Zhou Yan eyes the Spirit Bamboo Seed. "Name your price," he says.
His Spirit Fields, rare among lords, make it valuable. Others might overlook it.
"No money," Little Cutie replies.
"Then what?" Zhou Yan asks.
"Spirit fruits, spring water, gear—all!" she lists eagerly.
"One choice," Zhou Yan counters. "It's just one-star—market's 100,000, max. Silver gear equivalent."
Spirit Fields limit its value; 50,000 would be fair.
"Silver gear?" Little Cutie pleads. "I'll trade future seeds first!"
She knows its limits. "Fine, one silver piece this time," Zhou Yan agrees. "Next time, two seeds per piece."
Business, not greed, guides him.
"Thanks, Little Brother!" Little Cutie beams.
They trade, and she tosses in bamboo. Zhou Yan handles other lords' buy requests—mostly gear and water—then heads to the Spirit Bamboo House. Savory aromas greet him.
Zhen Mi, Si Teng, and Hua Yuerong cook, their demoness beauty radiant yet harmonious. "Lord's here," they smile.
"Seasonings are low," Si Teng says.
Zhou Yan checks the trading hall—nothing. Frowning, he posts in the National Chat Room, showing Heavenly Court's name: "Buying seasonings, large quantities, full variety. Trade for fruits, water, gear. Act fast."
His fame draws a frenzy:
"Boss appeared!"
"Need a sidekick, Boss?"
"Big Sister, 1.7 meters, 18, stunning—girlfriend material?"
"I've got dozens of spices!"
"Free salt, Boss!"
"Cumin's everywhere outside my gate!"
Embarrassed by the spam, Zhou Yan locks his message bar. He picks a reliable seller, Dog Egg, and sends a friend request.
[Territory Prompt: "You and Dog Egg are friends."]
"Boss added me!" Dog Egg gushes.
"Business," Zhou Yan says. "All seasonings—now."
"Won't disappoint!" Dog Egg sends cumin, pepper, salt, star anise, soy sauce, vinegar—dozens, some unfamiliar.
Zhou Yan marvels. "How?"
"My dad's territory grows spices," Dog Egg explains. "Brought tons, plus seeds—not mature yet."
"Seeds for sale?" Zhou Yan presses.
"Free for you—worthless to us," Dog Egg says. "Like rice at home."
"Trade," Zhou Yan insists. "What do you want?"
"Spring water," Dog Egg replies, lamenting failed grabs.
"Done." Zhou Yan sends a bottle. The seasonings and seeds are a haul.
"Can I buy water later?" Dog Egg asks.
"Small amounts," Zhou Yan allows.
Dog Egg buys gear, water, and fruits too. Zhou Yan stores the seasonings in the Treasure Room. "Enough for now," he tells Si Teng. He hands Hua Yuerong the seeds to plant.
Dinner lacks Diao Chan's touch, leaving a pang. After, Zhou Yan practices Seven Star Sword Technique outside. Its power demands relentless honing. Spiritual energy needs, vast, delay breakthroughs. He trains in the Spirit Bamboo House till dawn.
At six, Ice Tower attacks rouse them. Zhen Mi, rising, says, "Lord, monsters hit early."
"Didn't expect a dawn raid," Zhou Yan replies, standing from meditation.
Monsters swarm three walls. Zhou Yan shifts two towers rightward. Ice shards streak, freezing swathes of foes.
"Level 30 Ice Tower's fierce," Zhou Yan nods. Its range and might impress.
"Sisters are at the walls," Si Teng and Hua Yuerong report.
"Good. To the barracks," Zhou Yan says.
The White-Robed Ghost Soldiers, led by Very Long, stand ready. "Lord!" they shout.
"Split into three," Zhou Yan orders. "Zhen Mi, left wall. Si Teng, Hua Yuerong, right wall. I'll take the last. Clear?"
"Yes!" they roar.
To the women, he adds, "Hold your walls."
"Yes, Lord!" They rush off.