Chapter 413: Payday Tomorrow

Punabantu.

A remote area in the southeast of the Endless Sea, rarely visited. Generally, people would collectively call such areas places where birds don't poop.

Aside from making the newspaper once when a super-large gold mine was discovered, it never had any heat, and even the name was taken from the navigator who discovered the gold mine.

A large number of immigrants and a small number of indigenous people gathered together. In a riot more than a hundred years ago, the local indigenous people were slaughtered, and the outsiders occupied this area. Soon, they fought endlessly due to religious, linguistic, and ethnic conflicts, plus the gold mine as a catalyst, and never had a few days of peace.

And after the shallow gold mines were mostly excavated and large companies were unwilling to invest due to the complex local situation, this place soon returned to poverty, but the chaos and conflicts remained.

In this world, it’s hard to live well if you’re too close to the Federation, and it’s even worse if you’re too far from the Federation. Life wasn't good even with a gold mine, and it only got worse after the gold mine was gone.

After losing the lubrication of gold, the struggle didn't subside but intensified, and large-scale conflicts of various colors emerged one after another.

Before the Spirit Plague broke out a few days ago, in just one month, they changed two presidents, four generals, and countless warlords who took turns on stage. As a result, everyone worked together, relying on their amazing wisdom and humanoid forms and even touching operations, to painstakingly create eighteen layers of hell in a tiny snail shell.

As a result, looking back now...

The pusher behind the scenes was probably aiming for this, right?

Through the spread and catalysis of the Spirit Plague, laying the foundation, and seizing the consciousness, souls, and dreams of countless people, they created a real hell and demon realm.

From beginning to end, no one cared.

Death was too frequent, so much so that hell seemed ordinary.

Ji Jue closed his eyes, tapping on the table in front of him, and fell into deep thought amidst the crisp sound.

Now, he had finally found Wen Wen’s destination.

But he couldn't help but have a headache.

The stubbornness of the Wilderness... Big Sister, what were you thinking? How could you jump into the opponent’s lair to fight just because your fists were hard? Even with your toes, you could think about what Punabantu had become after the collapse effect. Couldn't you have planned slowly?

Or was there some reason you had to do this? You wouldn't have killed a free-range chicken you’d raised for several years just to hold a chicken-eating contest, right?

Wen Wen was a Wilderness Overcomer, and a strong one at that.

But he was just a Craftsman, weak, powerless, and pitiful. How the hell was he supposed to handle this?

Ji Jue sighed.

He took out his phone, opened his blacklist, released the name that had been kicked in for a long time, and sent a text: [Money is enough, come quickly]

In less than ten minutes, a message came back from the other side.

Tang Qian (Note: White-plucked me ten gold coins): [Is it true, Godfather!]

[Really, really, food, drink, medical care, and subsidies are all covered. Payday tomorrow, gather at the coast, no need to wear armor. The earlier you come, the more you get.]

[Okay, Godfather! See you tonight, love you. Heart~]

Ji Jue looked at the sweet reply that seemed to ooze honey and nodded.

Wasn't the cannon fodder for scouting found?

Then, in the silence, he walked with his hands behind his back on the map projected by Isis, measuring the distance with his steps, one step, and another.

Gradually, his heart settled.

He took out his phone again and dialed.

"What’s the matter?!" An impatient voice came from the other side: "I’m telling you, Ji, if you come to me again when you’re idle, sooner or later I’ll make you look good!"

"Hello? Old Fu."

"Who the hell are you calling Old Fu!"

Frederick of the North Wind Workshop was furious: "Say what you have to say, I’m busy here!"

"Fine, then go play. Just call your teacher to talk to me," Ji Jue said lightly: "By the way, call the leader of your Dragon Skeleton Fleet, the one who can make decisions, all over."

"What the hell?! Wait, wait a minute, are you serious?"

The other side was stunned for a moment, followed by a crash, mixed with vague cursing and roaring, and Frederick’s embarrassed begging and apologizing.

Soon, it became quiet, and Frederick’s voice became serious: "The teacher is already here, you’d better have something important!"

Then, a low voice sounded, carrying mockery: "'Factory Manager Ji,' is there some other troublesome thing that needs someone to take the blame?"

"Let’s say it first, don't try to fool people with small change."

"I won't say any more unnecessary words."

Ji Jue stood firm on the map again, lowering his eyes, glancing at the map below: "Want land?"

"..."

For a moment, the other side was dead silent.

"I remember the frost period in the North is coming soon, right?" Ji Jue asked curiously: "A large piece, ready-made good land, a bit barren, but it can support people. Want it?"

"..."

Huang Xu remained silent. After a long time, there was no more of the previous haggling and opportunistic banter: "Explain in detail, you’d better not sell out."

"Punabantu, large area, spring all year round, suitable climate, coconuts and mangoes are nourishing, ready-made plantations, just lacking a batch of hardworking people willing to reclaim land."

"Heh."

Huang Xu couldn't help but sneer, finally realizing: "You’re playing this 'borrowing a knife to kill' trick on me again! Second time? Do you think others don't have a heart, or do you think you’re the only smart one?"

"Just say whether you’re doing it or not." Ji Jue was too lazy to argue: "If not, I’ll find someone else."

How could he not do it?

If he really didn't do it, Huang Xu wouldn't be willing to waste even half a drop of saliva; it was obvious he wanted Ji Jue to show his cards.

"A broken place that can't stand firm even if it’s beaten down, far from the North ghost, have you calculated the voyage? What’s the use of an enclave?"

"Besides, even if it can be beaten down, can the Seven Cities nearby allow us to take root?"

Ji Jue was amused: "The relationship between you and the Seven Cities recently is just short of wearing the same pair of pants, or rather, open-crotch pants, everything is exposed, what are you still pretending for?"

Facing the trade blockade of other city-states, the North has completely accepted all comers. These days, just by acting as a middleman, the Seven Cities have made a fortune.

Ji Jue hadn't asked about the specific friend transaction content, but it was definitely not simple.

Huang Xu retorted decisively: "Cooperation is cooperation, neighbors are neighbors. Sometimes, you can only cooperate if you can't be neighbors."

"That’s your problem, not mine."

Ji Jue shook his head: "It doesn't matter if you want to wait for a price, Master Craftsman, I can find others, but when it’s done, if you want to come and share the meat, it won't be this price."

"It’s you who has no sincerity, Ji Jue." Huang Xu’s voice turned cold: "That kind of ghost place that is marked as a forbidden zone, even if you stand firm, you can't survive. The North is not yet in such a predicament. Show sincerity, otherwise, it can end here."

"If it weren't a forbidden zone, would you have a chance?"

Ji Jue asked back: "According to the land and sea agreement signed by all parties more than ten years ago, forbidden zone pioneers and cleaners enjoy property rights and land rights for decades or more."

"Everyone wants sincerity, I can give it to you first. I made something in Haizhou a few days ago, you can take a look. Let’s talk after you see it. It’s just that I don't have much time. After today, let’s pretend this never happened, don't mention it again."

As he spoke, he waved his other hand, sending the video and relevant data of Isis’s Crown clearing the Haizhou wilderness.

On the other side, there was another long silence.

Even, a light sigh.

"As expected of the Art of Ten Thousand Changes..."

Fluid alchemy, pure peak, the echo of ancient alchemy.

Huang Xu, who had always looked down on outside techniques because of his own inheritance, seemed to feel envy. Convenient, really convenient.

Purifying materials like mercury, forcibly enhancing physical properties through internal spirituality, can achieve the peculiar effect of turning decay into magic.

This was still the level before being elevated by the transformation sequence of Non-Aggression.

And the super-wide-area spiritual essence interference and unimaginable precision operation made the seemingly mediocre effect completely turn into a natural disaster.

At the same time, combined with solid alchemy, it is the nemesis of all abnormal spiritual environments. The spiritual structure of the worm determines its terrifying resistance and tolerance to the external environment, and it can work as usual even in the forbidden zone.

If there is no external interference, it might not be a problem to clear out the abnormal demon realm covering the entire archipelago.

The same effect, even if other alchemical creations can do it, absolutely cannot be as easy, simple, and fast as it.

It’s as if it was born for this.

It’s just... as for the price, it’s negotiable.

After some fierce bargaining, the two sides barely reached a consensus, but there were too many things left aside, waiting to be haggled over later.

Regardless, the deal was reached!

Three minutes after the phone hung up, on the satellite image, a huge fleet galloping on the Endless Sea stopped abruptly, and then, turned direction.

It seemed like a horn had been blown.

On the steel warship, the ancient sails of the old era were raised again.

On the canvas was the ancient totem of the Dragon Skeleton coiled, glowing with fierce light, scorching and surging. Then, the vast sea surged, and the strong wind whistled.

Accelerated again.

Mist emerged out of thin air, gradually swallowing their tracks.

In the drums and horns, excited singing rose on the huge warships, chanting hoarsely.

Notify the North.

——Dragon Skeleton Fleet, advancing toward the hot land again!

Xinquan, after Ji Jue hung up the phone, he didn't stop, picked up the phone again, and dialed Chen Hangzhou’s number.

"Receiving your call now, I always have a feeling of heart palpitations..." The Dragon Head sighed: "Being friends with you, I’m aging too fast. This time, isn't it another big move?"

Ji Jue asked: "I plan to go to the Endless Sea to reclaim land, build a few factories, and invest in local industries. Is the Wilderness Market interested?"

Chen Hangzhou was silent for a moment, understanding his meaning, as if sitting up: "Where?"

"Punabantu."

"Hiss..."

The sound of gasping came: "Who else?"

"All old friends, the North’s Dragon Skeleton Fleet has already set out. We’ve known each other for so long, let’s make money together. Interested?"

"Wu... Right, you have that thing. No, you wouldn't have prepared for this, would you?" Chen Hangzhou seemed to understand something, becoming more and more emotional. Ji Jue didn't explain much; just let him be an restless careerist.

"Can it work? How much investment is needed?"

"The trouble is a bit big, but the more you invest, the more you earn." Ji Jue said: "It’s all up to you."

"You saying that makes people feel a bit uncomfortable." Chen Hangzhou was helpless: "At least give a number? So I can land and pay back the money, right?"

Ji Jue thought for a moment and asked: "Can you shake a Heavenly Man over?"

"......I let you give a number, not let you have a dream!" Chen Hangzhou couldn't hold it: "Where can the price of a Heavenly Man be afforded? If a Heavenly Man comes, what meat will be left? We can only lick the edges of the soup."

"How about this, An family’s two fingers, one word for success or failure."

"Okay."

Ji Jue’s answer was so fast and decisive that Chen Hangzhou felt he had lost.

But if Punabantu could be taken down, it might not be a loss. The local port could be used after repair, and the follow-up could be a long-term flow. Not to mention that if Ji Jue wanted to invest in industries, he wouldn't worry about sales.

"Then it’s settled." Chen Hangzhou didn't want to argue anymore. "I’ll let Old Lin contact you later. Any other requirements?"

"Fast, as fast as possible, the faster the better, preferably tomorrow morning."

"You really know how to be a Party A..."

Chen Hangzhou sighed and didn't refuse, hanging up the phone.

Ji Jue’s phone dialed again.

Next was the Homecoming Knights, shaking out a hundred large swarms. On one hand, the time was too tight and manpower was insufficient. After all, everyone had tasks, and so many people were gathered after the accountant old man gritted his teeth and watered down several commissions.

On the other hand, the sea environment was really not suitable for bacterial colonies to play...

Finally, Ji Jue dialed the last phone call.

Seven Cities.

The phone was answered after one ring.

Without waiting for the enthusiastic greeting on the opposite side, Ji Jue asked bluntly: "Deputy Commander Minkler, want to turn positive?"

"Dad!!!"

A touching call and shout came from the other side, almost with a crying voice.

Tears were not a refusal, but a sob of returning to his biological father’s embrace after years of wandering. Before Minkler could react, he was already in tears, rising and slapping the table:

"Between father and son, why say more? Just tell me who to fight!"

"You don't need to fight anyone, just pull out the Seven Cities Joint Defense Navy for a lap, and wait for the credit of opening up the territory to come to your hands."

"It’s just that..."

Ji Jue paused and said slowly: "The place that was beaten down, what is the specific situation, what is the management method... The Seven Cities shouldn't mind, right?"

"Who minds? Who the hell dares to mind what Dad says? Could it be that my sword is not sharp!"

Minkler didn't hesitate and responded decisively: "Don't worry, how to arrange it, no two words!"

Thus, the last official pretext and reason were solved.

The Seven Cities were indignant at the unfair treatment suffered by the Chongguang Association, and even their own territory was invaded. After learning that the mastermind was entrenched in Punabantu, they decisively raised the righteous army again, initiated the righteous act, cleared the chaos, and eliminated the demons.

Establishing a heart for the Thousand Islands, establishing a life for the Seven Cities, inheriting the lost learning for Tianyuan, and opening peace for the Endless Sea... You have an opinion? How dare you have an opinion? Then go tell the innocent victims with blood and tears! Are you related to the mastermind? I’m going to start a strict investigation!

Old Tang to act as a bodyguard and scapegoat, the Dragon Skeleton Fleet as the main force, Huang Xu of the North Wind to provide support, the Wilderness Market to dispatch high-end combat power, the Red State’s Homecoming Knights to be prepared, and the Seven Cities to stand out as a cover—this could be considered an explanation to all parties.

The people were gathered, and they could open the group immediately.

Just push it all the way.

It’s just...

Why did he still have faint unease in his heart?

Could the mastermind of this matter really be something that could be created by the non-combustible trash that Sister Wen mentioned? Such a huge scale, the aspects involved...

Ji Jue frowned and fell into deep thought in the silence.

He subconsciously picked up his phone, and when he came to his senses, it had stopped on the teacher’s contact information. He subconsciously pressed it, but then hung up again.

The teacher had entered a working period recently and had long ignored outside matters. Not to mention whether this kind of thing was worth disturbing the teacher, the key was that the teacher was involved in too many things.

Why should such a low profile for so many years be broken because of his own reasons?

Then, Ji Jue’s choice was only one left...

Suddenly, his expression twitched, as if he were forced to eat a fly, highlighting the discomfort. The fly hadn't even entered his mouth and he couldn't take it.

Alas, the form is not up to people...

If you have to eat, you have to eat.

He looked up, sighed, and picked up the phone again.

Dialed the Association’s dedicated line.

To be precise, the private phone of the current Chairman, Gustav.

"Hello? Chairman Gustav, yes, it’s me. No, no, it was all thanks to the Association’s support before, and your teaching during the exam. No problem, I will cooperate, anytime is fine, just an interview, hmm, okay, okay."

After some pleasantries, he said his true purpose with hesitation and reluctance: "Can you please remind that old... *cough cough*, I mean, that Excellency, I feel that the situation behind this wave of Spirit Plague is not simple. Hmm, yes, it’s just my personal guess, sorry to trouble you, thank you..."

After hanging up the phone, Ji Jue finally sighed exhaustedly.

Alright, the old dog will be in place soon.

This shouldn't cause any trouble, right?

Even if there is any trouble, it should be enough to snatch Sister Wen back in one piece!

Since things have come to this, there is no need to hesitate.

Just do it!

Ji Jue rolled up his sleeves.

"Isis."

"I am here."

"The Prosperity docks, use Workshop No. 4 of the shipyard, clear the deck and cabin, and then..."

Ji Jue hesitated, but finally made up his mind: "Prepare to implant Isis’s Crown, and in addition, allow the installation of weapon modules."

"Including, Isis’s Tear."

"As you command."

Starlight-like projections gathered, and the Spirit of the Workshop bowed like a smile, lifting her skirt: "My master."

Starlight-like projections converged, and the Spirit of the Workshop seemed to smile as she lifted her skirt and bowed: "My Master."