The influence of the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps is rapidly escalating.
The Dragon-man youth has been promoted to duelist and has received pacification from the Royal Family. The cooperation with Shuanglian and the support for individuals like Cai Jing have allowed them to navigate the Warm Snow Cup competition without obstruction.
In the second major event, the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps showcased three alchemy products, further enhancing their status in the eyes of others.
Zi Di took advantage of the situation to negotiate with the Alchemy Guild, arranging for the production of alchemy items, including potion mounts.
Which power holds the largest alchemy production line in the Ice Sculpture Kingdom?
The answer is only one: the Alchemy Guild.
The magic potion production line of the Jingxiang family pales in comparison to that of the Alchemy Guild, let alone other types of alchemy products.
As for the Lijian family, that’s even less worth mentioning.
The progress of the negotiation was exceptionally rapid.
Meanwhile, the large number of alchemy laboratories that Zi Di applied for is also being reviewed and approved in batches.
The survivors plan to turn these alchemy laboratories into small-scale production workshops.
Currently, production capacity is very scarce.
They are trying every possible way to expand production capacity.
In pursuit of more alchemy laboratories, Cai Jing and others applied for the maximum limit of alchemy laboratories as directed by the survivors.
There are numerous alchemy laboratories in the Ice Sculpture Royal Capital.
Zi Di had once conducted field inspections in several famous alchemy districts, finding many abandoned labs.
After all, renting these alchemy laboratories requires payment.
In fact, the number of laboratories within the Royal Capital is far fewer than those beneath it. In the upper three layers of the Ten-thousand-year-old Ice Lake, there are countless laboratories, along with hidden Mage Towers, Holy Temples, and other facilities.
This has been an accumulation of heritage since before the Ice Sculpture Kingdom was established.
Zi Di has a clear plan in mind: "Using alchemy laboratories as workshops is just a transition."
"After all, these laboratories not only require rent but also need to produce standard-compliant alchemy results within a time frame."
Otherwise, those laboratories wouldn’t be abandoned.
Many Alchemy Mages ended up with no results from their experimental projects, hence losing their rental qualification.
However, this requirement is not a concern for the survivors.
Because the War Merchant’s database is extensive, pulling out a bit of content can meet the requirements and continue the rental agreement.
"We still need to purchase large equipment, establish production lines, employ a large number of Alchemist Apprentices, or directly achieve large-scale alchemy puppet workers."
"In any case, there must be a large-scale Alchemy Factory operating tirelessly to have enough output to supply the Ice Sculpture Kingdom and other forces."
With the martial power of the Dragon-man youth, Cang Xu’s ingenious strategies, and Zi Di’s business plan, they cleared all previous obstacles and entered another period of smooth development.
She began purchasing large production components while selecting sites nationwide, considering building a local factory in the Ice Sculpture Kingdom.
Soon, she set her sights on the Lijian family’s alchemy production line.
She proactively negotiated with the head of the Lijian family: "We can’t continue this cooperation. Your newly expanded production line is about to be abandoned, why not sell it to me directly?"
These words were quite provocative, making the Lijian family member responsible for contact turn pale with rage, nearly losing his noble composure and uttering profanity.
But Zi Di was certain of the contemporary Lijian Clan Leader’s disposition and said directly, "You can’t decide, pass the message to your Clan Leader."
Since the Dragon-man youth expressed interest in negotiating with the Lijian Clan Leader, Mian licang had been waiting for Long Fu to find him.
However, no matter how he waited, Long Fu never came.
In the end, what came was Zi Di’s strong demand to acquire the Lijian family’s alchemy production line.
Mian licang was quite angry, but as a mature politician, he restrained his emotions and took the initiative to contact the Dragon-man youth.
The Dragon-man youth rejected him, telling him: "I am currently focused on achieving good results in the duel. Recently, I’ve been training under Long Meng’s guidance and have no opportunity to talk to you, Mian licang. Given the current situation of the Lijian family, I hope both parties will make efforts to sever ties and complete all formalities. If there is an opportunity to cooperate in the future, there might be a possibility of renewing our partnership."
Mian licang felt humiliated.
The Dragon-man youth’s words were telling him: "I no longer value your Lijian family. Your family is now in such big trouble, don’t drag me down."
"I’d rather die than sell these production lines to you!" In his embarrassment and annoyance, Mian licang immediately rejected Zi Di’s acquisition proposal.
Zi Di was not disappointed by the rejection. To begin with, this prospect had little chance, and she had not placed much hope in it.
Furthermore, the Jingxiang family soon approached, actively requesting cooperation with the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, completely changing their previous attitude of "even if we lose the duel, we’ll hold our heads high and delay."
There are two main reasons for the Jingxiang family’s change.
The first reason is that the second duel between Mifang and Long Fu was lost again. However, Mifang fought with style, leading to a significant recovery in reputation.
The second reason is the rumor of cooperation between the Alchemy Guild and the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, which has already spread.
Seeing that even the Alchemy Guild chose to cooperate with the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, the Jingxiang family realized they had no power to shake such a business alliance.
If you can’t beat them, join them.
Don’t talk about integrity, nor the pride of a Snow Elf.
Speak of it as the survival wisdom of the Nobles!
Therefore, the representative of the Jingxiang family took a very humble stance. Zi Di tried to be as proud as possible, and then stated clearly, "Let Mifang talk to us."
The Jingxiang family was naturally unwilling. The Snow Elves within the family had a hard time keeping Mifang down, and this sort of son-in-law needed to be restrained to be more useful in the future.
Zi Di invoked the name of the Dragon-man youth: "Our squad leader has acknowledged Mifang after the second duel."
"In his eyes, the only person worth noticing in the Jingxiang family is Mifang."
"If you want to replace him, then challenge Lord Long Fu first, and demonstrate your capacity through a duel."
The Jingxiang family: ...
After Zi Di’s words were conveyed back, the whole family fell into a strange silence. Then, they started shirking responsibilities; no one was willing to participate in the duel.
The bloodline of the Jingxiang family wasn’t good at combat but excelled at making magic potions.
Why did they value Mifang so much and recruit him to become part of the family? Wasn’t it because of Mifang’s combat power and his overwhelming influence in duels?
That evening, the leader of the Jingxiang family summoned Mifang once more: "Since you didn’t use that potion in the previous duel, return it to me."
Mifang shook his head and refused with a smile: "Clan Leader, it’s best for this magic potion to stay with me. This is my confidence in representing the family and cooperating with the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps."
The Jingxiang Clan Leader frowned: "This is the asset of our family, not your personal one."
Mifang’s smile widened: "I am also part of the Jingxiang family. Since it is a family asset, then I have the right to use it. And such a magic potion should be in the hands of the person who can make the best use of it."
"If there is a family member willing to use this magic potion to challenge Long Fu, I will take it out now and give it to you."
The Jingxiang Clan Leader fell into silence.
In an oppressive atmosphere, he stared at Mifang.
Mifang returned the stare without fear, his smile growing even wider.
The pleasure of revenge intoxicated him.
Through this situation, he completely saw the true nature of the Jingxiang family—how cowardly they were!
"If there’s nothing else, please allow me to leave." Mifang retreated strategically.
Before leaving the study, the Jingxiang Clan Leader finally spoke: "You should know about the related matters. From now on, you are responsible for negotiating with the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps on behalf of the family, regarding the mount magic potions business."
Mifang displayed a victorious smile, releasing the doorknob, turning around to face the clan leader expressionless.
He slightly bowed and softly replied, "Yes."
Although his power and position were restored, Mifang felt no joy.
He knew very well who enabled his return.
Therefore, when he represented the Jingxiang family to negotiate with the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps, he exhibited a respectful attitude from the bottom of his heart.
Zi Di was in charge of welcoming.
"Apologies, I’ve been quite busy recently and didn’t have time to meet with you separately."
"Here’s the draft of the business contract; take a look."
Mifang shook his head slightly: "No need to look; I accept it completely."
This attitude made Zi Di pause in surprise, then she laughed softly.
The young woman reevaluated Mifang: "You should at least take a look and make some minor adjustments to respond to the Jingxiang family."
Mifang shook his head again: "The reason I completely agree is not only due to my submission to the squad leader but also my understanding that at this moment, the Jingxiang family has no right to negotiate with your group!"
Zi Di showed a satisfied smile, clapped her hands, and sighed: "Very good, Mifang, you’ve managed to impress me."
"Just as I don’t have time, you can represent the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps and talk to Hegaitou."
"The details of the negotiation are here; take a good look and understand the meaning within."
"Perform well!"
When they passed each other, Zi Di patted Mifang’s shoulder, and Mifang respectfully lowered his head.
"Why is it you who came?!" Hegaitou frowned deeply.
Previously, the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps contacted him wanting to discuss cooperation. In the end, the representative wasn’t Long Fu, not even Yao Ma, but Mifang.
This was outrageous!
But soon, Hegaitou realized and stared at Mifang: "Did you side with Long Fu?"
Mifang smiled: "The squad leader has made me understand completely what I should do. The Jingxiang family is not my home."
Hegaitou gritted his teeth slightly, feeling caught off guard.
At the same time, he deeply realized: The Jingxiang family is entirely no match for the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps. They’ve nearly knelt to preserve the mount magic potion profits.
"This is how the Nobles are!" Hegaitou gritted his teeth, but wasn’t surprised at all.