Chapter 243
Tang Yu’an watched the map as the RV continued its journey toward Lin Hai Town.
Since Lin Hai Town was beyond the one-kilometer range of their revealed map, the area ahead remained shrouded in fog.
Within fog-covered areas, the autopilot system couldn’t accurately navigate.
However, since Hai Jing and Little Hai Lan were stationed in Lin Hai Town and had already cleared the fog in Guanyu Village, they didn’t need to worry too much about this limitation. Still…
“The road ahead is bumpy. Please fasten your seatbelt.”
As they reached the base of Jufeng Mountain and attempted to continue toward Linhai Town, the lack of paved roads made travel difficult.
Tang Yu’an resisted the urge to pave the road himself.
After all, if the RV could pass through, then it meant the road was at least walkable for people.
This section could be left for the construction team to handle when they extended the security fence in the future. Alternatively, they could organize a workforce from Jufeng Town to repair the road themselves.
By implementing a work-for-aid system, people could earn Peace Coins through labor, which they could then use at the Grocery Store to trade for food and survival supplies, creating a self-sustaining economic cycle.
Tang Yu’an made a mental note to discuss this plan with Zhou Qi later.
The RV struggled along the rugged terrain for about an hour before finally coming to a stop in front of massive boulders blocking the path.
[The road ahead is impassable. Searching for alternative routes…]
[Search complete! Please choose a route to proceed!]
Tang Yu’an glanced at the screen, which displayed several route options, each marked with estimated travel distances.
After analyzing the paths, he noticed that most of them had a high concentration of red dots, indicating danger zones. The only exception was the road directly ahead, which had fewer red markers.
This was likely due to Jin Fu and his fellow salt merchants, who had cleared out many dangerous creatures while traveling this route. Additionally, based on the terrain, it was also the shortest path.
So instead of taking a detour, Tang Yu’an accessed the Item List panel and started clearing the roadblock while paving a cement road at the same time.
In no time, the boulders were moved aside, and the RV continued along the newly paved road.
Tang Yu’an stretched, then stepped into the Peace Grocery Store.
Inside, Zhou Qi had successfully created an elastic metal fabric and was now experimenting with cutting and sewing it. However, due to the unique properties of the material, making it into clothing was proving to be quite a challenge.
“Brother Qi, how about hiring workers from Jufeng Town to help repair the road?” Tang Yu’an suggested.
“It’s doable, but let’s wait until the construction team from Desolate City arrives.”
That would mean the protective barrier of Desolate City had extended to this area, ensuring safety for the construction workers.
After all, even though the floodwaters had receded, many mutant creatures that had been forced into the mountains hadn’t left yet, making Jufeng Mountain still quite dangerous.
If workers were attacked mid-construction, it could lead to unnecessary casualties.
“Yeah, that makes sense.”
Tang Yu’an nodded, deciding to revisit the issue in a few days.
He then helped Zhou Qi complete the clothing order requested by Tang Sheng. The design was a bit odd, but the metal fabric’s texture was much better than regular elastic fabric.
“Hopefully, Dad will find this useful!”
Next, Tang Yu’an placed some fresh ingredients into the Spirit Storage Bag, including Star-chain Fruits, lotus leaves, and chives.
Yes, the plants they had given Granny Guo to cultivate had finally started yielding results.
Granny Guo had also planted ginger, scallions, garlic, and chives, greatly enriching Desolate City’s agricultural diversity.
“We need to send them more fresh vegetables in the future,” Tang Yu’an remarked.
Besides staying full, they also needed a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins to avoid illnesses and maintain good health.
As for the Physique Enhancement Egg, they had already sent one in the last drift bottle, but it would take about a week to arrive.
“We didn’t receive a drift bottle from Turs this time. I wonder how they’re doing?” Tang Yu’an muttered as he tossed another drift bottle into the Dream Sea.
“Maybe making the equipment took longer. Let’s check again the day after tomorrow.”
It took about 7–8 days for drift bottles to reach Turs, and crafting equipment usually took another week.
Since they had provided more materials than usual, Turs might have needed extra time to complete the process.
Tang Yu’an hummed in response before heading to the alternate dimension with Zhou Qi.
Lately, they had been busy in their home world and hadn’t visited the alternate dimension in a while. Tang Yu’an’s studies had also fallen behind.
Now that they had an auto-pilot system, they only needed to check in every few hours to ensure the road remained clear.
It was also a good way to relax and take a break.
Tang Yu’an set up a check-in schedule every 8 hours, meaning that only 16 minutes would pass in the real world. This way, the intervals wouldn’t be too long.
“Time to study!”
If he finished his high school courses quickly, he could finally go on adventures in Giant Wood Forest with Brother Qi!
Meanwhile, Zhou Qi entered Giant Wood Forest to train his wood-based abilities.
Although he had forcefully absorbed the Wood Spirit Bug’s energy using his fire ability, he hadn’t yet fully integrated it into his power system.
To merge it with his original fire and earth abilities, he needed time.
However, since earth generates wood, and wood fuels fire, Zhou Qi could already feel his fire abilities strengthening thanks to the addition of the wood element.
As they trained, their pets roamed Giant Wood Forest, playing freely.
Over time, their territory had expanded from the cabin to the outskirts of the forest.
Larger creatures instinctively avoided the area after detecting the pets’ scent markings.
Of course, super-giant creatures were an exception.
However, since this was just the edge of the forest, and perhaps due to luck, they had yet to encounter any.
*
Meanwhile, in the real world, the day gradually turned to dusk.
Thanks to the efforts of Da Huzhi and the three siblings, they had completed nearly 500 profitable transactions by nightfall, earning close to 500 points!
Outside Red Bee Grocery Store, a large crowd of people still waited eagerly for their turn.
Since each person could trade at least three times, their total transactions had exceeded 500, but the actual number of customers was only 200–300.
Red Bee Town had a permanent population of around 1,500, so fewer than one-fifth of the residents had managed to secure food.
As darkness approached, Da Huzhi decided to close up shop.
After all, Red Bee Town wasn’t completely safe—mutant creatures occasionally wandered in to hunt.
“That’s all for today! Come back early tomorrow!”
Naturally, those who had waited in line for hours were unhappy.
“You still have bags left! Why stop selling now?” one man shouted in frustration, reaching for Da Huzhi’s sack.
The moment his hand stretched out—
He vanished into thin air.
The surrounding townspeople, though already aware of this mysterious power, were still shocked to witness it firsthand.
But Da Huzhi remained unfazed.
He had seen countless people test the limits of the God of Commerce throughout the day—only to be swiftly rejected.
One thing was certain:
Da Huzhi had never felt more fulfilled earning points!
With each miracle, his faith in the God of Commerce only grew stronger.
At least… until he remembered “Little Noisy” and Chenxi—the two most zealous interpreters of commercial doctrine.
Just the thought of their deep theological debates made his scalp tingle.
“Maybe I’ll just be the third most devout believer instead!”
Even Mao Da, Mao San, and Mao Hua were nowhere to be seen!
However, Da Huzi quickly noticed that the area outside the courtyard was now packed with people.
What was going on? Were all these people harboring ill intentions toward him at the same time?
Soon enough, a system message popped up.
[Current time is outside business hours. Except for employees with lodging privileges, others cannot enter “Peace Grocery Store No. 9.”]
So that was the reason!
Da Huzi was momentarily stunned. Didn’t that mean Mao Da and the others couldn’t enter either?
Fortunately, another system notification followed.
[Congratulations! You have triggered the elite mission: “Unlock the Invite Customers for Overnight Stay” function.]
[Description: Thanks to your hard work, business at Red Bee Grocery Store is booming. The mysterious merchant has recognized your efforts and is considering granting you the overnight stay feature, along with lodging permissions for your three friends.]
[Mission Requirements: Deduct 200 store popularity points and 2,000 personal points (to be taken from your monthly commission). Apply by typing ‘1’ in the store channel.]
[Reward: Unlock the ability to invite customers to stay overnight at Store No. 9. This mission currently applies only to “Mao Da,” “Mao San,” and “Mao Hua.”]
Seeing the task details, Da Huzi’s eyes lit up, and he immediately typed a response in the store channel.
He wasn’t entirely sure what store popularity was, but 2,000 points… Since they could be deducted from his commission, there was no issue!
At worst, he’d just need to make more profit-driven transactions in the coming days to make up for it.
Right now, Mao Da and the others were stuck outside, which was extremely dangerous. He needed to bring them inside before any troublemakers realized the situation.
Otherwise, if those people captured them and used them to threaten him, things would go south fast.
[Store Channel]
[Razor]: Type 1
Seeing Razor’s message, Tang Yu’an smiled and unlocked the overnight stay function for Store No. 9.
Since Razor wasn’t a branch manager, his interface didn’t have an application button, so this was the only way.
Unlike Lan Yunqing, they had just recruited Da Huzi and couldn’t immediately promote him to branch manager. But given the urgency of his situation, Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi made an exception.
Besides, only the base 2,000 points were deducted from his balance.
Da Huzi wasn’t the lord of Red Bee Town, nor did he have the same level of prestige as Lan Yunqing or Hong Li. Earning points quickly wasn’t as easy for him.
Still, giving him the function completely free of charge wouldn’t be ideal either—things obtained too easily wouldn’t be valued. So, by deducting points from his commission, he’d have to repay them over time.
Since Store No. 9 hadn’t been upgraded yet, it was still at Level 0 (Lv.0). After unlocking the overnight stay function, Tang Yu’an discovered that it only allowed 10 overnight slots!
Luckily, that was enough for now.
Tang Yu’an added Mao Da, Mao San, and Mao Hua to the lodging list. As he saw their names light up on the map, indicating they had safely entered the protective barrier, he let out a sigh of relief.
With the protective barrier active, the Grocery Store had now turned invisible—people in Red Bee Town must have noticed by now.
But that wasn’t a problem. They’d probably just see it as another “divine miracle.”
And indeed, that’s exactly what happened.
After suddenly finding themselves outside and witnessing the Peace Grocery Store vanish before their eyes, the waiting customers were utterly shocked.
The God of Commerce had displayed their divine power once again.
Had they angered the deity, causing the store to disappear? That store wasn’t just an ordinary building—it was their only hope of surviving the cold disaster!
Some people fell to their knees, sobbing and begging for the god’s forgiveness.
Meanwhile, after a brief moment of surprise, Mao Da quickly grabbed Mao San and Mao Hua and moved closer to the courtyard. He felt an invisible barrier blocking their way.
But moments later, the obstruction disappeared, and they rushed inside.
Seeing Da Huzi again, the three were overjoyed. After he explained what had happened, they glanced outside at the crowd kneeling in worship.
They immediately decided to keep selling!
After all, they still owed the Church of the God of Commerce 2,000 points—they needed to do more business to pay off their debt.
So, the kneeling townspeople suddenly saw…
Da Huzi’s floating head, grinning down at them like a vengeful spirit.
“Aghh! A ghost!!”
In an instant, the crowd scattered in terror.
*
Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi were unaware of the chaos in Red Bee Town.
After setting up Store No. 9 and planning the RV’s route, they returned to Lan Hu Town, picked up Kang Kang, and brought him back to Desolate City Haven to stay with Granny Guo. Then, they headed back to the alternate dimension.
About half a month later, in the main dimension, it was early morning on the second day. Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi finally returned to the RV.
While they had been sleeping in the main dimension, the RV had once again stopped due to a roadblock.
Checking the map, they saw they had already traveled one-third of the way—they had made significant progress toward Lin Hai Town.
This time, the roadblock was… a cliff.
It seemed like an earthquake had once split the ground apart, creating a ten-meter-wide chasm that formed a deep, bottomless gorge.
In the distance, they could see a rope bridge stretching across the gorge. It looked even flimsier than the one at the base of Jufeng Mountain.
The iron chains were covered in rust, suggesting it hadn’t been used for a long time.
That made sense—this road led to Jufeng Town, which had been flooded for the past two months, stranding the salt merchants like Jin Fu on the mountain.
The path likely hadn’t been traveled in ages.
There was no way the RV could fly over this gorge, and if they wanted to take a detour…
Tang Yu’an checked the map—the alternate route was significantly longer. The gorge was outside the one-kilometer radius, so the map couldn’t even display its full extent.
That meant they had no choice but to build a bridge.
Since they had already anticipated obstacles like this, Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi got out of the RV and retrieved six brand-new construction robots from their portable warehouse.
These were purchased using a Seven-Day Special Discount Card. With many upcoming construction projects, they desperately needed more robots.
As for the five older construction robots, they were still back at Desolate City Haven, working on new housing projects.
But besides the robots, Tang Yu’an also retrieved a “South Garden Storage Container” from his warehouse.
It was currently the only Level-3 (Lv3) upgraded super storage container. Since upgrading required two void stones and a long waiting period, the process was quite difficult.
However, the benefits were substantial.
First, its internal capacity had increased from 100 times its size to 1,000 times.
Since the container’s base size was 1 cubic meter, after the Lv3 upgrade, it had become an enormous 1,000 cubic meter storage unit.
Upon opening the door, one would see a 20m x 10m x 5m warehouse.
What’s even better is that when the door is closed, the items inside remain in a preserved state—similar to the portable warehouse.
This meant fresh produce like vegetables and fruits could be stored indefinitely without spoiling!
Tang Yu’an planned to send one back to his parents once he upgraded another.
For now, the six robots had begun work, ensuring the cliff edges were stable for bridge construction.
With everything in motion, Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi temporarily left the site.
They picked up Kang Kang again and took him to Lanhu Town, where they handed him over to Lan Yunqing, who was anxiously waiting outside the store. Only then did they head to Jufeng Town.
It had been nearly a week since they suggested to Hong Li that she could set up a brick kiln in Jufeng Town, so they were going to check on the progress.
As soon as they arrived at Jufeng Grocery Store and emerged from the basement where the teleportation array was located, they saw a crowd of people packed at the store entrance.
Today, Shi Tou was on duty, and he and Xiao Cao were so busy that they hadn’t even noticed the two young bosses had arrived.
Thanks to the Evil Guest Repelling Aura, they no longer feared troublemakers, so they had opened the store to customers. With the guards maintaining order, things were still manageable, but…
There were simply too many people!
That was because, besides selling salt, Jufeng Grocery Store was now also selling Peace Coins and a warm variant of Flame Stones.
Yes, Xiao Cao and the others were selling Peace Coins.
Peace Coins weren’t just a currency; they were also a product that could be sold. Essentially, they were exchanging Peace Coins for wild vegetables and mushrooms.
With the Cold Disaster looming, introducing Peace Coin exchanges at this time naturally caused a huge stir.
Moreover, Jufeng Grocery Store was only selling 1-unit Peace Coins, each valued at 1 point of store credit. No matter how they were traded, it was never a losing deal.
The reputation of Peace Coins had grown significantly, and at least among the residents of Jufeng Town, no one was unfamiliar with them.
So far, no cases of resale or hoarding had emerged, since anyone could obtain Peace Coins simply by bringing crops to Jufeng Grocery Store or the Guard Post.
If scalpers wanted to profit, they would have to sell at higher prices elsewhere—but that was beyond Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi’s concern.
In fact, looking at it from another angle, if reselling did happen, it would actually help promote Peace Coins.
And since Peace Coins had a temperature-regulating function, spreading their use could ultimately save more lives—just at a higher cost for those who bought them secondhand.
While the streets were still rather empty during the daytime, besides the crowd gathered at Jufeng Grocery Store, there was another location densely packed with people.
Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi flew in that direction.
This was the west side of the town—formerly controlled by Li Li but now under Hong Li’s command—where several brick kilns had been set up.
There were at least five to six hundred light dots representing people gathered here.
In less than a week, Hong Li had managed to recruit so many workers for the kilns. That was something only she could accomplish.
Batch after batch of formed bricks were being sent into a factory, where Hei Xiong stood at the entrance, supervising the guards as they counted the bricks.
Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi landed nearby and greeted him.
“Captain Hei Xiong, long time no see! We’re here to collect bricks,” Tang Yu’an said with a smile.
“I’ll go report to the Mountain Lord.”
“No need! We already discussed this with Sister Hong Li. We can trade directly.”
“Well, alright then.”
They entered the warehouse, where neatly stacked bricks lined the space.
Hei Xiong then said, “A total of 90,000 bricks. What do you think?”
Tang Yu’an: 0.0
Manpower really made a difference!
In less than a week, they had produced 90,000 bricks!
Seeing the young man’s expression, Hei Xiong hesitated and asked, “Is that too many?”
Tang Yu’an shook his head.
He had already told Hong Li that as long as the bricks met the quality standard, they would take as many as possible.
However, if Jufeng Mountain’s production capacity was this high, then their own brick factory at Desolate City Haven could be shut down and repurposed into a cement and steel plant instead.
Those industries required more technical expertise, which Jufeng Mountain currently lacked. For now, they could only handle the lower-tech brick kilns.
“All 90,000 bricks—are you okay with trading in Peace Coins?” Zhou Qi asked.
The phrasing sounded a little odd, but Hei Xiong was already used to it.
He simply nodded. “Yes, I agree.”
And then—
[Employee “Zhou Qi” has completed a profitable trade with a long-time customer. EXP +1, Store Credit +15,000]
Seeing the transaction notice, Tang Yu’an—who had already done six-figure trades before—remained calm this time.
He even thought to himself, 90,000 bricks are only worth 15,000 points? As expected, the technology is too basic. Grandpa Li should just shut the factory down as soon as possible.
Their Desolate City Haven should focus on producing higher-end, more valuable products!
