The barbarians had always been this way—carefree and unconcerned with trivialities. Among their own people, the atmosphere was harmonious, with little scheming between individuals. Their nature retained a certain honesty and simplicity, which made internal strife rare. This was something truly hard to find among other races. Especially with Niu Ben, the rather unreliable chieftain, this made the Man Niu Tribe even more laid-back and unrestrained.
Now, upon hearing Niu Ben's words, the barbarians didn't hesitate and immediately headed for Ice City, where Yi Tianxing was located.
If nothing else, they wanted to go on a shopping spree first.
Niu Ben had always coveted the variety of resources in Xuanhuang City. Last time, he hadn't exchanged much because he didn't have anything particularly valuable. But this time—he was ready to splurge and "chop hands."
Nearby, many other foreign races originally heading toward Panshi City, upon hearing Yi Tianxing's voice, also subconsciously turned toward Ice City. Say what you will, but the Human race's cleverness and skill in crafting were no secret among the other races. Everyone knew about it. If they had the confidence to open a mutual market, then they definitely had some foundation to back it up.
They believed Yi Tianxing had the strength and qualifications to host such a market.
Naturally, this piqued the interest of many alien races.
After all, they could just take a look. If they didn't see anything useful or appealing, they could simply leave. There were no restrictions. Time wasn't a major issue. And what if they actually found something valuable?
...
At this moment, Ice City was fully prepared.
You could see it:
Stalls made of ice had been set up everywhere. Each was small, intended for use by non-human races who wanted to barter or sell goods.
At the center of the city stood several massive elevated platforms—special trading zones reserved for humans. These were large stalls, high-end and grand in appearance. They already displayed a variety of items:
Crates of crossbow bolts, including White Bone War Arrows.
White Bone War Bows, Divine Machine Crossbows, and even Ballistae.
Various types of talismans.
Bottled pills and elixirs.
Rolls of Mist Brocade and Cloud Brocade fabric.
Fine bone china, pots and pans, and other daily necessities.
Everything from food to tools was available—a comprehensive and refined selection.
On another platform stood a mountain of Eternal Coins, shining with a divine golden glow like holy sunlight.
Sitting on the platform was Xue Jin, smiling warmly. At every Xuanhuang stall, there were experienced merchants from the Wanbao Hall, skilled in trade and business.
Yi Tianxing had summoned them through space gates from Xuanhuang City overnight—along with a massive batch of goods.
This market was to be run using Eternal Coins as the standard currency—a move toward true trade.
Barter was just the most primitive form of exchange. True commerce required currency. Using Eternal Coins not only benefitted Xuanhuang City, but also gathered fate, faith, and potential influence. It would gradually bring the Eternal Coin into the eyes of all races—and perhaps even establish it as the mainstream currency across the myriad races.
"Lord, do you really think anyone will come?"Standing atop the city wall, Ye Zhiqiu asked with a hint of concern.
"Those meant to come will come. For those who won't—no amount of effort will bring them here. We open our doors for business. As long as our goods are high-quality, exquisite, unique, and rare, they'll sell. The foreign races aren't united—some hate us, yes, but some do not. Those are our breakthrough points."
"As long as one race completes the first transaction, word will spread. Interest will follow. Enmity is temporary—interest is eternal."
Yi Tianxing smiled calmly, showing no signs of concern.
He had been through countless cycles of imperial reincarnation. He understood one truth well: there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. With enough benefit, even a father-killer can become a brother the next moment.
Now, Yi Tianxing was offering the foreign races benefits. In the face of profit and useful goods, few could resist.
BOOM BOOM BOOM!!
Just then, a rumbling sounded in the distance. From the forested mountains, massive figures emerged one after another. Each looked like a savage brute, tall and wild in aura.
"Brother Tianxing! It's me, Niu Ben! Open the gate and welcome us!"
At the front was Niu Ben, laughing loudly and hefting a giant axe.
"Niu Ben, it's you."
Yi Tianxing immediately recognized him.
They had only met a few times, but their personalities aligned well. Yi Tianxing had always intended to build ties with other races. The barbarians, who looked very human and were easy to get along with, were an ideal ally. With deliberate outreach, their relationship had grown stronger.
And their similar temperaments had led Yi Tianxing to consider Niu Ben a true friend.
Judging by the look of it, Niu Ben had brought his elite warriors, likely to help in the battle against the insect tide. But more importantly, it seemed he had changed direction mid-journey after hearing Yi Tianxing's message, and headed directly for Ice City.
"Heh! I brought the best from my tribe. Heard you're opening a market—let's see what you've got! We barbarians brought coin!"
Niu Ben laughed heartily.
"Please, enter!"
Yi Tianxing also smiled, personally climbing down from the wall and leading the Man Niu Tribe into the city.
The barbarians had never seen an ice-built city before, and looked around curiously. Their expressions showed open amazement—they weren't shy about showing what they felt.
"Fascinating! A whole city made of ice—it's brilliant!"
"These walls are hard! I punched it, and it didn't even crack. This ice is just as good as stone or metal!"
"Look! Is that Eternal Coin? So many of them! The chief brought some back last time—they help with cultivation and absorption of energy. Total treasure!"
They gasped and gathered around the golden coin mountain on the central platform.
"So many Eternal Coins! Brother Yi, you sure this is safe? I'm tempted to rob you!"Niu Ben swallowed hard.
"If you want to rob it, be my guest."Yi Tianxing smiled.
"Really?" Niu Ben's eyes lit up. But just then, a green light flashed, and his face changed.
"Damn it, it's that cursed dog—Green Emperor!"
Niu Ben recoiled in horror. The Green Emperor lay curled up beneath the coin mountain, snoring.
He had once heard the Green Emperor sing in Xuanhuang City. It had been a nightmare—his mind had echoed with that voice for months. The mere sight of the Green Emperor triggered a conditioned fear.
Yi Tianxing smiled knowingly.
With the Green Emperor around, even the most ferocious races wouldn't dare rob the coin pile.
"Brother Niu, trade here is much like in Xuanhuang City. Eternal Coins are the currency. You can exchange your treasures—beasts, herbs, or rare materials—for coins first. Then shop freely. The exchange point is right here."
"Good! I came prepared. Boys, bring it out! We're exchanging!"
Niu Ben grinned and shouted.
"Right away!"
The barbarians laughed and opened their storage bags.
WHOOSH!
One by one, beast corpses tumbled out.
Jade White Rhinoceroses
Howling Moon Silver Wolves
Four-Armed Giant Apes…
These were all high-tier beasts, their corpses forming piles, still oozing warm blood from storage.
"Brother Yi, will you accept these?"
Niu Ben stared seriously. He had seen the market in Xuanhuang accept beast corpses—and for good prices. This time, he'd come prepared: they'd hunted numerous strong beasts, intending to trade them after the insect tide was handled.
Now that Yi Tianxing had opened a mutual market—they might as well trade here.