The blood-jade corals on display at the stalls were quite plentiful. Judging from that, one could easily assume that in the seas and oceans, such corals weren't considered rare treasures. It was also possible that these aquatic beings had simply found the location where the blood-jade coral grew in abundance and had stockpiled a massive reserve. Either way, it didn't diminish the wealth of the sea tribes — it was nothing short of astonishing.
"These here," the old turtle continued, gesturing toward a heap of glistening pearls, "are Snowjade Pearls, nurtured by the Snowshell Clan deep beneath the sea. Wearing them soothes the mind and spirit, allowing one's heart to remain calm like a frozen lake. For women especially, they nourish the skin, promote beauty, and maintain a flawless snowy complexion. Ground into powder, they rival the finest rouge and powders in the world."
Each pearl glowed softly, radiant and pure — truly rare treasures. On land, such pristine pearls were nearly impossible to find. Only those from the ocean could boast such quality and extraordinary effects.
The Snowshell Clan, producers of these pearls, were highly favored among the various sea tribes. And once brought to land, their value increased exponentially.
The difference in value between oceanic and terrestrial resources was immense. This contrast — and the exchange it enabled — was the very foundation of commerce.
It wasn't just Snowjade Pearls or blood-jade coral on sale. The stalls featured numerous other rare sea treasures: Message Conch Shells, Seaweed Clay, Spirit Shells, and countless other exotic materials from the ocean. The entire display radiated with dazzling luster, drawing in crowds with its allure.
"All of these items come from the ocean… You must be seafolk," Yi Tianxing said, looking over the aquatic beings. "As far as I know, while the Evergreen River near the Da Yi Dynasty connects to the sea, it's still quite far. Did you really swim all the way here from there?"
The old turtle chuckled. "You must be joking, Daoist friend. Even for us sea tribes, traversing the entire length of the Evergreen River is no easy feat. The waters hide many forbidden zones, no less dangerous than those on land — perhaps even more so. But we have our own means of reaching the land. Though not simple, the mutual trade Da Yi offers is too valuable to ignore. No matter how difficult the journey, we must come."
He kept his tone polite and unrevealing, sharing nothing of the actual method they used to arrive — nor how they even knew Da Yi was holding a trade fair. If a path truly existed to move freely between land and sea, such a route would be beyond priceless. It could generate untold wealth. Who would reveal it so easily? Monopoly leads to fortune.
Clearly, this old turtle had no intention of exposing his origins.
Their purpose was obvious: to participate in the market, exchange goods, and acquire what they needed.
Yi Tianxing took a long look at the old turtle. He wasn't a simple creature. Pressing for more would likely be futile, so he let it go and proceeded to buy a number of exotic items himself.
The Snowjade Pearls, for instance, were incredibly attractive to women due to their beauty-enhancing properties. Even with a price tag of 100 Eternal Coins per pearl, they were snatched up instantly by eager cultivator women. In the blink of an eye, the entire batch sold out.
The sight was enough to make anyone break into a cold sweat — one could only marvel at the power of female desire.
Cai Yan and the others, of course, purchased a fair amount as well.
Blood-jade coral was also in high demand and sold quickly.
Among the more fascinating items was the Message Conch Shell. By imprinting a mark and a thread of one's aura into it, the conch allowed for voice transmission within a thousand-mile radius. Beyond that, the signal would weaken or disappear entirely.
While magical, it still couldn't match Da Yi's communication device, which worked clearly across the entire kingdom — even showing the image of the other party.
Nonetheless, curiosity spurred many buyers to grab one, especially among non-human races. Unlike Da Yi citizens, most couldn't use the kingdom's advanced communication network. For them, the conch was a practical substitute, and thus they were quickly bought up as well.
"These sea tribes arrived a bit too conveniently," Cai Yan noted as they walked away from the stall. "How did they know about our trade fair? And they clearly came prepared. Their timing and stock suggest this was no coincidence."
Yi Tianxing nodded slightly. "It doesn't matter. Since they came, they're likely not just here to barter for common items. If I'm right, they'll eventually approach Heshen. When they do, that will be the real trade. The big one."
His earlier words had merely been a probe.
If the sea tribes had traveled all this way only to hawk some wares at a trade fair, they'd be outright foolish. Wouldn't it be much easier to make deals directly with Da Yi's government?
If a reliable trade route could be established — a bridge between land and sea — it would be as revolutionary as the Silk Road of old. The wealth it could generate would be unfathomable.
The old turtle wasn't stupid. No doubt other wise minds existed among the sea tribes too.
If they didn't eventually seek out Da Yi's court, it would be an insult to their intelligence.
So, there was no need to rush. In time, all would be revealed.
Yi Tianxing was, naturally, intrigued by the sea tribes. They represented a shortcut — a way to greatly strengthen Da Yi's foundation.
The exploration of Nameless City continued.
All kinds of races moved about the streets peacefully, shopping and smiling with genuine joy as they found items they desired.
Eternal Coins flowed through every transaction, omnipresent and widely accepted. Not a single outsider seemed to question their legitimacy. Deep down, everyone had already accepted this currency as standard.
Just today, billions of Eternal Coins had changed hands. The market had spread vast amounts of the currency among countless non-human races.
Undeniably, this marked the full recognition of Eternal Coins by alien civilizations.
Unseen but potent, Da Yi's national destiny surged stronger.
The Destiny Flood Dragon in the sea of fortune clouds above the dynasty was growing ever more magnificent, radiating a stronger and stronger draconic aura.
It seemed poised to transform into a true dragon at any moment.
Night fell without warning.
"Your Majesty, the City Lord requests your presence to discuss a matter," a guard from the City Lord's Mansion said respectfully.
Nameless City didn't slow down at night. The trade fair was set to last three full days — day and night alike. The Enlightenment Lamps had already turned night into day, casting light across the entire city.
Yi Tianxing and his group reluctantly paused their exploration and headed to the City Lord's Mansion.
"Heshen greets the King, the Queen, and all Royal Consorts," Heshen said eagerly, eyes gleaming as they arrived.
"Enough, Heshen," Yi Tianxing said with a wave. "What is so urgent you needed to call us now? Did something happen in the city?"
"Nothing's wrong, Your Majesty. With the rules you established, no one dares make trouble here. It is your mighty strength backing this place that ensures peace," Heshen replied, bowing. "This time, it's a barbarian warrior seeking you. According to him, you two share quite the friendship. He says he has important matters to discuss."
"Barbarian? Could it be Niu Ben?" Yi Tianxing asked, eyes flashing.
"Yes, that was the name he gave," Heshen confirmed with a nod.
"Good. Then let's host him here."
"An honor, Your Majesty," Heshen said, smiling as he immediately ordered a banquet to be prepared.
It was obvious he had already made arrangements.
Soon, a lavish feast was laid out in the garden pavilion of the City Lord's Mansion.
"Haha! Brother Yi! Long time no see! I've missed you, damn it! Come, look what I've brought you!"
Even before the man arrived, his booming voice echoed through the courtyard.
A massive figure strode in, shoulders broad, a giant axe slung over one of them. Grinning from ear to ear, it was none other than Niu Ben, chieftain of the Barbarian Bull Tribe.