The Elven Cultivator

”That’s right.”

Anton nodded and listed the materials needed to craft the Frost Pattern Axe one by one.

There was no reason to hide this.

Many of the Casters present specialized in Alchemy, and upon hearing Anton’s words, they immediately understood the key points.

”These materials... they aren’t expensive.”

”The cost is just too low.”

”It’s less than half the cost of a typical Micro-Light Level magic item.”

The three elders exchanged a look, each seeing the excitement and joy in the others’ eyes.

They had inspected Romance’s Frost Pattern Axe beforehand and had realized the uniqueness of this magic item before anyone else. Now, with Anton’s confirmation, a wave of excitement washed over them.

They almost immediately thought of the Frost Pattern Silver vein in the Thousand Rock Hills.

If they could find and develop that mineral vein, obtain a large quantity of Frost Pattern Silver, and combine it with the other already inexpensive materials, they could mass-produce Micro-Light Level magic items and arm the entire Forest Guard.

If they did, the overall strength of the Silver Moon Race would undoubtedly leap several steps.

Cedric, Irina, Darian, and the others also quickly understood the implications, their eyes lighting up one after another.

Elena, in particular, couldn’t wait to speak. ”Great Elder, I propose we immediately send people deep into the Thousand Rock Hills to search for the Frost Pattern Silver vein.”

”We certainly must find the vein,” the Great Elder said, quickly composing himself and pointing out the crucial issue. ”But how to develop it is something we must plan for carefully.”

After coming back to their senses from the initial joy, everyone quickly realized the risks involved.

Developing a mine wasn’t like hunting.

The latter involved dispatching a small, elite team for a quick strike.

The former, however, required a large number of people to be stationed at the mining area long-term to establish a camp, dig tunnels, and transport ore.

Moreover, the Thousand Rock Hills were teeming with Dragon Beasts and fraught with danger. A single misstep could not only lead to failure in developing the mine but also result in heavy casualties.

More importantly, the Clan was currently facing the threat of the Molten Spike Tribe and simply couldn’t spare enough people to garrison and develop the mine.

Just as everyone was racking their brains, Anton suddenly spoke up. ”I have a proposal.”

Everyone turned to look at him in unison.

The Great Elder nodded. ”Go on.”

Anton said calmly, ”We could partner with Gray Rock Castle.”

As soon as he said this, everyone’s eyes lit up, including the Great Elder’s.

Gray Rock Castle was located about one hundred twenty li south of the Silver Moon Forest. It was a Dwarven fortress built into the side of a mountain, home to about eight thousand mountain Dwarves.

It was the largest mining and forging center in the Eldron Plain. The Dwarves mined ores like iron, copper, silver, and Mithril from deep within the mountains, crafting them into fine weapons and armor that were sold throughout the surrounding regions.

As everyone knew, Dwarves had an almost obsessive love for ore and forging.

In their eyes, ore and weapons were comparable to glittering Gemstones.

If those Dwarves found out there was an undeveloped Frost Pattern Silver vein in the Thousand Rock Hills, their eyes would gleam, and they’d probably want to grab their pickaxes and rush into the depths of the hills immediately.

”The mountain Dwarves are experts at finding mineral veins and excavating ore. With their help, developing the mine would go much more smoothly.”

”Furthermore, we could have the Dwarves help forge the frost-steel, or even have them directly create weapon blanks. Afterward, we would only need to inscribe Runes onto the finished weapons to turn them into magic items, which would save us a great deal of time and effort.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, a deeper meaning in his tone. ”We could even take it a step further. We can use this partnership to gradually turn Gray Rock Castle into a close ally and persuade them to help us deal with the Molten Spike Tribe.”

”And the price we have to pay is merely the information about the Frost Pattern Silver vein, plus logistical support based on our proximity and assistance in development. To exchange that for a hard-working helper and a future ally... I believe that’s a very worthwhile trade.”

Anton’s calm and powerful voice echoed in the hall.

Everyone’s eyes grew brighter. The more they listened, the more they felt it was a brilliant move.

Partnering with the Dwarves had nothing but benefits for them.

The three elders exchanged a glance and reached an agreement almost instantly.

”Alright, we’ll do as you say,” the Great Elder said with a slight smile. ”As for Gray Rock Castle, I will go and negotiate with them personally.”

”You really have a quick mind, kid,” the Third Elder said, looking at Anton with a beaming smile, his eyes full of admiration.

Anton smiled faintly. ”You flatter me, Third Elder.”

With the two most important topics concluded, the atmosphere in the hall immediately lightened considerably.

The subsequent topics were all routine matters and were quickly discussed and settled.

After the meeting, the three elders asked Anton to stay behind to further discuss the details of the mine development plan.

To consult an underage Elf’s opinion on such an important plan, one that concerned the very fate of the Clan, would be absolutely unimaginable in any other clan.

But the Elves present all felt it was perfectly natural.

Before today, they had never imagined that a single Elf could possess such astonishing talent in so many different fields.

Besides that, Anton’s performance today had made them see him in a completely new light.

Sharp-witted, knowledgeable, calm, and composed—he didn’t act like an underage Elf at all.

It was only natural for such an outstanding individual to be highly regarded by the Elder Council.

Not far away, watching Anton become the center of attention, a flash of admiration appeared in Eleanor’s eyes.

She and Romance had also attended the meeting, but they were merely part of the background. Anton, on the other hand, was able to speak with confidence and ease in front of so many high-ranking elders, even persuading everyone to adopt his proposal. His entire performance was exceptionally stunning.

’Perhaps this is the kind of person Grandfather has always hoped for—someone who can lead the Clan to rise.’

”What’s wrong?”

Seeing Eleanor’s dazed expression, Romance couldn’t help but wave a hand in front of her face.

Eleanor snapped back to reality and shook her head lightly. ”It’s nothing. It’s just... Anton is so exceptional. It’s hard to believe he’s the same age as us.”

Romance smiled. ”But Anton has always been amazing.”

Her tone was matter-of-fact, as if this were the most self-evident truth in the world.

Eleanor glanced at Romance. Seeing the undisguised pride and trust in her eyes, she suddenly felt a bit envious of the unspoken understanding and closeness between her and Anton.

...

Anton left the Eternal Hall in a cheerful mood, his steps feeling much lighter.

The plan had gone very smoothly.

Just as he had predicted, once the Clan’s upper echelons realized the immense value of Talismans, they agreed to the plan to develop the Frost Pattern Silver vein with almost no hesitation.

Now, all that was left was for the Clan and Gray Rock Castle to reach a partnership agreement, and then they could begin searching for and developing the mine.

Before long, he would be able to get his hands on a large amount of Frost Pattern Silver and successfully refine the Gold Marrow.

’The only thing left is the Earth Attribute material, and I have no leads on that yet.’

Anton decided to take a trip to Bishui Port in a few days to ask the Tulip Commerce Association if they had found what he was looking for.

Returning to his treehouse, Anton sat cross-legged on his bed and continued his daily cultivation routine.

Over the past two years, he had successively refined another eight wisps of Primeval Spiritual Qi, bringing his total to sixty-two.

The steady increase in his strength had him completely engrossed in his cultivation, unable to pull himself away.