Chapter 380 The Lord and the Traveling Merchant 2

After saying that, Kombu cautiously took out a fist-sized round crystal from his bosom.

Upon closer inspection, the crystal was deep red, crystal clear, and shining brilliantly like a red gem.

As soon as he received the crystal from the other party, Leo Ray recognized it at first sight and couldn't help but blurt out, "Is that actually an Illusion Crystal?"

From his previous understanding, Leo Ray knew clearly that such Illusion Crystals used for recording purposes were extremely rare.

His side had previously obtained one on the Ancient Ship.

It was precisely because of that Illusion Crystal embedded in the huge statue on the ship that they were able to be there and witness the final moments of the Ancient Ship before the disaster occurred.

"My Lord, it is indeed an Illusion Crystal," said Gideon Black, who pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses while showing an astonished expression and slightly bowing, "Illusion Crystals are indeed produced in the Illusion Realm, which is the only way to obtain them, but the possibility is very small."

"It seems like this is a blessing in disguise." After nodding slightly, Leo Ray opened the properties tab of the Illusion Crystal.

[Name: Illusion Crystal]

[Resource Level: 5 (Rare)]

[Specification: 10cm]

[Purity: A+]

[Energy: 100%]

[Remark: This is a brand new Illusion Crystal. As long as a small amount of energy is injected into it, the recording function can be activated regardless of whether the holder is an Illusionist. If a large amount of energy is injected into it, the recorded situation can be reproduced instantly within a certain area by forming an Illusion Realm.]

"Not bad, not bad at all."

Nodding in satisfaction, Leo Ray put the Illusion Crystal away and praised the middle-aged merchant, "President Kombu, you've made a great contribution this time."

After saying that, Leo Ray fell into contemplation, secretly thinking, "I must say, this Kombu has proven to be loyal. I might as well take this opportunity to make him my direct subordinate. That way, as the President of Cyan Town Commerce Association, he can better assist Linda and Mason Banks."

Having made up his mind, Leo Ray smiled faintly and said to the middle-aged merchant in front of him, "President Kombu, I believe you've guessed my true identity by now, right?"

After that, Leo Ray briefly introduced his situation to Kombu and offered him an olive branch.

Upon hearing Leo Ray's words, Kombu, who had already planned to do this, showed an ecstatic expression right away.

He didn't hesitate at all and knelt down in front of Leo Ray once again, saying excitedly, "I, Kombu Brown, swear to serve my Lord loyally!"

"Very well, let's start signing the contract." A Tier 1 Recruitment Order then appeared in Leo Ray's hand, emitting a faint light.

In just a short time,

The familiar prompt sounded in Leo Ray's ears.

[Congratulations, Tier 1 Two-star Traveling Merchant Kombu Brown has signed a Master-Servant Contract with you and become your new subordinate!]

Next, after helping the other party up, Leo Ray immediately opened his Attribute Column.

[Name: Kombu]

[Profession: Traveling Merchant]

[Rank: Tier 1 Two-star]

[Loyalty: 100]

[Skill One: Master of Mental Arithmetic 'Passive' (Significantly increases mental arithmetic speed)]

[Skill Two: Carriage Driving Mastery 'Passive' (Moderately increases carriage driving skill)]

"As expected of a professional merchant, not one battle skill." Leo Ray couldn't help but smirk.

Then, after a brief hesitation, he gave Kombu a Storage Ring, ten Qi Condensing Pills, and a Tier 3 Short Sword.

He then said, "Kombu, there's no need to explain the Storage Ring and Tier 3 Short Sword."You should know the Qi Condensing Pill better than I do, right?

Back then, when we were in the dense forest, you were the first to give me one."

With a faint smile at the middle-aged merchant, Leo Ray continued, "As my subordinate, not only should you excel in your field, but your strength should also improve.

Only then can you better protect yourself.

These ten Qi Condensing Pills are enough to help you cultivate to the Tier 2 Nine-Star level.

In short, consider these as my welcome gift."

Taking the items handed over by Leo Ray, Kombu was already too excited to verbalize his gratitude. He just knelt on one knee again and bowed his head deeply to Leo Ray.

As a professional merchant, he naturally knew the value of these items!

Keep in mind that Kombu had almost depleted all his funds and expended great effort to finally get his hands on a single Qi Condensing Pill.

And now he was receiving ten at once?!

"Most importantly, Storage Rings are top-tier items that only aristocrats are entitled and have access to.

I didn't expect that, as a common civilian, one day I'd also get my hands on such a dream treasure!"

As Kombu was overjoyed,

Leo Ray turned to Linda and said, "Have Rhizoma Drynariae take some time to personally guide Kombu in his cultivation. With Kombu's full assistance, Cyan Town's commerce will surely thrive even more."

"Understood! Please be assured, my Lord!" Linda immediately bowed and nodded in response.

On the other hand, Linda stepped forward, bowed slightly to Leo Ray, and said, "My Lord, I have another matter to report to you."

"Oh? What's the matter?" Leo Ray raised his eyebrows and asked while helping Kombu up from the marble floor.

"My Lord, we've found some clues to the location of the Azure Pterosaur habitat," Linda said, still in a bowing position.

"Is that so? Where is it?" Hearing this, Leo Ray's face lit up with a hint of joy.

Without a doubt, once they found the home of the Azure Pterosaurs,

The combat power of the ten Tier 3 Winged Dragon Knights under his command would be greatly enhanced.

Furthermore, these Tier 3 sky knights would far surpass ordinary ground cavalry in both speed and strategy.

It would be an effective way to further strengthen the overall power of the territory.

"My Lord, the nearest Azure Pterosaur habitat to us is actually in the mountain range near the Crystal Kingdom!" Linda replied with a crisp voice.

"I see."

Leo Ray nodded slightly and fell into deep thought: "Giant Axe General Burt's updated information, the location of the White Jade Ore, and now the location of the Azure Pterosaur habitat.

All point to the remote small country on the border between Coldflame and Saint Night, the Crystal Kingdom, huh?

It seems that our trip there is imminent."

Thinking of this, Leo Ray immediately asked Linda and Kombu, "How much do you two know about the affairs of the Crystal Kingdom?"

"My Lord, I last year I've been to the Crystal Kingdom for business numerous times. It was at that time that I met the merchant friend I mentioned earlier."

Bowing slightly to Leo Ray, Kombu said reverently, "This small country located in the mountains has very scarce food resources and is not suitable for farming.

Therefore, they can only rely on us merchants for transportation and hunting demon beasts for sustenance.

However, as a tradeoff, the ore veins there are relatively richer, but still only comparatively so, with no important rare resources.

The mined minerals are mostly traded for food to maintain the normal operation of the kingdom."

"Not too different from what I know. Is there anything else worth noting?"

Leo Ray nodded slightly, gazing at the two standing respectfully before him, and continued to inquire.

"My Lord, several years ago, when I was participating in the trial for the Sanders Family, I lived in the Crystal Kingdom for almost a month.

However, one night, something strange happened."

On the other side, Linda's eyes seemed lost in her memories, recounting her experiences.

"Oh?" Hearing this, Leo Ray showed a curious expression.