(A/N: What's your thoughts on the story so far?)
--- Chapter 20 ---
Wind Prairie Town
We visited the Merchant Union branch in the town to gather information regarding the plant-type spirit beast that is nearing eight thousand years old. Upon showing my identity badge, we were 'warmly' greeted, and the servants immediately knelt and escorted us to the manager's office.
Upon reaching the manager's room, a blue-haired man in a casual green robe greeted us with a smile. "Welcome to my humble branch, Sir," he said. "My name is Kun, and I'm the manager here. What can I do for you?"
I observed Kun and keenly sensed that his cultivation base was around level 43, indicating that he was a spirit ancestor. I nodded and replied, "I would like information about the plant-type spirit beast you found in the nearby Star Dou Forest."
Kun appeared stunned by my request before laughing softly and patting his forehead helplessly. "I see... Oh, sir, you're the one who spent many contribution points seeking a plant-type spirit beast with lightning elements? No wonder you can spend so much."
The Merchant Union operates on a contribution points system. The higher one contributes to the union, the higher their status becomes. Merchants aiming to join the union must contribute ideas, items, or sales.
10.000 gold coins are insignificant within the union, as they only equate to one contribution point.
A merchant reaches the first level of membership, known as a bronze merchant, after accumulating 1,000 contribution points. The second level, silver merchant, is obtained at 1,000,000 points, while the third and most prestigious level, golden merchant, requires an astounding 1,000,000,000 points.
I may not own any businesses or shops, but my ideas have significantly helped the Merchant Union gain profits, making me the first and only golden member to date. It was clear that Kun recognized my identity when I unveiled the golden badge, giving me an admiring look in response.
Kun went to his cabinet and pulled out a dossier, handing it to me with a smile. "I hope this helps the infamous golden merchant. Don't worry, this one is off the charge."
I took the dossier and didn't reply to Kun's words. After briefly reading the information, I couldn't help but nod because it was what I wanted. "Thank you, I will remember this favor."
"I'm glad to help." Kun couldn't hide his excitement. Well, he likely wanted to form a connection with me, and I didn't mind it. Yet, his psychology is quite good as he quickly hides his excitement.
"Do you need escorts to the Star Dou Forest? This spirit beast is really dangerous because a few of our mercenary teams experienced many setbacks tracking it alone."
"Do you think a spirit beast under the 10,000-year-old mark could fight a strong attack-system spirit saint?" I gave Kun an amused look. Although some super spirit beasts could do so, the chance of them appearing on the border is close to zero.
Liu Erlong heard my words and took it as an order to show off, though I never asked her to do so. So, she summoned her new "Scarlet Dragon" Martial Soul and released the coercion of a spirit saint with a strong dragon's bloodline.
Seven halos of yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, and black shone in the room as the dragon's roar shook Kun. The floor and wall cracked slightly.
Roar!
"As expected of the only golden merchant in the union. He could even move a saint." Kun's eyes widened as he crossed his arms and watched seven spirit rings rise from Liu Erlong's body. "Today, Kun learns a lot."
My mouth twitched because Liu Erlong's rational thinking seemed to be taking my words too seriously. I gave the female tyrannosaurus a wry look before sighing, "I'm sorry for the damage."
"What about a spot in Gengxin City?"
Kun's breath hitched when I mentioned Gengxin City because it was one of the best spots in the Douluo Continent to start a business. Of course, this is due to the Blacksmith Association recently developing a new type of carriage with a "suspension system." that could travel smoothly and comfortably.
Even the outer spot in Gengxin City is worth a lot.
"Then, I'd like to present sir with a gift, too." Kun calmed himself down.
"My people discover a burial place for spirit beasts near the plant-type spirit beast's habitat. However, thick mud covered the place, so it's hard to access it."
"However, with this noble spirit saint, I believe you can enter the place easily."
"Thank you." I reached my hand to Kun.
Kun shook my hand, "Likewise."
...
...
After that, Kun escorted us out with a flattering smile, and we went to the Star Dou Forest.
I saw the entrance of Star Dou Forest and sighed because the dividing line was too eye-catching. One side is a thick ground, and the other is a lush forest.
"Danger, don't enter Star Dou Forest without the protection of high-leveled spirit masters!" A wooden sign stood at the entrance.
Han Yue read this and couldn't help but ask, "Is it really okay for us to enter Star Dou Forest?"
Liu Erlong patted her chest and confidently answered, "Yes. I will protect you with all my power, and not even 10,000-year-old spirit beasts can put a scratch on you."
"Well, let's enter the forest." I stepped into the forest with deep feelings as this place was home to many ferocious beasts and a divine being.
Once we entered the forest, I immediately used the innate aura of Purple Silver Grass and Observation Haki to monitor the surrounding area. Not even an ant could escape my senses.
After just a few minutes of walking, we encountered spirit beasts that were hundreds of years old, highlighting the richness of resources and living conditions in the Star Dou Forest for spirit beasts compared to a typical Soul Hunting Forest. The difference is uncanny.
"Spider!" Han Yue encountered a Man-Faced demon spider over two thousand years old, and Liu Erlong immediately blasted the poor spirit beast into the ground with her punch.
BAM!
A purple spirit ring rose from the ground.
"..." Man-Faced Demon Spider.
"..." Me.
Even Han Yue gave Liu Erlong a baffled look.
Liu Erlong saw our expression and explained, "Man-Faced Demon Spider is a dangerous spirit beast. It was known to be a devourer of man and its own kind. It's too dangerous to be left alive."
"Even spirit beasts would do their best to eliminate this spider-type spirit beast. Unfortunately, the Man-Faced Demon Spider is too strong."
"I didn't expect you to know so much, Senior." Han Yue gave Liu Erlong a surprised look. She initially thought this "old" woman was all muscle and no brain.
Liu Erlong laughed modestly, "After the "madness" from my martial soul was 'finally' cured, I can think more clearly now."
"In the past, I wouldn't even bother to talk and just kill anything on my path."
"But now, I realize my crazed slaughter might trigger a beast tide, which means I won't kill discriminatingly anymore."
"It's all thanks to Xiao Yuan." She smiled at me.
I shrugged, "And you paid that with service."
Walking to the dead Man-Faced Demon Spider, I used the Sky Poison Pearl to extract the poison and poured it into a jade bottle before searching for an external spirit bone.
Unfortunately, there is none.
Well, I'm not Tang San, who has assistance from Asura God.
I shook my head in disappointment before throwing the corpse into the Sky Poison Pearl that I disguised with the storage bracelet on my left wrist.
"Let's continue our journey." I patted dirt off my pants. "I hope we can find the spirit beast before the evening."