"Besides the matter of the temple, there is one more thing — concerning the reason for my visit..."
Zuona's eyes locked onto Leilin, making him inwardly tense: "It's finally come?"
He had long sensed that as the profits from his two trades continued to grow, they would inevitably attract the attention of more powerful forces. And when that time came, the alliance of interests he had forged for self-preservation would become utterly useless.
In truth, deep down, Leilin had already been contemplating selling off the technology. He had long understood that under this world's rules, his current strength alone would not sustain a monopoly for long. Securing a full year of extraordinary profits was more than enough to satisfy him. Moreover, even when parting with technology, he needed to find a powerful enough backer. From that perspective, the Church of Wealth was clearly an excellent choice.
"Is it about the fish floss and refined sugar?" Leilin got straight to the point.
"Yes, and you!" A hint of amusement flickered in Zuona's eyes. "Compared to those two technologies, the talent who invented them deserves far more of our attention — because you have the Midas touch!"
"Me!" Leilin pointed at his own nose, feeling a mix of amusement and exasperation.
But inwardly, his mind was on high alert, tinged with a chill of hindsight. It seemed he had been far too conspicuous these past few months. Right now, they were only interested in his intellect — but what if they discovered more?
At that thought, Leilin made up his mind. After dealing with Marquis Louis's trouble, he would have to disappear from the public eye for a time. Otherwise, should he attract the attention of even more deities, the trouble would only grow worse.
"The appearance of these two technologies was really just a coincidence. I've always loved reading, and it was under extremely fortunate circumstances that I found inspiration in the notes of predecessors. I'm also grateful to my father — he humored my whims and even specially purchased a batch of artisan slaves for me..."
Leilin explained with a sincere smile on his face, but Zuona's expression clearly read disbelief. More than that, Leilin could even feel a pulse of magical energy — clearly probing whether he was lying. The action was subtle, but how could it possibly escape his notice?
Leilin seethed inwardly, though outwardly he maintained a perfectly composed expression. That very composure gave Zuona pause. Feeling the feedback from her divine magic, her face grew even more puzzled.
"Could it be that what he said was actually true?"
Zuona felt a twinge of disappointment but pressed on with the discussion of the two trades. Regardless, the profits from fish floss and refined sugar were staggeringly enormous. If she couldn't stake a claim in these two rivers of gold-flowing commerce, she would surely lose the Goddess of Wealth's favor and be replaced by other Gold Coin Priests.
With Leilin's natural demeanor and the Chip's regulation, deceiving a high-ranking priest was more than within his capability. Watching her somewhat disappointed expression, Leilin chuckled inwardly while maintaining a perfectly straight face: "Then let's discuss the matter of these two trades!"
"Go on! How many gold coins do you want to hand over the technology?"
Zuona had composed herself by now. With a show of wealth-laden confidence, she waved her hand dismissively.
"The entire fish floss baking process, plus the canning and sealing technology — even the skilled artisans, everything bundled together for you — one hundred thousand gold cro!"
For Leilin, fish floss needed mass production. The greater the sales volume, the greater the profits — but so were the capital and investment required. It wasn't particularly cutting-edge technology either; it would inevitably be copied within a few years. Better to sell it off in one go.
"One hundred thousand gold cro?!" Zuona bit her lip. In her view, the price was clearly on the high side, but with a batch of skilled artisans and the sealing technology included, it suddenly seemed worth it. She had instantly recognized the advantages of the airtight jar technology for long-term food preservation — even without the fish floss business, it alone would be enough to turn a handsome profit. As for the massive upfront investment such an industry required? Heh — for the Church of Wealth, problems that money could solve were never problems at all!
"This price is simply too high — unless you throw in the refined sugar purification technology as well..."
Though she had already largely agreed to the deal in her heart, on the surface Zuona wore a bitter smile, nearly ready to throw a tantrum on the floor.
"As for the refined sugar purification technology?"
Leilin pondered. This technology was different from fish floss — he controlled several key steps, making its secrecy far more reliable. Moreover, it didn't require a massive production line or heavy investment. It was the kind of business that could be sustained over the long term. At present, nearly half of the Faolan Family's income came from the sugar trade — a veritable inexhaustible gold mine!
Of course, the greater the profit, the more sharks it attracted. Leilin understood this all too well.
"Well?" Zuona was clearly well aware of the distinction as well, and a glimmer of anticipation flashed through her eyes.
"That..."
Leilin's face fell into an expression of troubled deliberation, and his fingers began tapping on the table as if unconsciously. With each regular beat, Zuona's heart seemed to skip in tandem.
"Why... why am I feeling this way?" A flush crept across Zuona's cheeks as she silently admonished herself.
But then she met Leilin's gentle gaze: "It's not that I can't sell you the refined sugar purification technology — but before we proceed, could we discuss the matter of the Temple of Wealth..."
"The Temple of Wealth?"
"Yes! For instance... how many priests would you station here, how many paladins you would have..." Leilin smiled like a fox, making Zuona feel as though she were facing the most formidable devil of her entire career.
A short while later, a somewhat dazed Zuona took her leave.
"Regarding your proposal, I need to give it careful consideration!" Zuona said as she finally bid Leilin farewell.
Watching her figure disappear amidst the crowd of priests and paladins, a smile slowly crept across Leilin's lips.
In truth, the proposal he had put forward was not complicated. It was simply to have the Church of Wealth take a stake in the business first, with the technology transferred gradually over three years. Three years would be more than enough for the Faolan Family to fill their coffers to the brim. Moreover, in the agreement, Leilin had specifically emphasized one clause — "When Faolan Island comes under attack, the Temple of Wealth is obligated to dispatch its priests and paladins to fight alongside the guards!"
This was, in essence, a demand for the temple's protection. Even if they sent only a single low-ranking priest as a token gesture, that would be sufficient. After all, even Marquis Louis wouldn't dare declare war on the Temple of Wealth — unless he had a death wish.
Leilin had caught wind of certain rumors, so he had to ensure the safety of his home base. Tying the Church of Wealth to his chariot was, without question, the most reliable course of action. He certainly didn't expect them to protect the Crimson Tiger as well. In fact, even if Marquis Louis were willing to call for a truce, Leilin would not be. Without enough enemies and bloodshed, how else would he feed the Devil's Blood Dagger's hunger and advance at such a rapid pace?
"This condition isn't harsh at all. I believe that in the end, this Gold Coin Priest won't be able to resist the temptation..."
Leilin's eyes flickered: "And once the Church of Wealth has taken root here, perhaps my plan can begin..."
After returning to his villa, Leilin waved off the expectant Claire sisters: "I don't need you here for now. Step out!"
"As you wish, young master!" The Claire sisters wore a touch of resentment on their faces but dared not speak, quietly withdrawing from the room.
"Come out!" Leilin looked toward the windowsill. It appeared completely empty, the window sealed tight without a single crack. But slowly, a mass of shadow emerged from the darkness, taking the shape of a curvaceous figure. Its owner was a half-drow, clad in the form-fitting garb of an assassin and thief, who immediately dropped to one knee: "Master!"
"Your stealth skills probably rival those of some mid-rank assassins by now!"
In this world of gods, "mid-rank" generally referred to powerful professionals of level ten and above. Leilin's assessment of
"Master, this month we raided two more Bodie Archipelago merchant ships, with an estimated yield of five thousand gold coins... Additionally, Miss Isabelle, following your plan, has already begun deliberately leaking our whereabouts..."
Karen reported respectfully.
"What about the barbarians?"
"They've been notified, and they've pledged to strike at the appointed time!"
To face Marquis Louis head-on, how could Leilin afford to pass up the barbarians as an ally?
"Hmm! Still, if we could plant a higher-ranking spy in their camp, the chances of success would improve somewhat..." Leilin said, as if sighing.
"Master! This subordinate deserves death. The previous waves of thieves and spies sent to the Bodie Archipelago were almost entirely uprooted. The few remaining can only relay ordinary intelligence..."
Karen immediately begged for punishment. The longer one stayed by Leilin's side, the more one came to understand his terrifying nature. Compared to this master, those pure-blooded drow of the Underdark were practically synonyms for kindness!
"I didn't say this to blame you!" Leilin shook his head, thinking that having a subordinate who was too timid wasn't necessarily a good thing either.