Jade stepped off the warship onto Pierpoint, her boots clicking against the metal docking platform. The air here was thick with the scent of machinery and oil, the hum of energy cores powering the massive ships that dotted the horizon. Neon signs flickered against the metallic structures, casting a faint glow over the bustling crowd of merchants, engineers, and mercenaries that filled the port.
As she adjusted her coat, her eyes scanned the area until she spotted a familiar group gathered near a private meeting room in one of the upper levels of the station. The Ten Stonehearts were waiting for her.
She made her way through the crowd, nodding to a few familiar faces before stepping into the reserved chamber. The room was dimly lit, illuminated only by a central holographic table displaying planetary data, supply lines, and investment plans. The air was tense, thick with the weight of upcoming decisions.
At the head of the table sat Diamond, his piercing gaze fixed on the projections before him. Topaz leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, the ever-present smirk on his face betraying his confidence. Across from them, Onyx tapped his fingers rhythmically against the table, while Citrine sat with one leg crossed over the other, watching the exchange unfold with amusement.
Emerald was the first to acknowledge her arrival. "Jade, finally. We were beginning to think you got lost in a shopping spree."
Jade rolled her eyes but took her seat with ease. "Oh, please. As if I'd waste time when we have serious business to discuss."
Diamond gestured to the table. "Then let's not waste any more time. Tell us—how was Yuri's shop?"
Jade placed the Equipment Forging Cards onto the table, the neatly stacked pile drawing everyone's attention. "These are what I brought back. Thirty of them. Equipment Forging Cards. They're a gamble, but if they work, they'll give us a significant edge."
Topaz raised an eyebrow. "A gamble, huh? I thought you were against relying on luck."
Jade met his gaze with a smirk. "Calculated risk. If we distribute them wisely, we might not even need luck."
Citrine leaned forward, plucking one of the cards from the pile and flipping it between her fingers. "And if they fail?"
"They won't all fail," Jade said firmly. "It's about probability. Some of them will work, and the ones that do will push us ahead."
Onyx tapped the table again, drawing attention back to himself. "That's great and all, but let's talk about what really matters—Belobog's future. I heard Bronya made her move."
Jade nodded. "She has. She invested everything into agricultural development. She bought two hundred Icefield Deer calves. If all goes well, Belobog will have a stable economic foundation within a few years."
Diamond steepled his fingers. "Agriculture over industry… it's a long-term approach."
"It's the right approach," Emerald said. "Trying to jump straight into industrial production would be suicide. She's thinking ahead."
Sapphire, who had been quiet until now, leaned forward, resting his chin on his clasped hands. "Still, I wonder if Belobog will be able to sustain itself while waiting for those returns."
Topaz scoffed. "That's why we're here, isn't it? To make sure they don't collapse in the meantime."
Ruby, who had been lounging against the wall, finally spoke up. "You're suggesting more direct involvement?"
"Why not?" Jade said, his expression unwavering. "We have the resources, and if we integrate Belobog into our supply lines now, we solidify our connection before they become independent."
Onyx grinned. "That sounds a lot like securing our own interests."
Jade smirked. "That's exactly what it is. And there's nothing wrong with that. A strong Belobog benefits us as much as it benefits them."
Diamond exhaled slowly, his gaze sharp as he examined each of them. "Then it's decided. We'll allocate resources to support Belobog's transition. But we do it discreetly. No direct intervention. If we prop them up too much, they'll never learn to stand on their own."
Citrine stretched her arms above her head. "Subtlety is good and all, but what exactly are we providing?"
Jade turned to Sapphire. "You were looking into logistics, weren't you?"
Sapphire nodded. "Yes. We can provide cold storage units and specialized transport for the Icefield Deer industry. If they can't export, the whole operation collapses. We make sure that doesn't happen."
Emerald added, "We should also look into medicinal applications. Icefield Deer aren't just for food. Their antlers have regenerative properties. If we develop that market, Belobog's profits will skyrocket."
Jade nodded in approval. "Smart."
Ruby looked at Diamond. "What's our budget for this?"
Diamond didn't hesitate. "Fifty thousand Star Coins to start. Enough to establish supply routes and storage facilities. If we see progress, we'll invest more."
Jade tapped her fingers against the table, considering. "I'd say that's fair."
Sapphire frowned slightly. "And what about security?"
Jade straightened. "I'll handle that. We don't need a full force, just enough to ensure no one interferes with shipments."
Onyx smirked. "Sounds like you're just looking for an excuse to visit Belobog more often."
Jade ignored the jab. "I'll do what needs to be done."
Diamond finally stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. "Then it's settled. We'll proceed as discussed. Jade, good work on securing those Equipment Forging Cards. We'll distribute them carefully."
Jade stood as well, collecting her portion. "We should test them soon. No point in waiting."
Topaz grinned. "Agreed. Let's see who gets lucky."
As the meeting adjourned, the Ten Stonehearts left the room one by one, each with their own tasks ahead. Jade lingered for a moment, watching as the others dispersed.
She took a deep breath, looking out at the vast expanse of space beyond the docking station.
Belobog had a future.
And so did they.
Luofu Fairy Boat, inside the General's Mansion.
Jing Yuan returned home in an excellent mood. Today had been enjoyable—tea, conversation, and the company of good friends. What more could he ask for?
He gestured for his butler, who approached swiftly and bowed respectfully.
"Issue an order—have our men collect all available Stellar Jade from the market. Additionally, have Yanqing lead a team to open treasure chests."
The butler hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"General, with all due respect, have you forgotten? Last night, almost all of Luofu's Stellar Jade was collected by those girls from the train. Only Scale Abyss and Sui Garden remain untouched. They never ventured into those two places."
Jing Yuan's expression froze. His grip slackened, and the birdcage in his hand slipped, nearly crashing to the floor.
How could I have forgotten?! The butler had reported this to me just before I left this morning!
A wave of frustration hit him.
"Then send Yanqing immediately! Have him open the treasure chests in those locations and bring back every last piece of Stellar Jade!"
Taking a deep breath, Jing Yuan tried to steady himself. He nearly collapsed from the sheer realization of his mistake.
Those Stellar Jade should have been mine!
His mind raced back to earlier in the day. As he was leaving, he had seen Kevin, March 7th, and the others still waiting in line to shop.
Now that he thought about it, wasn't the treasure they were holding exactly the Stellar Jade they had collected from Luofu's treasure chests?
His face darkened.
This… this is humiliating! A disgrace to Xianzhou!
No! I have to act fast. I need to empty every last treasure chest on this entire fairy boat by tonight!
Midnight.
Jing Yuan, who had managed to fall asleep, suddenly jolted upright, his eyes wide with realization. Without thinking, he slapped his own forehead.
I'm a fool! When the butler first reported it, I not only ignored the issue—I even PAID compensation to the residents they had disturbed!
That was the final straw. Sleep evaded him completely. He tossed and turned, stewing in his frustration, regretting every decision he had made that day.
Meanwhile, Kevin, March 7th, and the girls were happily shopping in Yuri's store, entirely unaware of the crisis unfolding in the General's Mansion.
March 7th strolled up to the counter, clutching her star coins eagerly.
"Yuri! What do you think I should buy? I want to get stronger!"
Yuri leaned back slightly, tapping his chin in thought.
"How about a new weapon?"
March 7th's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "A weapon? What kind? Show me!"
Yuri smirked and tapped a few commands into the touch screen. A shimmering, elegant longbow materialized in front of her, its intricate carvings glowing faintly with mythical energy.
[Product: Hou Yi Bow (Imitation)]
[Description: This bow was crafted by a legendary artisan in a mythological realm, designed as a replica of the divine Hou Yi Bow. It possesses incredible destructive power.]
[When drawn, it automatically gathers a Sun-Shooting Arrow.]
[Sun-Shooting Arrow: Automatically locks onto targets and ignores defenses below the level of a commander.]
[Additional Skill: Rain of Arrows – Fires dozens of Sun-Shooting Arrows over a designated area. (Note: This skill requires substantial physical endurance.)]
[Price: 150,000 Star Coins]
March 7th's jaw nearly dropped. "This… this is perfect!"