Chapter 281: A Sincere Exchange (Part I)

The Mountain-class engine, combined with its specialized design, truly showcased the sincerity behind it.

Though Qian Ye appeared unperturbed, he continued to flip through. The content on the third page made his eyebrows slightly raise: the Biang-class battleship’s main cannon.

While the Biang-class was not the most advanced main cannon in the Imperial fleet, like the Mountain-class, it was one of the most widely equipped in the main fleets. Its most notable feature was the triple-barrel design, capable of firing three bolts simultaneously or individually. It could utilize almost all special effect bolts from the Empire.

Most importantly, it was the main cannon of a cruiser-class airship!

Although the Biang-class was far inferior to the Chenshen in Qian Ye’s possession, it surpassed other main cannons in both power and quality, far exceeding what Qian Ye currently owned. Although Song Zining had obtained a batch of destroyer-class main cannons from the Empire, the Biang-class was beyond his reach.

Seeing that the Empire had openly placed the Mountain-class engines and the Biang-class main cannons on the table, along with specific modifications for the Neutral Zone, Qian Ye couldn’t help but ask, “Is the Empire planning to establish a fleet for the Neutral Zone?”

Lan Xincheng smiled and said, “The Neutral Zone is far and high, and the Empire has no interest in annexing it. We are already in a deadlock in the floating land battle; there is no room to explore new directions.”

“Since the floating land battle is at a standstill, I assume these supplies weren’t easily brought here?” Qian Ye asked.

In Qian Ye’s memory, even when he broke out of the Unfallen City, the Empire and the Evernight were still in a bloody struggle. There had been several major fleet battles in the void, and minor skirmishes happened daily. In such a situation, even a frigate’s engine, let alone the Mountain-class engine and the Biang-class main cannon, would be tightly held by the fleet.

“These engines and main cannons were transferred from other fronts. A slight delay in refitting those fleets isn’t a big deal; they must prioritize the bigger picture,” Fang Zhan interjected.

“Big picture?” Qian Ye asked, knowing that everyone’s understanding of the big picture varied.

“The existence of His Majesty and the Prince is the big picture.”

Qian Ye nodded, acknowledging this. At this juncture, Zhang Boqian had just made a name for himself, while Lin Xitang’s breakthrough remained uncertain. Zhao Jundu, the next possible Heavenly King, was still young and not even a Divine General. If the Eternal King could live a few more years, even ten, the Empire would have an additional Heavenly King. Even if the Eternal King stayed idle in the capital, his mere presence would provide the Empire with significant benefits.

Qian Ye continued to flip through the booklet, finishing it with a peculiar expression. The latter part listed various equipment, bulk materials, and… training courses.

The equipment was for airships, generally at the level of the next generation. Qian Ye, having some expertise in shipbuilding, recognized the bulk materials as being for the ship’s deck, outer plating, and external armor. There were also some high-strength or special materials for specific areas, such as the engine room and the main cannon emplacement.

However, the training courses were different. These courses were for training commanders and key officers of airships, such as helmsmen and gunners. Operating an airship’s main cannon wasn’t easy; it required a set of specialized procedures. Many special bolts also demanded the gunner’s own strength. For example, the tracking bolt’s accuracy directly related to the gunner’s cultivation and sensory acuity.

With the previous items and these courses, the Empire seemed to be preparing to build a private fleet for Qian Ye.

Seeing this list, Qian Ye roughly understood the Empire’s bottom line. It seemed they were willing to go to great lengths for the White Fruit and super-grade original crystals in his possession.

Qian Ye pointed to the Mountain-class engine and the Biang-class main cannon, “How many of these can you provide?”

“Five Mountain-class engines and six Biang-class main cannons. This is the Empire’s limit, but if you want more, it’s not impossible, just not until a year later.”

Five main engines meant five destroyer-class airships. Although according to Song Zining’s plan, Nan Qing City could produce ship engines, the current production capacity would only allow for two per year. The Mountain-class engine, being a mature technology, was no worse than Song Zining’s new development, and more importantly, it had ample spare parts and lower costs.

Song Zining’s planned engine was more durable and could withstand the harsh conditions of the Neutral Zone, making it usable almost anywhere.

As for the Biang-class main cannon, its triple-barrel design provided sufficient firepower density but slightly lacked in single-shot strength. This wasn’t a problem for Qian Ye, who didn’t intend to build a fleet yet.

This time, the Empire’s demand was modest: five engines and six main cannons, each to be exchanged for two White Fruits or their equivalent in White Fruit Wine. The other supplies, combined, equaled a new cruiser-class airship. Since they were laid before Qian Ye, he naturally wouldn’t miss the opportunity.

After a moment of contemplation, Qian Ye said, “Two White Fruits, plus their equivalent in White Fruit Wine, I can accept.”

Lan Xincheng was overjoyed, “The goods are already outside the Neutral Zone. Just send a message, and they will arrive in three days!”

Qian Ye was slightly surprised, “The Empire seems confident, knowing I would agree.”

Lan Xincheng said, “The military is large, but the person in charge of this matter is related to the one who gave you the secret mark. With this connection, we are naturally confident. Besides, the success or failure of this transaction is directly linked to the Prince. Who would dare to interfere?”

Fang Zhan’s face turned somewhat awkward, realizing that indeed, someone dared to. For them, eliminating Qian Ye would solve everything, even if the Eternal King died tomorrow. Eliminating Qian Ye would also cut off their rival’s external support, a significant benefit for them.

Thinking about this, Fang Zhan became restless, recalling the advice given by a few individuals before his departure. Had it not been for Lan Xincheng’s reminder, he might have stumbled.

Instead of directly discussing the transaction, Qian Ye asked, “How is the Eternal King now?”

Lan Xincheng responded straightforwardly, “The old King received the White Fruits, and the effects were noticeable. He is currently in seclusion, refining the medicinal power. This time, he specifically instructed that the more White Fruits, the better, at least three.”

The effectiveness of such longevity medicines diminishes with repeated use. The fact that the Eternal King could consume five White Fruits highlighted their value, and his experience in prolonging life allowed him to maximize the medicine’s potency.

“Three? Definitely not, at most two,” Qian Ye had no intention of giving away all the White Fruits.

“Two will suffice,” Lan Xincheng smiled.

“Let’s discuss the exchange of other supplies then,” Qian Ye said, pushing a wooden box towards him.

Lan Xincheng did not immediately open it but asked, “What’s inside?”

“Medicine.”

Nodding, Lan Xincheng put on a pair of gloves, sealed the box with his origin power, and slowly opened it. This ensured the medicinal properties were preserved. Lan Xincheng’s origin power was balanced and neutral, with no strong, peculiar attributes. While this type of origin power was less advantageous in combat, it was especially useful in handling rare herbs and special materials without damaging their nature. If it were Qian Ye’s Dawnlight Awakening, some sensitive materials might be destroyed upon contact.

Seeing the scales of the medicinal herb, Lan Xincheng exclaimed, “Dragon Scale Moss! So much!”

The Dragon Scale Moss in the box was the main ingredient for producing military super stimulants. One ordinary-sized scale could make twenty stimulants, and the box contained at least a dozen, equivalent to hundreds of super stimulants!

The use of stimulants was self-evident. Super stimulants were reserved for high-ranking officers in elite units, and only generals could withstand their effects. Generally, ten such stimulants could turn the tide in a small-scale special operation. Any elite unit commander would be envious of this box of Dragon Scale Moss.

Having handled equipment for years, Lan Xincheng knew the value of these herbs. He excitedly slapped the table, saying, “I’ll make the decision: if there are four boxes of Dragon Scale Moss, all the listed supplies are yours!”

Qian Ye chuckled, feeling a bit more fond of Lan Xincheng. He wasn’t just a bureaucrat; he genuinely cared for the soldiers, which was why he was so emotional. When discussing the White Fruits, he hadn’t shown such excitement.

Both sides knew that the Eternal King could only obtain one White Fruit. The fate of the other was unknown, but a little thought could suggest many possibilities. For instance, the Pole King might need it, or Zhang Boqian, the Emperor, the Empress, or the other two Heavenly Kings. Further down, Lin Xitang’s role in the Empire was perhaps no less than the Eternal King. If he lived ten more years, the Empire might gain another province.

Qian Ye shook his head, “This is all the Dragon Scale Moss I have.”

Disappointed, Lan Xincheng said, “This… it’s a bit too little!”

Fang Zhan laughed, “General, with just this box, the Empire’s stimulant production this year will increase by twenty percent. What more could you want?”

“What nonsense! You know how those unit commanders are; they’re more ferocious in seizing medicine than in facing the dark races. Even doubling the supply wouldn’t satisfy them; they’d devour it all without blinking.”

“Indeed,” Fang Zhan agreed.

Qian Ye said, “Though I don’t have more Dragon Scale Moss, I have this.” He took out another, slightly larger wooden box and placed it before Lan Xincheng.

Opening the box, Lan Xincheng was once again surprised, “Star Sakura Wood!”

There were three pieces of Star Sakura Wood, enough to make six recovery potions. If the box of Dragon Scale Moss meant winning a dozen special operations, then these three pieces of Star Sakura Wood were six actual lives.