These Undying Iron Warhorses were not only immensely powerful but also exceptionally stable, capable of pulling heavy carriages without issue. Although these wagons appeared to be transporting ordinary goods, the truly valuable cargo was hidden—tucked away in storage treasures like spatial pouches.
A single storage pouch could carry an enormous amount.
Yet the display of goods on the wagons served a very intentional purpose:
It was all for show.
To attract attention, build reputation, and announce their presence to the world.
Only with such a grand spectacle could their caravan rise to fame and quickly spread the name of Xueyan Trading Company across this realm.
This particular caravan was composed of over a hundred wagons.
"Chief Manager."
In front of the caravan, Hu Xueyan appeared. Instantly, many members of the convoy—guards, bounty hunters, and even spies from the Hall of Calamity—saluted him.
"Mm, no need for formalities. We've likely arrived in the Zhenwu Realm, though I'm not sure which continent.Our goal is to trade across the realms, to make our name known, and then collect intelligence.Let's go—raise our company's banner."
Hu Xueyan smiled warmly.
With a wave of his hand, the XueyanCompany's flag unfurled in the wind.
In the sky, iron hawks soared upward—mechanical beasts crafted through mechanical arts. They carried special transmission devices, capable of relaying everything they saw directly into Skystar Wristwatches, allowing real-time monitoring of the surroundings.
Soon, information flooded in:
"A village spotted twenty li away."
"A human city fifty li out."
"Beastmen presence detected fifteen li northeast."
With the iron hawks scanning the skies, information gathering was swift and effortless.
"We'll visit the village first, then head toward the city," Hu Xueyan decided.
The caravan rolled forward.
Surrounding them were over three thousand bounty hunters, all elites.
Only true powerhouses dared to join an inter-realm expedition—weaklings would only be cannon fodder.
Following the merchant convoy was a rare opportunity to witness a new realm, possibly earn merit, and even receive noble titles or precious treasures.
Blackrock Village
Outside a small settlement stood a stone tablet that read:
Blackrock Village (黑岩村)
The village was built near a mine, one that produced Blackrock Copper Ore, which could be refined into Blackrock Copper—a mid-grade yellow-rank metal.
The yield was small, but it was enough to support the village of over three thousand people.
A village guard unit defended the settlement, along with a Shaolin monk stationed there.
Small villages like Blackrock often hired powerful cultivators from sects to sit in defense, though this came at a cost.
The Shaolin monk's monthly wage was 100 Zhenwu Coins.
Zhenwu Coins – Local Currency
These were the primary currency of the Zhenwu Realm, minted jointly by major sects, clans, and noble houses.
Zhenwu Coins were forged with crystals and a hint of divine source, sealed with unique restrictions and arrays.
Their properties:
Provide twofold amplification of cultivation.
Can be refined into mana, or
Used to instantly replenish energy in battle.
Hence, they were the top-tier currency in Zhenwu Realm.
Besides Zhenwu Coins, the realm also used Crystal Coins, made simply from polished crystal. These were basic currency, with no augmentations.
Another currency, however, had recently entered circulation—
The Eternal Coin (永恒币).
Forged using the Eternal Mint Furnace, these coins required Willpower Pearls to craft and were far rarer than Zhenwu Coins.
But despite the low volume, Eternal Coins were wildly popular.
Currency Hierarchy
Currency : Eternal Coin / Zhenwu Coin / Crystal Coin / Dark Coin (冥币)
Amplification : 5× / 2× / 0× (base) / 2×
Exchange Rate : — / 1 Eternal Coin = 1000 Zhenwu Coins / 1 Zhenwu Coin = 10 Crystal Coins / Side currency
Eternal Coins had supreme purchasing power, and owning them was a symbol of status.
The Arrival
The caravan blazed through the wilderness, their procession massive.
Ferocious beasts and demonic spirits, sensing the sheer number of powerhouses among them, didn't dare approach. Only some brainless beasts rushed at the convoy—only to be instantly slaughtered and served as food.
Not long after, they reached Blackrock Village.
"Who goes there? This is Blackrock Village—halt immediately!"
Village guards on patrol reacted instantly.
They were stunned: such an enormous convoy, with wagons so luxurious, was beyond anything they had ever seen—even the top sects couldn't compare.
"Young man, we are merchants from Xueyan Trading Company.We're simply passing through.If our presence offends, we shall leave."
Hu Xueyan's voice was gentle, his demeanor affable.
The guard blinked, then grinned widely.
Having merchants arrive at a remote village was a rare blessing. Normally, traveling to the city was a dangerous task. A merchant convoy at their doorstep was a gift from the heavens.
"What kind of goods do you sell?"
"Mainly elixirs and potions,but also essentials—snow salt, sugar, rice, spiritual grains, clothing, tools, weapons, even techniques and manuals."
Hu Xueyan listed the categories with practiced ease.
Though their specialty was pills, Xueyan carried a bit of everything, especially while entering a new realm. Being comprehensive and flexible was the key.
A remote village might not need elixirs, but they would surely need daily essentials.
"Excellent! I'll notify the village elder at once!"
A guard dashed into the village, shouting the news.
Within moments, families poured out, excitedly whispering about the visiting merchant convoy.
"Open the wagons. Let our dear villagers pick what they need!"
With a clap of Hu Xueyan's hands, the wagons unfolded, revealing rows of merchandise shelves stocked with goods of all kinds.
The villagers' eyes lit up—
"Look at this salt—it's so white, not a speck of impurity!"
"This is sugar? Snowflake Sugar? It's beautiful!"
"Canned food? These are meals inside these metal tins?"
"A mirror—by the heavens, this mirror is so clear, I can see every hair on my face!"
They gasped in wonder.
Even the simplest cloth here was finer than anything they had ever owned.
But then someone noticed the prices:
"One tael of snow salt is three Eternal Iron Coins… What's an Eternal Iron Coin?"
"This lobster can costs three Eternal Silver Coins."
"A single Cultivation Pill costs five Eternal Silver Coins."
Confusion spread.
The currency didn't match anything they were used to.
Currency Demonstration
"Everyone, allow me to explain." Hu Xueyan smiled, raising a shining gold coin.
"This is an Eternal Coin, also called the Eternal Gold Coin.It provides fivefold cultivation amplification."
"Its value is great, and change can be tricky—but not anymore."
He lightly tapped the gold coin.
Ding ding ding!
With a flash of golden light, the coin split apart—
One gold coin became ten Eternal Silver Coins.
Though smaller and thinner, they retained exquisite craftsmanship. They gleamed beautifully in the sun.
And thus, the villagers took their first step into the monetary system of Great Yi.
And the currency evolution had officially begun.