Regardless of whether they believed it or not, everyone felt a surge of energy upon hearing how certain Song Zining sounded. The presence or absence of the Everburning Flame made all the difference. If he chose to remain permanently in the Neutral Zone, then there would be no need for further action; they could simply return to the Empire. But if he only stayed for three days, that changed everything. In fact, even without Song Zining, many present could devise strategies to deal with the situation.
The group quickly discussed and soon reached a conclusion: the entire Imperial fleet would evacuate Nanqing City, retreating 300 kilometers to avoid the brunt of the Evernight forces. Once the Everburning Flame departed, they would once again engage with the Evernight on their terms.
The only regret was that the spatial channel had been gradually stabilizing over the past few days, almost ready to transport another batch of people. Unfortunately, the Evernight Alliance arrived at this critical moment, meaning that the second batch of slots would now likely fall into the hands of the Evernight.
However, given the current state of the spatial channel, it seemed it would still be usable for some time. Thus, no one was particularly anxious, especially those already on the list for the second batch. Not everyone could go to the Great Vortex. According to divinations, the passage was still perilous, and anyone below the rank of a war general entering would most likely not return.
Additionally, Song Zining revealed an important piece of information: younger individuals would benefit more from entering the Great Vortex, while those who were old and decrepit should refrain from entering, as they, too, would likely not return.
This information was crucial. Some families, who originally planned to send elders to protect their young geniuses, reconsidered after hearing Song Zining’s words. For any noble family, elders were invaluable resources, and none would willingly enter a potentially fatal situation. After all, no one knew what lay on the other side of the channel, and death might well be in vain.
Without the elders, the number of available slots for the Great Vortex became quite generous. Those who entered later would miss the initial exploration opportunities but would also face fewer unknown dangers. Many lower-tier families preferred stability, considering it a great gain if their members could return alive from the Great Vortex. If they could bring back some local specialties, that would be even better. Earnings, in comparison, were secondary.
With the plan set, the various factions immediately took action. Within just two hours, the Empire’s large camp outside Tidal Sound City was packed up, and a convoy of trucks, forming a massive steel dragon, began its retreat toward Nanqing City. Shortly after, the Imperial fleet, loaded with key personnel and supplies, set sail for Nanqing City. Inside Nanqing City, the Empire began to inventory materials, load trucks, and prepare for evacuation.
Seeing the hurried departure of the Imperial forces, Ji Rui felt both joy and worry. He was happy because the Empire was finally leaving, and Nanqing City would once again be his domain. His worry, however, was whether he should now align himself with the Empire. Though it meant less freedom and more constraints, it also opened up a vast new world. The Neutral Zone was too small to accommodate more significant figures.
Inside Nanqing City, the various merchants and workshops continued their bustling activities as usual. Song Zining’s workshop remained in place, operating normally. These merchants were accustomed to the constant battles and power shifts among the various factions. No matter who was in charge, the taxes remained the same, neither more nor less. All the factions had an unspoken agreement to leave the merchants’ properties untouched, even in the fiercest battles. Moreover, the major merchant houses themselves had significant military forces, making them a force to be reckoned with.
In the eyes of the merchants, the Empire and the Evernight were just two powerful factions, albeit larger in scale.
Song Zining had laid a solid industrial foundation in Nanqing City, with numerous workshops, all geared towards producing one thing: airborne warships. In the Neutral Zone, the demand for airborne warships was insatiable; whatever was produced was sold. The quality of the warships built by Ningyuan Heavy Industries was comparable to the latest models of the Empire from thirty years ago. Such warships were in high demand, not only in the Neutral Zone but also among the various nobles and minor kingdoms, and even within the Empire’s aristocratic families. If all else failed, they could still be sold to the Evernight.
Thus, even with the approaching Evernight Alliance, the merchants in Nanqing City refused to halt production.
By the next day, no Imperial forces remained in Nanqing City, leaving only the native inhabitants of the Neutral Zone.
Not far from Nanqing City, Song Zining’s flagship floated in the air, disguised as an old cargo ship, seemingly on the verge of crashing.
Suddenly, two off-road vehicles appeared on the ground, their occupants signaling with lights. Song Zining’s flagship slowly descended.
Song Zining stepped out of the cabin, and three men from the vehicles awaited him. The elder in the middle approached and bowed respectfully, “Greetings, Young Master Seven.”
Song Zining replied warmly, “No need for formalities. How is your master?”
“Master has left the Blood Throne, and we do not know where he has gone. However, before he left, he instructed that you could hand the items to us. If you have any messages, you can tell me. Master will return to the Blood Throne periodically and will learn of them then.”
Song Zining nodded, “It’s wise to be cautious against the Everburning Flame. Here, you can count these items.”
He waved his hand, and an attendant handed over a briefcase. The elder opened it, revealing a dazzling array of jewels and precious metals, which were difficult to appraise. Closing the case, he said, “If Young Master Seven has promised, I’m sure nothing is missing. No need to count.”
Song Zining nodded, “And what about the other matter? Has your master considered it?”
The elder replied, “Master agrees, but with a slight modification. He wants a custom-built escort ship in exchange for Shattered Flow’s full-power strike.”
After a moment’s thought, Song Zining agreed, “Reasonable. Tell your master I agree.”
The elder smiled, “I will deliver this good news. My master wishes to place more orders, but I wonder how much Young Master Seven can fulfill?”
“That depends on your master. If Nanqing City remains undisturbed, production will increase. Also, this time, we cannot let the Everburning Flame act as he pleases. We must put some pressure on him.”
“My master will consider this carefully.”
Song Zining nodded and returned to the airborne ship. The elder also drove away, heading back to Nanqing City.
One of Song Zining’s guards removed his hood, revealing a fair, clean-shaven face. “I didn’t expect the Blood Throne to have an insider in Nanqing City, and a human at that.”
The man was Zhang Gonggong, recognizable by his smooth, pale features.
Song Zining smiled, “He’s been operating in the Neutral Zone for centuries, so it’s not surprising. I imagine Zhang Bu Zhou has planted his own spies among the Blood Clan as well.”
“Aren’t you afraid he’ll uncover your secrets?”
Song Zining replied calmly, “Why fear it? The things in Nanqing City are for them to see. Even if they know the parts, it doesn’t matter. They can’t dismantle the engines, and without my alloy formula, they can’t reproduce them.”
“But…” Zhang Gonggong still had doubts.
Song Zining laughed, “Rest assured, Zhang Gonggong. Whether it’s that person, Zhang Bu Zhou, or even the Spider Emperor, Wolf King, and the Frost Thunder Temple, they only want the fleet, not to make money. That’s different from us!”
Zhang Gonggong beamed, “I have no other ambitions, just hoping to make a little fortune with Young Master Seven and enjoy a peaceful old age.”
Song Zining grinned, “You jest, Zhang Gonggong. We’ve come all this way to the Neutral Zone, not just to make a small profit.”
They laughed together.
Back in the command cabin, Song Zining spread out a map of the Eastern Sea and, after a brief study, pointed to the edge of the landmass. “Head here first.”
Zhang Gonggong, looking confused, asked, “What’s there?”
Song Zining replied, “I need to meet someone and return a favor.”
Understanding that Song Zining didn’t wish to elaborate, Zhang Gonggong didn’t press further. The flagship received the order and set off, turning toward the edge of the landmass. Midway, a beam of light shot up from the flagship into the void. Zhang Gonggong, keen-eyed, spotted two metal cylinders within the light. These cylinders were usually used for secret messages. He was surprised, realizing that Song Zining was using such sophisticated means. Clearly, though in the Neutral Zone, Song Zining maintained close ties with the Empire.
Half a day later, the flagship arrived at the edge of the landmass. Song Zining ordered it to wait and flew down alone to the edge of the land. Zhang Gonggong watched from the deck, his brows furrowed, his expression stern, lost in thought.
The climate near the Eastern Sea was harsh, with frequent void storms. When Qian Ye had walked here, he was cautious, and Song Zining should have found it even more challenging. However, his Three Thousand Drifting Leaves Domain excelled in utilizing various environments, and the more extreme, the more he could draw upon. Thus, he strolled through the snow and wind, casually fanning himself, exuding an indescribable elegance.
He searched through the storm, following the scant descriptions Qian Ye had given, and finally, in the distance, he saw the grounded vampire warship.
Song Zining sighed in relief, but then a vampire appeared, eyeing him warily. His sharp gaze scanned him up and down.
Song Zining bowed, “Are you Marquis Garian? Please inform Lady Qian Ye that an old friend is here to visit.”
Garian was slightly startled, raising his eyebrows, “You know me?”
Song Zining chuckled, “How could I not recognize the distinguished Marquis Garian?”
Garian scrutinized Song Zining, unable to discern his background, and hesitated before saying, “Please wait here; I will inform my mistress.”
Song Zining smiled, “Go ahead.”
Garian hurried back to the warship, “Lady Qian Ye, there is someone who wishes to see you, claiming to be an old friend.”
A moment later, Qian Ye’s voice rang out, “Who is it?”
Garian hesitated, “A young human, he knows both our names. He’s decent-looking but average in strength, carrying a fan in this weather. Seems a bit… odd.”
Qian Ye gave a rare, light laugh, “Just say he’s an idiot, why not?”
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