The Chamber of Commerce's Visit, the Golden Ancient Tree's Millennial Tribulation (continued)
Although the fire's radius of 1,500 meters is quite considerable, roughly the size of a small town.
But he's destined to become the strongest Mist Lord, so this area is still too small.
So Shen Xing recently checked some information on the forum and found that the Great Bonfire can indeed be upgraded after reaching the maximum level.
As for the required conditions...
He opened the building interface and his gaze fell on the list of buildings.
[Consume the following materials: 100 Greater Soul Stone, 100,000 Wood, 100,000 Stone, 1,000 Mithril, and 1 Ancient Spirit Wood to upgrade 'Great Bonfire Lv5' to 'Sacred Flame Platform Lv1'?]
"Just as recorded on the forum, the Great Bonfire can be upgraded to the 'Sacred Flame Platform'."
"Not only will the lighting range increase several times over, but it will also unlock some special abilities."
"However, the materials required for this upgrade are quite staggering. Just the Soul Stone alone cost 100,000, and the [Ancient Spirit Wood] that follows is also difficult to obtain."
"It seems that further upgrades are not possible for the time being."
Shen Xing closed the building interface, then took out the 'communication crystal', preparing to have Hellscream build a wall around the edge of the fire.
After all, a level 1 city wall doesn't require many resources; based on a diameter of 1500 meters, the circumference is only 4700 meters.
It only costs 14,000 Soul Stone to build a perimeter around it.
Furthermore, upgrading to level 2 or 3 city walls requires building upon the existing city walls.
This thing is like a foundation; you need to secure the land first.
Just as he was about to speak, the 'communication crystal' lit up first, and Xiao Hei's hoarse voice came from the other end.
"My lord... a large caravan has arrived outside the territory. They say they wish to see you."
"A convoy?"
Shen Xing pondered for a moment, then seemed to realize something and quickly replied, "I understand, I'll be right there."
After saying this, he got up from the White Jade Lotus Platform and sat back in his wheelchair.
Hearing the commotion, Leina, who was standing nearby, immediately stood up as well.
However, just as she stretched out one foot, preparing to touch the water, her movement suddenly stopped.
A barely perceptible hint of fear flashed in those jewel-like eyes.
Shen Xing noticed this scene, seemed to realize something, and couldn't help but feel strange.
Who would have thought that this fire goddess, who so readily obliterates her enemies, even reducing them to ashes, would be afraid of water?
A slight smile played on his lips; he wanted to play a trick on him, but now was clearly not the time.
"Whoosh..."
A pair of blue dragon wings spread out behind him.
Shen Xing skimmed across the lake and arrived beside Leina.
Before she could react, he grabbed her slender waist.
Then, with a flap of its wings, it carried the red-haired beauty across the Lotus Pond and flew towards the archway.
"Thank you... my dear lord."
Leina was put down by Shen Xing, her eyes filled with love.
"It's nothing," Shen Xing said casually, sitting in his wheelchair. "Now, take me outside the territory."
"Yes."
Leina followed his instructions, came up behind him, grasped the cold metal armrests of the wheelchair, and pushed him towards the outer city.
Soon, they crossed the city gate and arrived at the undeveloped new area.
Within the firelight, a dozen or so horse-drawn carriages lined up in a long queue, their pack animals hanging their heads and occasionally snorting.
The carriages were all covered with a thick black tarpaulin, so you couldn't see what goods were inside.
Hundreds of guards, dressed in light armor and with weapons at their waists, stood on both sides of the convoy.
Shen Xing noticed that they all had the same mark on their chests: a silver snake with its head and tail intertwined.
This appears to be the logo of the 'Ouroboros Chamber of Commerce'.
At this moment, the people in the caravan were looking up at the brilliant golden light reflected in the sky.
Many more people gazed at the Golden Ancient Tree, which stood a hundred meters tall, their eyes filled with intense awe.
They rubbed their eyes, even thinking they were seeing things.
"The boss's here, get out of the way!"
An orc shouted, and the Black Moon Knight at the door quickly parted to both sides.
Immediately afterwards, under the watchful eyes of the guards, a stunningly beautiful woman with a full head of red hair pushed a uniquely designed wheelchair out of the crowd.
A young man with bright eyes, dressed in a black robe with dragon patterns, sat in a wheelchair.
"I am the lord of this territory. I heard you want to see me?" Shen Xing said, taking the initiative.
The members of the chamber of commerce exchanged glances.
Immediately afterwards, a young girl dressed in light silver armor and with a slender sword at her waist gracefully stepped out from the crowd.
Her features were delicate and petite, and her amber eyes inadvertently swept over Shen Xing before glancing at Leina behind him.
With her hair tied high in a single ponytail, she looked very capable.
"Hello, lord of this territory."
The girl subtly withdrew her gaze, walked closer, and politely said, "My name is Lila, and I'm the vice president of the Ouroboros Chamber of Commerce."
"I recently received a secret letter from Weston saying that his caravan had encountered trouble in the Blackwing Plains and was temporarily lodging in the territory of a Chosen Lord."
"Is this the place?"
Shen Xing raised his head and looked her up and down.
The girl who called herself Lila looked young, but her eyes held a maturity and composure beyond her years, along with a hint of shrewdness.
In addition, Shen Xing also sensed a dangerous aura emanating from her.
Clearly, this girl is very strong, probably at least at the Tier Three, or even higher.
"Yes, Mr. West is currently in my territory."
Shen Xing withdrew his gaze and calmly said, "Please wait a moment, I'll have someone go and fetch him right away."
Lila nodded politely, "Thank you for your help."
However, before Shen Xing could send anyone over, a short, stout figure appeared in the distance, accompanied by West's pig-like screams.
"Miss Lila, oh my god, is that Miss Lila!?"
"Gods above! I have waited a thousand times, and finally you have come!"
West, with his beer belly protruding, jogged over, even so excited that he almost pounced on the girl's feet.
Just as he was about to get within a meter of Lila, the girl gently raised her hand.
"Buzz..."
A streak of light shot out, freezing it in place.
Lila said calmly, "I acted immediately after receiving the secret message, but I was delayed a little by several other elders of the family."
"And Weston, watch your manners."
West, having recovered from his initial excitement, quickly knelt down. "I'm so sorry, Miss Lila, I was just too excited. Please forgive my rudeness!"
He seemed very afraid of the girl, even to the point of being terrified.
Even though the other person's tone was very gentle, like a casual reminder, it made West tremble and he didn't dare to lift his head.
Shen Xing narrowed her eyes.
To be able to subdue a shrewd businessman like West is no small feat.
Moreover, according to her, she is also the vice president of the Ouroboros Chamber of Commerce.
To have reached this position at such a young age, and with such formidable strength, it's obvious he must be a ruthless individual.
The girl named Lila waved her hand, gesturing for him to stand up. "Let's get down to business. Is that shipment from Black Hawk City still there?"
"Yes, of course!" West replied hastily. "Lord Shen Xing helped me snatch it back from those vicious Skinners."
"Miss Lila, you don't know, those damned Skinners so cunning, so cruel. If it weren't for them..."
"No need for too much explanation," Lila interrupted West's complaints, speaking calmly. "There will be an investigation into your failure back home; you can explain in detail then."
"Yes, I will cooperate fully!"
West nodded respectfully, patted himself, and stood up.
Lila then approached Shen Xing and gave a slight bow. "Thank you for your help, Lord Shen Xing. You helped us salvage a batch of important goods. The Ouroboros Chamber of Commerce owes you a favor."
"If needed in the future, I will definitely provide appropriate compensation as a token of my gratitude."
Shen Xing shook his head. "No need for payment, West has already given me the money."
"If you really want to repay me, just stop by my territory more often when the merchant guild passes through the Blackwing Plains."
Lila seemed somewhat surprised when she heard this condition.
Then, she looked at the territory behind Shen Xing that was shrouded in golden tree canopies, and a look of relief appeared in her eyes.
"Of course, no problem. It's a good thing for both of us."
Lila smiled and agreed, then turned to the caravan behind her and announced, "From now on, Lord Shen Xing's territory will be a fixed stop for our Ouroboros Chamber of Commerce. All caravans passing through this area must stop here for supplies."
"At the same time, whether selling goods or purchasing supplies in this territory, one must use the most favorable internal prices."
[Ding! You have established trade relations with the Ouroboros Chamber of Commerce. Territory reputation +1000, territory prosperity +100]
Shen Xing's eyelids twitched, and a feeling of joy welled up inside her.
As mentioned earlier, even among Master Rank lords, very few are able to establish stable trade relations with the merchant guild.
It is said that only those who have the approval of the chamber of commerce's top leadership and possess sufficient strength and potential can receive this honor.
His achievement of this condition so early undoubtedly paved a golden road for the future development of the territory.
At this moment, Lila turned around again and tentatively asked, "Lord Shen Xing, I have another question I'd like to ask you. I wonder... if you could answer it?"
"Speak freely." Shen Xing was in a good mood and waved her hand generously.
Lila glanced behind him, hesitated, and asked, "Excuse me, is that the legendary Golden Ancient Tree in your territory?"
Upon hearing this question, the guards nearby couldn't help but cast curious glances at him.
Shen Xing wasn't surprised, after all, the Golden Ancient Tree was the largest building in the territory, and it had already begun to demonstrate its power.