"The person you know is quite capable," Su Xingyu chuckled after Huang Duoduo left, clearly in high spirits.
To be able to produce so much food at a time like this... it had to be said, Huang Duoduo was truly impressive.
"I can't help it," Wang Dong laughed. "I rely on this to make a living. My combat skills aren't the best, so I've had to develop other strengths."
The previous transaction had earned him a generous commission—several thousand blood crystals, at least.
And this was only the beginning. There was still a long road ahead.
"Brother, I know a lot of other resource merchants too. If you're looking to buy anything else, I can help you get in touch with them directly." After realizing he was dealing with a major figure, Wang Dong's tone grew far more respectful, almost ingratiating.
Su Xingyu gave him a brief nod, then glanced sideways and said, "Weapons, armor, and equipment blueprints. The level doesn't have to be high, but I need quantity."
The Night Tribe's army was preparing to expand, and troop recruitment wasn't a concern. Now that they ruled over the Red River, they had plenty of people.
The tribes living on the Black Soil Plains were all hardened by their harsh environment. Each tribe member was tough and formidable.
The reason they had struggled against the warriors of the Night Tribe before was twofold: inferior equipment and a gap in combat training.
But Su Xingyu had changed that. Through relentless training, his warriors had advanced to the extraordinary realm and were now a disciplined fighting force. Compared to the still-chaotic Red River tribes, they were a storm crashing into sand.
That wasn't to say the other tribes were weak. On the contrary, they were strong. The fact that the Night Tribe had needed so long to conquer them spoke volumes about their resilience.
With enough food and proper training resources, these warriors would soon break into extraordinary realms themselves.
The Night Tribe's power was set to skyrocket.
That was why Su Xingyu couldn't afford to delay. He didn't care about appearances, but his warriors couldn't be marching into battle half-naked or wielding scraps. How would he maintain his dignity as a god?
"I know a god who specializes in forging equipment," Wang Dong offered after a moment's thought.
"I need a lot of gear. One person won't be enough," Su Xingyu said, frowning and shaking his head.
"It's fine. He's like me—also a religious god—and he's got a group of apprentices. They might not be able to forge high-level gear, but if it's just bronze or black iron, they can manage without a problem."
In the system's classification, item levels were ranked as bronze, black iron, silver, gold, and epic.
"Then bring him here. I want to talk to him face to face," Su Xingyu said.
"No problem."
Wang Dong paused briefly, then nodded and started contacting the forging god from his friend list.
While waiting, Su Xingyu opened the [World Communication Channel – East District 36] through his system interface.
[No Wind, No Waves]: Newbie just got online. Any tips for the primary realm?
[I'm the Big Brother]: Nothing special. You won't die anyway. Develop a tribe if you can. If not, start a cult. If even that fails, become a divine creature!
[Giant]: Being a divine creature is the best. You can just kill people whenever you want. I used to be a pathetic god—couldn't do anything but intimidate. Had to worry about this and that. So annoying. But now? I can crush anyone with one punch. No rivals. It's lonely at the top! Hahahaha!
[Please Call Me Queen]: Idiot. Sure, you're strong after merging with your godhood. But enjoy it while it lasts. Once others catch up, divine creatures will be garbage.
[The Return of the Dragon King]: Hahaha! I've finally unified the nearby areas! The King of the Gods is here! Bow down!
[Newbie]: ??? Weren't the first wave all adults? Why are there still people acting like middle-school edgelords...
[Mohe Lao Wang]: Probably never got treated for it (laughs)
[Northwest Wolf King]: Damn it, my starting zone is a desert. No water, no food, no resources. I can't support my army. Anyone got supplies? I can trade ore...
[Green Grassland Gray Wolf]: Send me your coordinates, God City. I've got loads of food, don't need ore. I just can't stand watching you suffer...
[Jump High]: All my followers are frogmen. They're clumsy as hell. Can't build houses, can't make weapons. What do I do? ⊙﹏⊙
[Baishan Trading Company]: Buy, buy, buy! Baishan Trading does honest business. Weapons, food, crystals—we've got it all! Come shop with us!
......
Through Wang Dong's help, Su Xingyu traded away all the resources he had brought and exchanged them for everything the Night Tribe desperately needed.
The time ratio between the City of Gods and the other plane was 1:30. He couldn't afford to linger. After less than two hours, Su Xingyu said his goodbyes to Wang Dong and returned to his divine realm.
Most gods didn't stay long in the City of Gods. The "detention fees" were high, and more importantly, time was precious.
In this crucial early stage, spending too long in the City of Gods was nothing short of wasteful.
That was why, even though many had already entered the primary realm and could travel here, the city still felt strangely empty.
Two hours in the City of Gods equaled nearly three full days back in his realm.
As he stepped through the portal, Su Xingyu returned to his divine territory in a daze.
He ascended the throne and closed his eyes.
Beside the divine statue in the temple, the young man shrouded in dark divine power opened his eyes. He stood and walked forward.
Outside the temple, the captain of the guards instantly noticed Su Xingyu's return.
Whenever the Patriarch came to pray, he would disappear for several days. But each time, he returned bearing blessings from the King of Eternal Night.
The captain quickly stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Patriarch."
"Did anyone come looking for me while I was praying?" Su Xingyu asked. He appreciated this captain's loyalty—he followed instructions to the letter.
"The third elder came once," the captain replied. "But since you were still praying and it wasn't urgent, I turned him away."
"Well done."
Su Xingyu nodded approvingly. Then, with a wave of his hand, a set of dark armor materialized on the floor.
"This is a reward from our Lord for the loyal and brave warriors of the Night Tribe. Ye Dashan, you have proven yourself. You are worthy of this armor. Wear it, and let it grant you strength in battle."
"Praise be to the Lord!"
Ye Dashan's eyes lit up at the sight of the elegant armor. "I will offer up the heads of our enemies to the King. I will not shame his gift!"
"Excellent."
Su Xingyu smiled and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Don this armor, take up your weapon, and fight beside me for the future of our tribe."
"Yes, Patriarch!"
Eyes blazing with determination, Ye Dashan donned the new armor amid the envious gazes of his comrades.
"You're all doing well," Su Xingyu said to the others. "Some of you just need to work a little harder."
Then, with another sweeping gesture, dozens more sets of black armor appeared beside him.
"My Lord is eternal!"
"My Lord is eternal!"
"My Lord is eternal!"
"Kill, kill, kill!"
"Kill, kill, kill!"
"Kill, kill, kill!"
The thunderous war cries erupted like a tidal wave, echoing across the heavens.
After the raucous celebration calmed, Su Xingyu turned to Ye Dashan.
"Go inform the elders. I have matters to discuss. Tell them to meet me in the council chamber."