Chapter 187: Fish‑Fish Diplomacy

Just as the players guessed, this is indeed an external outpost of the dungeon, responsible for alerting, scouting, and blocking invading enemies, to enlarge our strategic depth as much as possible.

And it truly proved its military value; even when the Bright Empire, after a failed offensive, chose a Great Holy Seat airdrop, the external outpost still held back the allied main force for a long time, only falling after the defensive works completely collapsed and lost combat effectiveness, truly tenacious.

Unfortunately, after ten thousand years, because it was not isolated and no one repaired it, the sturdy earthen‑and‑stone structures have long turned into a pile of rubble, with only a few foundations hinting at its former grandeur.

But, like the major Tribes of the underground plain, Ji Ming does not intend to repair it, instead using it as an unrestricted test to see what the players will do.

Meanwhile, Gunblade's approach is…

"Make way, please don't block, the convoy is coming!"

Under the escort of many players and dogs, several large carts were pushed out of the dungeon and parked in the market.

Amid a strong crowd, the Gunblade soldiers lifted the covering cloth, a fishy scent spreading, revealing that they were all fresh fish hauled from Holy Tree Lake.

All I can say is: one step fast, every step fast.

While other guilds were still pondering how to handle the market issue, how to regain initiative and development pace, Fan Taozhu had already marshaled exchange points, purchased a large batch of fish goods from several angler guilds, and shipped them to the market via the Dog Village convoy.

Farming is slow, smithing is scarce; for the players, this is the fastest acquisition and the only commodity that can be obtained in large quantities.

Thick straw was laid on the ground as a base, and a few shade sheds were erected atop it.

Soon, box after box of catch piled up into a mountain, forming the first batch of goods in the Pioneers' market.

Although the setting remained crude, it felt somewhat on the right track.

However, having goods alone certainly won't earn money; someone must be willing to trade.

Coincidentally, the previous wave of chaos led the players to discover a large number of Tribes they could interact with, so Gunblade immediately dispatched a delegation, carrying some fish to visit them.

Production, growth, manpower, money and food—abundant fresh fish happen to be food, and one of the top concerns of the underground plain's tribal leaders.

The Pioneers may be reckless, but they don't even slap a smiling person who extends a hand, let alone when the other side brings essential basic supplies.

Therefore, even a tribe like the Cyclops, which doesn't like outsiders, let the human delegation in and gave them a warm reception.

"Haha, I was wondering why so many humans suddenly appeared; turns out you're from the deep plain."

"You want to become market managers and be subject to oversight from all sides? Humans, that's no simple matter."

"If you can truly provide a stable food supply, we dwarves will certainly not be stingy with iron weapon supplies!"

Perhaps it's out of fear, perhaps because they need not invest, or maybe they genuinely need to solve the food problem.

In short, it went smoothly; no tribe raised objections, it passed unanimously, recognizing the permanent market's existence.

And everyone is decent; you take their gifts and have nothing to show in return?

So here they take an enchanted weapon, there they receive a magic scroll…

When the Gunblade soldiers and others pooled together, cross‑checking the game shop and Forge Workshop to settle accounts, they found that just this batch of gifts would almost break even.

And the point rewards obtainable from a few first kills…

Probably even summed together they can't buy the cheapest enchanted weapon.

Even more curious, whether it was deliberate mind‑games or someone inside couldn't keep quiet, the matter spread like that.

【Impressive, the number one guild, sneaky, already winning before they even make a move】

【How did they know there was an abandoned market there? Could there be a hidden quest?】

【I told you to respect NPCs; those idiots who go crazy at the sight of a minotaur didn't get knocked out with a single punch, so there's not much…】

Players and viewers debated, and some opportunists gave this act a dedicated term—Fish‑Fish Diplomacy.

From a hindsight strategist's view, they merely exploited an information gap and played a little clever.

While the participants may be muddled, the onlookers see clearly; completing the plan, decision, and execution quickly enough proves Gunblade's capability.

However, since they have proven the path is viable, other guilds will naturally try to imitate immediately.

But when they hurriedly pushed the carts to Holy Tree Lake's edge, they were met with one shake after another.

"Sorry, friend, today's stock has all been sold to the Gunblade guild."

"There's nothing we can do, too many players; after the closed beta, Holy Tree Lake announced limited catches, and I've already hit my quota for today."

"If you really want it, I can provide fishing gear; the rest you'll have to figure out yourselves."

Several small guilds looked at each other, a nameless anger rising within.

"Grandma leg, turns out Gunblade's scoundrels set a trap for us!"

"Damn it, you trying to stop me from making money?"

"Yah, I'm furious!"

But the fate of those two groups before was so spectacular, now it's pinned at the top of everyone's view as a warning.

Moreover, although the Justice Guild does not partake in external contests, it has become, invisibly, the protector of the logistics‑centered, laid‑back players.

Do you want to cause trouble and disrupt everyone's peaceful, happy farming game?

Lost Traveler's big hand. jpg

So even the most arrogant players only dare to curse a couple of words verbally; they don't even dare to lift an arm in action.

"Damn, isn't it just about getting some fish? The lake's huge, fish are plenty; if it really doesn't work, we'll just…"

"Exactly, brothers, follow me into the water!"

"Charge!"

Unfortunately, even if there are no cops, the anglers won't wade in and cast nets for a reason.

"Boss, there's a huge fish over there!"

"I'm noting, it's a tiger‑pattern shark, brothers run!"

"Ah, damn, don't bite there!"

After a few died drowning alive or being mauled by piranhas, they gave up this method of mass‑catching fresh fish.

So they had to calm down, take a fishing rod, sit on the shore and start fishing.

Yet fishing may sound simple, it's actually a skillful task; even if some anglers are willing to help, how hard is it for players to catch fish themselves?

"No, where's the promised newbie protection period? Why can't I get any loot!"

"Where's my water‑ghost brother? Hurry and drop a fish for me!"

"Eek, okay, I got it!"

"Damn thing, what did you get?"

Then, when one of the players reeled in the line and gave a hard pull, the thing in the water was hoisted up, and on close inspection…

"I cheat, the dead fish is fresh!"

Even though this is in a game and there are so many people around, they surely aren't scared of any spirits or ghosts.

But the taboo still brings bad luck, and the stench from the dead fish made me nauseous, almost vomiting on the spot.

In the end, after a long slog we still couldn't fill a single crate of fish; moving them to another Tribe would be too cold, so we had to give up.

But the small Guild is helpless—does the big Guild feel the same?

Even though Justice has maintained its friendship with Qiang Ren since the closed beta, and as a relatively laxly managed Guild they have never taken part in any disputes.

Yet as a rising force making big moves, can Xingkong, the game's top wealth holder, really have no response at all?

Thus, both in‑game and out, the onlookers are debating how they will break the deadlock.

Little did anyone know they never sent anyone to Shengshu Lake; instead they went to the Forge Workshop and commissioned a series of iron goods.

Then they had the Crazy Alternate Dimension crew head to Dog Village to find a player whose real‑world job is a chef.

The guests interacted with famous NPCs like Qimis and also took part themselves, preparing a huge table of exotic dishes—quite distinctive.

Unfortunately, no one cared; instead the bullet comments and review section erupted into arguments.

【No way, why did it suddenly turn into a food show? This is really slacking off?】

【Tsk, I knew that Xiao Bai face was just an embroidered pillow】

【Sour, you're just jealous of my 124th online husband!】

But as public opinion heated up and everyone wondered what the heck they were doing, the livestream announced the next phase of events.

Liu Zhen's oily face stared into the camera as the crew panned the shot toward the village outskirts.

"I'm sure everyone knows by now: in the southwest corner of the Underground Plains lies a formidable Bullhead Tribe."

"Next, our guests will go there together to visit Chief Agsi, and bring you more news about the Iron Hoof Tribe!"

More than ten carts of fish can buy the nods of the various Tribes, and a few exquisite iron tools can naturally earn Chief Agsi a banquet.

Moreover, the meal isn't even on his tab; the crew provided it, and Lao Niu just sits and eats happily.

"Honored Chief Agsi, I am Hu Bian, leader of the Crazy Guild, and we sincerely invite you to taste the cuisine of our people!"

"But before that, please change into this top‑grade attire we present to friends."

I really have no idea how they rushed this out; Xingkong Guild's gift to Agsi turned out to be a black robe‑armor studded with countless metal pieces.

With a metal crown on his head and a golden‑sheath greatsword at his waist, the towering chief looks both regal and martial—truly intimidating.

These Bullhead Tribe folk living on the Underground Plains have never seen such delicacies; the table of rare treats and fine garments instantly made their eyes sparkle with greed.

Even the usually composed Agsi was stunned, sitting on the main seat with a hint of restraint.

Agsi (flattered version). jpg

And since he can mingle in the entertainment circle, who knows about his other abilities, but his skill at flattering and sucking up is definitely passing.

Here they boast of his mighty strength, there they hail his formidable presence, and the sweet‑sour fruit wine is so tasty that the atmosphere of the feast quickly heats up.

Hot yet?

Then we should get to the main point!

Su Ban Yu pretended to be drunk and poured another drink for Agsi.

"Chief Agsi, I heard friends from another Guild set up a permanent market; have you heard of it?"

"Well…"

Counting on Lao Shi Niu to keep secrets is hard enough, let alone when his face is already flushed from drinking.

So as long as the guests ask—even if they skirt around the topic—he'll answer whatever comes to mind, answering every question.

【So it was Agsi who told the Qiang Ren Guild about the rush market?】

【Wow, Agsi is actually level 38; can players catch up in a month?】

【Brother looks so cool drinking, give brother more camera time, I'll fire ten rockets!】

And because it's broadcast worldwide in sync, foreigners are watching this scene too.

【Generous crab, is this EastJapan clothing? Why haven't I seen it in the game?】

【Bullhead Tribe wearing Huaxia‑style clothes—why am I having this dream? Could the neighbor Lao Mo be flinging leaves again?】

【Great, this is our Silla traditional attire, showcasing our international influence】

【Silla thief is stealing Sairis's stuff again; don't think seeing the old king once means victory, the prime minister is ours】

【Damn Tianzhu People don't deserve to speak online; are you sleeping in cow dung?】

Nevertheless, no matter how the cyber battles rage online, once the meal is over, both host and guest are fully satisfied.

Agsi, dazed, took a massive battle axe from a tribe member's hand.

"You are friends of the Bullhead Tribe; this represents our friendship."

Even though both are gifts, there are still differences in value.

At least the double‑ring magic scroll Qiang Ren received certainly isn't as "valuable" as a battle axe engraved with the Iron Hoof Tribe's totem.

Howard sat in the castle's living room watching it all, and the last bits of worry on his face finally eased.

You, Qiang Ren, build trade routes on our maps; of course we can also advance further using your reputation!

Pretending to chat cheerfully with players, Fan Taozhu furrowed his brow, his fingers gradually tightening.

It seems that even with early planning, we still can't underestimate the heroes; among these thousands of players there are great talents…

Compared with the travel and exploration of the first day, the second day's PVPVE masters' duel was certainly more exciting.

Thus, even though the banquet had ended, netizens of all kinds were still hotly debating the gains and losses, gradually coming back to their senses and beginning to post their own views.

【So who won this round, Gunblade or Starry Sky?】

【I think it was Gunblade, monopolizing gold mines and the like with their player influence and strength is too unfair.】

【I think it was Starry Sky; this banquet not only trended domestically, it even surged to a high rank on Dahei Cha.】

In the end, a blogger who usually focuses on international affairs posted an article, presenting a new viewpoint.

【I actually think they both won, or rather both lost.】

【Gunblade won inside the game, seizing the greatest initiative; Starry Sky won outside the game, earning the biggest hype and traffic, so the parts they couldn't claim themselves were handed over to the other side.】

【In the future, no matter how many developable forces Gunblade communicates with, Starry Sky will turn them into its allies; likewise, however broad Starry Sky's circle of friends, Gunblade will convert them into its own trade routes.】

Are they all that powerful?

Sitting in a bar built into the High Tower Castle, Ji Ming finished reading the off‑stage summary of the players' duel.

Although his expected goal was to cultivate a few senior professionals from the players, thereby dominating the Underground Plain.

But at the current development speed and trend, I'm afraid they could break onto the surface and corrupt the world in less than half a month.

…It's troublesome, the pressure is huge.

Glancing at his experience acquisition table, he had no choice but to teleport to the Corpse Storage.

Looking at the several monster corpses before him, he waved toward Xi Er Wei Ya.

"Revive them; it's time to grind a wave of experience."