Loot collection delays their return—night's grip tightens. Nocturnal monsters prowl, swift in darkness, but Diao Chan's crew and Zhen Mi's spells keep threats at bay. They reach Heavenly Court safely, exhausted.
Zhou Yan leads the dwarves to the Divine Forge. Its sleek design sparks awe.
"Is this ours?" Jerry gasps.
"Look—elemental towers! S-tier at least!"
"Our forge—SS quality! It's perfect!"
Zhou Yan grins at their glee. Forging's their lifeblood—chasing them out would fail. Loyalty spikes, some hitting 98. A nudge more seals it.
"Can we start, Lord?" Jerry pleads.
"Now?" Zhou Yan blinks. "You're hurt—rest first."
"Rest?" Jerry laughs. "This forge cures us faster than sleep."
Zhou Yan relents. "Fine, but don't overdo it. It's yours forever."
"Thank you!" they cheer, diving in as he unloads ore and wood from the Treasure Room. Forges flare; he's air to them now. "Mad smiths," he chuckles, leaving.
Zhen Mi jogs up. "Lord, Diao Chan's at the Spiritual Field—join us?"
"Fruits should be ripe," Zhou Yan recalls, following her. Diao Chan, Si Teng, and the vine demons gather; Zhang San's at the barracks. Rows of vibrant crops glow—planted yesterday, now lush. A fruity aroma lifts their fatigue.
"Lord!" they greet.
Zhou Yan nods, snapping a cucumber. One bite melts exhaustion, strength surging. "Damn good," he says.
Zhen Mi munches a fruit, beaming. "So tasty!"
"Try these," Diao Chan offers, passing strawberries.
Zhou Yan bites—flavor explodes, trouncing mundane berries. "This is the life," he vows, set to guard his people and land. His panel pings: strength and physique tick up 0.1 each. First-time boost, he knows—future gains will slow.
"No wonder Canglan hides these," he muses. "E-tier fruits cost a fortune—elixirs would break banks." Ordinary seeds did this; elixir seeds? Unthinkable. None on hand, though.
A thought strikes—he checks messages. Qin Yao's sent dozens. Scanning them, he replies, "Just wrapped up—saw your texts. You free?"
She pings back fast: "Busy guy, huh? Hunting at night? Bold."
He skips the bait, listing a strawberry on the trade bar:
[Item: Aura Strawberry]
[Quality: E]
[Introduction: Aura-rich fruit—overindulge for surprises.]
Qin Yao gasps. "Where'd you get that?"
Canglan's elites hoard such fruits—she'd snag them occasionally. Here, it's a shock.
"Worth what?" Zhou Yan asks.
"Selling it?" Qin Yao stammers, then recovers. "Regular strawberries? Pennies a pound. Aura ones? Sold solo—E-tier's 300 spirit coins each in Canglan."
"But," she adds, "sell to me—no one else."
Her excitement's palpable. Supply's tight—states or conglomerates lock it down. Money alone can't buy in.