Global Coming: Farming with my sister-in-law in the end times

Chapter 708 Treasure Map of the Ruins, Making the Cake Bigger (5400)

Half an hour later.

The chaotic battlefield outside the exchange has returned to calm.

Cao Xing collected the corpses of the White Eagle Mercenary Group members and their spoils into the [Necromancer's Bag] and [Dragon Pattern Bag].

Even the blood on the ground was washed away, as if it had never happened.

at the same time.

In the lobby of a relatively well-preserved building in the center of the underground black market.

Cao Xing sat on a large wooden chair, which was the main seat in the hall.

Assam, Isabel, Bloom, and others sat on either side.

Leonard sat at the lower end of the table, his face showing a hint of respect.

A group of pretty maids tiptoed in and brought them hot food and tea.

After placing the tea on the table, they smiled slightly and then quietly withdrew.

Cao Xing picked up the teacup on the table and took a small sip.

Then, he chuckled and said, "Leonard, you seem to be having a good time here, living a comfortable life, huh?"

The burly man smiled obsequiously and said in a somewhat humble tone, "No, that's not true. I just got a bargain."

"It cannot compare to Lord Cao Xing's territory."

"King Kunard once said that you are a great lord who commands eight legendary-level experts."

“Your territory must be prosperous and far more prosperous than our small place.”

Upon hearing this, Cao Xing's face immediately darkened.

Damn it, my territory is only the size of a small town, and even the giant city has only just begun construction.

This guy always brings up the very thing he shouldn't have said.

Noticing that Cao Xing's expression was off, Leonard immediately felt uneasy.

But he didn't know where he had said the wrong thing, and he was extremely uneasy.

At this moment, Lord Oran stepped in to smooth things over, saying, "Lord Cao Xing's territory only has a large number of powerful individuals; the scale of the territory is still in its initial stage."

"These lords from another world have only been here for less than half a year. How could they possibly have any large territories?"

"Even Lord Cao Xing is only just starting to build his city."

Leonard's face showed a look of realization, and he quickly apologized, "I see, I was too talkative, Lord Cao Xing!"

Cao Xing waved his hand, not paying any attention.

At this moment, Leonard continued, "In just six months, they've already started building the city. No wonder they're capable of defeating the Blood Legion!"

"If you wish to build a city, I can send all members of the Giant Axe Mercenary Group to provide full assistance."

"Whatever your needs, we will do our best to meet them."

This guy is quite adept at handling things; as soon as he realized he had said something wrong, he immediately started to make amends.

This made Cao Xing look at the burly man with newfound respect.

As expected, in addition to his formidable strength, this person was also quite capable in controlling such a massive black market.

Cao Xing chuckled and said, "We don't need any more personnel; I already have enough manpower here."

"However... there is something I do need your help with."

Upon hearing this, Leonard's expression shifted, and he quickly patted his chest, saying, "Lord Cao Xing, please speak!"

"I will do everything in my power, even if it means going through fire and water, to achieve my goal!"

Seeing his serious expression, Cao Xing shook his head and said, "It's nothing serious."

"I need you to collect all the jars in the black market."

"Collect... jars?" Leonard couldn't help but ask, puzzled.

Cao Xing nodded. "That's right."

"Whether it's an earthenware pot, a silver pot, a gold pot, or even a black pot, I want them all."

"And we want as many as we can!"

He paused, then added, "Of course, I won't take it for free."

"Keep these jars for now, and you can pay me back at the market price later."

Upon hearing this, Leonard quickly replied, "Lord Cao Xing, money is no problem."

"There aren't many jars in the entire black market. Even if you collected them all, they would only be worth a few billion crowns."

Cao Xing's eyelids twitched.

What do you mean by "just a few billion kronor"?

It sounds like they're talking about hundreds of thousands of crowns.

It seems this guy has more resources than he ever imagined!

Since that's the case, Cao Xing won't hold back.

He nodded. "Okay, then I'll leave this to you."

Leonard quickly replied respectfully, "Lord Cao Xing, you're too kind. It was just a small favor."

He paused, then asked with some confusion, "But sir, what do you need so many jars for?"

"As far as I know, these jars usually contain only ordinary gems and materials; it's rare to find anything valuable."

"Although there is a chance of getting valuable relics from the black jar, the chance is too small."

"I've been here for so many years, and I've only seen it once."

"If you're thinking of opening the relic through the black jar... I think that's a bit unrealistic..."

Cao Xing rolled his eyes at him and said speechlessly, "Why ask so many questions? Just do what I tell you to do."

Leonard nodded quickly and respectfully replied, "Yes!"

"I will definitely give the order."

Cao Xing didn't say anything more, but simply picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

At this moment, Leonard cautiously said, "Um... Lord Cao Xing, collecting all the jars in the black market is a lot of work and will take some time..."

"Could you wait a few days...?"

"Of course, if you are in a hurry, I can immediately mobilize all the mercenary forces to try to collect the materials within two days!"

Cao Xing waved his hand, his tone indifferent: "I'm not in a hurry. I'm going to the Lost Royal City next, which may take about ten days."

"I'll come find you again when I get back."

Upon hearing this, Leonard's face showed a look of realization.

"I see... That ruin does indeed contain many amazing opportunities, but also great dangers."

"However, with Lord Cao Xing's strength, he should be able to thrive inside and reap a large number of treasures."

After a pause, Leonard seemed to remember something and suddenly said, "Oh, right, Lord Cao Xing."

"When you go to the Lost Royal City this time, will you go directly to the inner city, or explore the outer areas as well?"

Upon hearing this question, Cao Xing pondered for a moment and replied, "It depends on the time."

"If the inner city is already open when we get there, we'll just go straight in."

"If it's not open yet, just wander around the outside first."

Upon hearing this, Leonard tentatively asked, "Then... Lord Cao Xing, would you be interested in searching for the treasures on the outskirts of the Lost Royal City?"

"Treasures on the outskirts of the lost royal city?" Cao Xing couldn't help but repeat, a hint of interest flashing in his eyes.

Leonard nodded and said mysteriously, "Yes."

"To be honest, I recently obtained a treasure map of the outskirts of the Lost Royal City in the black market by chance."

"It contains information about a hidden treasure location somewhere on the outskirts."

"It's said that there might be some incredible treasure hidden inside, but I haven't verified whether that's true or not."

"Besides, I'm currently busy organizing the auction, so I really don't have time to explore it,"

"If Lord Cao Xing is interested, he may wish to take it and investigate."

After listening, Cao Xing pondered for a moment.

He did not immediately agree after hearing about the treasure map of the ruins.

Instead, he said, "Let me see the treasure map first."

"Yes," Leonard replied respectfully.

Then he reached into his backpack and took out a yellowed parchment.

"Lord Cao Xing, please take a look."

Cao Xing reached out and took it; a system message appeared.

[Obtained: Lost Royal City Treasure Map]

……

Unfolding the treasure map, Cao Xing carefully scanned it with his eyes.

The parchment was damaged, with some charred marks on the edges, clearly indicating that it had been through a long period of time.

The map appears to only show a corner of the outer perimeter of the ruins.

On a desolate land, shrouded in a strange mist.

You can also vaguely see the shadows of some buildings and the marks of a few special symbols, as if they are guiding something.

In the upper right corner of the treasure map, you can see a corner of a huge city wall.

Although it's only a corner, it still occupies almost a quarter of the entire map.

This gives you an idea of ​​how vast and magnificent this megacity was!
Unfortunately, the exact location of the treasure cannot be determined from the information above alone.

Cao Xing decided to use the system's functions to see if he could find any clues.

[Treasure Map of the Outskirts of the Lost Royal City]

[Quality: unknown]

[Drawing description: It shows the location of the tomb of the master of statics 'Arkad'. When Arkad realized that he was about to die, he built a hidden tomb in advance.]

He placed all his research findings and wealth into the tomb, and then executed all the craftsmen who had participated in its construction.

However, being inherently arrogant, he did not directly reveal the location of the tomb. Instead, he left behind a series of riddles, hoping that future generations would try to solve them in order to find the true location of the treasure.

[Treasure coordinates: ? ? ? (Not yet unlocked)]

(Note: Alkad was a renowned master of statics among the Asura race, and also had unique research in alchemy. Combined with his legendary arcanist skills, his research achievements elevated the technological level of the Asura race to a new level.)
(Note 2: When the three echoes resonate at the same moment, the dormant gears will start turning again, and the true path will be revealed. Remember, balance is the key to unlocking everything.)
……

After reading the information above, Cao Xing frowned slightly again.

Leonard was right; this was indeed a precious treasure map.

And it seems to have quite a background. It's actually related to a 'master of statics'.

Although Cao Xing didn't know what statics was, he could tell from the description on the drawings that the research results of this person named Alcard must be extraordinary.

Of course... this master was also a man of character, and it will take future generations to solve the mysteries he left behind to find the true location of the treasure.

"Will the true path only be revealed when three echoes resonate at the same moment?"

Cao Xing frowned slightly, pondering the meaning of those words.

At the same time, his eyes were also on the treasure map, scanning it back and forth.

But after some thought and observation, I still had no clue.

He shook his head. "Forget it... there are too few clues. It seems like we can't solve it for now."

To date, he has not actually entered that ancient ruin and only has a vague understanding of its contents.

Not to mention, the clues on this treasure map helped solve the mystery.

Regardless, this treasure map must be extremely valuable.

Cao Xing looked at Leonard with a strange expression.

"You bastard, you gave me such a precious treasure map, you're not planning to do something to me, are you?"

Upon hearing this, Leonard quickly waved his hand and said, "How could I dare!"

"This is my humble gratitude to Lord Cao Xing for not holding a grudge against me!"

"Besides, I don't have time to explore the ancient ruins this time, so this treasure map is just sitting there anyway."

"It would be better to hand it over to you so that it can be put to its true purpose."

Cao Xing's expression remained unchanged.

He knew that a guy like Leonard would never offer up such a precious treasure for no reason.

Sure enough, the next moment.

Leonard rubbed his hands together sheepishly and said in a low voice, "However, I do have a small matter that I need your help with."

Cao Xing thought to himself, "As expected, this guy really wasn't that kind-hearted."

He asked calmly, "Speak, what is it?"

The Giant Axe Guild Leader quickly replied, "That's right, it will be about ten days from now, which is the day the Lost Royal City closes."

"We will be holding our annual auction here."

"There are some peculiar things here that you might find interesting."

"If possible... I hope Lord Cao Xing can attend."

"Of course, if you have valuable items, you can also entrust them to us and let us auction them for you, and we will not charge you any handling fees."

At this point, he seemed to remember something and quickly explained, "I didn't mean for you to consign that dragon cub, please don't misunderstand."

Upon hearing this, Cao Xing's face also showed a thoughtful expression.

He had heard the middle-aged man explain this auction once before, and it was indeed of a very high standard.

Even he was somewhat interested.

If time permits, you can come and take a look.

After hearing this, Cao Xing nodded slightly and said, "Alright, I'll accept this treasure map."

"If I have time then, I'll come and attend your auction."

After receiving confirmation from Cao Xing, Leonard's face lit up with a smile.

With a hint of excitement in his voice, he said, "Okay! Then I'll be here, waiting for your return."

Cao Xing waved his hand, then led a group of people to get up and leave.

Leonard maintained a smile throughout.

They only breathed a sigh of relief after Cao Xing and the others had completely left.

He gently wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and murmured softly, "Phew..."

"This Lord Cao Xing doesn't look very old, but his aura is truly terrifying!"

"As expected of someone who could lead a group of legendary powerhouses to defeat the Blood Legion!"

In fact, the reason Leonard respected Cao Xing so much was because...

Besides Cao Xing's strength, it was also because he knew a secret piece of information.

That is... this lord of another world has the ability to kill demigods.

However, the four kings tacitly kept quiet about this matter and did not make it public.

Only a few high-ranking figures knew about this.

Leonard, as the leader of the Giant Axe Mercenary Group, and having a good relationship with the War King of the Kingdom of Kunard, learned of this news.

Otherwise, if he had rashly offended this person today without knowing the truth, he would have died in vain!

Thinking of this, he tapped the armrest of the chair.

A moment later, a middle-aged man who looked to be in his early forties and possessed considerable strength walked in.

He bowed respectfully and said, "Commander, please give your orders!"

Leonard nodded slightly and said, "Pass down the order to mobilize all the mercenary forces to collect all the jars in the black market."

"Furthermore, tell everyone in the group that from now on, when they see Lord Cao Xing or anyone around him, they must show him the utmost respect!"

"Anyone who offends him, don't blame me for being impolite!"

His expression was extremely serious.

The middle-aged man's expression hardened, realizing the seriousness of the situation.

He solemnly replied, "Yes, Commander! I will carry it out immediately."

...

...

A few minutes later, Cao Xing and the others had already walked out of the black market entrance.

Compared to the temperature underground, the temperature in this forest suddenly dropped dramatically.

It felt like jumping from a warm indoor space into a freezing snowfield.

The drastic temperature difference caused even those with strong constitutions to shiver!
At this moment, Lord Oran suddenly asked tentatively, "Lord Cao Xing, why did you... let Leonard go just now?"

"With your strength and status, even if you wipe out the entire Giant Axe Mercenary Group and take over this black market, no one will say anything."

Lord Oran could tell that Cao Xing was very interested in this black market.

If you can control it, it can bring amazing profits every day.

However, Cao Xing chuckled and shook his head, saying, "There's no need."

"Although I am very strong now, there is no need to solve everything with force."

"And doing this is also not good."

"If everyone in this world thinks this way, and the strong can plunder the belongings of the weak at will, then this world will only fall into endless chaos and hatred."

"In the end, you will always encounter beings who are more powerful than you."

"Instead of using force to fight for limited resources, we should cooperate to make the pie bigger."

He paused, then continued, "Moreover, the giant axe is more valuable alive than dead."

"He agreed to one condition."

“From now on, this black market will generate wealth for me continuously, and I won’t even need to send anyone to manage it.”

"Why not take advantage of such a good thing?"

Lord Oran nodded in realization, and his gaze toward Cao Xing held a newfound respect.

"Lord Cao Xing, your magnanimity and foresight are truly admirable. I was short-sighted."

Prior to this, he didn't know much about Cao Xing.

All that is known is that this otherworldly lord is extremely powerful, and his rate of growth is beyond imagination.

Even His Majesty the King treated him with great courtesy.

Now, I have a better understanding of his character and conduct.

Cao Xing smiled, his eyes calm. "It's nothing, just my personal opinion."

At the same time, he casually released the Griffin King from the sack of the dead.

"Wow..."

Old Wang spread his huge wings and squatted down, waiting for everyone to go up.

Cao Xing chuckled and said, "Let's go, let's continue our journey and head straight for the Lost Royal City."

As soon as he finished speaking, he jumped onto Old Wang's back.

The others also jumped up.

Then, Cao Xing gently patted Lao Wang's wing.

The griffin understood his meaning; this was the command to depart.

The next moment, the wings fluttered gently.

"call--!"

A gust of air rose up, and the Griffin King's massive body broke through the tree canopy, carrying them swiftly into the high sky.

Then, like a sharp arrow, it rushed forward.

The surrounding scenery rushed past.

In the blink of an eye, they had left the forest behind...

...

...

While on the road.

Lord Oran said, "Lord Cao Xing, it's about seven or eight hundred kilometers from the black market to the Lost Royal City."

"We still need to fly for a while."

Cao Xing casually replied, "It's alright, no rush, we can just travel slowly."

The Lord of Oran nodded and said nothing more.

Old Wang's flight speed remained as fast and steady as ever.

In addition, Bloom alone bore the brunt of the howling air currents high in the sky.

Therefore, their flight experience can be described as quite good.

……

(End of this chapter)