With the auction and the trade fair drawing near, the Dark Moon became more lively day by day.
This grand event attracted the attention of many people from the Demon Realm this time. The 3 devil fruits that were auctioned alone were enough to drive many demons crazy.
Devil fruit was a rare fruit that matured only once in hundreds of years. It had extraordinary significance for demons outside the royal family. In addition to increasing power, it could also greatly increase one’s potential which increased the possibility of breaking through the bottleneck by multiple times. Moreover, there was a very slim chance of obtaining extra special abilities.
Even for the royal family, in addition to the potential, the increase in power and that extra special ability were quite tempting.
In the history of the Demon Realm, the war of lords once happened for the devil fruit. If this auction was before the Dark Moon’s war of lords, then the nearby estates might covet or even snatch the fruit, but the Dark Moon had defeated the combination of the 2 major estates now, the Blue Lava Estate and Red Spirit Estate. Therefore, it already had sufficient deterrence.
In fact, Chen Rui had so many devil fruits now that he could sell them in large baskets in the wholesale market, but products were more expensive when they were scarce, so there would not be too many devil fruits appearing at this moment.
The Dark Moon’s victory in the war of lords as well as the holding of auctions and trade fairs caused traders and merchants, who had originally evacuated, to return. Those vacant shops were all filled up through bidding a week after Shea announced the news.
The recruitment of soldiers was also going smoothly. The population of the Dark Moon Estate was already large, together with this victory which greatly inspired the people and the generous treatment, the crowds were enthusiastic. There were long queues in the recruitment office every day. Of course, these applicants must undergo certain screening and assessment before they could officially become a member of the Dark Moon Army.
What surprised the Dark Moon soldiers and civilians the most was that the secret method of the Blue Lake Mountain Range treasure was really effective. The modified magic soil had been successfully planted with crops, and the growth situation was very gratifying. The effect was several times better than the only fertile land in the country. This meant that the Dark Moon would be forever free from the biggest weakness of food shortage and be truly self-sufficient.
The water supply and sewage system transformation in the Dark Moon City was already half completed before the war of lords, and it was finally completed now. Almost every household had used “tap water”. This convenience had also derived many additional “magic devices” such as showers, automatic toilets, and so on. It had rapidly spread throughout the Dark Moon and improved the quality of life in the entire city. This completely surprised those outsiders.
Seeing his own research results finally succeed and implemented throughout the estate, the 2 masters, Xingxing and Skye, were gratified. When the war of lords approached this time, the Dark Moon people panicked. Prince Teris of the Bloody Empire even sent Montero, who was at the early stage of Demon Emperor, to persuade Master Xingxing to leave the Dark Moon and go to the Bloody Empire to avoid the disaster.
Master Xingxing intended to move, but he already knew that Teris was not a simple man. He would definitely not go to the Bloody Empire, but at least he had to take Sasa to leave the Dark Moon, which was the dangerous place of war.
Lisa, Skye’s lover, insisted on staying because her brother, Aldas, was a loyal officer of Princess Royal Shea, so he would never leave in times of crisis. The brother-sister affection that seemed indifferent finally revealed at the time of crisis. Skye considered it again and again, and he decided to stay. Apart from his relationship with Lisa, he owed “Aguile” a favor for saving him and his daughters, so he had to do his best. Master Xingxing made a resolute decision to stay too.
In the end, the result of the war of lords was beyond everyone’s expectations, so the 2 masters were finally relieved.
As the new financial officer, Chen Rui had been very busy these days for the water system transformation, the reorganization of the shops, the management of Cloak Gang, the start of Delia’s ”Dark Demon”, and the affairs of the joint chamber of commerce… He was very busy all day. For this reason, Shea also set up the Ministry of Finance with Chen Rui as the top officer. He was equipped with many capable subordinates, but because it was just getting started, he still couldn’t be entirely discharged from the tasks.
Of course, no matter how busy he was, it was definitely indispensable to “train” together with Athena and Kia at night. The fully moisturized sheriff and maid looked glorious and amazing.
Although the characteristics of [Dual Training] could refine strength, it had no effect on Phecda’s experience. His experience was still 0. Although Phecda happened to be upgraded during mating, mating couldn’t provide real improvement in this realm.
Megrez trained “law” while Phecda needed “dissolve”. This level was a bit puzzling. The Super System didn’t have very clear hints. There was only a vague sense of mystery in his heart like Megrez previously. Once he mastered this feeling, he could truly understand the mystery of Phecda.
In addition to the newly acquired skills and buildings, a series of good items had been added to the Royal Spirits category and Blueprint Formula category of the exchange center.
The exchange center already had 4 categories: Pharmacy, Plants, Royal Spirits and Blueprint Formula.
1. Pharmacy category: In addition to ordinary medicines, there were a full set of black medicines including resurrection potion and longevity potion.
2. Plants category: Pivotal seed, aura gathering flower and others were the main source of aura and the driving force of the entire Super System. Among them, the pivotal fairy was the soul of the Star Garden.
3. Royal Spirits category: Stridebug, Gluttonous Vine, Guardian Vines and Winged Butterflies. The first 2 were used more in actual combat, and they have a time limit. Guardian Vines was the treasure to guard the house. Chen Rui also planted Guardian Vines in the inner courtyard of the palace now to protect Shea and her sister. As for the winged butterfly, there was nowhere to be used at the moment.
There were 2 types of Royal Spirits added this time. 1. Yuan Recovery Tree – Attributes: Recovers at a fix interval. Restores the physical and magic power within the range of effect. The action can be timed. The longest lifespan is 1 month. 1000 auras per plant.
Since he had the passive characteristics of [Astral Form], the Yuan Recovery Tree should not be very useful for him, but he could provide recovery to his companions. It also had a very active role in military training or combat.
2. Bestow fruit – Attributes: [Royal Spirits Bestow]. A medium used to bestow others to use the Royal Spirit plants. The longest duration is 1 day. 1000 auras per plant.
The appearance of Bestow fruit had brought about a qualitative change in the functions of Royal Spirits. For example, the winged butterfly, which was never used before, could now allow an ordinary person who had not reached the Demon Emperor to have the [Flying] ability. Although there was a time limit, it could play an unexpected role in a certain environment.
4. Blueprint Formula category: The original artifact, “Thunderous Sound”, had always been an indispensable treasure in Chen Rui’s battle. Now the artifacts had increased radically to 6 now.
The first 3 were weapons, and the blueprints were all sold for 30 million auras.
Northsea (long sword)- Particularly sharp, speeds up the attack, doubles the proficiency of swordsmanship, halves the damage of water element and light element magic. It can absorb the strength of the person being attacked during the attack; charge skill [Flow Back to Origin]; water and light element double attribute sword qi damage. Automatically repairs the damage. Must recognize the owner.
Judgment (greatsword)- Doubles the attack power, doubles the defense power, quickly recovers physical strength, and there is a chance to stun the opponent when attacking. Supplementary skill: [Judgment]. 50% chance of ignoring the opponent’s defense; greatly increases crushing damage; can only be used once per hour. Automatically repairs the damage. Must recognize the owner.
Secret Shadow (wand)- Doubles the magic power of all elements, doubles the casting speed, and immunes to soul attacks. Supplementary skill: [Limit Break Territory]. There is a chance to ignore the opponent’s magic defense or immunity; can only be used once per hour. Automatically repairs the damage. Must recognize the owner.
The last 3 were armors, and the blueprints were all sold for 20 million aura.
Overlord Armor (heavy armor)- Greatly increases strength and defense; weakens, absorbs and turns damage into physical strength. Supplementary skill: [Overlord Armor Reduction]. Greatly weakens the defense power of all enemies within the range; can lock the target. Can only be used every 6 hours; the effect lasts for 1 hour each time. Automatically repairs the damage. Must recognize the owner.
Mystic Jade Armor (light armor)- Increases movement speed and halves long-range damage. Supplementary skill: [Hot Blood Halo]. Increases the speed of comrades within 100 meters, increases attack power, and is able to lock support units. Can only be used every 6 hours; the effect lasts for 1 hour each time. Automatically repairs the damage. Must recognize the owner.
Magic feather tulle (tulle)- Increases move speed, quickly restores physical strength, spirit power and magic power, as well as greatly increases magic resistance. Supplementary skill: [Lightweight]. Automatically triggers [Teleportation] during a fatal attack to get out of danger. Can only be used twice per hour. Automatically repairs the damage. Must recognize the master.
Each of these 6 artifact-level weapons and armors made him salivate. Each weapon had its own characteristics, especially the Overlord Armor and Mystic Jade Armor which actually had halo skills. Although the price was expensive, he currently had 160 million aura. The price of the blueprint was not a problem, but it was impossible for him to gather a lot of rare materials completely at once. He hoped that he could gain something from the trade fair this time.
In addition to the exchange center, the “spiritual link” related to the contract had also undergone new changes, but the enhancements and other functions also required faith crystals. At present, he could only wait to reap from the Tower of Faith.
On this day, Chen Rui returned to the office building of the Ministry of Finance after handling some trivial matters at the joint chamber of commerce. Unexpectedly, Kia was waiting for him in the office. It should be the busiest time for Kia in the Princess Retail Store now. She also brought a person.
This man was tall, and he seemed unfamiliar. It was just that the fierce aura hidden in his eyes gave Chen Rui a vaguely familiar feeling.
Kia bowed and said, “Master, Kia has a request.”
“Oh?”
Chen Rui and Kia were already very close, but Kia seemed a bit overly polite now. With the degree of spiritual communication between the 2, Chen Rui felt something amiss. He shifted his mind, and the [Analytical Eyes] was on.
Race: Gluttony Royal Family. Comprehensive Strength Assessment: S-(S+)
Physique: S-(S+); Strength: S(S+); Spirit: S-(S); Agility: S-(S)
[Analysis]: Earth element.
Beelzebub Royal Family! Peak stage of Demon Overlord!
Chen Rui was secretly shocked. The man who could fulfill the conditions, and Kia had such an abnormal expression and address, the true identity of this Beelzebub Demon Overlord was fairly obvious!
Kia’s father, one of the heads of the Bloodfall organization and the King of Beelzebub, who I once met in the Crystal Valley – Azgalor. Beelzebub!
Azgalor, actually came to the Dark Moon personally!
The Demon Overlord’s sensing ability was quite sensitive. Although Chen Rui’s mood swings were very subtle, Azgalor still noticed them. A hint of doubt appeared in his eyes.
“That’s why!” Chen Rui yelled, as if he suddenly thought of something. He shouted to the outside, “Grasa, give me the layout of the trade fair immediately!”
Grasa who was outside responded, and she hurriedly walked toward another office. Chen Rui muttered something as if he had just remembered something. He said to Kia, “Kia, don’t disturb me. I just thought something about the trade fair.”
“Yes, Master.” Upon hearing Chen Rui’s somewhat direct tone, Kia secretly understood and was relieved. She bowed respectfully.
Chen Rui turned a blind eye to Kia and Azgalor as he walked in the hall while making a contemplative look. This pretentiousness was just to cover up his shock just now. What is Azgalor’s purpose in coming to the Dark Moon?
Although Azgalor, Jacob and Manu were defeated after besieging Catherine, his power of the peak stage Demon Overlord is evident. In the entire Dark Moon, only the Earth Elemental King and Krobelus are Demon Overlords. After the return of the earth elemental heart, the Earth Elemental King Moore’s power has improved, but he has only reached the apex of the intermediate stage Demon Overlord. There is still a small gap from the peak stage of the Demon Overlord.
Even among the peak stage Demon Overlords, the gap between each other is not small. Even if the Earth Elemental King breaks through to the peak stage of the Demon Overlord, he is not Azgalor’s opponent. Unless Paglio can recover his power, no one in the Dark Moon can beat this King of Beelzebub.
When Chen Rui was thinking about it, Grasa quickly brought over the venue layout of the trade fair. Chen Rui pretended to make some marks on it. After taking a long time to complete, he nodded with satisfaction. He ordered Grasa some things and said to Kia, “By the way, Kia, you seem to have something to say?”
Kia nodded and said, “I’m sorry to disturb Master working. I brought a guest today, and I want to introduce him to Master.”
Chen Rui set his gaze on the disguised Azgalor. Azgalor really was not suspicious just now, and he had been waiting patiently without showing any impatience. He politely said, “Sir financial officer is dealing with many matters every day. You are really a busy person. Please forgive me for the interruption.”
“This guest is…”
Kia intervened, “Master, he… is Kia’s long-lost father.”
“Father?” Chen Rui was taken aback. He didn’t expect Azgalor to actually appear with this “real” identity. He deliberately asked, “Didn’t you tell me that your parents have passed away a long time ago?”
There were tears in Kia’s eyes. It was more for her dead mother, Freya, “This was what happened. Back then, my parents and I encountered a group of bandits. My father and mother stayed behind to hold the bandits in order to cover my escape. I thought my parents were all sacrificed, but my father still survived.”
Kindness appeared in Azgalor’s eyes, and he said quite emotionally, “My name is Galor. I have been searching for Kia’s whereabouts all these years. I happen to come to the Dark Moon for some matters this time. As a result, thanks to Demon God’s blessing, I actually found my long-lost daughter.”
Chen Rui sneered secretly in his heart. I didn’t expect Azgalor to have such talent for acting. He is Kia’s father indeed, but for Azgalor, family affection is not much thicker than a piece of paper. If it is necessary, he can kill his biological daughter without hesitation. Fatilu is the best example.
“I see, but regardless of Kia’s past, she is now a slave given to me by the Princess Royal Highness. Even if you are her father, I will not let her go.”
Chen Rui deliberately emphasized the word slave to pull apart the distance between Kia and him by highlighting their hierarchical relationship. This was his bottom line. He could play tricks with Bloodfall, but he would never let Kia take the risk by returning to Azgalor.
“Sir has misunderstood. Kia is better off here than wandering with me. I even have to ask sir to take care of her in the future.” Azgalor smiled and said, “Apart from reuniting with Kia, my purpose of coming here today is to give a great benefit to sir financial officer.”
“Benefit?” Chen Rui knew that the show was coming. He frowned and looked at Kia. Kia understood him, and she deliberately nodded affirmatively in front of Azgalor.
Chen Rui looked at Azgalor a few times before he finally nodded and said, ” Sir Galor, please have a sit.”
Azgalor hinted Kia, and Kia said, “Master, I came out of the Princess Retail Store temporarily. There are still a lot of things on the little princess side. You can talk with my father here. I will leave first. ”
Chen Rui nodded, and he thought for a moment. He asked everyone in the office to retreat, leaving only him and Azgalor.
Azgalor used Kia to find him. He shouldn’t have any malicious intent for the time being. Otherwise, with the power of the peak stage Demon Overlord, if he directly assassinated, even Chen Rui, who had reached the Demon Emperor level, couldn’t stop him.
“Sir Galor, there are no outsiders now. You can just say it.”
“Before this, pardon me for asking, is sir from the human world?”
Chen Rui shrugged, “Yes, as everyone knows, I’m a human. However, as far as I know, I’m not the only human in the Demon Realm.”
“Sir has misunderstood. Whether it is the human world or Demon Realm, talented people are the real powerhouse.” Azgalor smiled, “Sir Chen Rui is absolutely the key reason for the current brilliant situation of the Dark Moon’s economy. The auction house alone is a precedent.”
This was no secret. Many of the Dark Moon innovations were unprecedented by the Demon Realm. Many people attributed this to the human. This should be the real reason why Shea placed great importance on the human.
Weak in strength, but smart mind, especially in economics. This was the outsiders’ evaluation of the human financial officer.
He had ability, but lacked power, so there was no need to worry about rebellion. Such a person was the most ideal subordinate. Even Josh had publicly expressed his intention to solicit Chen Rui in Town Leith’s wilderness battle.
“Actually, I just copied some things from the human world.” Chen Rui shook his head lightly. “It’s not considered a talent. I’m very content to be recognized by Princess Royal and get the status now.”
“Sir is too modest.” Azgalor took a deep look at Chen Rui, and he suddenly asked calmly, “Sir, have you thought about progressing a step further?”
Chen Rui frowned. Is this solicitation?
Azgalor came to the Dark Moon personally, and appeared as Kia’s father with the purpose of solicitation? Isn’t he thinking too highly of a “mere” human!?
This father-in-law is not General George. Since he has come, no matter what, I must try to “entertain” him.
Would his meeting with ‘father-in-law’ turn into a battle? Or he could even trick this ‘father-in-law’?