Block after block of Shadow Stone City Bricks, refined into Magic Artifacts, became part of the city walls, their sole ability being incredible sturdiness.
With She Wanbang leading the Infinite Snake Clan’s Artifact Refiners, the construction of the city walls accelerated significantly. One could say it changed every day.
「One year later」 Check latest chapters at novel~fire~net
In this secluded area, a majestic city had appeared.
The black city walls, towering roughly a thousand feet high, emanated an imposing aura. Array Patterns engraved on them emitted a faint Spirit Light. Numerous guards patrolled all four sides of the walls, and the several watchtowers atop them were equipped with Rune Cannons.
The city’s layout had also been reorganized. The original large square was directly transformed into the site of Chen Jiuge’s Palace. An enormous castle stood at the very center, with various administrative units distributed on its flanks, forming a circle that constituted the core of Horn Shadow City.
Beyond the core were numerous multi-story residences. However, most were currently vacant, occupied by just over a thousand Asura.
Further out were numerous shops, storefronts, restaurants, and so on. Beyond them lay many ordinary dwellings.
As for the barracks, Chen Jiuge had placed them within a Grotto Heaven.
Strolling along the tidy black avenues and observing the empty buildings on either side, Chen Jiuge turned to Mo Yu, who accompanied him, and said, "Too few."
"Are there too few people?"
"Yes. Mo Yu, go and tell She Wanbang to move the entire Infinite Snake Clan over. The Purple Butterfly Clan also contributed significantly this time, so it would be fitting to compensate them with the territory vacated by the Infinite Snake Clan," Chen Jiuge said calmly.
"Alright, I’ll tell him," Mo Yu nodded.
"Huh, someone has actually opened an eatery? Interesting. Let me see who was so quick on the uptake," Chen Jiuge said, a hint of surprise on his face as he noticed the crowded restaurant not far away.
The Gray Elephant Clan is too dull; they only know how to eat. It can’t be them. She Wanbang is quite clever, but he’s too timid and overly cautious, definitely not daring enough to be the first to stick his neck out. The Asura are even less likely to open a shop here. So, the only possibilities are the Purple Butterfly Clan or the Horn Shadow Clan. Chen Jiuge speculated.
"Greetings, City Lord!"
Chen Jiuge’s sudden appearance prompted the other patrons eating in the eatery to salute him one after another.
Smiling and greeting the people inside, Chen Jiuge smoothly made his way to the counter, knocked, and asked, "Anyone here?"
"Coming, coming," a familiar voice called from the back kitchen.
A rotund figure emerged. Chen Jiuge’s expression darkened slightly as he asked, "Tian Que, what are you doing here?"
As soon as he came out and saw his master, Tian Que tried to slip away, but Mo Yu caught him by the scruff of his neck.
Seeing no escape, he could only confess, "This is a snack shop that Brother Dabai and I opened together."
"Snack shop?" Chen Jiuge glanced at the dishes on the tables upon hearing this.
It was filled with all sorts of convenient foods: braised beef noodles, pickled cabbage noodles, self-heating hot pots, Malatang, and more.
These foods, both in name and appearance, were identical to those from his previous life; the only difference was that the ingredients were all Spiritual Objects.
"That’s not right. I remember the shop prices in the city are quite high. Da Bai shouldn’t be able to afford it," Mo Yu questioned.
Tian Que’s eyes darted towards the second floor. Chen Jiuge spread out his Divine Sense and felt several familiar auras. A hint of surprise touched his face. Are they all here? Could they all have a share?
「Second floor, largest private room」
Da Bai, holding a cup of wine, said, "See? I told you this would definitely make a fortune. Do you believe me now?"
Yue Li nodded repeatedly. "I had no idea you were so capable, Da Bai! You’re definitely going to be a prominent merchant."
"Indeed, Da Bai’s insight this time was really spot on," Black Eye and Silver King agreed.
This Qilin Delicacies snack shop was founded by Da Bai, who had brought Tian Que, Silver King, Yue Li, and Black Eye—the four beasts—together for this joint venture.
"Indeed. I didn’t expect you to become a prominent merchant before you’d even succeeded as an Artifact Refining Master. I’m also quite curious, Da Bai, how did you manage it?" Chen Jiuge said with a cheerful grin as he pushed open the door to the private room.
Da Bai’s proud expression stiffened for a moment. Then, remembering he hadn’t done anything wrong, his expression quickly returned to normal. "Boss, Sister Mo Yu, you’re here! Care to join us for a bite?"
Looking at the barbecue on the table, Chen Jiuge felt a touch of nostalgia for his past days of eating skewers and didn’t refuse.
"Boss, have a drink," Da Bai eagerly poured him a cup of wine.
Looking at the foam on the white cup, Chen Jiuge hesitated. "Is this beer?"
Surprise flickered across Da Bai’s face. "Boss, you know about this too? I specially ordered this from Qian Baolin. He said this beer doesn’t easily cause drunkenness, is a favorite among humans from technological worlds, and sells the best."
"Qian Baolin?" Chen Jiuge was rather speechless. How on earth did you get in touch with him? This guy can get mixed up with strange people no matter where he goes.
After Da Bai recounted the process, Chen Jiuge could only give him a thumbs-up in admiration. Truly worthy of your reputation, Da Bai, the social dynamo!
Black Eye provided the funds, Silver King handled transportation, Yue Li maintained order in the shop, and Tian Que worked the front desk. Da Bai himself contacted Qian Baolin for supplies, managed the shop’s profit calculations, and even, to save on chef’s fees, refined Magic Artifacts that could automatically barbecue and cook. What a meticulous effort!
A sip of beer slid down his throat, its slightly bitter taste blooming on his taste buds. A hint of reminiscence flickered in Chen Jiuge’s eyes as he murmured softly, "What a familiar, yet distant, feeling."
"Boss, let me tell you, it’s not just us! Yue Meng has also opened an Elixir Pharmacy and a beauty shop," Da Bai tattled.