Pillar of Yita

”...There’s a total of twenty-two Beasts of Burden, each capable of carrying two hundred kilograms, totaling four and a half tons of Earth Origin Crystals, all here. By the way, I’ve sourced almost all available Beasts of Burden from this underground; I can guarantee you won’t find any other Beasts—of course, excluding old, weak, sick, or disabled ones.”

”Additionally, most teams chose to convert one-third of the number of leaves they should have paid into Earth Origin Crystals. Transporting these crystals out will surely earn you a hefty sum. But let me be honest, this might not necessarily be worth it; the price of those leaves on the market keeps climbing, and it might not drop anytime soon.”

”Fortunately, they’re willing to make the payments without any discount, even afraid you might change your mind, saving me a lot of hassle.”

The Poet, full of confidence, patted the broad back of the Tessov Dragon Lizard Beast, causing it to snort in annoyance. He quickly stepped back a little, then turned to look at them.

Fang Hong looked at the over twenty Beasts of Burden of varying heights, some were Tessov Dragon Lizard Beasts, some were Wingless Dragons, and even there were Orlanth Steer wild oxen, among others—they were obviously not summoned from the same group, indicating the effort made to accomplish this task.

In the past few days, support from the Orca Guild and several other guilds arrived in this underground world. And the first thing they did was establish a safe passage to the surface and refurnished the forward camp, where they built semi-permanent fortifications.

This marked the first time major guilds from southern Nogness had a foothold for attack here, and the underground Grey Forest connected with the icy world outside, but Invokers who stayed here for more than half a month had not left—in fact, more people entered underground.

Though major guilds unanimously chose to keep this place’s secret, they intervened too late, as Free Summoners had already spread word. Now, people are discussing this newly discovered adventure Holy Land, from Lake Tear of Obey all the way to the Southern Region, from the Great Rainforest and even to parts of Istania.

Among them is the advocacy by the Seven Seas Travel Group. Fang Hong naturally doesn’t wish for major guilds to monopolize this place; firstly, it’s not conducive to their departure, and secondly, it serves to help that Heart of Tree figure. More people coming is beneficial to the Grey Treants residing here.

Of course, it’s just discussion for now, but soon adventurers will flock here from all directions—as soon as they confirm the existence of the ’leaves’ down here, for Invokers, nothing is more important than Experience Points.

In fact, if these guilds from South Nogness can hold onto this place, it might not be a bad thing for them. At that point, they may not even need to participate, just collect ’entrance fees’ to make a fortune.

But no matter the case, it’s time for them to leave—

Alice and her army have retreated deeper underground, and the canyon outside is now the safest moment. More crucially, Fang Hong recently spotted traces of Bounty Hunters, although they might not be targeting them, it’s enough to make him wary.

Bounty Hunters have keen noses; otherwise, they wouldn’t succeed in their line of work, and they generally wouldn’t mind seizing opportunities for some extra profit. So Fang Hong both reduced others’ outings and began final preparations to leave this place.

He bid farewell to the Heart of Tree and the Elder Grey Treant, notified Alice and Mei, then found Cuiye, asking this Poet to strategize the acquisition of Beasts of Burden from others.

Since they exceeded their target significantly, the immense quantity of Earth Origin Crystals was impossible to transport without Beasts or other methods, and among the candidates Fang Hong could think of, there wasn’t anyone more suited for this task than the Poet.

Even though there’s certain risk, he had learned from Miss Ship’s Officer how to leverage risks—he promised the Poet a reward almost irresistible, ensuring even if there’s betrayal, it’d require weighing consequences or finishing the deal first.

Indeed, the Poet not only fulfilled the commission but executed it effectively.

As for all the rambling, Fang Hong’s ears had grown callouses from hearing it, and he didn’t really mind. Although the Poet’s points weren’t wrong, obtaining greater benefits might mean negotiating hassles and might bring unnecessary troubles.

He counted the Seven Seas Travel Group’s spoils, totaling over four thousand three hundred leaves, half being their own spoils of war, the rest accounted for ’tribute’ from other teams as part of the agreement.

After taking stock, Fang Hong was slightly surprised and couldn’t help but ask:

”Cuiye, the count seems off?”

But it wasn’t a shortage; it was more than he expected.