Chapter 438: Three Hundred and Sixty Million
Lu Youcai was extremely anxious. One hundred jin of Black Water Liuli Crystal was far too much; it was simply impossible to collect within three days.
What to do?
Lu Youcai furrowed his brow, then let out a long breath. He immediately shot out two Message Light Talismans, one flying toward the Martial Market Bank and the other toward the Bu Saint Clan.
"I hope I can buy Black Water Liuli Crystal from the Bu Saint Clan and the Martial Market Bank at a high price. Even if they fleece me, it'll be worth it."
No matter how high the price, he had to buy it.
However, not long after, the Bu Saint Clan and the Martial Market Bank sent back word that they only had a small amount of Black Water Liuli Crystal, totaling less than twenty jin.
"It's over! It's over! Even the Bu Saint Clan and the Martial Market Bank have only a small amount. Where can I find a full hundred jin?"
Lu Youcai was frantic. He silently swore that if he knew who had enough Black Water Liuli Crystal, even if he had to kneel and beg, he would buy it from them.
Zhang Ruochen sat to the side, looking calm and composed. He said, "Elder Lu, I can sell one hundred jin of Black Water Liuli Crystal to the Divine Sword Sacred Land."
"Finding a full hundred jin of Black Water Liuli Crystal is no easy task... Wait, what did you just say?"
Lu Youcai rolled over to Zhang Ruochen like a meatball, his eyes wide open. He stared at Zhang Ruochen as if a drowning man had grabbed a lifeline.
Zhang Ruochen said, "In the Five Elements Ruins Realm, I obtained a batch of Black Water Liuli Crystal. I can spare one hundred jin for the Divine Sword Sacred Land."
Hearing this, Lu Youcai's eyes instantly welled up with tears, and he nearly knelt before Zhang Ruochen.
"That's right! How could I forget? Young Master Zhang also went to the Five Elements Ruins Realm." Lu Youcai slapped his forehead, wishing he could slap himself twice.
"Benefactor! Young Master Zhang, you are truly my benefactor!"
Zhang Ruochen smiled. "Originally, I intended to sell the Black Water Liuli Crystal, but Elder Lu suggested I go to the auction house..."
Lu Youcai quickly grabbed Zhang Ruochen's shoulders, afraid he might leave. "No! Don't go to the auction house! Young Master Zhang, you absolutely must sell the Black Water Liuli Crystal to me. I'll pay double the market price, no, triple the market price. What do you think? If you're not satisfied, we can negotiate further."
Zhang Ruochen chuckled. "Of course, I'll follow Elder Lu's wishes."
No one dislikes having too much money, and Zhang Ruochen was no exception.
Lu Youcai finally let out a long sigh of relief. Triple the price seemed high, but if he went to the auction house, the price he'd have to pay would be even higher.
Heavens!
Fortunately, Zhang Ruochen didn't hold a grudge. Otherwise, Lu Youcai might have had to pay five times, or even ten times, the price at the auction house.
Zhang Ruochen took out the two hundred jin of Black Water Liuli Crystal he had prepared earlier and divided half of it, exactly one hundred jin, to Lu Youcai.
Seeing that there was still one hundred jin of Black Water Liuli Crystal left in the box, Lu Youcai licked his lips. "Young Master Zhang, could you sell the other one hundred jin to the Divine Sword Sacred Land as well? Name your price."
Black Water Liuli Crystal was a Source Spiritual Treasure. It could be used not only for refining artifacts but also for cultivating a Water Spirit Treasure Body. Its value couldn't be measured by Spirit Crystals alone.
If he could buy more, he definitely would.
Zhang Ruochen had dug up over eight hundred jin of Black Water Liuli Crystal in the Five Elements Ruins Realm. Selling two hundred jin to the Divine Sword Sacred Land was no big deal.
Zhang Ruochen thought for a moment. "Alright, consider it making a friend. I'll sell you two hundred jin of Black Water Liuli Crystal in one go, still at triple the market price."
Lu Youcai was overjoyed. "To befriend Young Master Zhang is my honor."
Although Lu Youcai's cultivation was currently much higher than Zhang Ruochen's, Zhang Ruochen was one of the new generation's kings. With his talent, his future achievements would surely surpass Lu Youcai's.
Befriending Zhang Ruochen could only be a good thing for Lu Youcai, never a bad one.
Lu Youcai summoned two strong experts from the Divine Sword Sacred Land to deliver the two hundred jin of Black Water Liuli Crystal to the Ancestor.
At the same time, he handed Zhang Ruochen a purple crystal card. "Two hundred jin of Black Water Liuli Crystal, totaling three hundred and sixty million Spirit Crystals, all deposited into the Martial Market Bank. Brother Zhang, you can withdraw it anytime."
Zhang Ruochen took the purple crystal card. On its front were nine star-shaped light patterns—the Nine-Star Noble Card of the Martial Market Bank.
Only those who had deposited at least one hundred million Spirit Crystals in the Martial Market Bank were eligible for a Nine-Star Noble Card.
Possessing a Nine-Star Noble Card was a status symbol even in the Eastern Domain Sacred City, granting access to places ordinary people couldn't go. In auction houses, it also entitled the holder to a VIP seat.
Zhang Ruochen infused his True Qi into the card, and a series of inscriptions surfaced on its surface, forming a string of numbers.
Three hundred and sixty million Spirit Crystals was a massive fortune. Even a Half-Saint might not be as wealthy as Zhang Ruochen.
After confirming the amount was correct, Zhang Ruochen nodded and smiled. "Brother Lu, as an External Affairs Elder of the Divine Sword Sacred Land, you must be very familiar with the Eastern Domain Sacred City. I have a favor to ask."
"Brother, just say the word. In the Eastern Domain, as long as it doesn't involve Half-Saints, I can handle it for you."
Lu Youcai patted his chest, speaking with conviction.
Zhang Ruochen said, "I want to buy a mansion in the Seventh District of Golden Rainbow Continent. It doesn't need to be too big, but it should be close to the Holy Academy."
Lu Youcai laughed heartily. "A trivial matter. I'll send someone to inquire immediately. If there's any news, I'll let you know right away."
"Thank you," Zhang Ruochen said.
Lu Youcai replied, "Between brothers, saying 'thank you' is too formal. If anyone should be grateful, it's me for thanking you."
Zhang Ruochen thought for a moment and added, "There's another matter. I've recently run into a big trouble and need a reliable expert by my side to protect me and help solve problems. Brother Lu, do you have any ideas?"
Lu Youcai understood immediately. His eyes narrowed. "Brother Zhang, are you looking for a bodyguard or an assassin?"
Zhang Ruochen smiled. "If I wanted an assassin, I would have gone straight to the Black Market to place an order. But I don't trust the Black Market people."
"I understand."
Lu Youcai nodded, stroking his beard. "Brother Zhang, have you heard of mercenaries?"
"Of course," Zhang Ruochen said.
Lu Youcai said, "In the Thirty-First District of Golden Rainbow Continent, that's where mercenaries gather. There, as long as you have money, you can hire not only Heavenly Extreme and Fish-Dragon Realm mercenaries but even Half-Saint-level Mercenary Kings."
"Reputable mercenaries all have their own beliefs, some valuing their reputation even more than their lives. Moreover, the Eastern Domain has a Mercenary Guild specifically to regulate and discipline mercenaries. So, hiring a mercenary would be a good choice."
Zhang Ruochen's eyes lit up, a thoughtful expression on his face.
If he could hire a Fish-Dragon Ninth Change expert to kill Blood Spirit King, it would be a sure thing.
No matter what method he used, Zhang Ruochen had to eliminate Blood Spirit King before heading to the Ruins Realm Battlefield.
Hearing Lu Youcai's words, Zhang Ruochen felt he should visit the Thirty-First District to hire an expert, not just to kill Blood Spirit King but also to protect his own life.
...
(Thanks to 'Lazy Little Confusion' for becoming the second Alliance Leader of 'Ancient God Emperor'. I was supposed to add an extra chapter... but... I really don't have time lately... I can only say thank you!)