to relocate," he instructed. "They will be rebuilt at another location nearby."

Despite the enormous amount of work involved, Bowers did not hesitate.

"Yes!"

"Let's rename this place to—"

Su Ming thought for three seconds.

"It's a gravel-scale oil field."

"How about calling it Shengli Oilfield?" Bowers suggested.

Su Ming smiled upon hearing this.

"This battle isn't over yet."

"Just trying to get a good omen," Bowers grinned.

Su Ming nodded.

"Okay, let's call it Shengli Oilfield then."

After he finished speaking, the smile on his face faded, and his tone turned serious.

"All units should organize their work effectively and maintain normal operational order during the relocation!"

"Clear!"

The officers around them responded in unison.

****

After that, progress in the Gravel Scale Desert became as stable as clocking in for work.

While there were indeed disturbances from the Plundering Clock, and at a considerable frequency, they no longer resembled the large-scale mobilization seen in the Valley of Sighs.

Clearly, they suffered a loss in the fight.

The construction of the new forward base is progressing steadily.

The Forest Dragon Clan arrived on schedule, but the leader was not Elder Tengqiu, but Tengxi.

Her eyes lit up the moment she saw Qiluo, and they immediately huddled together and started chattering away.

Su Ming couldn't help but ask about Elder Tengqiu.

"As soon as the elder heard that they were coming to Zijin, they buried themselves in the ground and pretended to be dead," a Forest Dragon replied.

Su Ming contacted Zijin, "What did you do to Tengqiu?"

"You forgot?" Zijin said matter-of-factly, "Tengqiu spoke ill of us at the Dragon Race Council of Elders!"

Su Ming tried hard to recall, but couldn't remember anything.

"So what did you do?"

"Nothing much," Zijin said casually. "It was just the usual routine of putting a sack over his head once."

"It turns out that Little Zisu, who went with me, was too excited and accidentally gave herself away." She said regretfully, "I should have known better than to bring her."

Zisu is Zijin's younger sister from the same mother; she is a young Faerie Dragon.

Since Zisu has gone -

Su Ming's lips twitched slightly. "Misaila went too?"

"Yes!"

Misaila and Zijin, Elder Tengqiu must have a deep impression of that meal in the burlap sack.

No wonder he said he didn't dare to come!

With the water source provided by the well, the Forest Dragon Clan established a planting area on the spot.

With the help of magic, the trellis was erected, and the seedlings grew rapidly, their growth rate almost visible to the naked eye.

Although grain crops have a short growth cycle, fast-growing vegetables and fruits show results quickly.

They significantly reduced the front lines' reliance on rear supplies and also markedly improved the support level for combat personnel.

The walls surrounding the camp, constructed of gravel, were reinforced with vines and roots, significantly enhancing their defensive capabilities.

The troops from the Star Empire gradually moved in and joined the main offensive.

Meanwhile, construction was also underway at the Shengli Oilfield.

Large areas of solar panels were laid out, and warehouses, repair shops, and oil loading and unloading areas were built one after another.

The consumption of various metal materials is rapid.

If these resources were to be transferred here from the dwarves, the transportation costs would be too high and the time required would be too long. Clearly, local resources must be considered.

****

Commerce Minister Kekelai arrived as summoned, bringing with him a stack of organized documents to explain the current mining situation in the Chuxu Republic to Su Ming.

"They're all privately owned." He spread out the list. "The existing mines and smelters are basically controlled by major chambers of commerce or mining alliances. They are solely responsible for investment, construction, management, and production."

"The main area where we, the government, can intervene is taxation."

"Business tax and mineral resource tax, etc."

Su Ming picked up the list and looked through it, his brows furrowing.

In order to restore the Chuxu Republic to operation as soon as possible, he did not overturn the private or organizational property that was "legally" held in the past, but chose to recognize its licensing rights.

Of course, this is not free.

These people, who previously sided with the "false religion," will be subject to an additional 3% tax annually for the next ten years, calculated based on the asset's appraised value.

Alternatively, a one-time payment of 15% can be made to buy out the entire investment.

The advantages of doing so are quite obvious: the social order of the Chuxu Republic smoothly transitions along the old framework, and workshops in various places...

Trade routes, mining areas, and factories recovered rapidly, the pace of people's livelihood reconstruction was astonishing, and social production order was well maintained without any disruption.

But the downsides are the same, as they are now.

Su Ming shook the list in his hand.

"So, if we want to use metal, we still have to buy it from merchants?"

"Yes," Kekley replied.

Su Ming looked somewhat displeased.

"We've arrested so many Divine Covenant Faction, but none of them controlled these businesses?"

"Very few," Kekley said helplessly. "Those Divine Covenant Faction people—they're just a bunch of land hoarding maniacs."

He pulled out another form. "Seventy percent of the land within Chuxu's borders is their private property—farms, estates, wasteland, hunting grounds, forest deeds, villas, palaces, you name it. Mining and factory construction are pitifully few."

So now all we have are cash and real estate?

"There are also a lot of art and luxury goods industries, as well as various special service industries. We have dealt with a lot of them recently and recovered a large sum of money," Kekley added without changing his expression.

Su Ming's lips twitched slightly. "What a bunch of useless trash."

After saying that, he added, "I was referring to the Divine Covenant Faction."

Keclay lowered his head and coughed softly.

However, they have no shortage of money to buy things.

At least for now, the production order in the Chuxu Republic is normal. As long as production is possible, there are supplies to buy, which is not a bad thing.

But Su Ming still felt somewhat unwilling.

He hesitated for a moment, then raised his hand and beckoned Ainuobia.

"Immediately develop a set of management standards for environmental pollution."

Ainuobia took out the notebook.

"Yes, Chairman."

"Then we organized inspections of all factories and mines, and any non-compliant operations were ordered to rectify them within a specified timeframe."

"OK!"

"We need to develop another set of safety production standards, and designate any facility that has experienced a fatal accident as a key inspection target," Su Ming continued.

"Businesses that fail to meet standards and refuse to rectify the issues will be ordered to cease operations."

"As for those who are seriously uncooperative..."

"Forced takeover!"

Funds sitting in an account are just numbers; they only have value when they are invested and used to hold important industries in hand.

"Understood, President." Ainuobia nodded in agreement.

Kekelai suddenly remembered something. "Oh right, the Four Directions Chamber of Commerce has been selling off its domestic assets in a big way recently."

Su Ming looked up at him.

The Four Directions Chamber of Commerce is quite large, and their assets are considerable, as shown in this industry list.

Moreover, most of them are high-quality assets, including mines, factories, warehouses, and transportation nodes, with a reasonable structural layout.

"Clearance sale?"

"Hmm." Kekley nodded. "They're moving quickly, and they've driven the price down very low."

Su Ming did not speak immediately.

Something's not right.

With the power of the Four Directions Chamber of Commerce, a mere punitive tax levied by a "pseudo-religion" would not have forced them into such a sorry state.

Even if there is a genuine lack of cash flow, the correct approach is to sell off some assets in batches to free up capital, rather than rushing to cash out.

Fortunately, large-scale industrial transactions of this magnitude require official approval.

"Hold their paperwork in suspense, delaying it with all sorts of excuses," Su Ming instructed.

Kekelai understood immediately. "Yes, Chairman."

****

After the request for bulk metal procurement was issued, factories across the Republic of Chuxu accepted the orders one after another, and the supply chain began operating at full capacity.

Amidst his busy schedule, Charles, the vice president of the Four Directions Chamber of Commerce, came to visit him.

Su Ming pretended he had never given any orders to make things difficult for them, and together with Zijin, greeted this old friend with smiles on their faces.

Long time no see, how have you been?

"President Su, Scholar Bay Owl," Charles bowed respectfully. "It has been nearly a year and a half since we parted ways in the Central Ocean Waters. I have heard of your great achievements all along the way, and I admire and respect you both immensely!"

"Just lucky." Su Ming was in a good mood. "Currently, the Chuxu Republic is in dire need of reconstruction, and the demand for trade is booming. You can rest assured in doing business."

Charles quickly thanked him.

"I have indeed made this abrupt request to meet with you because I have a favor to ask," he said, getting to the point.

"Please feel free to speak." Su Ming gently raised his hand.

"Our Chamber of Commerce has recently adjusted its business direction and plans to sell some of its assets," Charles said, gently pushing a list towards him. "These assets, whether mines, factories, or transportation and logistics facilities, are all of superior quality."

"Oh?" Zijin smiled knowingly. "Your Chamber of Commerce has... found a new way to make money?"

Charles smiled slightly, "We've recently been working on numerous projects with halflings and goblins, requiring substantial start-up capital. Therefore, we plan to conduct a round of asset restructuring."

He paused, then continued, "We are willing to sell these properties at 60% to 70% of their original price."

"It's just that the transaction amount is too large, and most chambers of commerce can't handle it, so we've swallowed our pride and are begging for your help, gentlemen."

A 60-70% discount is no longer considered a normal business price reduction.

Su Ming didn't press for details, simply offering a few perfunctory replies before handing over the specifics to Kekelai.

After Charles was asked to go next door to discuss the procedures, only Su Ming and Zijin remained in the reception room.

The smile faded from Su Ming's face. "Something feels off."

"Yes." Zijin also abandoned her casual demeanor.

"Such a large chamber of commerce wouldn't adjust its industries so hastily."

"They certainly wouldn't dump everything at once like this."

Su Ming narrowed his eyes.

"I'll have the goblins investigate and see if what he said is true."

"That's fine," Zijin nodded.

*****

As the desert battlefield continued to advance, construction began on the second forward camp, 500 kilometers away from the first camp.

This location marks two-fifths of the way into the eastern and western depths of the Gravel Scale Desert.

Once the allied front stabilizes, the strategic maneuvering space of the Plundering Clock will be further compressed.

In principle, once the exact location of the core stronghold of the Plundering Clock is confirmed, the allied forces will be able to launch a rapid raid.

Su Ming reinforced his troops again, and a Star Sand Corps of two thousand people was transferred in.

These priests fully utilized their expertise in missionary work. In conjunction with the antidote, they simultaneously dispelled the effects of the hallucinogenic drug and dismantled the brainwashing control that the Plundering Clock on the Gravel Scale Tribe race.

Groups of gravel-scaled tribes gradually regained their senses—some were bewildered and lost, while others struggled.

But at least they will no longer obey the Plundering Clock's orders to attack them.

Peace returned to the area behind the desert, and sporadic harassment and ambushes gradually dissipated.

Star Empire, Sighing Valley Camp.

Stacy was invited to teach the alchemists of the Star Empire how to create antidote.

Her sleeves were slightly rolled up, and her movements were practiced and casual.

Several medicinal herbs were sorted and crushed in her hands, and then poured into the reaction flask in turn.

As the liquid was heated by the alchemical flames, its color gradually changed, eventually stabilizing at a light blue-green.

"The heat must be controlled carefully here," Stacy tapped the bottle. "The initial heating needs to be steady, then the temperature can be increased later, otherwise the medicinal properties will dissipate."

The alchemists listened intently.

After the configuration was completed, Stacy had her soldiers bring in a Gravel Scale Tribe prisoner.

The lizardman's eyes were bloodshot, and he roared incessantly, "The serpent of the mortal world will devour you all! None of you can escape! The gods will punish you!" "Open your mouth," Stacy said.

The other party naturally refused to cooperate and struggled even more fiercely.

Several burly soldiers rushed forward, pried open his chin with long sticks, and forced the medicine down his throat.

The medicine dripped from the corner of his mouth, and the lizardman continued to struggle, letting out a beast-like growl from his throat.

A few minutes later, his frantic twisting movements gradually slowed down.

A hint of hesitation flickered in his previously irritable eyes, then turned to blankness, leaving only heavy breathing.

"After three doses of the medication, you should be fully recovered." Stacy clapped her hands. "It's best to combine this with soothing methods like those of a priest; it will be much more effective."

"I've explained the key points of manufacturing; now it's time for everyone to practice."

"OK!"

The alchemists sprang into action and began to prepare the ingredients themselves.

Stacy left the alchemy workshop and went outside for some fresh air.

This is the entrance for the Star Empire into the Gravel Scale Desert, through which large quantities of supplies are continuously transported to the front lines.

Caravans and pack animals came and went in an endless stream.

"Thank you, Great Scholar Stacy!" the camp leader said, standing nearby. "With this potion, the lizardman prisoners can join the transport convoys, which will significantly improve efficiency at the front."

"No need to be so polite," Stacy waved her hand. "As allies, it's only right."

Suddenly she paused, sensing a familiar fluctuation.

Stacy tilted her head slightly, the light passing over the busy crowd and landing on a batch of goods being unloaded not far away.

Stacy narrowed her eyes, a slow smile playing on her lips, "Tsk tsk, you guys are something else, daring to use even plague weapons?"

The camp leader was taken aback. "Great Scholar cannot speak carelessly! Our Star Empire would never do such a thing!"

"Stop pretending." Stacy walked towards the shipment.

"The things are already laid out in front of me, why are you still hiding them!"

As she approached, she glanced at the words on the box: Squalane Dry Skin Oil.

"You're quite good at covering your tracks, aren't you?" Stacy clicked her tongue.

"No, not at all," the person in charge quickly explained, "These are skincare products we purchased from the Pearl Duchy. It's been windy in this mountain pass lately, so we're unloading a batch for our own use at the camp."

Stacy turned to look at him, her eyes conveying a clear "keep making this up" message.

Still pretending?

"---- Great Scholar, I really wasn't pretending." The person in charge sounded somewhat aggrieved.

Stacy stared at him for a few seconds, her eyes widening. "You... really... not... pretending?"

Absolutely not!

The two stared at each other for a moment, their expressions changed simultaneously, and they turned to look at the box in front of them.

The atmosphere froze instantly.

****

Soon, the two reports were delivered to Su Ming and Xialike Like respectively.

Stacy clearly stated in her report, "The technology used in this batch of skincare oils belongs to the same system as the plague totems we seized in the Goblin East of the Ridge region, on the Lake Watuke."

"That means it's confirmed to have originated from the Plundering Clock."

"Once this item is put into use, it will rapidly spread and cause infection among the population."

"Even if our Chuxu troops don't use it directly, they will still be infected by the soldiers of the Star Empire."

"Currently, the specific pathogenic and fatal effects are still unclear."

"However, it is foreseeable that once the battle breaks out, it will be forced to end, and the participating troops will need to withdraw to the mainland for quarantine and rest."

Su Ming's fingers tightened after reading it.

"The treacherous scheme of the Plundering Clock— " he murmured to himself.

Xialike's real-time magical communication was established.

"Has the source of the skincare oil in question been traced?" Su Ming asked directly.

"A wide variety." Xialike rubbed his temples, clearly having done some investigation.

"Our usage is so large that we placed orders with more than a dozen chambers of commerce, not just a single channel."

"However, traces of contamination were found in 80% of the products."