Chapter 237 - If You Don't Do Stupid Things, They Won't Come Back and Bite You in the Ass
In the central plaza of Blackwing City, many players wandered, sightseeing. Blackwing City was a must-see destination as it had been built atop the peak of a mountain. Meanwhile, the Stargazing Tower loomed in the central plaza of the city. Through the usage of a floating platform, players could arrive at the top of the tower and witness the full beauty of Blackwing City.
Beneath the Stargazing Tower, Shi Feng located Joking Scholar.
At this moment, panic painted Joking Scholar's face. His eyes were like searchlights as they scanned the plaza. When he finally spotted Shi Feng, he hurried over.
"Guild Leader Tyrant, the higher-ups have given me my instructions. To maintain long-term cooperations with Guild Leader Tyrant, we agree to sell the Hard Stones to you at 2 Silver Coins a stack. As long as you take these forging materials back to Star-Moon Kingdom, you can earn back at least three to four times the cost," Joking Scholar said as he walked up to Shi Feng, a smile filling his face.
Twilight Echo had spent a lot of time to obtain these forging materials. They had even spent an impressive sum of Coins and Credits in the process. Meanwhile, their main goal was to turn these forging materials into Coins. If luck would have it, they could even make a small profit from the trade.
By the looks of it, however, that would not happen. After all, not only were the forging materials of other kingdoms and empires similarly cheap, but there was also a mysterious NPC in Blackwing City selling these materials far below bottom-line prices now. The only thing Joking Scholar could do now was turn all these forging materials into Coins, even at the cost of taking a small loss. He could then head to the Blackwing City Auction and purchase some items that would benefit the Guild's development.
However, although ideals were wonderful, reality was very cruel.
It was clearly impossible for Shi Feng to spend hundreds of Gold to purchase these materials. Even if he had over 3,000 Gold Coins, he still wouldn't spend it in such a way.
Not to mention, Shi Feng had spent so much effort in swindling Joking Scholar. He naturally wouldn't stop at just 2 Silver Coins.
"Two Silver Coins a stack, now that's what I call sincere. However, just before I came here, someone mentioned to me that they are willing to sell a large amount of Hard Stones for 1 Silver Coin a stack. Moreover, if I am willing to purchase over a thousand stacks, they will lower that price even further." Shi Feng shook his head, feigning disinterest.
"What? One Silver Coin a stack? Who said that?" Joking Scholar was already on the brink of insanity. He had only found a large transaction after much difficulty. Now, however, someone was trying to undersell him. Moreover, that person clearly knew about the mysterious NPC selling forging materials.
If he had to sell each stack of Hard Stones for only 1 Silver Coin, he might as well take them back to his own empire and sell them there.
Yet, the various Guilds in Storm Empire, the empire Twilight Echo belonged to, was far from lacking forging materials. As for the independent players there, most were self-sufficient. As a result, the players purchasing Hard Stones were very few. On the contrary, there were plenty of players selling them. However, due to Twilight Echo's recent mass purchase, the prices of Hard Stones in the Storm Empire had increased. Originally, 2 Silver Coins would be more than enough to purchase one stack of Hard Stones.
If these Hard Stones were forged into Whetstones, though, the demand would slightly increase.
"You will have to investigate this person yourself. If there aren't any more matters here, I'll be going. I still have to discuss the exact pricing with that person. If I buy several thousand stacks, I wonder if he will sell at an even lower price?" Shi Feng laughed.
"Guild Leader Tyrant, please wait a moment!" Joking Scholar hurriedly said, "If you are willing to purchase a large amount, Twilight Echo is willing to offer the same price as that person! If you are willing to buy more than 20,000 stacks, I can offer you a price of 60 Copper Coins a stack! Take it as a sign of friendship!"
Currently, Joking Scholar no longer cared about price. The only fortunate matter to him right now was the fact that Lone Tyrant had yet to discover the mysterious NPC. Although Twilight Echo would incur an astronomical loss by selling the 2,000 stacks of Hard Stones they currently had at a price of 60 Copper, they could simply purchase more Hard Stones at a price of 40 Coppers from the mysterious NPC. If they resold those Hard Stones at 60 Coppers, they would make a clean profit of 20 Coppers per stack. If they resold 18,000 stacks, they could easily recoup their losses.
Hence, Joking Scholar needed to take action quickly. If Lone Tyrant found out about this matter, he might not even be able to sell the Hard Stones he had for 40 Coppers a stack.
"Sixty Copper Coins a stack? Moreover, you guys actually have over 20,000 stacks?!" Shi Feng feigned astonishment as he spoke.
"Of course! This is our way of showing sincerity! However, you have to buy 20,000 stacks to get such a low price." Joking Scholar nodded his head, smiling.
"Hold on a minute. I'll ask that person what price he is willing to offer if I buy 20,000 stacks," Shi Feng said.
Hearing that Shi Feng was about to contact the person who knew about the mysterious NPC, Joking Scholar's panic grew. Anyone aware of this information only needed to spend as much effort as flipping a hand over in this transaction. Even if they made a profit of 1 Copper Coin per stack, they could still earn 2 Gold Coins from selling 20,000 stacks. However, Joking Scholar's situation was different. Hence, he hurriedly shouted, "Guild Leader Tyrant, please wait a minute! I don't wish to waste time competing with those people, so I'll offer you a cost price of 50 Copper Coins! Take it as me trying to befriend you! However, you have to purchase 50,000 stacks! I'll even gift you 300 stacks of Iron Ore, 400 stacks of Silver Ore, 200 stacks of Mithril Ore, 100 stacks of Gold Ore, and also a Mysterious-Iron ranked Runic Ore Bag! Nobody can offer you a lower price than me!"
"You're offering 50 Copper Coins a stack, and they come with a gift of rare ores as well? There are even 100 stacks of Gold Ore, a high-quality ore that I have never seen before. It seems that you are indeed sincere. I doubt that the other side can offer a price lower than this. Alright, then. I'll buy 50,000 stacks of Hard Stones from you!" Shi Feng smiled contently. He was already quite satisfied that he could purchase 2,000 stacks of Hard Stones for only 50 Copper Coins a stack.
At the expense of selling over 200 stacks of Hard Stones at a price of 40 Copper Coins a stack, he could purchase over 2,000 stacks at a price of 50 Copper Coins in return. He had made a huge profit out of this transaction. As for the remaining 48,000 stacks of Hard Stones, if Joking Scholar uncovered the truth, he would never sell him Hard Stones for such a low price again. Basically, there wouldn't be another business transaction between him and Twilight Echo. However, Shi Feng paid no mind to this.
With this batch of forging materials, he would not run out of Hard Stones anytime soon.
"Let's sign a contract then, Guild Leader Tyrant," Joking Scholar took out an electronic contract. With the Main God System bearing testimony to this contract, neither party involved was allowed to violate the conditions set.
"What is the meaning of this?" Shi Feng wrinkled his brows slightly.
"Guild Leader Tyrant, this is a large transaction that involves 50,000 stacks of Hard Stones. If Guild Leader Tyrant suddenly decides not to buy the Hard Stones, wouldn't I suffer the loss? Of course, I am not trying to question Guild Leader Tyrant's credibility. However, to avoid any future disputes, let us be villains before nobles," Joking Scholar explained.
"Still, isn't there a problem with this agreement? I don't mind that the trade has to be done within ten days, but why do I have to compensate you 5,000 Gold Coins or 50 million Credits, with Gold Coins as priority, if I renege on the contract, while you guys don't have to pay anything if you renege on your commitment?" Shi Feng angrily said, "You call this not questioning my reputation? From the way I see it, maybe we should forget about this business transaction altogether."
Although Shi Feng appeared angry, inwardly, he couldn't be any happier. Originally, he had no hopes of getting the remaining 48,000 stacks of Hard Stones. He would never have thought that Joking Scholar would take such an action. Contrary to being furious, Shi Feng couldn't help but eagerly agree to this contract! The evil one brought upon themselves truly was the hardest to bear!
"Please wait, Guild Leader Tyrant! I simply forgot to write it in! If Twilight Echo reneges on the agreement, we will similarly compensate you with 5,000 Gold Coins or 50 million Credits. Moreover, Guild Leader Tyrant can rest assured about the validity of this contract, as our Guild Leader has personally signed. The only thing remaining is Guild Leader Tyrant's signature," Joking Scholar hurriedly amended the agreement. He had indeed forgotten about this matter out of panic. After all, he was deeply afraid of Shi Feng discovering the mysterious NPC who sold forging materials.
However, as long as both parties signed this agreement, even if Lone Tyrant discovered this mysterious NPC, Joking Scholar had nothing to fear.
"Now, that's more like it," Shi Feng said with satisfaction after finding no problems with the agreement.
Shi Feng was nearly unable to suppress the excitement in his heart. After calming his excited mood down, he signed the contract.
However, Joking Scholar was far more excited than Shi Feng; his heart was about to break out of his chest. As he watched Shi Feng finally sign the agreement, the contract receiving the recognition of the Main God System, he simultaneously revealed a cold smile.
Chapter 238 - Perfect Substitute
"Let's first trade the 2,000 stacks that I have with me, then," Joking Scholar felt fully relieved now.
"Sure," Shi Feng revealed a faint smile, nodding.
Joking Scholar then called up the trade interface, initiating the trade.
With the agreement in effect now, even if Lone Tyrant discovered the secret, he would not dare renege on the deal. If he did so, he had to pay 5,000 Gold Coins or 50 million Credits, with Gold Coins set the priority. Hence, he could only gnash his teeth as he purchased 50,000 stacks of Hard Stones for 50 Copper Coins a stack.
The full transaction would total to 250 Gold Coins. Meanwhile, by reselling the 48,000 stacks of Hard Stones he would obtain from the mysterious NPC, Joking Scholar could make a clean profit of 48 Gold. In addition to the 10 Gold he just obtained, he would have a total profit of 58 Gold. Such an amount could allow him to purchase quite a lot of items at the Blackwing City Auction. He could also use the leftovers to increase the Guild's fluid funds.
Joking Scholar nearly roared with excitement.
This feeling is great!
However, Joking Scholar suppressed his excitement. He still needed to maintain a proper outward appearance.
Now that Twilight Echo had such fluid funds, they could develop at a much faster rate. Also, since his contribution in this matter was so great, Joking Scholar wondered just what sort of reward the Guild Leader would give him.
Currently, Shi Feng also felt exhilarated at the sight of so many forging materials. Most importantly, he had only spent 10 Gold Coins for all of them. Nothing could feel better than this.
As long as he resold them in White River City, he could earn 200 Gold Coins from the 2,000 stacks of Hard Stones alone. If he forged all of them into Whetstones, he could make 800 Gold. If he turned them into Advanced Whetstones, that would be a 2,000 Gold profit!
Although he could not make Whetstones and Advanced Whetstones at a 100% success rate, after deducting costs, he could still easily earn over 1,000 Gold.
Moreover, this was only in the case for 2,000 stacks. If he received the full 50,000 Stacks of Hard Stones from Twilight Echo, he could easily achieve the 30,000 Gold needed for his Epic Quest.
"Guild Leader Tyrant, please hold on a moment. I'll go and retrieve the remaining Hard Stones." Joking Scholar was satisfied after receiving the money. He would immediately use this money to purchase even more Hard Stones from that mysterious NPC.
"Fine. Let's meet up at the Bank, then." Shi Feng couldn't help but smile as well when he saw Joking Scholar's smile.
Although players could not retrieve their personal belongings from the Bank of Blackwing City, they were still allowed to store items. Right now, Shi Feng's bag was full to the brim. It would be inconvenient for him to attend the Blackwing City Auction in such a state. Hence, he planned to store his items first.
As for the remaining forging materials he had been promised, Shi Feng no longer held any hopes of receiving them. After all, he could already envision the end result.
Shi Feng wondered just what sort of expression Joking Scholar would make when he found out that not only was the NPC that sold the forging materials no longer there, but the NPC would also never return.
Very quickly, Joking Scholar ran over to the gazebo the mysterious NPC had previously occupied.
"Where is he?" Joking Scholar looked at the scarcely populated alley. Aside from a few players, the mysterious NPC was nowhere to be found.
"Are you referring to that NPC that sold the forging materials? You came late. That NPC sold out of materials a while ago. He said he would only return tomorrow after restocking."
"You guys are gullible. Did you really think such things will happen every day? I bet this was a one-time event triggered by some sort of quest. I highly doubt that old man will return. Otherwise, if the old man sold so many Hard Stones every single day, wouldn't it break the market? The Main God System shouldn't make such a mistake."
Two "kind-hearted" players passing by suddenly started chatting about this incident.
"How could this be?" Hearing the words of the two "kind-hearted" players, Joking Scholar's face instantly turned ashen. Words could no longer describe his current mood. "God, just what have I done…?"
Whether the mysterious NPC sold the Hard Stones in limited amounts every day or stopped selling altogether, to Joking Scholar, there was no difference between the two. No matter which scenario occurred, it was impossible for him to put together 48,000 stacks of Hard Stones within ten days.
If he failed to do so, then he would break the terms of the contract. If so, he would have to compensate Shi Feng with 5,000 Gold Coins, or 50 million Credits. Faced with such a heavy price, Joking Scholar had instantly fallen from heaven directly into hell. Moreover, he had fallen to the most horrifying eighteenth layer of hell, Avicii[1].
If he had known such a situation would occur, he absolutely would not have sold those forging materials he had for such a low price. In the end, he had only gained 10 Gold Coins for all those precious materials. Moreover, he had even dug his own grave and bought his own coffin by signing that 50,000-stack contract with Lone Tyrant. What was he supposed to do now?
"This won't do. I need to contact Lone Tyrant immediately! I have to think of a way to scrap that contract!" At the end of the day, Joking Scholar was still a veteran businessman. Now that he knew what he should do, he hurriedly ran towards the Bank of Blackwing City.
If he had only lost this batch of forging materials, Twilight Echo could still bear such a loss; it would not greatly hamper the Guild's overall development. Furthermore, he had at least received 10 Gold Coins for those materials. However, the remaining 48,000 stacks of Hard Stones would take Twilight Echo's life. If he took Twilight Echo's life, the Guild Leader would take his.
Just after Shi Feng stored all the materials in the Bank, he noticed Joking Scholar running over to him in a flurry. Although Joking Scholar tried to feign calmness, with the immense pressure and fear bearing down on him, he failed.
"Brother Scholar is fast. It must be exhausting for you to transport the stones back and forth. I wonder how many stacks you have brought this time?" Shi Feng poked fun at Joking Scholar.
"Your Excellency Tyrant, I need to discuss a certain matter with you." Joking Scholar no longer had the confidence from before. He even started using honorifics in his speech. However, he had no choice as his life was now in Shi Feng's hands.
"We are already business partners. If you have anything to say, just say it." Shi Feng nodded.
"Your Excellency Tyrant is right. We at Twilight Echo have always been villains before gentlemen. Since we are business partners, we have to consider each other. If we trade 50,000 stacks of Hard Stones in a single go, I'm assuming that Your Excellency Tyrant won't have enough Gold Coins. Even if given ten days, that should not be possible. Hence, after careful consideration, we have decided to alter the contract, loosening the conditions stated on it. How do you feel about this, Your Excellency Tyrant?" Joking Scholar slowly explained, his words sounding very logical.
If Shi Feng hadn't known that Joking Scholar was trying to renege on the contract, he might have been moved to tears by Joking Scholar's words.
As expected of a veteran businessman; he can still wear a straight face when tricking someone. For a moment there, I even believed he was thinking of my own good. Shi Feng inwardly sneered. Unfortunately, such words could not move his heart or trick him, especially since he had long since known Joking Scholar's true colors.
"Many thanks for Brother Scholar's worries. However, Brother Scholar can rest assured that, as long as I return to my kingdom with these materials and resell them, I can earn the money back very quickly. I guarantee that I can clear the debt within ten days, so there is no need for the extra trouble of altering the contract." Shi Feng faintly smiled, saying, "Let's hurry and finish the trade, then. The auction is about to start."
Following which, Joking Scholar gave a dozen more reasons to cancel the agreement, such as lowering the price even further, or increasing the trade amount, and so on. Unfortunately, Shi Feng had rejected each and every one of them. This situation had pushed Joking Scholar to the brink of insanity. However, Joking Scholar didn't wish to reveal his intentions accidentally, so even though he was close to the point of vomiting blood out of anger, he chose to hold it in.
"Brother Scholar, you don't have to waste any more words in trying to change the agreement. I will not change it no matter what. After all, I can purchase 50,000 stacks of Hard Stones at a price of 50 Coppers a stack. That is a rare opportunity that I won't find even if I try. Even if I bought them from an NPC, I definitely couldn't buy so many!"
"You knew all along!"
"Of course. Who wouldn't know about such a huge incident? Is there something wrong with your head? You wanted to resell the Hard Stones you bought from that NPC and make a huge profit off of me? Keep that in your dreams. I already felt that the NPC was unreliable. Thus, I agreed to your offer. Seeing your frustration, as expected, that NPC really was unreliable. I eagerly anticipate the arrival of the remaining 48,000 Hard Stones!"
"You swindled me!"
"I am representing Twilight Echo! Aren't you afraid of angering Twilight Echo with your actions?! We can extinguish a third-rate Guild like Dark Star at any given minute!"
"Oooh! Twilight Echo is a first-rate Guild! I'm so scared! Unfortunately for you, Twilight Echo is based in the distant Storm Empire. You guys are simply too far away from Star-Moon Kingdom. So what if you are amazing? Can you do anything to me? What can you do to Dark Star? If you have the ability, then come to Star-Moon Kingdom! I'll gladly exterminate Twilight Echo and remove its name from God's Domain permanently! However, for now, you guys best think of a plan to deal with the compensation! Hahaha!"
Saying so, Shi Feng departed from Blackwing City's Bank, laughing loudly and leaving behind an utterly dazed Joking Scholar.
Joking Scholar was completely unable to accept the reality that he had been swindled.
However, compared to being swindled, he felt more humiliated over the fact that Shi Feng had been toying with him from the beginning. Moreover, he had gladly jumped for joy like a monkey. When Joking Scholar thought about this, he felt utterly humiliated.
After a good while had passed, Joking Scholar bellowed, "Lone Tyrant, just you wait! Twilight Echo's power far exceeds your imagination! We will definitely destroy you and Dark Star!"
TL Notes:
[1] eighteenth layer of hell, Avicii :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diyu