TPWBI Chapter 80

The caravan led by En was the first to arrive at the Spark Tribe. Just as the information had said, En had brought a large amount of goods that Yang Yi had been eagerly looking forward to.

This time, the caravan was much larger than before, making it clear that En was showing great sincerity.

When he arrived at the tribe, Yang Yi also received him.

“My Lord Divine Envoy, I’m very glad to see you again. I thought it would be like the first time, where I had to wait several more days.”

Qiao spoke half jokingly, half with genuine complaint.

Yang Yi smiled and said, “The way one treats a friend must, of course, be different from how one treats a stranger.”

“The goods we’ve brought this time are enough to show our sincerity. I hope the Divine Envoy will not forget the promise we made before.” En did not forget his purpose.

This time, En and Qiao’s caravan had brought the cattle, sheep, and pigs that Yang Yi had always wanted. Although the numbers weren’t very large, just over a dozen of each, it was already something that made him extremely happy.

To bring these live animals all the way from such a far distance was no easy task, especially in such a short time since the last visit, and most of them were female beasts.

Qiao and En had clearly aged quite a bit, their only brightness lying in their still-shining eyes, showing just how much they had been running about and how tired they were.

The other goods they brought were also plentiful, showing how much importance they attached to this trade.

“You two should rest a bit today. Tomorrow, there will be someone in charge to discuss with you the specific matters of this trade.”

Yang Yi was not stingy. After all, whoever he sold to, he was selling.

“This time, I’m afraid we’ll need to discuss the trade directly with the Divine Envoy and the Chief.” En’s tone carried pride and confidence.

At the side, Hei Lie, who had been silent, raised an eyebrow, his gaze falling on him.

En cleared his throat: “We’ve brought copper.”

Yang Yi and Hei Lie exchanged a glance, their eyes carrying a trace of amusement.

It seemed that the people of the Western Continent were indeed deeply fond of ironware, to the point that they were now willing to trade the goods they had long refused to exchange.

The population of the Spark Tribe was growing larger and larger. Although iron tools were being produced over time without rest, given the current level of technology, it was still difficult to manufacture them on a large scale.

The single machine Yang Yi had brought was far too few, and it was only a small one. Even though in this world, its production capacity was already absurdly high, it was still too little.

They also did not dare to recklessly overuse it, fearing that before they had even figured out how to reproduce it, they might end up destroying it.

At present, aside from relying on that machine, the only method of smelting was the most primitive one—crushing by hand and burning to obtain molten iron. It was an approach that was far less efficient.

The ironware the tribe currently possessed could not meet demand. If they could trade for more bronze tools, many problems would be resolved.

“I’m very glad you’ve made this wise decision. The power of iron is indeed worth traveling thousands of li to exchange for,” Yang Yi also voiced his approval.

“Since you’ve brought copper as we had agreed before, then we will also follow the price we previously mentioned. Not only that—” Hei Lie paused,

“Other than trading with you, we will not trade with anyone else.”

Qiao and En had not expected such a favorable outcome. The little bit of forced pride they had been holding onto vanished completely. They stood up from their chairs in excitement.

“Really?”

“Of course.” Hei Lie’s tone was resolute. Yang Yi also nodded in agreement.

En was overjoyed: “I knew it. You are a man of great foresight. You will never regret today’s decision!”

This was iron!

Iron, as precious as gold!

If only they could be the ones to obtain it, what that meant, En and Qiao would be smiling even in their dreams these days.

The last time they brought those things back, it was already enough to drive everyone mad. Many caravans were itching to move, all eager to rush here and grab a share.

Not wanting to miss out, they had hurried desperately, pulling every string they could, and persuading the city lord. After much difficulty, in a short time, they had managed to gather so many goods, even bringing out copper that was valued so highly!

“But—”

Hei Lie dragged out the sound. Qiao and En’s faces instantly changed.

“If you are no longer our friends, then this agreement will no longer count,” Hei Lie said sternly.

Qiao and En both let out a breath of relief. En said solemnly, “I swear in the name of the Heavenly God, we absolutely come with the utmost sincerity to cooperate with you.”

“As friends, I also want to tell you some news,” Qiao suddenly said.

Hei Lie raised his brow. “What is it?”

“Someone is spreading unpleasant rumors about the Spark Tribe, wanting to stop people from coming here to trade.”

En also said seriously: “Yes. Those rumors may keep some tribes from entering here, and cause the trade fair’s location to return to its original place.”

Hei Lie and Yang Yi’s expressions grew solemn.

Qiao, however, looked relaxed and said, “But you don’t need to worry. Many tribes don’t believe such talk. They can’t resist the urge to come trade with the Spark Tribe.”

Sugar and wine were too great a temptation for many tribes, let alone the fact that the Green Python Tribe’s salt would also be traded here.

Although the Green Python Tribe had increased their salt production now, they were still the same as before, disliking too much contact with others.

And for their own convenience, they also preferred the trade fair to be held in the Spark Tribe.

The Spark Tribe treated the Green Python Tribe differently from other caravans that came to trade. They could stay in a special guesthouse without paying any extra fees.

During trade, they also enjoyed priority and preferential rights.

The Spark Tribe did not shy away from letting others know that the prices they offered were different. This, too, was a way to establish long-term friendly relations by creating categories.

Yang Yi and Hei Lie were not worried about being stood up, but they did care greatly about who was behind the troublemaking.

“Is it the Blackstone Tribe?” Hei Lie asked in a deep voice.

En said nothing, focusing instead on drinking the tea before him, clearly not wanting to get involved in this matter.

“You have too many things that make others envious. Not everyone is like En and me, just honest businessmen.”

“Thank you for bringing us this news.” Though Hei Lie did not receive a definite answer, he was able to infer a few things from their words.

“If you want to thank us, then tonight, could you treat us to a grand meal with the Spark Tribe’s specialties? Heaven knows how much we’ve been longing for it.”

As Qiao spoke, he couldn’t help but swallow his saliva.

After tasting those finely cooked dishes in the Spark Tribe, when he returned to the Western Continent, he quickly realized that what he used to consider delicious was nothing special at all.

Seeing how the people of the Spark Tribe could use two pieces of bamboo to pick up food, or spoons and forks made of wood instead of eating with their hands, he thought the method was extremely elegant.

Back in the Western Continent, when he saw people eating with their hands, some even with dirty ones, it struck him as unbearably crude.

He had experienced the refinement and elegance of the Spark Tribe, overturning all the impressions he used to have.

When he returned to the Western Continent and held banquets, he adopted this style of dining, and everyone looked at him with newfound respect. Now, this way of eating was already being admired by people of high society.

Exquisite food paired with a unique dining method. Only that could highlight the elegance and distinction of the nobility.

Yet no matter how he tried to replicate it, it was never as enticing as the food he had eaten in the Spark Tribe. It always felt like something was missing.

Aside from trading for iron tools, black pottery, paper, and other such goods, what Qiao missed the most was the food here.

En did not speak, but the heat in his eyes revealed his yearning.

Yang Yi smiled and said, “Of course, we will treat you, our honored guests from afar, with the most delicious food. At this time, our head chef has developed some new, tasty dishes. I believe you will enjoy them.”

“I can hardly wait to indulge. I’m sure you won’t disappoint us. In just a few short months, the Spark Tribe has changed so greatly.”

Qiao couldn’t help but sigh with emotion. The development of this tribe was downright frightening. In just such a short time, they had built something comparable to the central cities of their Western Continent.

The sudden population increase had not brought chaos. Instead, everything was even more orderly.

Here, there were no filthy civilian slaves to be seen. Every person was brimming with vitality, filled with satisfaction with their present life.

Their clothing was no longer the bark and leaves often seen before. Now that the weather had turned cooler, most people wore cloth garments and thin leather items.

Moreover, the styles of clothing were clearly much richer than before. They were no longer just simple wraparound skirts, but carefully tailored pieces.

When they returned to the Western Continent after coming to the Spark Tribe, they even found themselves disliking the filth of their own cities.

How could it compare to here, where even relieving oneself had a designated place? Apart from the fragrance of nature, not the slightest stench could be smelled.

There were far more houses than before, standing proudly on the great plains. It was several times the number from their last visit

The farmlands had also been expanded much more than before. Though many fields had already been harvested and now only people turning the soil could be seen, one could still feel the grandeur of that bountiful harvest.

If he were not a man of the Western Continent, he would certainly be willing to stay in this tribe.

Qiao and En had thought that, just like last time, the banquet would be in the form of a buffet or a canteen-style meal. To their surprise, this time there was yet another new arrangement.

They were led into a spacious building and seated before a massive table.

Just as they were filled with curiosity, neatly dressed attendants came in one after another, carrying plates made of black pottery.

Dish after dish of delicacies was placed before everyone, the food within as splendid and magnificent as a work of art.

“Oh my heavens, what are these?” Qiao couldn’t help but exclaim when he saw what was on the plates.

The plates did not merely hold tempting food. Each item had been arranged into orderly shapes, garnished with fresh flowers or green leaves.

The patterns and shapes of the dishes matched the plates. It wasn’t a case of casually scooping food onto whatever dish was at hand.

Each dish was no longer just simple food, but more like a work of art—able not only to satisfy the palate but to delight the eyes as well.

This was something Yang Yi had specially prepared for these proud people from the Western Continent. Compared to others, they cared more about a ‘sense of ritual’. More than simply filling their stomachs, they liked the spectacle.

Of course, having such leisure and refinement was also the result of plenty.

Because of abundance, one seeks to be different. Yang Yi hit them at this point, making them admit from every angle that the Spark Tribe was superior, so they would hold the upper hand in trade and exchange.

It wasn’t any trouble anyway, and it left plenty of food. Why not do it?

“This feast has been prepared specially for you. Every dish is carefully cooked by our chefs. These are only the appetizers. We hope that after enjoying the food, you will be in a very good mood.”

Yang Yi smiled gently, his manner calm and matter-of-fact, as if this were something he experienced every day.

After the baptism of their first visit to the Spark Tribe, Qiao and En quickly pulled themselves together.

Qiao exclaimed sincerely: “Divine Envoy, if anyone dares say you were not sent by the Heavenly God, I will kick them into hell.”

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