Bi Mo Zhi Jian

Chapter 371 This is True Win-Win!

"Are you alright?"

An Jianyou extended her hand, and a ring of bright, soft light appeared on her fair palm. This purifying radiance descended upon Yi Yueluxi like silken ribbons.

The 'Purify' skill she employed was far more potent than that of Wen Lian, the chief physician of the Blazing Fire Market. In an instant, it suppressed the mutated wriggling of the numerous wounds beneath Yi Yueluxi's bandaged body.

However, Yi Yueluxi had no time to be astonished by An Jianyou's powerful purification ability. Her mind was consumed by one thought: why was An Jianyou here, in the Blazing Fire Market?

This, this wasn't right!

Wait!

In that instant, a golden light seemed to flash through her mind. Her previously hazy head cleared completely. Past confusions and fragmented clues all integrated at this moment.

Detective Yi Yueluxi had uncovered the truth!

"I understand now. So, the force supporting you from behind, Blue Star, is the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce!"

Various factions, like the Black Stone Alliance, had several theories regarding Blue Star's rise. Among the more accepted ones were: Blue Star had inherited the legacy of an ancient civilization, or Blue Star had the support of a mysterious and powerful entity.

A legacy was unlikely to elevate Blue Star in all aspects, and the Starfall City had denied any connection to Blue Star. The true reason was the subject of much speculation, becoming a legendary enigma.

But at this moment, Yi Yueluxi understood!

If the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce, a super-faction, stood behind Blue Star's continued flame, it would explain why An Jianyou was here. She reasoned that finding a loophole in the evil god's blockade to secretly sneak one or two people into the treacherous realm wasn't impossible.

Suddenly recalling something, she said,

"Don't worry, I absolutely will not speak of what I've seen today. I swear!"

Seeing Yi Yueluxi's solemn and earnest gaze, An Jianyou was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

She hadn't seen Yi Yueluxi for over two months. She never expected their reunion to be with the girl severely wounded.

"Let me treat you first. Your current condition is not optimistic."

"Wait, I have something more important. Do you... do you know the main figures of the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce?"

Encountering a friend in a foreign land, Yi Yueluxi was also excited and happy. However, she hadn't forgotten her crucial mission – the mission to save the Oasis.

She briefly explained the situation, clasped her hands together, and looked at An Jianyou with a tense and apprehensive expression.

She felt lucky to have met an acquaintance in the Blazing Fire Market, perhaps making it easier to meet the big figures of the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce. However, whether she could persuade them to support their Black Stone Alliance, she had no confidence.

Reason told her it was difficult, exceedingly difficult.

Let alone that her acquaintance with An Jianyou was merely casual. Even if she knew a truly important figure in the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce and had a deep friendship, it wouldn't sway the decision of a super-faction.

Decisions were bound to be made based on the faction's own interests.

But she had no other choice. She could only grasp that faint glimmer of light visible in the darkness and run with all her might towards the crack from which it emanated.

After listening to Yi Yueluxi's description, An Jianyou pondered for a moment and said,

"I can't guarantee it for you, but you don't need to worry too much. It will probably be fine. The real concern now is your physical condition."

An Jianyou was already a Myth. A sweep of her divine sense revealed the dire state of Yi Yueluxi's health.

Her external and internal injuries had been roughly healed under Wen Lian's skills. However, Yi Yueluxi's previous failed awakening, coupled with multiple injuries along the way, had accumulated to a point where her level of erosion and contamination was quite severe.

This manifested as frequent hallucinations, hearing mad ravings, and possible physical mutations in various parts of her body, such as pustules on her skin and maggots forming in her wounds.

In such a state, she might not live for many more years.

An Jianyou bit her lip, and the life energy within her surged like a tidal wave, transforming into a radiant purifying power in her palm.

Instantly, dazzling golden light filled the entire rest room, as brilliant as a rising golden sun. Though somewhat dazzling, it brought more warmth.

Yi Yueluxi felt like someone shivering in the depths of winter who suddenly saw the sun breaking through the clouds. Despite the glare, she felt so comfortable that she couldn't help but moan.

The mutated areas beneath her skin, where insects seemed to be wriggling, also felt soothed by a pair of warm hands, no longer restless.

Her mouth gaped open wide enough to fit a duck egg. Her eyes stared blankly at An Jianyou, shattering her long-held perceptions.

— Didn't Youyou always associate with the sinister and bizarre? This aura, this ability... it's not right!

"So... so amazing!"

However, An Jianyou wasn't particularly pleased. Her brows were deeply furrowed, feeling an immense difficulty.

The pollution and erosion were too deep.

How to combat pollution was a mandatory course for awakeners, and An Jianyou knew it well. The lower the degree of pollution, the shorter the remaining contamination period, and the easier it was to remove.

An awakened being with only 9% pollution could, with some effort and not too much time, reduce their pollution to 2% or 3%.

But for an awakened being with pollution as high as 40%, even with all their effort and resources, they could at best reduce it to 39% or 38%.

Which was virtually nothing.

An Jianyou was facing this very situation. On the surface, Yi Yueluxi's condition had improved, but it was merely symptomatic relief, a temporary suppression. The pollution level had likely not even dropped by 0.1%.

She was a Myth, and because she had few skills requiring cultivation in the past, she had practiced her 'Purify' skill to the pinnacle out of idleness.

Yet, it couldn't help even a little.

Even Silver Bell Physician would likely be helpless.

Of course, her organization had many treasures that could remove pollution. Among them, the legendary Clear Heart Tea was coveted even by Mythical beings. But she knew that for a severe patient like Yi Yueluxi, it would still have little effect.

Those were for mild cases!

Sensing something was amiss from An Jianyou's expression, Yi Yueluxi said, "Don't bother trying. I know my physical condition very well. I won't die anytime soon, so don't worry about it~!"

In the past, she might have been afraid, but after experiencing so much in the last two months, she was psychologically prepared.

Rather, after her sixth awakening failed and her entire life seemed to darken, she no longer feared.

Because she had little left to lose. Her sole concern now was her own Oasis.

However, An Jianyou's next sentence made her freeze again.

"It can be cured."

Yi Yueluxi's mind was still processing, like a jammed mechanism, when she saw An Jianyou's serious and solemn expression. Her eyes, as deep as the abyssal sea, gazed at her, and she emphasized her words:

"It can be cured!"

"But you will need to sign a contract and join the organization as an external member. Don't worry, we won't force you to do anything against your principles."

Perhaps it was the survival instinct surging forth; perhaps she trusted An Jianyou; or perhaps signing the contract would help the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce dispatch reinforcements.

Yi Yueluxi quickly pressed her handprint.

In the distance, it felt as if some power descended, or perhaps it didn't?

She didn't know. She only heard whispers again, and in her daze, her physical condition began to worsen. She followed An Jianyou to a underground training ground, preparing for treatment.

She didn't believe her severe erosion and contamination could be recovered, even with the presence of a Myth. But since she was already here, what if... what if it could slightly reduce the pollution level? That would improve her quality of life for the rest of her days.

So she thought.

The next moment, an invisible force descended from the heavens, causing a mysterious tremor within her body. Yi Yueluxi was greatly alarmed. Before she could even form a thought, she plunged into an endless abyss.

The cold wind howled, evil spirits shrieked, and calamities befell her.

She gritted her teeth and persevered, but after a short while, she lost consciousness. In a dazed state, her remaining sliver of consciousness seemed to be protected, adrift like a small boat on the black tide of calamity, yet never capsizing.

After an unknown period, as if she had wandered in hell for a lifetime, Yi Yueluxi suddenly woke up.

She was covered in sweat, her damp hair clinging to her forehead and cheeks. Feeling sticky all over, she couldn't help but shift her sitting posture, finding it uncomfortable.

Suddenly, Yi Yueluxi froze.

"Sticky... uncomfortable...?"

Before, she felt as if insects were crawling inside her, accompanied by piercing pain. Who would care about being sticky? But now...

"No hallucinations, no raving?"

She widened her eyes, looking around, and then slapped her face hard, breathing deeply.

Ow!

But the world before her seemed to have become very clear, incredibly clear! Her mental state was also better than ever!

What is this...

Her gaze swept across the spacious area, finally settling on An Jianyou.

"Congratulations, you have shed your pollution."

"Welcome to the Embers organization. Now, I'll brief you on some benefits and obligations. We're colleagues from now on~"

Yi Yueluxi nodded blankly.

She was still recovering from the shock and now appeared to be in a state of enlightenment, calm and unfazed. No matter what she heard, it stirred no ripple within her.

"What?!"

She leaned forward, her eyes wide, her slightly parted lips even biting down on a few stray strands of hair without noticing.

"It's not the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce that supports you from behind, but..."

"The Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce is merely a branch of the organization?!!"

A high-pitched scream, akin to that of a marmot, echoed through the spacious training ground. An Jianyou covered her ears and nodded.

...

...

Lott was the leader of the Warfire Mercenary Group. He had considerable renown in the Red Lotus Empire's mercenary circles and had business dealings with several large chambers of commerce.

However, after escorting two merchant groups to the Blazing Fire Oasis last time, they encountered a sudden disaster that affected dozens of major regions. The mercenary group was forced to remain stranded there, trapped for over two months.

From initial fear to present-day resignation and entertainment, Lott's mentality had shifted in just over two months.

Compared to many merchant groups originating from large oases, he was relatively fortunate. Most of the mercenaries in the Warfire Mercenary Group hailed from the Red Lotus Empire. They had no need to worry about their homeland and could continue listening to music and playing cards here.

The only thing Lott worried about was his rapidly depleting wallet.

The Blazing Fire Oasis was truly a place to love and hate.

Love, of course, was because it was fun and the food was delicious. Hate, because the consumption here was too high! Even though he, Commander Lott, originated from a high-level power like the Red Lotus Empire, spending in this 'small city' of Blazing Fire had made him financially strapped. How absurd!

Yet, he understood that the food, drink, and entertainment in the Blazing Fire Market, though expensive, were worth the price. Not everything was so costly; it was just that he couldn't control his own hands.

Mercenaries were generally people who spent as much as they earned, with few savings. Now, encountering a high-consumption city and having no business for over two months, with money only going out and none coming in, his wallet was practically empty.

He touched his now-empty storage necklace, and a bitter smile spread across his face. The Clear Heart tea before him didn't seem as fragrant anymore.

He was a distinguished Six-Awakening Throne and the leader of a top mercenary group. He wouldn't starve, but financial strain meant he could no longer spend so lavishly. He might even have to set aside some funds to help the penniless members of his group.

Alas!

Earning money was not easy. The commander sighed.

Just as Commander Lott was troubled by money, a mercenary subordinate brought him news.

"Commander, the garrison is summoning the major mercenary groups stationed here, saying there's a good job for us."

"A good job?"

"The Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce hasn't specified. Commander, should we go?"

"Go! Of course, go!"

After all, he was bored stiff.

Upon arriving at the garrison's reception hall, Lott found more familiar faces than he had expected.

His card-playing quartet was all there, even the one who didn't join the card games, with bloodshot eyes and staggering steps. There were also many merchant group leaders and mercenary group leaders he had business dealings with, or had only met once or twice.

The hall was quite lively.

But when Lott asked a few acquaintances, none of them knew why the garrison had summoned them.

Soon, personnel from the garrison arrived.

The Red-Haired Empress, wearing a vibrant long robe, descended upon a flow of clouds resembling flames. In an instant, the entire sky seemed to turn red, like a fiery sunset, welcoming the Empress's appearance.

After a grand entrance and a three-second display of 'invincible and lonely empress posture,' Iluxi coughed and prepared to speak. However, she suddenly faltered.

What was she supposed to say? She had forgotten to ask just now, a frustrating mistake!

But how could this stump Empress Iluxi? She turned her head and gave Bai Yansi a meaningful look.

'I knew this would happen.'

Bai Yansi sighed silently. She stepped forward and said, "Our Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce has several business opportunities we'd like to discuss with you all. Please take a look here."

"Regarding the Garrison Request for the Great Oasis and its Remuneration!"

It described that at their Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce, or rather, at the Mission Guild, a contract with a substantial reward could be obtained.

The content of the contract was, naturally, to assist the various oases in resisting the evil disaster.

This was a long-term task, requiring mercenary groups to remain stationed until the disaster ended.

First, mercenary groups or merchant groups needed to register at the "Mission Guild" to qualify for receiving the contract. Then, the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce would dispatch epic-class flying ships to transport the mercenary groups to the target oasis.

During the mission, Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce experts would serve as witnesses and notaries.

At the same time, the Guild would guarantee the mercenary groups would receive the subsequent contract remuneration. During this process, the Mission Guild would only take a small, approximately 50% commission.

After listening to Bai Yansi's description, Lott and the other mercenary group leaders fell into thought.

They hadn't lacked similar ideas, but it was difficult for them to contact these large oases, and even more difficult to traverse the dangerous gray fog zones to reach unfamiliar lands during this period. And there was one most important issue: trust.

The large oases might not trust mercenary groups like them.

They also lacked the means to guarantee they would receive the subsequent income from the contracts.

The Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce was different. Perhaps the Blazing Fire didn't have the influence and prestige accumulated over centuries of operation by Starfall City. But as a super-faction, with several Myths guarding it, the name Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce itself was a guarantee of credibility!

— No Myth would ruin their reputation for such a small gain.

Or, at least, Myths originating from super-factions wouldn't.

Because of the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce's existence, the risks and worries for both the contracting party and the mercenaries were reduced. Even with a 50% platform fee deducted, the remuneration they received was still substantial!

After a moment of consideration, Lott felt this was an excellent business deal.

Low risk, high reward!

He never expected that after being trapped in the Blazing Fire Oasis for over two months, they would not only not lose money but also make more!

No, they still had to get the contract first to truly profit. Were there this many contracts available?

For a moment, Lott's gaze towards the other commanders turned cautious. He hesitated no longer and quickly walked towards the white supervisor.

...

"This is mutual benefit, isn't it."

"Various mercenary groups provide personnel, we collect fees, and everyone can cooperate happily."

"It's truly mutual benefit~!"

Little Illusion echoed, her large, adoring eyes blinking.

The Embers organization wanting to send troops to support the Black Stone Alliance was not an easy matter. This was because the organization's current garrisoning of three oases already consumed more than half of its elite forces.

The Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce wasn't as sparsely populated as outsiders imagined, but the truly usable elite forces were indeed limited.

Dispatching strong individuals for rescue was possible, but for long-term garrisoning in other locations, it would be insufficient. Moreover, for oases not integrated into their system, killing evil creatures did not yield mission rewards.

Fang You came up with the idea of hiring outsiders. Coincidentally, weren't those mercenary groups in the Blazing Fire Oasis bored out of their minds? Giving them something to do was a good idea.

"Most of these top mercenary groups have leaders and deputy leaders who are Six-Awakenings, and they possess hundreds of elite experts, so their strength is ample."

"Since that's the case, let's go all the way."

He then instructed Thousand Faces to use the forces he had previously deployed to contact major oases like Sword Flower City and Wave Crest City under the name of Blazing Fire, inquiring about their situations and needs.

Thus, the business was quickly settled.

This was a mutually beneficial deal for all three parties.

"The mercenary groups received considerable income."

"The major oases overcame the threat of annihilation."

"And our Embers..."

One, by spending little effort, obtained several large sums of income;

Two, by supporting various oases, their chamber of commerce not only made money but also gained fame. From then on, the Blazing Fire Chamber of Commerce's influence in the Starfall Caverns would rapidly expand, catching up to or even rivaling the hegemonic power, Starfall City;

Three, these top mercenary groups would gradually become accustomed to receiving commissions from the Mission Guild, expanding the Guild's influence;

Four, with money in their pockets, these mercenaries could spend heavily in the Blazing Fire Market, promoting the market's economy;

Counting them all, Tutor Fang showed a delighted smile.

"This is true mutual benefit!"