Just the green-grade equipment alone would take Ye Zhongming a significant amount of time to craft, even at the highest level. Don’t forget he had to meet the needs of his own forces and craft equipment for Thousand Beast Villa, too.
And this woman even asked for purple and gold-grade equipment. The value of these two items alone could match the level nine materials.
Deacon Water let out a long breath. She had anticipated that Ye Zhongming wouldn’t agree so easily, but at least he hadn’t outright refused. That was a good sign.
“I can also keep your and Cloud Peak’s equipment confidential when publishing the rankings.”
Ye Zhongming was unimpressed. “If I’m strong enough, it doesn’t matter if people know what equipment I have. Besides, if they know mine, I can also know theirs.”
The Water Deacon smiled mysteriously. “You don’t think we’re only discussing this with you, do you? We, the deacons, have already divided the tasks. Each of us is approaching the top-ranked individuals to negotiate this matter. Essentially, we’re asking for hush money. We won’t disclose their equipment in exchange for something valuable.”
“You’re my responsibility.”
She continued, fearing Ye Zhongming might not believe her. “No one wants their equipment to be publicly known, so this small request for something of value will likely be accepted by others. If all goes well, when the new equipment rankings are published, the top twenty, or even thirty, won’t have detailed descriptions!”
Ye Zhongming was momentarily stunned, then chuckled wryly. “You really know how to play on people’s psychology.”
If he would do that, others likely would, too.
Seeing Ye Zhongming’s wry smile and then his return to a calm expression, Deacon Water secretly gritted her teeth in frustration. However, the current situation demands that she establish her own power and find a strong partner like Ye Zhongming and Cloud Peak. For this, she was willing to go all out.
“Two secret realm keys.”
Ye Zhongming’s eyes lit up.
“Ten equipment blueprints.”
That also seemed acceptable.
“A firearms production line and a combat vehicle production line—not Earth’s vehicles, but something from… there.”
The Water Deacon pointed to the sky.
Ye Zhongming’s heart finally wavered. A production line for alien combat vehicles?
But considering the demands, including the never-before-sold crystal cannons, purple-grade equipment, and more, Ye Zhongming’s resolve hardened again.
Deacon Water glared at Ye Zhongming, expecting him to agree now. Instead, he merely opened his mouth and then closed it.
“Don’t push it too far. Do you know how much benefit these things will bring you?”
Deacon Water was almost shouting.
Ye Zhongming replied calmly, “Don’t make it sound like I’m getting these things for free.”
The woman took a deep breath, her hands clenched as if making a difficult decision.
Finally, she seemed to deflate, looking exhausted.
“One last condition. If you agree, then we have a deal. If not, then forget it. I’ll find someone else. I refuse to believe that I can’t find a major power willing to accept me in this vast world.”
There was something hidden in her words. Had the Water Deacon encountered some unsolvable problem?
“Regarding the trade routes, I’ll add ten more, making it twenty-two in total, with nearly six hundred trade stations. Cloud Peak can place goods in all of them for sale. These trade stations cover almost a fifth of the country!”
Deacon Water forced out these words. “I’ll also provide enough building materials for you to construct five large factories, along with a thousand skilled technicians and the necessary production equipment. I’ll cover it all. Cloud Peak can produce to its heart’s content, and I’ll handle the sales!”
Ye Zhongming frowned. “Deacon Water, it seems you were holding back earlier. You have twenty-two trade routes, but you only offered twelve before.”
“Those ten aren’t mine!” The Water Deacon nearly growled.
“Whose are they then?”
“Deacon Tong’s.”
Ye Zhongming shook his head. “If they’re not yours, how can you decide about them? This is too unreliable and doesn’t guarantee my future interests.”
Deacon Water looked at Ye Zhongming as if he were her mortal enemy.
“I can guarantee it!”
“Empty words! How can you possibly make decisions for Deacon Tong?”
The Water Deacon suddenly grabbed her hair, messing it up instantly.
“Because I can make decisions for her!”
“Why?”
“Because… we’re lovers!”
Ye Zhongming was completely stunned. Lovers? That… might give her some authority, but it still wasn’t absolute.
Then Ye Zhongming suddenly thought of a question and blurted it out without thinking, “Is Deacon Tong… a man or a woman?”
“…A woman.”