Chapter 40: Airship

Civilian spirit cards are widely used compared to arcane spirit cards, with the most common type being the spirit storage cards. Unless one wants to return to a primitive life, no household can do without spirit storage cards.

The spirit storage cards store extremely stable spiritual energy.

Spiritual energy is ever-changing, but only the stable and continuous output of spiritual energy can be called "spiritual power."

The high-energy spiritual crystals contained in spirit mines are the most suitable source of spiritual power. It's simpler and more convenient than refining from spiritual springs, and the reserves are enormous.

"The delay in starting the expansion war is definitely due to the high-level negotiations." The spiritual apprentices attending the lecture at the Arcane Society were discussing.

Named apprentices, in reality, most of them were already middle-aged, having worked in various fields for many years, their experience far surpassing that of ordinary people, making them adept at analyzing matters.

"If it were just a medium-sized spiritual spring, a simple expansion war would suffice. However, with the presence of spirit mines, it's a different story."

"That's indeed true. The new nobles from the expansion war might not be able to monopolize the distribution."

"During this period, so many mercenary corps have settled in. I've inquired carefully, and it seems that each mercenary corps has someone behind them. Take the Sword and Shield Mercenary Corps, for example. They're backed by the Firebird Family of Blaze Town... I heard that the Firebird Family has a powerful arcane mage!"

Only arcanists of the 4-ring level or above are considered powerful arcane mages.

"Beyond these mercenary corps, let's talk about the Hibi Earth Spirit Mine Company. Many influential figures in Chenjiao City are involved."

"Actually, the more major forces get involved, the better. The more people, the safer. We're just doing small business here in Snakehead Town, making some extra money."

"But it might not be that simple."

"Mr. Gornolf, do you have a different perspective?"

Gornolf was the owner of the potion shop on First Street, and he had a high reputation among the group of spiritual apprentices.

He shook his head and sighed, "I'm a few years older than you. I participated in the entire process of the last Black Serpent's Nest expansion war from start to finish... There are too many things that can't be explained. You just need to know one thing: retreat when you should, don't be stubborn."

"What are you saying? Does Mr. Gornolf mean that someone wants to snatch our business opportunities?"

"Maybe yes, maybe no. Who knows?" Gornolf didn't want to say much, just left it at that. "In any case, during the initial chaos, the most important thing is to protect oneself. When things stabilize later, there's still time to think about making a fortune... Of course, this is just my personal suggestion."

Someone responded with a playful tone, "Is it that Mr. Gornolf is afraid that we'll steal your chance to get rich, so he's intentionally asking us to withdraw first, haha."

Many people joined in and laughter filled the air.

Gornolf didn't seem annoyed and smiled, "I can't hide my thoughts from you indeed."

The public class had ended, and everyone was chatting and joking. It was hard to tell who took the words seriously and who didn't. Duke mingled in the crowd, listening to various pieces of gossip for a while. When most of the people had dispersed, he also left the classroom.

However, he understood the words of Mr. Gornolf.

Nothing else mattered.

Being low-key was his principle; steady growth would lead him to greatness. Why take unnecessary risks by pursuing quick wealth?

...

Entering mid-September, more and more mercenary corps gathered in Snakehead Town, causing public safety to deteriorate significantly.

Street brawls, harassing women, dining without paying, and other incidents happened frequently. Even the roads leading to the wilderness for adventure were often targeted by robbers.

The patrols of the Black Serpent Family and the town's security forces were finding it difficult to maintain stability.

The routes between Chenjiao City and Snakehead Town had not been affected yet. Special cars guarded by grand knights prevented troublemakers from other places.

"Boss, ticket prices have gone up." Leven held three tickets and said.

"I know."

Duke frowned, becoming increasingly dissatisfied with life in Snakehead Town.

The benefits of the expansion war were yet to be seen, but prices were rising rapidly, and public safety was declining. Businesses and residents around the streets were complaining incessantly, but they couldn't change the reality.

Fortunately, he had stockpiled goods before, and coupled with the popularity of arcane card repairs, Little Sam's card repair shop had made a decent profit in the past half month.

Duke had accumulated fifteen gold dragons in funds.

After deducting the nearly five gold dragons spent on purchasing goods, he had ten gold dragons that he could use freely. He intended to buy a 0-ring spirit plant that could refine spiritual energy. The 0-ring Earth Orchid he had at home couldn't refine spiritual energy, and he saw no signs of it doing so despite cultivating it with breathing techniques every day.

"Ah, a 0-ring spirit plant costs ten gold dragons, but its effect probably isn't that great... The 1-ring ones are too expensive... Cultivating transcendent power is truly difficult."

He had been sailing smoothly. After all, not everyone could have their own shop.

Yet, he still lacked resources for cultivation.

It revealed how difficult the cultivation of others could be and why many potion-consuming spiritual apprentices remained stagnant for a lifetime.

At this moment, Harper suddenly shouted, "Boss, Leven, look! It's an airship!"

Duke heard the call and looked out of the car window. He saw a massive airship, somewhat resembling a Kirov airship, slowly descending towards an open space not far from the station.

It was nearly three hundred meters long and had a diameter exceeding fifty meters, truly resembling an airborne aircraft carrier.

The hull shimmered under the morning sun's light.

Clearly, it was made of integrated spiritual gold.

It was a fortress capable of traversing the wilderness and crushing spiritual beasts encountered in its path.

On the side of the airship's hull were painted large black letters — "Mage Elvin's Tower - Sunset."

"It's so beautiful!" The passengers inside the Black Beetle car got out and admired the colossal vessel. For many residents of Snakehead Town, it might be the first time in their lives seeing an airship.

Naturally, Duke was no exception.

He had taken a few flights before crossing over, but the airship before him was much larger than an airplane. The massive structure gave off a strong sense of oppression, making people view it with awe and a profound sense of their own insignificance.

"I really want to ride an airship," Leven sighed naively.

Harper quipped, "Your annual salary isn't even enough to buy a ticket for an airship ride... But the boss, surely he could afford it."

Not showing one's wealth, Duke didn't respond to this comment.

Instead, he asked a familiar shop owner, "Why is there an airship coming? Mr. Winster, do you know where Mage Elvin's Tower is?"

"I don't know, but we'll be seeing airships more often from now on."

"Because of the expansion war?"

"That's for sure. Many more influential figures will come to our Snakehead Town in the future. These big shots won't be comfortable riding in Black Beetle cars; they'll definitely be taking airships... Airships are great, safe and stable. I also heard that the interior of airships is incredibly luxurious, just like a palace!"

Although the Seven Pagoda Federation had abolished the imperial system and the idea of a palace was unfamiliar, there were still some countries that retained such traditions.

The airship had now landed, and several luxury cars with the Black Serpent Family logo quickly drove over to welcome it.

Numerous knights on horseback provided security around, so the convoy of the Black Serpent Family couldn't be seen clearly. It was unclear who they were welcoming.

When the Black Beetle car emitted the whirring sound of a car horn, the passengers observing the airship got back in, and Duke also withdrew his gaze.

It was just an airship.

Sooner or later, he would have one too.