Chapter 323: The Black Iron Fortress: Secrets of the Past

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Gilder cast a contemptuous glance at them, then turned to say respectfully, “Lord Ji Chen, now that we have concluded our preliminary negotiations, I won’t disturb you any longer. I’ll take my leave for now and return with gifts for our next meeting.

After all, a forty percent share in our long-term cooperation is not a small amount. 1 will immediately go back and expedite the follow-up matters to enhance our cooperation as soon as possible.”

Upon hearing this, the other merchants widened their eyes.

You’re really **ing greedy!

Aren’t you afraid that you might not be able to handle taking a 40% share all by yourself?

As it turned out, Gilder wasn’t afraid at all. He not only had considerable financial resources but also an extensive network of connections. With the backing of the top-tier individuals in the Maple Principality, he comfortably engaged in both legitimate and illicit enterprises, showing little concern for merchants like them who were just starting out.

“That’s good then. I will stay in this northern continent for a while. I welcome, Mr. Gilder, to visit again.”

Gilder nodded, then after another bow, he turned and departed amidst the crowd of servants.

Knowing that Gilder had already completed the negotiations ahead of them, taking a whole forty percent share, the remaining merchants felt a sense of urgency. They looked at each other, their eyes carrying a hint of hostility.

It became even more imperative.

Nowadays, every merchant in Maple Harbor knew that as long as they obtained the weapons and equipment of the Crown of the Ocean and transported them to the north, they would undoubtedly make money.

They need to work hard to secure as much of the remaining sixty percent as they can.

If they didn’t, others would.

Letting others make money was even more unbearable than losing money!

Unknowingly, in the small hall with only a dozen people, a sudden surge of tension filled the air, making it feel a bit explosive.

After learning that Ji Chen was the real decision-maker, one by one, the merchants crowded around with smiles on their faces, eager to speak.

“Lord Ji Chen, I am the president of the Snowwood Chamber of Commerce, and my funds are very substantial. It’s definitely the right choice to choose me as a partner.”

“Lord, I have more than a dozen ocean-going ships under my command, with strong transportation capabilities. I can transport goods directly from your territory…”

“I have a wide network of connections, ensuring that your business will go smoothly in Maple Harbor…”

Seeing the merchants with pleasing smiles on their faces, competing to speak, Ji Chen suddenly felt disinterested.

Coincidentally, the previous negotiations with Gilder, combined with the long journey, had finally brought a hint of fatigue.

So he waved his hand to summon Raymond and said aloud, “1 hereby authorize you to allocate the remaining share of weapons and equipment. You will also be responsible for matters related to the Crown of the Ocean from now on.”

“I will rest for now, just inform me of the results tomorrow.”

Raymond was momentarily stunned, and a look of pleasant surprise appeared on his face.

To entrust such an important business, worth tens of millions of gold coins, entirely to him?

What a tremendous amount of trust!

This was something that only core members, no, confidants, could accomplish!

Ji Chen stood up, patted his shoulder, and said, “Don’t disappoint me.”

Suppressing the excitement in his heart as much as possible, Raymond replied with gratitude and seriousness, “I won’t let your trust down. I will definitely handle this matter brilliantly.”

Ji Chen nodded slightly, walked away in front of everyone, and disappeared at the end of the stairs.

The merchants watched the entire process, their eyes eager, and they crowded around Raymond.

Raymond was surrounded by many merchants, and his eyes shone brighter than ever before.

In a desolate wilderness.

A figure, short but incredibly strong, came to a slow stop.

Surrounded by dozens of desert giants with fierce expressions, each the size of a calf, closed in on him.

Looking at the figure before them, their mouths salivated continuously, hunger fiercely challenging their rationality.

The figure slowly raised its head. Under the rough beard hidden beneath the cloak, there was no trace of fear in its eyes. It gazed emotionlessly at the surrounding giant wolves. The massive hammer slung over its shoulder was placed on the ground with a heavy, resounding thud.

However, these sounds couldn’t scare the giant wolves who had gone without food for days.

This heavy sound was more like a stone, snapping the last string of reason in the minds of the giant wolves.

Roar-

Dozens of desert wolves rushed forward, eager to tear this figure apart to satisfy their hunger.

“Bunch of beasts.”

Thotmudo said coldly and lifted the massive hammer with one hand. It seemed as light as a stick in his hand. With a casual swing, the all-metal hammerhead smashed a giant wolf’s skull, bursting into a shower of blood and brain matter.

Thud-

Thud-

With each swing, it was as if the giant wolves willingly offered themselves up.

Every strike had the perfect force, angle, and precision, without a single wasted motion or ounce of strength.

One giant wolf after another either had its skull smashed by a single blow or its body’s bones shattered, leaving it paralyzed on the ground.

Not even one of them could get close to Thotmudo.

In just a few minutes, this group of desert wolves, which could have hunted down an entire caravan, had suffered heavy casualties, and the few remaining ones fled with their tails between their legs.

Thotmudo glanced at them but didn’t pursue them. He casually slung the massive hammer back onto his shoulder and continued forward, heading deeper into the wilderness.

He passed through barren hills, swift rivers, and rocky shores with strange formations.

In a river valley, he finally came to a halt.

In the distance, a magnificent and massive fortress stood nestled among the mountains..