It was a win-win.
As for Cloud Peak’s temporary troop stationing, they didn’t fully grasp the purpose but saw no major issue. If Cloud Peak truly wanted this place, stationing troops or not made little difference.
“Second, I hope that when needed, the leaders of Black Dragon City can provide Cloud Peak with a stable rear base for tasks like… receiving, medical treatment, escorting supplies, and so on. Cloud Peak will offer generous compensation.”
A logistics base? The leaders were puzzled again.
What was Ye Zhongming planning? It sounded like preparations for war—receiving, medical treatment, escorting supplies…
Recalling Ye Zhongming’s earlier high-priced intel purchases, they felt less surprised.
Decisions at his level were beyond their comprehension.
“Finally, have you all heard of the Puxing Town Trading Market?”
Old An and the others nodded. They’d heard of it, though details were scarce. It was said to be a thriving commercial hub with rare goods and things previously only seen in fiction—various guilds, mercenary groups, and the like.
The leaders didn’t immediately agree. They weren’t fools—this was clearly a form of Cloud Peak’s influence expansion. Ye Zhongming had said Cloud Peak wouldn’t compete for local hunting grounds, but mercenary groups would inevitably form once a Puxing Town-style commercial street was established. If Black Dragon City hired them, it wouldn’t violate the agreement.
Additionally, with various shops—Puxing Town’s rules reportedly allowed factions to open stores and trade directly with Cloud Peak at attractive prices—over time, this Cloud Peak-controlled street would become Black Dragon City’s commercial heart, ending the era of scattered stalls.
Eventually, Black Dragon City and Cloud Peak would become inseparable.
“Since Cloud Peak is entering Black Dragon City, we’ll share responsibility for its defense. I can provide ten Annihilation-type crystal cannons free of charge to guard the city, easing the Four Dragon Heads’ burden. If Black Dragon City is attacked and requests aid, Cloud Peak will dispatch troops to assist.”
This was effectively a mutual defense pact—though Cloud Peak only had obligations, not rights. If Cloud Peak’s headquarters were attacked, Black Dragon City wouldn’t be required to send troops.
This was an attractive proposal for the leaders.
No matter Cloud Peak’s intentions—whether infiltration or otherwise—it was ultimately more beneficial than harmful for Black Dragon City. With Cloud Peak’s protection, they’d feel much more secure.
Take, for example, that bear king that often came by to glare. The leaders constantly worried it might storm the city.
Moreover, agreeing to this meant Cloud Peak would inevitably intervene in the upcoming battle against the northern red-haired foes, ensuring victory!
Once victorious, Black Dragon City would dominate the region, free from external threats.
The benefits were substantial, while the drawbacks were uncertain and long-term. There was no reason not to agree.
The leaders saw things clearly—hitching a ride on Cloud Peak’s coattails wasn’t a bad idea.
The agreement was quickly reached, without any written contract—just verbal terms. Both sides understood: if Cloud Peak, the dominant party, chose to honor it, verbal or written made no difference. If they didn’t, even ten thousand contracts would be worthless.
After ironing out details, the matter was settled. Cloud Peak’s warriors began setting up a teleportation array. Soon, the promised technicians and construction materials would arrive en masse, and Cloud Peak’s main forces could appear here at any time.
That evening, accompanied by Old An, Old Long, Hai Dayu, and other Black Dragon City leaders, Ye Zhongming entered the city walls.
This was a small request of his—to see the Four Dragon Heads’ energy source, which attracted Level 9 lifeforms.
“Ever since this base energy device was built, I’ve struggled to find an energy source. The Four Dragon Heads’ own power isn’t infinite—it depletes with use.”
Old An led the way, explaining to Ye Zhongming.
“I’m no genius like Master Le, who can use magic crystals or even our own power as energy. So, I had to find alternatives.”
“In the end, I succeeded.”
By now, the group had reached the thickest part of the city walls. Beyond the walls’ protection, there were two additional layers: one of thick ice reinforced by a special job, and another of a meter-thick metal room.
Ye Zhongming saw the base energy device inside the metal room, and at its center, a small, multicolored sprout rhythmically pulsing like a breath.
“This… what is it?” Ye Zhongming was stunned by the overwhelming life energy emanating from the sprout, no taller than twenty centimeters.
“It’s called Lan You!” Old An’s eyes glazed over with fascination.
“Obtaining it was pure luck. It grew at the summit of the famed Changbai Mountain, guarded by two Level 8 lifeforms. We lost over four thousand people bringing it back safely. As you can see, this little thing provides ample energy for the Four Dragon Heads and even nourishes them.”
Old An spoke admiringly.
Ye Zhongming observed closely. The light emitted during the sprout’s “breathing” was directly absorbed by the base energy device, presumably converted into energy for the Four Dragon Heads.
The sprout itself drew nutrients from its roots underground.
“Does it not grow larger?”
Ye Zhongming asked curiously.
“It grows exactly three centimeters a year—precisely,” Old An replied. “As for the rest—why this thing, which has no level, is coveted by Level 9 lifeforms; why its emitted light can be absorbed and converted; whether it will flower or bear fruit; whether it might harm us in the future—I have no idea. Back then, I just thought it might be useful and took the gamble, never expecting it to work.”
Ye Zhongming examined it from all angles before suddenly turning to Old An. “If I can provide Black Dragon City with defensive equipment matching the Four Dragon Heads’ strength, or substitute another energy source, would you allow me to experiment on this sprout?”