novelraw Chapter 720 - 66: The Fourth Type of Extraordinary Spiritual Plant – Ghost Vine and a Millennium-old Mission (Part 3)
Chapter 720 - 66: The Fourth Type of Extraordinary Spiritual Plant – Ghost Vine and a Millennium-old Mission (Part 3)
"For thousands of years, the West Province has passed down through generations, with each one determined to reclaim the prosperous land seized by the Vampire Count! It was originally one of the most prosperous and glorious territories of the West Province, and its emblem is the Golden Bird Flower, symbolizing purity. The first Count was renowned for his devotion and military prowess. Within the territory were fertile farmlands and sturdy castles, serving as crucial defenses against the Forest Elves."
"Until around Imperial Calendar 1813, a dreadful red smallpox plague ravaged this beautiful land, killing many residents. At that time, the Count was still a Merovingian Knight, a proud warrior who envisioned the glorious days of his family. During the red smallpox epidemic, he fought against the plague and drove away the Rat People, becoming the savior of the entire West Province. But at the victory celebration, guests shuddered at what they saw; dinner was served by staggering, corpse-like servants, and around the hall were criminals impaled by iron rods. Clearly, the Molovin Count had fallen due to his use of Black Magic."
"And so, after his death, undead creatures infested the land, turning it into a ’Cursed Land’ with blackened lake waters and withered farmlands. There are terrifying legends among the people about ’Corpse Banquets’ and ’Confession Iron Shackles.’"
"Yet, all the citizens of the West Province never forget the teachings of their ancestors, determined to purify this cursed land and reclaim it under human control."
Upon hearing this, Su Li was filled with awe and admired each individual’s thousand-year determination to achieve the grand ambitions of their race and power.
The Empire has survived for thousands of years, standing strong amidst assaults from countless devils, demons, and monsters. It is because of numerous steadfast, ambitious humans committed to their indomitable spirit and relentless dedication!
Su Li truly envied such individuals, having a grand ideal and being willing to devote their lives to it.
So he immediately said, "How can I help you?"
Charlotte handed a Ghost Vine seed to Su Li, saying, "We need you to stock up on this Ghost Vine. I know your territory has unparalleled advantages in agriculture. If you could cultivate this Ghost Vine with your purple Spirit Field, its abilities will be further enhanced, resulting in an extraordinary variety, the Ink Green Ghost Vine, which will attract undead creatures and devour their flesh, transforming them into a swamp."
"My Lord, this will also benefit you. Although you haven’t yet encountered the Vampire and the Undead Legion, one day you will. Whether it’s the expedition of the Arabi Tomb King or the ravages of the Vampire and the Necromancer, these will be inevitable formidable foes during your expansion in the Border Prince’s Territory. Having these Ghost Vines will greatly assist you."
Su Li pondered for a moment. Accepting this offer would undoubtedly earn the great favor of the West Province.
Selling these Ghost Vines continuously to the nobles on the West Highlands would certainly make them favorably disposed towards the Hesse Territory.
In future Elector meetings, they’re highly likely to support both the Hesse Territory and the Sulande Territory.
Honestly, relationships and friendships are gradually built up over time through long-term trade.
If he doesn’t cultivate this now, Su Li cannot expect to gain the friendship of other Electors once he himself becomes one; he must start cultivating these relationships early on.
Moreover, even without considering the future, just looking at the present, the upcoming great expedition will see many evil undead creatures and necromancers in the Oka Mountain. Selling this Ghost Vine could also bring considerable profit.
However, the purple Spirit Field is indeed very precious, and there is no extra space available right now.
If he chooses the Ghost Vine as the fourth Extraordinary Spiritual Plant for the territory, he must consider its economic value.
So Su Li said, "Director Charlotte is very candid, and I’ll be straightforward as well. We do have purple Spirit Fields in our territory, but they’ve already been planted with important plants. If we want to replace them with this Ghost Vine, we must consider its economic value and whether it will change the geology of our purple Spirit Fields."
"You don’t have to worry about that," Charlotte immediately replied. "We’ve also kept a significant stockpile of Ghost Vines in the Southern Swamp. After they mature, Jilun magic must be used to catalyze them, gradually turning the land into a swamp."
"This plant has a high yield, producing over 2000 plants per acre. We’re willing to purchase them at 10 Golden Crowns per plant, and if the Ink Green Ghost Vine appears, we’ll pay a high price of 50 Golden Crowns."
Over 2000 plants per acre, the yield is somewhat similar to the Extraordinary Ears.
Even a 100-square-meter purple Spirit Field could bring several thousand Golden Crowns in revenue for the Hesse Territory.
Su Li considered for a moment, then stood up and said, "I need to discuss this matter with my ministers. After all, the purple Spirit Fields won’t appear until summer, and I’ll respond to you then."
Charlotte immediately stood up, extending her hand to shake Su Li’s: "I understand, that’s to be expected. Our chamber of commerce will stay in your territory for a while, waiting for your good news. By the way, we’ve brought a batch of slaves. Would you like to take a look? They’re mainly serfs for production and some craftsmen."
Su Li had to politely decline her offer: "I won’t go to see the serfs; I already have slave holdings numbering more than three thousand people. Please sell these slaves to the estates and farm owners in our territory instead."