Protect Our Patriarch

...

The black iron market in the Immortal City went crazy.

It was exposed that the dignified Black Armor Department had been faking it, colluding with Eastern Qian to play a short-selling game, using false information to suppress the price of black iron ingots, and they even collected a hundred thousand sets of black iron ingots.

Countless clans and businesses that "sold at a low price" cursed the Black Armor Department, especially its Director Zhao Xiqing and the Minister of the Immortal Armament Division, King of the South. They were secretly criticized by many.

If cursing could kill, Zhao Xiqing and the King of the South would have died countless times by now.

Amidst this turmoil, the price of black iron ingots, which was already high, skyrocketed again, quickly breaking through one thousand one hundred, one thousand two hundred, and heading straight for one thousand three hundred.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Wei Clan Trading Company in Immortal City, a group of core members of the Wei Clan was having a meeting.

An elder flipped through the account book, looking puzzled, "Everyone, something seems off. Logically, at this price level, many small and medium-sized clans with stock would 'hold back' and not sell easily. How come black iron ingots keep appearing on the market from time to time?"

"Perhaps... we underestimated the stock of black iron ingots held by small and medium-sized clans over the years of continuous price increase?" Another elder analyzed, "Since yesterday, no new black iron ingots have appeared on the market, so they should be almost squeezed out."

"Mingyu, how many black iron ingots do we have on the books now?" Ancestor Wei Deming frowned, feeling an ominous premonition.

"About four or five hundred thousand?" Wei Mingyu replied, "I've been busy directing the speculation and acquisition battle these days and haven't paid attention to the total."

An elder quickly flipped through the account book, calculated swiftly, and his face changed slightly, "We have a total stock of over six hundred and ten thousand black iron ingots!"

"So many? Far exceeding the Black Armor Department's demand." Wei Mingyu was startled but quickly calmed down, "No need to panic, everyone. Now, most of the black iron stock in the entire Immortal Dynasty should be in our hands."

"As long as our Wei Clan and the Han Clan don't mine black iron ore, even if given hundreds of years, they won't be able to produce such a quantity. In such a monopolistic supply-demand relationship, aren't we the ones who set the price of black iron ingots?"

"Moreover, the Black Armor Department now has at most just over a hundred thousand black iron ingots, with a shortfall of nearly two hundred thousand. We can sell a package of forty thousand sets at once, not a single set less, and even if the Black Armor Department is unwilling, they have to buy. No matter what, we've made a huge profit this time."

With Wei Mingyu's explanation, the elders felt reassured, each showing a delighted expression.

The Wei Clan made so many immortal crystals this time, and each family branch could cultivate a few more great prodigies.

In the coming years, the Wei Clan would likely experience a huge, leapfrog development.

Just then, the gatekeeper came to report, "Ancestor Deming, the King of the South is here to visit."

Wei Deming's spirits lifted, and he laughed heartily, "Mingyu, you were right. This time, let's go together to welcome His Highness the King of the South."

Outside the main residence of the Wei Clan, the luxurious flying carriage belonging to the King of the South had already come to a stop.

It wasn't until the people of the Wei Clan came to greet them that the King of the South, dressed in a regal robe and exuding an aura of majesty, slowly stepped down from the flying carriage.

Following closely behind was Zhao Xiqing, the Director of the Black Armor Department.

She was still in her light blue long dress, calm and composed, with an extraordinary demeanor. Even standing beside the King of the South, who was in the Lingxu Realm, she didn't appear too weak.

Although there was no shortage of open and covert struggles between clans, the formalities on the surface couldn't be skipped.

Soon, Ancestor Wei Deming and Wei Mingyu, along with other core members of the Wei Clan, warmly welcomed the two into the VIP hall of the Wei Clan Trading Company's headquarters.

After some formal pleasantries, everyone took their seats according to their status, and those who should stand stood, followed by a round of serving spiritual tea and fruits.

After several cups of tea, the conversation finally turned to the main topic.

"Your Highness, you came to our Wei Clan Trading Company this time for the black iron ingots, right?" Wei Deming respectfully cupped his hands, "But this matter is handled by our Wei Clan's Mingyu, so let Mingyu speak."

"Please go ahead." The King of the South sipped his tea leisurely, showing no hint of his emotions.

"Ancestor, Your Highness the King of the South." Wei Mingyu performed the junior's salute, confidently speaking, "Our Wei Clan has indeed accumulated some black iron ingots over the centuries, but we've been living hand to mouth because of it. Alas, our family has too many people, and the annual expenditure on immortal crystals is a bottomless pit. We're poor, often having to live by mortgaging debts."

The King of the South was indifferent, even gesturing for Wei Mingyu to continue, as if saying, "Please continue your performance."

This was a trick he learned from Wang Fugui, feeling particularly satisfied using it now.

"Earlier, Your Highness also mentioned that these black iron ingots are to be used for making thirty thousand sets of black armor, to support the human race on the battlefield in the outer regions." Wei Mingyu said righteously, "As a part of the Immortal Dynasty, our Wei Clan should make the necessary contributions. Therefore, we decided to supply the Black Armor Department with forty thousand sets of black iron ingots at a loss, a hundred immortal crystals below the market price."

Currently, the market price of black iron ingots had skyrocketed to one thousand three hundred and fifty immortal crystals, but there were hardly any transactions.

"One thousand two hundred and fifty immortal crystals? A total of five billion immortal crystals?" The King of the South squinted, "That's not expensive. Aren't you going to lose a full forty million immortal crystals?"

"Yes, yes, that's our duty." Wei Mingyu was delighted, "I know Your Highness needs it urgently, so we can sign the contract today. With the current market situation, the price might still rise."

"Hehe, I never said I wanted to buy black iron ingots." The King of the South glanced at him, smiling.

"What?" Wei Mingyu's eyelid twitched, a sense of foreboding arising, "Then why did Your Highness come this time?"

"Oh, I almost forgot to mention." The King of the South slapped his forehead, as if just remembering, "I've been busy lately, you see, my memory. Xiqing, take out the item for Mingyu and Ancestor Deming to see."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Zhao Xiqing bowed and, with a swipe of her delicate hand on her ring, a set of the Wang Clan's ninth-generation modular new battle armor appeared in her hand, which she respectfully handed to Ancestor Wei Deming.

Wei Deming and Wei Mingyu were both bewildered.

What's going on? Why is the King of the South giving them a set of battle armor for no reason?

"Ahem, the situation is like this." The King of the South coughed twice, pretending, "Due to the decreasing availability of black iron ingots on the market in recent years, resources are becoming increasingly scarce. Therefore, our Immortal Armament Division commissioned the Eastern Qian Kingdom to develop a new type of battle armor. This new battle armor uses only thirty percent of the black iron ingots of the old version, yet its overall performance surpasses the old armor."

As the words fell, the faces of the Wei Clan members gradually stiffened and turned ugly, especially Wei Mingyu, whose body began to tremble, eyes filled with disbelief.

The more he saw them like this, the more satisfaction the King of the South felt.

Originally, he didn't need to come in person for this matter, but he insisted on coming personally, just to see the crumbling expressions of these Wei Clan brats.

"What does Your Highness mean by this?" Wei Deming's heart pounded, asking in a low voice.

"The thing is, your Wei Clan Trading Company is one of the major trading companies in the Immortal Dynasty, with business spread across all states." The King of the South said seriously, "We have a considerable output of these new battle armors, and we need the help of various trading companies to promote them across the states. Some clans' internal soldiers will need them too."

"Your Highness." Wei Mingyu's face turned pale, trembling all over, his heart sinking into an ice cave, "You don't need the black iron ingots?"

"We have enough black iron ingots, why collect more? Although saving black iron resources is everyone's responsibility, it can start with our Immortal Armament Division." The King of the South stood up, smiling as he patted Wei Mingyu's shoulder, "Mingyu, my dear nephew, you can sell your black iron ingots at your leisure, no rush, no rush. I shall take my leave now. Sigh, I still have to visit several major trading companies and clans to promote our new battle armor."

With that, the King of the South left the Wei Clan Trading Company without looking back, leaving the Wei Clan members standing there with ugly expressions.

Soon, the luxurious flying carriage belonging to the King of the South took to the sky again.

Only then did the King of the South finally laugh heartily, feeling utterly refreshed.

Refreshing!

In his life, Yuntai An, the King of the South, had never felt so satisfied.

The Wei Clan's constant speculation and manipulation of black iron ingot prices had annoyed the King of the South for two or three hundred years.

Today, he finally got his revenge~

Zhao Xiqing watched from the side, her lips twitching, holding back repeatedly, but finally couldn't help advising, "Your Highness, please restrain yourself."

"Restrain? I would like to restrain myself." The King of the South felt so good that even his bones were tingling, continuing to laugh, "But when I think of the Wei Clan's embarrassed faces, I can't help but laugh. This battle was truly satisfying."

"Speaking of which, it's all thanks to that kid Fugui." The King of the South praised while laughing, "It's just a pity that our King of the South's Mansion doesn't have a princess this generation, otherwise~~ sigh~~"

Among the younger generation of the King of the South's Mansion, although there were many outstanding girls, they were far inferior to Yun Mengyu, which made the King of the South's plan to compete with the Northern Territory Wang Mansion for a son-in-law fall through.

"Your Highness, our Wang Fugui is indeed excellent, but besides Fugui, there are countless outstanding children in the Eastern Qian Changning Wang's Clan." Zhao Xiqing suggested, "According to my observations, in the future, both Eastern Qian and the Changning Wang's Clan will enter a phase of rapid development. Since Your Highness is interested, why not take the opportunity before they rise..."

Makes sense.

The King of the South's eyes lit up, pondering, "After this matter is over, I can personally visit the Eastern Qian Kingdom."

If he encounters a good seedling, he would definitely secure them first.

As they spoke, they flew to another trading company, continuing to "promote" the Wang Clan's ninth-generation modular new battle armor.

With the King of the South's actions, the news of the new battle armor "instantly" exploded within the Immortal City.

Using only thirty percent of the black iron, yet producing a more outstanding battle armor, what does this mean? Any clan with a brain could figure it out.

Soon, the major trading companies and clans that obtained the new battle armor conducted comprehensive tests in private.

The test results showed that although the new battle armor was expensive overall, if production exploded, it could significantly reduce costs, especially in terms of drastically reducing the consumption of black iron ingots, greatly lowering the Black Armor Department's reliance on black iron ingots.

This also meant that from now on, black iron ingots would no longer be easy to sell just by mining them.

Additionally, a "confirmed rumor" began to circulate secretly within the Immortal City. According to an insider, the Jing'an Wei Clan held over six hundred thousand units of black iron ingots!

Far exceeding the Black Armor Department's demand!

The supply-demand relationship was completely reversed.

For a time, the clans that were still observing and reluctant to sell their black iron ingots couldn't sit still anymore, rushing to sell their stock, hoping to sell while the price was still high, to avoid being stuck with it.

However, everyone wanted to sell, but no one wanted to buy, forcing the major clans to lower prices to facilitate transactions.

The most direct result was that the price of black iron ingots, which had reached its peak, began to collapse within half a day, plummeting from one thousand three hundred immortal crystals to six hundred, but even six hundred couldn't hold, quickly dropping to four hundred, three hundred fifty...

The Wei Clan was caught off guard, dumbfounded.

They hadn't even had a chance to sell, and the price of black iron ingots had already plummeted below the baseline at lightning speed.

Sixty thousand units, occupying most of the market stock in the Immortal Dynasty, once dumped for sale, who could predict how low the price would crash?

The high-level members of the Wei Clan were suddenly anxious, immediately "rushing back overnight" to the main residence in Jing'an Prefecture to hold a high-level family meeting.

[True Flame Residence].

Having experienced countless storms in his life, the first ancestor of the Wei Clan, Wei Dongyu, was deeply shocked upon learning the details.

Old wounds and new worries made his face turn gray and bleak, "Mingyu, how much did our Wei Clan spend this time?"

Wei Mingyu was equally pale, holding the account book, reporting to the family head Wei Wentao and the elders, "Our Wei Clan originally had a stock of twenty-five thousand units of black iron ingots, later purchasing fifteen thousand units from the Helan Han Clan, costing 1.7 billion immortal crystals. In this acquisition battle, we successively purchased twenty-one thousand units, spending 2.2 billion immortal crystals."

"Now we have a total of sixty-one thousand units of black iron ingots. This operation invested a total of 3.9 billion immortal crystals, of which five hundred million immortal crystals were our Wei Clan's liquid assets, and the remaining 3.5 billion immortal crystals were borrowed from various trading companies and banks."

Wei Dongyu's body swayed, a mouthful of blood spilling from his lips.

3.9 billion~~ not gold coins, but 3.9 billion immortal crystals!

The most terrifying part is that the price of black iron ingots has now dropped to nearly three hundred immortal crystals. Even if they sold all the stock, they could only recover 1.8 or 1.9 billion immortal crystals. This wave was a bloodbath.

Moreover, with such a huge stock dumped on the market, the price would inevitably crash again.

Realizing this, everyone's expressions turned extremely ugly.

At this moment, even Wei Qingyun had no time to blame Wei Mingyu, anxiously saying, "Elders, this time our Wei Clan clearly fell into a trap. These sixty thousand stocks must not be sold. As long as we hold onto them, once this storm passes and everything calms down, the price of black iron ingots will likely rebound somewhat, and we can gradually sell them over hundreds of years."

"That's right, although the new battle armor jointly developed by the Black Armor Department and Eastern Qian saves black iron, it doesn't mean it doesn't use black iron." Wei Deming also nodded, "As long as our Wei Clan and the Helan Han Clan join forces to seal the existing black iron ore veins, the price will eventually rise gradually."

Although saying so, everyone in the Wei Clan knew that the era of huge profits from black iron ingots had ended. This plan was merely to turn the Wei Clan from a blood loss to a normal loss.

The Wei Clan, with its vast wealth, was confident it could withstand it.

"In that case." Ancestor Wei Dongyu said in a deep voice, "Let's proceed with this plan for the aftermath. Deming and I, both in the Lingxu Realm, will swallow our pride and negotiate with the banks and trading companies to extend the repayment period. In the next few hundred years, our Wei Clan will enter a 'belt-tightening' phase."

The Wei Clan had been around for over ten thousand years, naturally not always smooth sailing. Riding the waves in prosperity and retreating defensively in defeat was a common strategy among major clans. Moreover, with the Wei Clan's deep foundation, as long as they kept a low profile, they would rise again in a few hundred years.

Unfortunately, the Wei Clan underestimated the situation.

Before they could implement their strategy, another change occurred.

Suddenly, a voice roared from above the Wei Clan's main residence, "Wei Dongyu, stop pretending to be a turtle! Come out and meet this True Lord!"

The elder's voice echoed like thunder in the sky, causing the Mountain Protection Array of the Wei Clan's main residence to hum.

True Lord of Enlightenment, Wei Dongyu's face changed drastically, "It's the True Lord of Enlightenment from the Immortal Palace! He actually came in person!"

The True Lord of Enlightenment held a prestigious position in the Immortal Dynasty, even the Immortal Sovereign and Immortal Emperor had to respectfully address him as "Senior." Such an existence, Wei Dongyu dared not neglect.

Immediately, despite his injuries, he soared into the sky, arriving above the main residence, bowing to the True Lord of Enlightenment, speaking cheerfully and politely, "Dongyu greets Senior Enlightenment. Senior's arrival, I apologize for not welcoming you sooner, please forgive me."

At the entrance of the Wei Clan's main residence, the True Lord of Enlightenment stood in the air, his white hair casually tied with a branch on top of his head, his green robe fluttering in the wind, resembling a legendary immortal, aloof and independent.

Compared to the three-thousand-year-old Wei Dongyu opposite him, he appeared much younger.

Those unaware might think Wei Dongyu was the elder.

However, this "immortal's" attitude was far from pleasant.

"Forgive what?" The True Lord of Enlightenment sneered, "I'm here to collect compensation for the Tree of Fortune, a total of fifty million immortal crystals. Give it to me and I'll leave immediately."

Compensation?

Wei Dongyu's heart skipped a beat, hurriedly putting on a flattering smile, "Senior Enlightenment, our Wei Clan is in a difficult situation, unable to gather fifty million immortal crystals at once. How about giving us some time..."

Before he could finish, a voice interrupted from afar, "Senior, don't believe him, the Wei Clan just spent billions of immortal crystals purchasing black iron ore, how could they have no money?"

Before the voice finished, space ripples appeared in the sky.

Next, the King of the South, Yuntai An, tore through space, appearing majestically before the man and the tree.

"King of the South!" Wei Dongyu's old face twitched, angrily saying, "You should know the situation of our Wei Clan, how can you, a hereditary king, engage in such despicable acts of kicking someone when they're down?"

"Despicable acts?" The King of the South laughed, "Old Wei, you dare to accuse me. You Wei Clan are allowed to hoard and manipulate strategic material prices, but I'm not allowed to kick you when you're down? Where's the logic in that?"

"That's right, I'm here to fan the flames." The King of the South openly admitted his purpose, turning to the Enlightenment Tea Tree, "Senior Enlightenment, the Wei Clan has been acting like local tyrants for too long. If you don't show them some severity, they'll surely delay and act shamelessly. Time is of the essence, Senior."

"The King of the South speaks the truth."

The True Lord of Enlightenment glanced at Wei Dongyu, ignoring him, instead targeting a piece of top-grade spiritual farmland within the Wei Clan's main residence, diving straight down.

During the descent, his body transformed, amidst green lights, revealing his true form.

It was a majestic tree exuding a powerful aura, its massive canopy covering the sky, casting a vast shadow on the ground.

Accompanied by the rumbling of the earth's veins, his thick roots forcefully plunged into the depths of the top-grade spiritual farmland, churning the land, "gulping" the spiritual energy from the top-grade spiritual vein.

As a twelfth-grade quasi-immortal tree, the Enlightenment Tea Tree was capable of guarding the Immortal Palace's array core, its spiritual energy intake immense.

Under its full absorption, the spiritual energy in the vein began to disappear at a terrifying speed. In the blink of an eye, the concentration of spiritual energy in the air visibly weakened.

The Wei Clan was thrown into chaos, as if facing a great calamity.

Seeing some elders about to rush into the depths of the main residence to activate the Mountain Protection Array against the Enlightenment Tea Tree, Wei Dongyu hurriedly shouted, "Stop! Do not harm Senior Enlightenment."

The Enlightenment Tea Tree held too high a status, injuring it would cause even more trouble, possibly attracting the Immortal Emperor and Immortal Sovereign to intervene, not worth the risk.

"Oh, Senior Enlightenment~" The King of the South, feeling utterly satisfied, continued to fan the flames, "You're still too conservative. I suggest you directly break into the Wei Clan's treasury, take what compensation you deserve, and leave. After all, the reasoning is on your side, even if it reaches the Immortal Emperor and Immortal Sovereign, no one can fault you."

Since he had already torn his face with the Wei Clan, when else would he kick them when they're down? As for future grudges from the Wei Clan, he didn't care at all.

Wei Dongyu was almost infuriated to death by the King of the South.

If the Enlightenment Tea Tree really entered the treasury, taking advantage of the chaos, how much would the Wei Clan lose?

"Yuntai's suggestion is good." The True Lord of Enlightenment swayed his massive canopy, speaking in a muffled voice, "Since the Wei Clan refuses to compensate, this True Lord will take it himself."

"Senior, we were wrong." Wei Dongyu hurriedly stopped him, "Ten days. Give me ten days, and the fifty million immortal crystals will be paid in full. Please, Senior, cease your divine power."

"Alright, this True Lord will wait ten days at your Wei Clan. Once the compensation is received, I'll leave immediately." The True Lord of Enlightenment continued to anchor his roots deeper, firmly wrapping around the top-grade spiritual vein, absorbing the spiritual energy while saying, "These ten days, this True Lord won't go anywhere."

Wei Dongyu had no way to deal with the True Lord of Enlightenment, reluctantly saying, "Senior, please make yourself at home, I will expedite the compensation."

But as soon as he finished speaking.

In the sky, several figures tore through space.

As they arrived, voices, either elderly or loud, echoed in the sky.

"True Lord of Blazing Fire, you Wei Clan should quickly repay the funds you borrowed."

In short, they all demanded repayment!

"Poof!"

Wei Dongyu's face turned deathly pale, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

Having lived for over three thousand years, he had experienced everything, and seeing this situation, how could he not realize the problem?

Although the Wei Clan indeed borrowed a lot of money from other clans or banks, how could it be so coincidental that all creditors came at this critical moment?

This was clearly premeditated!

And the King of the South, watching with schadenfreude.

Let you disgust me, let you ignore the Immortal Armament Division in the past, now you're getting your comeuppance, right?

Wei Dongyu, oh Wei Dongyu, of all people, why did you provoke Wang Fugui?

That kid Fugui may seem bright and sunny on the surface, but he's actually cunning to the core, with one devious plan after another, not so easy to break...