Chapter 264

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“New Moon Islands? Crown of the Ocean?” Ernesto deeply inhaled and had an intoxicated expression on his face. “I can smell the scent of gold coins from these names, my friend!”

Ji Chen arched an eyebrow, showing a hint of surprise, before offering a warm smile. “Maybe we should skip the formalities and dive right in. Master Ernesto, could you kindly share what merchandise you’ve brought?”

Upon hearing this, Ernesto’s expression grew even more eager, and he exclaimed, “I love customers like you! Rest assured, the items the gnomes have brought will surely satisfy every customer!”

After a pause, he added, “As long as you have enough gold coins.”

“Get ready, everyone! Lower crate number 1! The customer wants to see the goods!”

“Understood!”

A section of the deck on the front part of the gnome merchant ship split open suddenly, revealing a platform that slowly rose. On the platform was a three-meter-tall metal cube-shaped crate with the number “1” spray-painted on top.

Gnomish sailors on the ship’s deck skillfully attached the crane’s hook to the metal crate’s top ring, lifting it and carefully setting it down on the dock.

The dull thud of it hitting the ground indicated that the crate itself and its contents were not light.

Right after that, Ernesto approached and briefly explored the crate’s surface. Suddenly, a smooth area revealed a circular aperture. A beam of light emerged, scanning Ernesto from top to bottom. With a subtle click, it slid open sideways, unveiling the space inside.

Ji Chen raised an eyebrow; this was quite the high-tech safe.

In a world largely characterized by a medieval setting, this demonstration of advanced technology appeared somewhat incongruous.

Ernesto opened the crate and made a gesture of invitation. “Please, have a look inside to see if there’s anything that interests you, honored customer.”

Ji Chen nodded slightly and looked inside.

Upon opening one side of the metal crate, three shelves were revealed. Each shelf held several items—weapons, armor, blueprints, and more. While they varied, they were all of a similar value and tier.

Ji Chen only glanced casually, and his expression grew somewhat disdainful. None of these items could be considered treasures; they didn’t catch his interest.

“I’m not particularly interested in these items. Do you have anything better?”

Upon hearing this, Ernesto’s excitement grew even more. He knew he was dealing with a significant customer and quickly said, “Of course, we won’t disappoint you! Gnomes will ensure that you’re pleased!”

“My comrades, bring over crate number 2—no, 3! Our customer wants to see it!”

The crane on the gnomish merchant ship lifted the Number 1 crate back up and lowered the metal crate marked with the number 3.

Similar to before, Ernesto opened the crate, revealing its contents.

Ji Chen’s expression changed slightly, finally sparking his interest.

As a gnome merchant envoy, Ernesto was skilled at reading people’s reactions. He quickly noticed Ji Chen’s shift in expression and smiled, taking an item from the shelf.

It was a round glass sphere with a miniature model of a spring inside.

[Natural Spring]

[Tier]: 3-Star Treasure

[Effect]: Upon usage, a freshwater spring is formed (daily output sufficient for five thousand people to drink)

[A natural treasure essential for water-scarce territories like deserts and islands]

Oh? This seemed rather promising.

Seeing this spring treasure, Ji Chen remembered what Wikis had reported a few days ago about the freshwater issue concerning the Crown of the Ocean.

The primary water sources for the Crown of the Ocean were the lakes atop the northeastern peaks and various rivers.

As the Crown of the Ocean developed rapidly and its population grew from hundreds to thousands, and then from thousands to tens of thousands, the demand for freshwater increased significantly. Relying solely on the surface water sources of the island was becoming insufficient to support further expansion of the territory. Even though there was abundant groundwater beneath the islands, how to extract it posed a challenge.

Therefore, to ensure the future expansion of the Crown of the Ocean, finding ways to acquire easily accessible water sources became an important concern.

“A 3-star top-tier treasure like the Natural Spring can solve the daily drinking water problem for five thousand people. It’s truly an excellent treasure for territories lacking freshwater!”

“Words of a child have no value! A fixed price of fifteen hundred thousand gold coins!”

Wasn’t that daylight robbery?

These gnomes were quite cunning.

Ji Chen nearly wanted to curse out loud. Selling a 3-star treasure for fifteen hundred thousand gold coins was outrageous. He recalled that previously, he had bought a 3-star treasure shield bracelet from a player for just fifty thousand gold coins. Now, the price had increased several times over. This was simply absurd.

Though he had money, he wasn’t a fool.

The value of this treasure was at most eighty thousand gold coins.

With this in mind, Ji Chen decisively rejected the offer with a resolute tone.

“Master Ernesto, the price seems rather exaggerated and far exceeds its actual value.

Although the Natural Spring is a valuable natural rarity, especially for islands, the Crown of the Ocean, despite being located on an island, isn’t deficient in freshwater resources. The challenge lies more in the extraction process and associated costs.

Thus, it’s not worth spending so many gold coins on it. But if you insist on such an exorbitant price, the Crown of the Ocean won’t welcome you.”

As his words fell, the atmosphere around them instantly grew tense.

Seeing Ji Chen’s resolute rejection, Ernesto couldn’t help but furrow his brow, his mind beginning to calculate.

This was quite different from what he had initially thought, wasn’t it?