Chapter 120 Return to the City Alchemy Workshop and the Truth About Interests [Subscribe] [

Chapter 120 Return to the city, the alchemy workshop and the truth about interests [Subscribe] [Extra chapters]

By the Firefly River, the master and the four servants rested here temporarily.

As a captive, Old Baji had his mouth gagged. After the initial panic, this guy regained some composure.

He knew very well that the people in strange armor in front of him were the "lambs" that Sorel Moran had been looking for.

But the cruel facts have proved who is the weak and incompetent lamb.

The extremely arrogant Sorel may have died in the landslide.

And the person he regarded as a "lamb" is the strong man who laughs last.

It only takes half an hour to walk from the ruins of the cave in the northern hills of Eya Forest to the bank of the Firefly River.

This section of the river bank is located north of the Colo Leon Farm.

Before that, after crossing the river from the farm, they still needed to continue to move west for a distance, and then change their route to the north.

Now everyone is walking on a "wild road" that refers to the Firefly River.

The real difference between the two sections will be reflected in the distance back to the city in the east.

Sitting on the river bank, Chen Xuan took off his tactical goggles and helmet, scooped up a handful of cool river water and splashed it on his face.

The landslide just now caused dust to fly all over the sky, and everyone looked dusty.

The three women also simply washed their faces by the river.

The cold and clean river water refreshed their spirits.

Then the master and servants took out the water bags and food and replenished them on the spot.

Taking this opportunity, Franco Baji was able to observe the appearance of Chen Xuan and others.

"Well, young human males, their appearance looks like the characteristics of the oriental region."

"Two Zerekan women, with clan tattoos on their faces, are undoubtedly barbaric female swordsmen."

"There is also a cat-eared woman, judging by the location, she should be a scout."

"What a strange combination..."

To be honest, when he was first caught, Old Baji was scared to death.

If the other party was a desperado, he would probably kill him with a knife soon.

But if it was a captive, the situation was different, which showed that he was valuable.

It was because of this that Old Baji regained his calmness and composure.

For him, as long as there was an opportunity to negotiate, it meant the possibility of persuading the other party.

The charm of language is infinite, even a ruthless executioner may not be persuaded.

Chen Xuan finished eating and drinking leisurely.

Then he stood up and walked in front of Old Baji, who was tied up like a dumpling.

Pulling out the rag stuffed in this guy's mouth, Chen Xuan clasped his hands in front of his chest.

"Sir... Spare my life, sir!"

"I'm just an honest businessman, forced by Sorel!"

Franco Baji's lies came out of his mouth.

Chen Xuan, who had already known the general details of the incident through [Insight], heard this and curled up a sneer at the corner of his mouth.

"An honest businessman?"

This sarcastic question aroused Old Baji's vigilance.

Just as he was about to change his words, Chen continued.

"Franco Baji, the 'eye' of the underworld."

"Put away your lies."

"There is only one choice before you."

"Death or a slave contract."

Chen Xuan was not going to waste time talking to Old Baji.

Since there is such a useful control method as a contract, why waste time on this?

After he spoke, the two Zerekan sisters took out the rune single blades that had just been washed and wiped dry with river water, and walked to Franco Baji eagerly.

They looked at Old Baji like a butcher staring at an animal to be slaughtered.

No one would doubt the decisiveness of these two Zerekan women in using the knife.

This made Old Baji shudder.

As for why he wanted to subdue the hunchbacked guy in front of him, Chen Xuan had his own ideas.

The underworld is an indispensable part of any city.

Any slum or dark alley may become a hotbed for the emergence of black street forces.

Unlike the bright and upright ruling forces.

The black streets in the city are like rats, living in the dark side that ordinary people don't notice.

The mouthpieces and eyes of these guys are all over the city.

Whether it is spreading rumors or getting information, they are good at it.

Even the black street forces have a lot of secret prohibited channels.

So Chen Xuan can completely embed a nail of his own in the black street.

The choice in front of him made Old Baji feel embarrassed.

It was the first time he saw such a guy, either slavery or death.

"Excuse me, is there a time limit for the slave contract?"

"Can I keep my wealth and a certain degree of freedom?"

"You won't force me to hurt my relatives, right?"

...

Franco Baji's old problem came back, he began to chatter and tried to bargain.

But he seemed to forget that the young man in front of him was not Sorel Moran.

Chen Xuan quickly gave him an accurate answer with his actions.

"Bang!"

The next second, Old Baji was kicked several meters away.

For him, slave contracts also have high and low status.

Old Baji is not qualified to bargain with him!

When this guy was kicked away, the two sisters Dora immediately followed, and the cold blades were pressed against the left and right sides of Franco Baji's neck.

"I...I am willing to conclude a slave contract!"

"And everything is up to you!"

...

Half an hour later, the five masters and servants were walking in the forest on the other side of the Flowing Firefly River.

As long as they continue to walk east, sooner or later they will be able to return to the west road opposite the Colo Leon farm.

Chen Xuan, Kitty Girl and Dora all put on new clothes.

Franco Bage was also untied and was following behind Mr. Chen.

The process of signing the contract was smooth, and the terms he formulated were also very harsh.

Quite stringent restrictions have been agreed upon in many respects.

So much so that after Chen Xuan's [Crossover], the contract was revised, but it failed to arouse much reaction from Lao Baji.

Anyway, the terms before and after the amendment are basically the same.

And he quickly adapted to the role of a slave, and was already reporting to Chen Xuan about the situation on the underworld.

"Master, the black streets in Magatan City are mainly composed of two major forces."

"They are the 'Broken Finger Gang' in the West and South Districts, and the 'Short-lived Mules' in the East and North Districts."

As he spoke, Franco Bage raised his right hand, showing off the ring tattoo on his index finger.

"This is the mark of the Broken Finger Gang."

"In order not to hinder the ability to grasp the weapon, we did not actually cut off the fingers."

"As for the 'short-lived mule', as the name suggests, it is mainly composed of laborers and mule workers from the East and North Districts."

"They are well aware of the actions of the major caravans and business groups in the city."

"There was such a saying in the market."

"When the goods arrive in the city, the first person to know about the condition of the goods is not the buyer but the 'short-lived mule'."

I have to say that this guy is a talker. Once he starts talking, he can't stop talking.

Without Chen Xuan taking the initiative to ask, he had already explained the layout of the underworld in Magatan City.

In addition to the above features, Black Street can also issue anonymous commissions and solicit clues.

Sorel Moran often hangs out in the underworld and uses the information channels there to find out about the "Fat Sheep".

Old Baji talked nonchalantly all the way, which succeeded in killing the boredom of the journey.

When everyone was about to set foot on the west path, Chen Xuancai suddenly asked.

"Do you know who the 'Qingqi' Sorel is talking about is?"

Sorel, who was dying, left half a sentence without any clue, which made Chen Xuan, who likes to trace things to the source, feel a little uncomfortable.

This question made Old Buggy startled.

He frowned and thought for a while before answering in an uncertain tone.

"'Qingqi' may refer to the Qingqi camp in the city."

"I heard that behind every action of Sorel, there is a commander of the light cavalry battalion to provide support."

"As the most mobile unit in the city, the Qingqi Battalion is usually the first to arrive at any scene."

"Maybe there are other secrets involved."

Old Buggy scratched his head and said with some uncertainty.

Chen Xuan didn't embarrass him too much and decided to part ways at the intersection.

Before leaving, Chen had already inquired about Lao Baji's address and daily activities, and left him a secret mission regarding intelligence collection.

Part of the intelligence also had to find a way to contact the people of the 'short-lived mule'.

But this is a free-range task and there are no mandatory requirements.

As a dispensable secret chess player, Franco Bage's biggest role is to expand Chen Xuan's channels for obtaining information in the city.

He himself didn't pay much attention to it.

Influence and information channels must be established slowly.

Taking out four mountain bikes, Chen Xuan and the three women set off on the road back to the city.

There are still about two water clock hours before the pseudo-night arrives.

Before it gets dark, they can return to the small courtyard and count the loot from this trip to the cave.

As for Old Buggy, he has to find his own way back to the city.

There are not too many adventurers traveling along this road to the west of the city, but as long as you walk for a while, you can always meet a few armed farmers returning to the city on mule carts.

…

At the same time, the alchemy workshop located in the second circle.

Ophelia was sitting in the living room on the second floor.

Sitting opposite her was a green goblin who looked like a goblin, with a big nose and pointed ears.

It is about the same height as a dwarf, wearing a gold-rimmed monocle and a smart black uniform.

The redbud emblem representing the Kingdom of Duroa on the chest is particularly eye-catching.

Although goblins look like goblins, they are completely different species.

Every goblin is a born mechanical engineer, especially good at various engineering projects.

In addition, they are as sensitive to numbers as halflings, but they have different tendencies.

Most halflings who are good at calculations choose to farm or do business.

The goblins used their numerical talents for gambling.

The most common words these guys talk about are repairs, money and gambling!

At this moment, the goblin sitting in front of Ophelia is Justo Youji, the person in charge of the alchemy workshop in the city. He is also a second-level material alchemist and third-level pharmacist certified by the giant city and the kingdom. .

There was a thick mustache on the tight green-skinned face, and there was a shrewdness in his eyes.

"Then dear Miss Ophelia."

"Now there are only you and me in this living room."

"You can say whatever you want."

"You don't have to worry about the safety of your conversations. The walls and doors here are made of special sound-absorbing materials."

Justo Youji picked up the teacup on the table and gently blew the hot steam rising from the surface.

Ophelia looked around the room and glanced at the storage bracelet on her wrist.

Then he asked in a calm tone.

"My stepmother, Ursula Walton, seems to have been sponsoring your business for nine naloa years."

As soon as he said these words, Justo Youji put down the teacup, and a hint of alertness flashed in his shrewd eyes.

“Thank you to your stepmother, whose funding has allowed many otherwise floundering projects to continue research.”

"The results of the Magtan City Alchemy Workshop will eventually benefit countless people."

"Currently, the Alchemy Workshop has many sponsors, including the respectable Lord Bezos."

"By the way, there is also your father, the equally respectable Mr. Ansetus Axl."

These words have no nutrition and are purely empty words and clichés.

Ophelia was not surprised at all by this answer.

Without saying a word, she gently shook the storage bracelet on her wrist, took out a bulging money bag, and dropped it on the table between the two of them.

"Ten thousand crowns, tell me the truth!"

"This...this matter cannot be solved by money."

"Twenty thousand crowns..."

"I'll have to think about it."

"Thirty thousand crowns."

"I have to say that you do have a talent for business!"

"Forty thousand crowns, that's my bottom line."

"It's a deal... it's a deal..."

…

Justo Youji reached out and took the four money bags on the table.

Pour out the dark gold coin in it, blow it lightly, and put it to your ear to listen to the moving echo.

“The real deal!”

"You are such a generous lady!"

Faced with money, the goblin's true nature is exposed.

Ophelia's eyelids twitched as she sat in her seat.

Her actions had Chen Xuan's permission.

In fact, Ophelia, as the legal heir of the Colchicum Merchant Group, is fully qualified to get involved.

God knows what secrets the Colchicum Merchant Group has.

But no matter what the secret was, Chen Xuan knew that this business group was by no means as simple as it seemed.

It is very likely that there is some great benefit contained in it!

Ursula wants to play, Ansetus wants to play, so adding Ophelia is not too much, right?

As part of the clue investigation, the alchemy workshop must have hidden secrets.

"Get paid to do things."

"Where's the truth I want?"

Ophelia didn't have time to watch the greedy goblin slowly blow those dark gold coins.

So she took the initiative to remind him.

"Impatient young lady."

"Due to the influence of the contract, I cannot tell you the answer in person."

"But the truth you want is in the seventh drawer on the right on the second floor of my office."

"This is the key. It contains a supply and sales list of alchemy potions from that year. It can tell you the answer."

Justo Youji threw out a small bunch of rune keys.

Its office is connected to the reception room.

After picking up the key, Ophelia got up and walked to the office.

The target was quickly found in a large row of cabinets.

That is a detailed list of pharmaceutical supply and sales for a certain year.

[On the third day of the second week of July, Naroa year 663 of the Demonic Calamity Calendar: Ansetus Axl purchased six bottles of sagebrush extract]

[On the fifth day of the second week of July, Naroa year 663 of the Demon Calamity Calendar: Ursula Walton purchased three bottles of the intoxicating potion]

[The second day of the third week of July, Naroa year 663: Ursula Walton purchased three bottles of betel nut extract]

[On the fourth day of the first week of August, Naroa year 663: Ansetus Axl purchased six synaesthesia pills]

…

During that period, the names of Ursula and Ansetus appeared alternately in the supply and sale lists.

Occasionally there were a few strangers Ophelia didn't know.

Goblins like to leave files behind when doing things.

They believe that patterns for the future can be drawn from past records.

Regardless of whether we can find a pattern, at least this habit has been preserved.

Ophelia frowned, recalling in her mind Harward's cry before his death:

"Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!"

"Do you think your mother died of illness?"

"No, she was poisoned!"

"Hahahahaha!"

"You will never imagine what Mother has planned!"

"If I die, you won't be able to live!"

…

Judging from the list, the extract of turmeric is a deadly toxin.

As long as there is a sufficient dose, it can poison a silver-level expert within a few seconds.

It is a potent magic poison that boils as the magic element or magic power in the body boils.

Intoxicating potions are hallucinogens that mix perfectly with alcohol.

Many dandies mix it into wine in small amounts to increase the pleasant feeling after drinking.

That’s why its name is “酩酊”.

Betel nut extract is also a paralyzing and hallucinogenic agent.

The main function is to quickly put the user into a psychedelic state of excitement.

It is said that it can increase the magic energy stimulation effect by 10%.

Many kingdoms have distributed medicines containing a small amount of betel nut extract to warriors to enhance combat effectiveness and eliminate the influence of fear.

Howard had swallowed betel nuts before his death.

It's just that it's not an extractant, but the unrefined fruit.

This thing is a popular pastime among young people.

As for synaesthesia pills, they are an expensive supplement.

After taking it, you can gain sharper magic perception in a short period of time.

The affinity of magic element or magic power in the body will also be greatly improved.

Ophelia, who has lived in Bang City since childhood and received a good education, is no stranger to these potions.

However, these things are controlled items in the city.

They can only be obtained through several special channels including the Alchemy Workshop.

What gave her a headache was not Ursula, but her father's name also appeared in the list.

Ophelia read it from beginning to end and found a situation.

That is, Ursula mainly ordered hallucinogens, and her father ordered all deadly poisons or magic element boiling potions.

When her mother died, she was still young, and there was no useful clue in her vague memory.

Now, Ophelia decided to re-examine her family relationship.

She took out all the relevant lists and stuffed them into her storage bracelet.

"I saw the things."

"Before leaving, Mr. Justo, we'd better sign a contract."

"A more rigorous contract that cannot disclose my actions today in any form..."

...

In the West District, in the small courtyard rented by Chen Xuan.

The four returned here exhausted.

They had packed up their mountain bikes in advance at the outskirts of the village and took mules to the city instead.

After closing the gate, they checked the traces everywhere.

Chen Xuan asked the three women to go upstairs to his bedroom to count the spoils together.

First, the storage bags and money bags found in the cave and on Sorel and others.

There were a total of sixty-nine, all of which were handed over to Dora Silan for inspection.

In addition, there were thirty-nine weapons that were contaminated and of unclear quality, which were cleaned and classified by the cat girl.

As for Dora Belia, she was responsible for helping her sister to subdivide the magic scrolls and potions found in the storage bags, and at the same time eliminate the items that could no longer be used.

Chen Xuan himself sat cross-legged on the spot, with nine [Primary Magic Seeds] beside him.

Each magic seed was as big as a goose egg, and the surface emitted a faint light.

They were thick in texture, but not crystal clear, and only had a dim luster in the sun.

Chen Xuan was preparing to synthesize the magic seeds.

The method was very simple. Just put three magic seeds of the same level together and let them collide with each other in a triangular shape to complete the fusion and advancement.

If you want to split them, you have to prepare a more complicated magic array and ritual.

In the Naroa continent, there is a perfect method for dealing with magic seeds.

Chen Xuan did not hesitate much and raised his hand to arrange three of the magic seeds in a triangle.

They are like three vertices, and naturally produce an echoing effect.

This is how you usually practice with magic seeds.

The magic seeds in a triangular state contain indescribable mysteries.

Speaking of which, the so-called "Gate of Ten Thousand Sources" seems to be a triangle as well.

It is not ruled out that there are some commonalities.

Chen Xuan has a reserved attitude towards this.

He used his hands to bring the three [initial magic seeds] infinitely close.

It was as if the three vertices of a triangle continued to collapse, and finally merged into one point.

When these three [initial magic seeds] touched each other, black light shone.

When the light faded, the three [initial stage magic seeds] on the spot turned into one [intermediate stage magic seeds].

Chen Xuan followed the same method and combined the remaining six [initial stage magic seeds] into [intermediate stage magic seeds].

Compared with the initial stage, the intermediate stage magic seeds are a circle larger, and the light of the magic rhythm is more dazzling.

He skillfully placed the three [intermediate stage magic seeds] around him to form a large triangle.

The surrounding magic power was quickly attracted, and after entering the magic element practice state, it can be found that the surrounding magic concentration has increased several times compared to the initial stage.

This is of great significance for magic element practice, which can save a lot of time.

And it is not limited to Chen Xuan alone. In theory, the two sisters, Kitty Girl and Dora, can also enjoy the benefits of practice bonus.

Of course, compared with honest practice, Chen still thinks that it is more efficient to attack the cave to plunder [magic source].

Putting away these [Intermediate Magic Seeds], Chen Xuan planned to wait until he conquered Magtan City before practicing hard for a while.

He has now reached the peak of the Bronze level, and is only one step away from the early Silver level.

If he practices normally, it is estimated that it will take only two or three rounds of practice to advance to the next level.

And there is an unused [Magic Source] in his storage compartment.

He does not plan to use this [Magic Source] himself.

He plans to give it to Ophelia.

The reason is also very simple. He can break through the Silver level by himself.

When he needs to deal with the affairs of Blue Star, there must be a confidant who can show off on the Naroa Continent.

At present, Jason Iron Furnace, a third-level blacksmith with a Silver Magic Element level, is considered a hand.

Ophelia, who is in charge of external affairs, must also pull up her strength as soon as possible.

Previously, her progress in practicing Magic Element was a little higher than Chen Xuan.

After fusing the [Magic Source], it is likely that she will be able to break through to the early Silver level in one fell swoop.

Chen Xuan can break through naturally by practicing, and it will not take much effort either.

Even if this [Magic Source] is integrated, it won't save much time.

The accumulation of quantitative change has been completed, and the next stage of qualitative change is just a step away.

In this way, three silver-level strongmen will appear in the small team in a short time.

Chen Xuan can also take time to handle some matters at Blue Star with peace of mind.

In addition, the improvement of the strength of any member of the team is equivalent to subtly increasing his influence on Magtan City.

After making the arrangements, Chen Xuan immediately knew what was going on.

His mind was immersed in the storage compartment, ready to take out Sorel Moran's magic sword and rune flail to take a look.

At this time, he suddenly saw an unknown map drawn on the leather in the form of a tattoo.

With a thought, this leather map appeared in his hand.

"If I remember correctly, this thing seems to have been looted from the dwarf who took the lead in Morluye."

He looked over the leather map over and over. Four locations were marked on it.

It has been kept in the storage compartment these days and I didn't bother to study it.

Considering the potential relationship between Moore Greenleaf and Yusula, Chen thought that this map might be of great significance.

Possibly a map of Maul's Greenleaf treasure.

These guys are full of evil, wandering around and amassing a lot of wealth.

The thieves did not trust the currency exchange houses and preferred to bury their treasures in the wild.

Otherwise, this map would not be kept by the leader.

Of course, this is just Chen Xuan's guess.

Nowadays, the effect of [Insight] has been comprehensively improved, and many mysteries can be solved without the resurrection of the person involved.

Thinking of this, Chen Xuan immediately activated [Insight] with concentration.

Golden subtitles appeared.

[The exploration map of Moss Black Iron, the dwarf of Madala Mine. With his rich prospecting experience, he found the four areas around the area where dark gold mines are most likely to exist based on the geographical geography of Magtan City.

According to the plan, they were supposed to follow Ursula Walton's instructions to explore these four areas respectively and find the dark gold mine secretly controlled by Ansetus.

It was with the help of the dark gold mine and the red-haired Walton family's private forging workshop that Ansetus gained massive wealth. At the same time, because of this secret "trade route", the Walton family and Colchicum Business groups are inextricably linked

As long as Yusula obtains the exact location of the secret mining area, he can replace her by force and regain the support of the family. Until then, the red-haired Walton family will remain on the sidelines]

…

"hiss!"

Chen Xuan took a breath!

He finally knew the truth about the interests of the Colchicum Merchant Group and the rise of Ansetus.

——An unexposed dark gold mine hidden around Magatan City!

And dark gold is proper money!

At around 5 a.m. local time on March 25, the Myawaddy border trade zone in Karen State, Myanmar, was attacked by armed forces, resulting in many injuries. The border trade channel in the trade zone is temporarily closed.

The conflict lasted until about 8:30 a.m. that day. The customs and transportation offices in the trade zone, some passing vehicles, and surrounding roads were damaged. (Headquarters reporter Wang Yuezhou)

PS: The small excessive plot of Magtan City in the article is about to end, and many of the contents are foreshadowing of the previous article.

The next stage of development in Blue Star will be signaled by the protagonist entering the silver level.