Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

Chapter 464: Chapter 463 This Is All Normal PY Trading

Although Bishop Carl’s statement was quite ambiguous, Fang Zheng immediately grasped his meaning.

The Sanctuary indeed wanted to mend relations with him, but everything required a process and face-saving measures. The Kingdom of the Holy Church was a major power and naturally couldn’t grovel in shameless appeasement like some smaller countries. Otherwise, not only would it cause resentment among the citizens, but it might even displease some originally neutral members of the Sanctuary.

Typically, interactions between two powers should be mutually beneficial. However, as Bishop Carl had observed, the Heavenly Dao Palace seemed to lack nothing at the moment—neither daily necessities nor weapons and armor. There was no need for trade with the Kingdom of the Holy Church. This required finding another method.

This was the method Bishop Carl had conceived.

If a mutually beneficial arrangement was impossible, then mending relations would necessitate gift-giving, but if the gift was too small it would be better not to give one at all, and if it was too large, a reason was needed. Before seeing Fang Zheng’s fleet and the ”Chosen Ones,” Bishop Carl might not have had a reason, but now he had an idea.

This was why Bishop Carl, on behalf of the Kingdom of the Holy Church, was requesting Fang Zheng’s assistance.

On one hand, the current situation at the Order Fortress was indeed challenging. Last year’s Demon Beast Tide had severely damaged the Order Fortress, and with less than half a year passed, the fortress had not yet been fully repaired. Furthermore, the high-level combat power protecting the Order Fortress had also suffered significant losses. Although the Kingdom of the Holy Church was currently dispatching more personnel, it was impossible to send a large force in such a short time.

From this perspective, the Kingdom of the Holy Church indeed needed a powerful ally, and Fang Zheng, presently a Holy Spirit Knight and Paladin of the Sanctuary, could, in terms of procedures and identity, rightfully be invited to participate in defending the Order Fortress.

On the other hand, given the combat prowess Fang Zheng had displayed, especially that of the Seat of Apex, Bishop Carl was certain that with Fang Zheng’s involvement, the Northern Fortress could be defended. If the Seat of Apex could demonstrate his power once more in the battle at the Northern Fortress, it would provide the Sanctuary with a perfect ”excuse.”

An ”excuse” to richly reward Fang Zheng and his associates.

One could imagine that once Fang Zheng’s Heavenly Dao Palace shone brightly in the battle at the Northern Fortress, alongside the performance of the Seat of Apex, it would surely silence the critics within the Sanctuary. As long as they could promote it as ”rewarding the guardian heroes” and ”nurturing a relationship with a Transcendent,” no matter how extravagant the rewards, there wouldn’t be any voices of opposition.

Fang Zheng naturally understood Bishop Carl’s idea as well. As a manipulator, pulling in funds also required tactics. You at least needed to write up a proper plan. Hoping to take money based on mere words was the act of a swindler; those who plan have some conscience... Dreaming up plans blindly is akin to running a pyramid scheme, isn’t it?

But if you have something solid, whether dreamed up or scribbled hastily, it’s considered having documented evidence, showing some semblance of accountability, right?

In the Kingdom of Flame, Fang Zheng could simply use force since there was no fondness between them from the start. But of course, in dealing with the Kingdom of the Holy Church, Fang Zheng couldn’t possibly act so crudely, as he still needed to foster relations.

”That certainly wouldn’t be a problem,”

The two exchanged a knowing glance, then Fang Zheng immediately nodded with a smile. He wasn’t afraid of the Kingdom of the Holy Church reneging on their agreement. After all, the Kingdom of the Holy Church, unless truly foolish, would ensure a sufficient ”return” for him. If the Kingdom of the Holy Church truly intended to take advantage of him, Fang Zheng had his ways to retaliate, but... well, he still needed to first gauge the Sanctuary’s sincerity.

”However, I have a condition,”

”What condition?”

There was absolutely no change in Bishop Carl’s expression, clearly he was already prepared for this.

”It’s like this,”

Fang Zheng paused for a moment and then set down his teacup.

”I believe, Your Excellency, you must have seen those metal warships under my command.”

”Of course, I can’t forget their formidable presence.”

Answering Fang Zheng’s inquiry, Bishop Carl nodded, but his words were not merely flattery. Bishop Carl believed, not just he himself but anyone here who had witnessed those warships, would never forget these fearsome behemoths.

”I can deploy several warships to support the Northern Fortress.”

”That’s truly appreciated, Your Excellency Fang Zheng!”

Upon hearing this, Bishop Carl couldn’t help standing up excitedly. If Fang Zheng were really willing to dispatch these powerful metal warships to the Northern Fortress, then the crisis facing the Northlands would no longer pose any issue!

”However... I have a small problem,”

”Please proceed, Your Excellency Fang Zheng,”

”It’s like this... These warships... as you see, Your Excellency, require a power source, and currently, these warships’ power source is Spirit Crystals... so... I hope the Sanctuary could provide me with some Spirit Crystals...”

”Is that so...”

Hearing Fang Zheng’s request, Bishop Carl appeared somewhat astonished, but he quickly nodded. Of course, Fang Zheng hadn’t told the truth. He needed Spirit Crystals not for powering the warships. In fact, those warships, modified by the Sea Mist, didn’t need to worry about power sources. However, once they left the territorial range of the Heavenly Dao Palace, they would require a substantial amount of Dimensional Points to continue operating.

Thus, if Fang Zheng were to deploy these metal warships to the Northern Fortress, he would need to spend Dimensional Points. Well... at this point...

”To be frank, I would at least need this number...”

While speaking, Fang Zheng extended a finger, dipping it in tea water and wrote a number on the table. The number wasn’t really large; after all, Fang Zheng was a conscientious planner, especially since the Kingdom of the Holy Church was a future partner he planned to deal with. He couldn’t possibly ask for too much, could he?

Therefore, Fang Zheng calculated for a while and wrote a number that was merely... a hundred times the actual demand.

In Fang Zheng’s view, this was already a very fair price.

”This... I see, I finally understand why Your Excellency Fang Zheng you need so many Spirit Crystals.”

On the other hand, Bishop Carl had no doubt about this; it was quite normal. In Bishop Carl’s view, such a vast warship naturally required a considerable source of power. People tend to understand things in familiar ways—if you say a spaceship needs a nuclear reactor for power, most would find it logical.

But if you say a spaceship only needs a single AA battery, then many would think there’s something wrong with your brain.

On the other hand, the reason Fang Zheng specifically asked for Spirit Crystals was also to mislead others’ attention. He knew well that among the resources he demanded from the Kingdom of Flame and the Land of Wealth, Spirit Crystals constituted a significant portion. This would definitely raise suspicions. If he could make them believe that Spirit Crystals were the power source for the Warship of Sea Mist, then it would also help solve some troubles for Fang Zheng.

Since the energy core of the Magitech Warship was also Spirit Crystals, Bishop Carl quite easily accepted the request made by Fang Zheng—he also knew very well that the Sanctuary had to make a gesture first to gain Fang Zheng’s trust. Thus, although the quantity demanded by Fang Zheng seemed a bit exaggerated, he did not hesitate at all and agreed immediately.

”No problem, I will report back to the Sanctuary immediately and prepare these Spirit Crystals in the shortest time.”

”Thank you, Your Excellency Bishop.”

Having received Bishop Carl’s response, Fang Zheng’s smile on his face became even more evident. At the same time, he sighed inwardly, feeling that he had not stepped far enough. Had he known that the Sanctuary was this determined, he would have written a thousand times instead.

But after all, one should appreciate what they have.

”So... I have one more small gift to give to the Sanctuary.”

While saying this, Fang Zheng clapped his hands, and soon, the door opened. Kuliya and Nanali then entered, each carrying a large wooden box.

”What is this...”

Seeing the wooden boxes in the hands of the two girls, Bishop Carl was somewhat astonished, but Fang Zheng still gave Nanali a cue. Nanali hurriedly placed the box in front of Bishop Carl and then opened the lid.

”Is this... vegetables?”

Looking at the green plants in the wooden box, Bishop Carl paused for a moment, then quickly recognized that the box contained commonly consumed vegetables on the continent, including potatoes, radishes, and lettuce. These vegetables all appeared fresh and tender, and seemed quite good. But...

”Yes, these are vegetables, and... they don’t need to be planted in soil.”

This time, it was Nanali who cheerily explained, and upon hearing Nanali’s words, Bishop Carl paused, then suddenly stood up, his eyes widening as he looked at Nanali.

”What did you say? No need for soil? How, then, do these vegetables survive?!”

”Yes, it’s a nutrient solution...”

Startled by Bishop Carl’s reaction, Nanali also involuntarily stepped back before she quietly answered.

”Nutrient solution?”

”Yes, Your Excellency Bishop.”

Seeing her friend frightened into speechlessness, Kuliya quickly came over, then she opened the lower part of the box, letting Bishop Carl see the nutrient solution below and the roots of the plants soaked within it.

”Nanali created a nutrient solution based on Lord Fang Zheng’s ideas. With this nutrient solution, vegetables can be grown directly in it without soil... Of course, they still need sunlight...”

”This... this...”

Looking at the vegetables before him, the old archbishop’s complexion turned bright red; he trembled as he extended his hand, touching the wooden box as if caressing his most beloved lover. As a high-ranking member of the Sanctuary, Bishop Carl knew all too well the strategic impact this nutrient solution would have on the future of the Kingdom of the Holy Church! If previous fertilizers and greenhouses had already offered benefits to the Kingdom of the Holy Church, this nutrient solution, that allowed crops to thrive without soil, was an unimaginable miracle!!

”This truly is a valuable gift, Your Excellency Fang Zheng! Are you sure you want to give it to us?”

”Of course.”

Faced with Bishop Carl’s inquiry, Fang Zheng smiled again.

”I am always generous with friends.”