Chapter 42 Undercurrents <TOC> Chapter 44 The Ridge Spine Hunter’s Trail
Translator: SumTLMan
Cui Mao looked at the can of cola Zhou Yi handed over, a surprised expression on his face as he hastily waved his hands to refuse: “This is Dead Sea Brew, priced at one bottle per Light Seed. It’s not something a knight’s salary can afford.”
Zhou Yi said: “I consider you a friend. Take it and drink.”
Cui Mao scratched his head: “Well… thank you, then.”
He cautiously pulled the tab, bringing the can to his mouth, first sniffing, then revealing an intoxicated expression.
Then, Cui Mao took a small sip.
His lips moved slightly as though savoring the flavor in his mouth.
“A marvelous and refreshing taste, no city could ever truly recreate such a brew.”
Holding the can with both hands, Cui Mao took another sip.
He relaxed visibly, his shoulders less tense: “They say Dead Sea Brew is an offering to the gods, fermented in the Dead Sea for an incredibly long time, giving it its unique flavors. Every bottle consumed is one less in the world.”
“I once saw it at a celebration feast, but I wasn’t qualified to drink it. I heard that each bottle costs 5 Light Seeds. I never thought I’d get a chance to taste it here, from you, Mr. Zhou, and inside a Dead Sea Abomination, no less. It’s truly unbelievable when you think about it.”
Zhou Yi also opened a can.
This 24-year-old cola had initially worried him due to the possibility of spoilage. Who knew if some sort of lethal Dead Sea virus might be lurking in it?
He himself had the body of a White Suan Ni, but for ordinary people, it might not be safe.
Fortunately, Red Falcon had extracted data from Recursion City, which stated that ancient foods preserved in the Dead Sea were all edible. Most were even healthier and more hygienic than the food of this era, only, once opened, they couldn’t be left out too long to prevent spoilage.
Today was the first time Zhou Yi shared food from his own era.
Cui Mao’s words made him realize something.
Of course!
The Dead Sea contained vast quantities of preserved food and drink, as long as the protective seal remained intact, they could be stored for ages. Cola, soda, juice, alcohol, these could all be marketed as Dead Sea Brews.
Recursion City didn’t engage in the food trade, perhaps because its residents were all mechanical lifeforms.
But next month, when Qian Su returned, he could have her bring out a batch.
Zhou Yi pondered the idea.
It was a great way for him to make money.
Suddenly, Cui Mao said: “Ah, I’m getting a bit carried away with this brew… Let’s get back to business.”
He straightened his posture: “Mr. Zhou, there’s no need for me to explain much about the Heavenly Kingdom. As the only empire in this world, its influence and power are sufficient to extend over any community. While it hasn’t expanded wantonly, its shadow is practically everywhere.”
“Many forces, openly or covertly, are part of the Heavenly Kingdom. For instance, the Mechanized Knights are one of the top manufacturers of military equipment, with their headquarters within the Kingdom’s territory.”
“The Dead Sea Knights also have close ties with the Heavenly Kingdom.”
“Most cities aspire to join the Kingdom, becoming its directly governed territory or an overseas domain.”
“Merchants and knights are the two kinds of shadows the Kingdom casts across the lands, often called the Kingdom’s agents. Of course, these individuals would never admit it.”
Speaking about this behemoth, Cui Mao’s tone grew somber: “I returned to Sand Port to report on the situation here, and after getting the latest news on Ji Chang, I hurried back.”
“On my way, I ran into Qian Su, who was also rushing here. I noticed that the cargo hold of the mechanical lifeform she was riding had been opened, with some sort of device being set up, aimed in the direction of Jade Emerald City. Such long-range devices are generally non-lethal, given the lack of precision in light printing structures… But for safety’s sake, I stopped her.”
“She claimed she was testing equipment while traveling at high speed.”
“I’m more inclined to believe she came to support you, Mr. Zhou.”
Zhou Yi noticed that Cui Mao’s gun-holding right fist had recovered, and when he spoke, his hands instinctively gestured.
“Using a remote device while traveling at high speed is highly challenging, it looked like a last-minute decision rather than a premeditated plan. It was around the time you were attacked at sea.”
“Compared to the honorary title of knight, citizens of the Heavenly Kingdom are even fewer. Obtaining a Kingdom passport is incredibly difficult. Even those living within the Kingdom’s borders often don’t have this officially protected identity.”
“When I questioned her, she also requested that I come help you, believing you were under attack by sea raiders… Of course, she knew very well that the Dead Sea Knights’ warships are far from any mere raiders.”
After talking at length, Cui Mao took a couple more sips of cola to moisten his throat.
Zhou Yi asked him: “Is it easy to obtain the honorary title of a Dead Sea Knight? Like Qian Su and Ji Chang, belonging to different national factions yet enjoying the same special treatment within the same order?”
“Well… for those who can, it’s not difficult, while those who can’t won’t understand it. The Dead Sea Knights are happy to accept people who bring their own resources because while the Knights provide convenience, those people must pay in turn, it’s essentially a transaction.”
Holding the can, Cui Mao said: “Though the Dead Sea Knights maintain relationships with multiple parties and face pressure from powerful forces like the Heavenly Kingdom, they’ve managed to remain largely autonomous. This is due to their high mobility across the Dead Sea, maintaining mutual interests with all sides…”
“Regarding Ji Chang, previously some classified internal information I couldn’t disclose. But after my recent report, I’ve received authorization from the captain to share it with you, in hopes of finding evidence of Ji Chang’s crimes more quickly.”
Cui Mao paused and continued: “Ji Chang was born in Chicken Head Town. At age 10, he became a servant to a craftsman and left the town with him. When he reappeared 18 years later, he was incredibly wealthy. No one knows what happened during those missing years.”
“We tracked down the craftsman’s son through certain connections. He revealed that the craftsman had taken Ji Chang to a snow-covered mountain. Upon their return, the craftsman adopted Ji Chang, and it seemed they shared some secret.”
“The craftsman gradually spent nearly all his fortune building something, working daily in an underground workshop. He not only forbade his family from inquiring but would also beat his wife with a whip if she tried to find out. This left his son with a deep grudge.”
“Later, the craftsman and Ji Chang went back to that snow mountain, but they never returned.”
“The craftsman’s son entered the underground workshop and used powdered stone to restore parts of the wall that had been erased. Among these markings were some faint blueprints of components, a few numbers, and most importantly, a symbol.”
Cui Mao took out his notebook and flipped to a page.
“This one.”
On the paper, he had drawn a round eye with two long, open wings.
Zhou Yi couldn’t understand what it was, so he pretended to ponder it.
Cui Mao said: “The craftsman’s son didn’t know, but our people immediately recognized it as the symbol of Star Pivot.”
“The strongest nation on Earth is undoubtedly the Heavenly Kingdom, ruled by the Black Emperor. But Star Pivot’s territory lies beyond this world, and no one knows which is stronger.”
“There has always been friction and conflict between the two, as they seek to absorb and gain the support of cities, Sky Walkers, and Sea Domain Lords.”
“The controversy over Star Pivot is that its ‘Eye from Beyond’ constantly watches every member of the Star Pivot faction, recording their every move. Some consider this fairness and security, while many more see it as torment and terror.”
“Though the Heavenly Kingdom acts domineeringly, it has been restrained in annexation, leaving space for cities and territories to survive. Star Pivot, on the other hand, genuinely intends to watch over everyone, and most people do not wish for this celestial regime to descend.”
“They clash fiercely in every field, but whether a full-scale war will erupt is something no one can say.”
Cui Mao clenched his fist.
Zhou Yi was left with more questions.
The Heavenly Kingdom was unchallenged on land.
Star Pivot was an enemy from the sky?
It seemed that the wasteland era’s broader environment was a struggle between two major powers.
“Ji Chang and his people somehow connected with Star Pivot, joining their ranks. He travels between cities, conducting transactions and representing Star Pivot’s will.”
Bringing the topic back, Cui Mao said: “So Ji Chang initiated the Dead Sea Knights’ attack here, while Qian Su from the Heavenly Kingdom faction sought to disrupt Ji Chang’s actions. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I believe that’s the real reason she came to help you.”
Zhou Yi thought for a moment.
Since he was at odds with Ji Chang, he should take advantage of this rare opportunity to make the most of Qian Su’s assistance and gain some benefits out of it.
Chapter 42 Undercurrents <TOC> Chapter 44 The Ridge Spine Hunter’s Trail