Lord of the Earth

"The effects of Qianxia's 'Devil Fruits' are truly... alarming."

"Moreover, this 'Devil Fruit' developed by a former Saint Realm expert is only priced at 100,000 Heavenly Yuan Gold Coins!"

Inside the mysterious inn, at the headquarters of the Qianxia Chamber of Commerce, a business conference was underway. Wan Sanqian was caressing a strangely shaped fruit in his hand, its patterns resembling flames, his face a mixture of amazement and the shrewd calculations typical of a merchant.

The Mysterious Inn is on the front lines of a catastrophe, its survival hanging by a thread. Anything that can directly grant ordinary people extraordinary power and quickly build up their combat strength is always a hard currency!

"However, this price is indeed a bit too cheap. If Qianxia sells it like this, he'll probably lose money!"

Wan Sanqian held the fruit in his palm.

Although he already possessed the power of a demigod, the potential of this fruit was enormous, even having the possibility of allowing him to reach godhood, which greatly tempted him.

The key point is that Qianxia priced this item extremely cheaply!
Even though the value of Tianyuan coins is constantly increasing with the development of Qianxia, ​​the value of this "Devil Fruit" after conversion is less than five million spirit stones, which is equivalent to "giving it away" for a merchant like Wan Sanqian.

"Brother Wan, why ask when you already know the answer? In fact, this 'Devil Fruit,' like the 'Dao Fruit' unique to Qianxia in China, is an extremely rare spiritual plant belonging to the Xuanhuang level. Its true value is immeasurable... If it weren't for its side effects such as 'fear of a certain substance' and 'ability development depending on talent and temperament,' it would never be sold for just 100,000 Tianyuan Gold Coins."

Upon hearing this, Shen Sanwan revealed a shrewd smile.

With the "unlocking of heaven and earth," the gap between high-quality and low-quality items becomes increasingly apparent.

Even items that are merely stained with the words "jade white" are worth more than a hundred times the value of ordinary "gold" items!
This "Devil Fruit," as an item derived from the Xuanhuang alien species, is indeed extraordinary.

"The price of 100,000 is not for meager profits, but for 'forming a bond'. What Qianxia values ​​has never been gold coins, but talent and the cause and effect of the future. Those who purchase this fruit must sign a soul contract with me, Qianxia, ​​and become a registered worshipper of the Hall of Righteousness, serving Qianxia for ten years and abiding by the rules of the Hall of Righteousness."

Shen Wansan leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and sounded very sincere.

"This agreement is both a constraint and a protection and resource platform provided by me, Qianxia. Brother Wan, you manage thousands of merchants, gather heroes from all over the world, and have connections that reach all corners of the globe. Selling or introducing such 'opportunities' to those hidden dragons who crave power but have no way to access it should not be difficult at all, right? In addition, it will greatly enhance the reputation of your association."

Speaking of which, the name "Wan Sanqian" has quite a few similarities with "Shen Wansan". The former, as a heroic figure born from the reflection of the heavens in the illusory sea, can be regarded in a sense as a "borrowing" from the latter's legendary life and a sublimation of the rules!
Both of them were renowned throughout the land for their business acumen, capable of making the world incredibly wealthy and turning stones into gold.

Now, in Baiyujing, the capital of Qianxia, ​​two business tycoons have come together because of Qianxia. They are not only partners in jointly developing the market, but also rivals who inevitably compete head-on in the specific distribution of profits.

Wan Sanqian gave a bitter smile, adopting a rather humble posture.

"Lord Shen, you flatter me greatly. My humble affiliation is but a small, meticulously planned business; how could we possibly compare ourselves to the mighty Qianxia Empire? While this fruit is indeed excellent, its production is said to be extremely limited, making it merely a high-end product. What I truly desired to discuss with your country in greater depth was the exclusive distribution rights for the 'Unsealing Pill'..."

At this point, a hint of regret, confusion, and incomprehension appeared on his face.

"Your country is giving away such a strategic item—a life-saving elixir that can remove the pollution of the catastrophe and rebuild the foundation of the Dao—almost for free! If this elixir were handed over to our Chamber of Commerce for operation and careful management, the profits would probably exceed ten trillion Tianyuan coins! Qianxia's generosity and magnanimity are truly beyond the reach of ordinary people, inspiring both respect and awe. I can only say that... his ambitions lie elsewhere."

He still vividly remembers the shock he felt when he first heard about this strategy.

After Zhang Juzheng was authorized by Xia Tian to manage all affairs of the Mysterious Inn, the first core decree he issued was to establish a unified "Comprehensive Chamber of Commerce" led by the Qianxia government in all branch inns. This chamber would bring all basic survival supplies, key elixirs, standard spiritual weapons, and other strategic resources into a fair-price controlled circulation system, strictly prohibiting any hoarding or profiteering from disasters.

This people-centered, nation-first, and resounding decision completely overturned his inherent understanding of "profit maximization," which he considered the most important thing in business.

He knew in his heart that he had absolutely no chance of competing with the "Qianxia Chamber of Commerce" in business!
However, since we can't beat them, let's join them.

……

Not far away, within the Golden Platform, which has been upgraded to a "Jade White Divine Artifact" building, another dialogue took place in a more solemn and grand atmosphere, with participants of even more illustrious identities.

"With the Tianyuan Coin, Qianxia could have gained much more profit. Why would they be willing to give up their dominance of the Merchant Alliance and hand over a portion of their profits to us?"

Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di) of the Ming Dynasty walked with the stride of a dragon and the voice of a thunderous bell, exuding the aura of a powerful ruler who swept across the northern deserts.

"It's only because his ambition is to establish an empire, and his vision extends to the foundation of humanity for generations to come. The stars and the sea are all within his grasp. Why would he be concerned with the meager profits of a merchant?"

Beside him were prominently displayed figures such as King Fuchai of Wu and Duke Huan of Qi, who had allied with Qianxia and signed alliances.

They were all distinguished guests who came to witness the ceremony of Qianxia's ascension to the throne at the personal invitation of Xia Tian.

"Qianxia invited us to witness this ceremony, which reportedly involves tens of thousands of dynasties with destiny. The scale and level of the event are unprecedented..."

Fuchai replied, his tone carrying a complex and enigmatic meaning, a mixture of expectation and obvious envy.

"It is said that the four old quasi-imperial dynasties of Wuhan, Zuqin, Tiantang, and Shengming are all secretly accumulating strength, trying to compete for the supreme title and fortune of the 'first imperial dynasty'. Now it seems that Qianxia will probably overtake them and take the lead."

Duke Huan of Qi stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes gleaming with wisdom.

"It's not a coincidence, but an inevitability. In the previous two grand events in the City of Saints, the 'Treasure Appraisal Conference' and the 'Competition for Heaven Ceremony,' Qianxia overwhelmed all others and stood out from the crowd, fully demonstrating its unfathomable foundation and formidable strength far surpassing its peers. If it weren't for this, why would we have sent envoys, or even come in person, to express our goodwill and show our confidence in its future?" He glanced at the imposing Zhu Di beside him with a hint of mockery.

"Especially the King of Zhu, I have heard that several of your dynasty's top talents, several core military units, and even a portion of the Forbidden City's illusory fortune have been divided up by Qianxia. Yet the King of Zhu is so magnanimous as to come and participate in this grand ceremony, prioritizing the overall situation and not pursuing the matter. This truly demonstrates the demeanor of a great ruler who puts the greater good of the human race first."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di waved his hand, displaying the magnanimity of a great ruler, and said loudly.

"Times have changed! Now the gods have descended, eyeing us with predatory intent, seeing our human race as lambs to the slaughter. The friction between the various pantheons is intensifying, and our human race is in grave danger in every region! At this critical juncture, we need an incomparably powerful and all-powerful leader to step forward, unite the scattered hearts of the people, guard our human territory, and resist foreign aggression! If Qianxia can successfully establish an empire, it will be a tremendous encouragement to all human races, and its benefits will far outweigh any other! The mere flow of fortune is nothing to worry about!"

Fuchai nodded in agreement, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

"That's why Qianxia spared no expense and used the 'World-Saving Divine Ship' fleet to rescue hundreds of billions of beings from various races who were trapped by the calamity and were almost in despair in the mysterious inn. He even used 'Tianyuan Coins', which were practically the cost of the inn, to help them redeem themselves and settle them properly."

Even the proud Zhu Di couldn't help but sigh when this matter was mentioned.

"Trillions of subjects! To settle, educate, and integrate them, winning their hearts... Such a scale and boldness are unparalleled throughout history. The resources consumed are enough to support ten ordinary dynasties!"

Integrating trillions of people from all the heavens and the myriad worlds, with diverse cultures, customs, and beliefs, involves a massive amount of resource allocation, faith guidance, cultural integration, and social governance, making it far more complex than a grand divine war.

However, Qianxia directly used "Tianyuan Coin" as the economic link, and with its authority to gain the recognition of the mysterious inn's spirit and designate it as the only universal currency in the territory, it seized control of the economic lifeline and the power to set the order. It is steadily and efficiently advancing this seemingly impossible and arduous task.

The circulation of every Tianyuan coin strengthens the actual control of the Qianxia dynasty.

Population, territory, fortune, prestige, top-tier combat power... Qianxia has already met all the basic conditions for advancing to an imperial dynasty, and these conditions are extremely solid.

However, while population and economy are important foundations, they are not the only criteria.

For example, one of the most core and straightforward requirements of an "imperial dynasty" is "all nations pay tribute, and it is the only one in the world to be supreme!"
Within the vast region where he resides and even within the entire Eternal Land's human sphere of influence, he must possess absolute authority. All forces with independent destiny must be completely "subdued" or "recognized" by Qianxia's leadership!

Only by eliminating all obstacles and possessing absolute control can one gain the approval of the laws of heaven and earth and condense the true status of an "imperial dynasty"!
For Qianxia, ​​this is already complete.

After the three deities of the Tai Xuan Sect were suppressed and imprisoned by Qian Xia during the last provocation, the sect proactively destroyed the descent passage at this location; as for the Spirit Race, several months ago, in order to express their sincerity, they specifically disbanded the "Dynasty of Destiny" that they had originally established...

To this day, there are no longer any established opposing forces with independent destiny within the entire Qianxia territory.

The image of "all nations paying tribute, and the world being the only place of supremacy" has begun to take shape.

"However, all the aforementioned conditions are merely the foundation of an imperial enterprise."

Zhu Di abruptly changed the subject, his expression suddenly becoming solemn, as if he were exuding the same iron-blooded and murderous aura he had when he led his northern expedition into the desert.

"The real test is yet to come. Advancing to an imperial dynasty requires not only dealing with the 'heavenly tribulation' descending from the heavens, but also facing the even more perilous and unpredictable 'human tribulation' that originates from the karma of all living beings!"

"Once the advancement ceremony is officially launched, the immense karma and resentment left behind by the various countries that Qianxia has destroyed, the powerful enemies it has slain, and the alien forces it has conquered since its rise from humble beginnings will be amplified infinitely under the influence of the rules of heaven and earth, and will make a comeback, transforming into a substantial 'human calamity'!"

His voice was like thunder, each word a warning to everyone present.

"Even the general consciousness of the Eternal Land itself may feel that the balance has been broken, and thus use the power of these defeated energies to conjure up the phantom of its peak period, or even directly guide its remnants to come and block the way!"

"At that time, there will likely be hostile deities who will take the opportunity to descend in their true forms and fuel the flames... It will be a full-scale war that sweeps across the entire Qianxia territory and affects all its subordinate forces! Its ferocity will far surpass any previous battle!"

Upon hearing this, King Fuchai of Wu frowned and said with concern.

"The world has only recently undergone dramatic changes, and the rules are still recovering from the shock. The impact of the gods' descent has left all forces overwhelmed and unable to cope. Is Qianxia acting too hastily?"

"If we force an advancement now, even with our alliance, we may not be able to mobilize enough forces to provide timely assistance. If we fail along the way, not only will our imperial ambitions be jeopardized, but our existing strong foundation will also be shaken. We might even fall into the hands of those covetous alien races, becoming their tool for resurrection and reorganization..."

Zhu Di's gaze swept across the crowd like lightning.

Finally, gazing at the ever-shining pillar of fortune rising into the sky above the Qianxia Imperial Palace, his tone was resolute and determined.

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures! With the world in turmoil, how can we allow ourselves to remain complacent?"

"Since Qianxia dared to propose a promotion at this time, he must have considerable confidence and thorough preparation. Recently, new divine auras have been erupting one after another within his territory, and his strength is increasing rapidly, far exceeding outside expectations. As for success or failure..."

He paused, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"The results will be revealed at the advancement ceremony in three days!" (End of Chapter)