Chapter 1111, Spreading the News

Translator: Silavin

 

“Shaman, is this konjac worth trading for?” Sha Lan had been looking at the konjac for some time.

 

“Worth it. But only once.” Su Bai smiled to himself, a little slyly.

 

After all, he had the Growth Acceleration Skill.

 

As long as he had a seed or a single konjac, Su Bai could produce heaps of them.

 

That was why he said he only needed to trade it once. It was also why that sly smile had appeared.

 

“The Pheasant Tribe probably hasn’t thought of that.” Sha Lan felt it was not quite right, but she could not help laughing all the same.

 

She reckoned the other Tribe would arrive at the Flame Dragon Tribe with high hopes, expecting to exchange something valuable.

 

And indeed, at the start, they would genuinely get something for it. After that, things were less certain.

 

Once the Flame Dragon Tribe began cultivating konjac on a large scale, the Pheasant Tribe would lose all their advantage.

 

“So far, we have a decent understanding of these few Tribes. It’s time to work out some proper strategies to deal with them.” Su Bai pressed his lips together and said so.

 

“Shaman, with so many people coming into our Tribe all at once, won’t it become less safe?” Sha Lan suddenly shifted the topic.

 

“What do you mean by that?” Su Bai asked.

 

“I’m worried they might join forces to attack us. After all, our Tribe has so many great things.”

 

Sha Lan looked uneasy, and went on. “What’s more, several of them are now staying together in the Restful Night Building, which makes it even easier for them to communicate.”

 

“Silly girl, every single one of them is under our surveillance. If they have any plans, we’ll know at once.” Su Bai pinched her soft cheek again and said: “Besides, with just these few people, and no weapons brought in, they couldn’t possibly defeat our Tribe.”

 

“I was worried they might have already joined forces before even arriving at our Tribe. Though compared with our weapons, we still have the advantage.” Sha Lan flicked her cat’s tail.

 

“Don’t worry. Even though I’m not from their Tribe, each of them cares too much about their own Tribe’s development to harbour any ill intentions toward ours.” Su Bai lifted a cup of tea with an unhurried air, his expression composed and certain.

 

“True. Without our Tribe, where would they get goods like these?” Sha Lan took a sip of tea as well and said, “I trust they won’t be so foolish. Shaman, is there a four-character phrase for this sort of behaviour?”

 

Sha Lan had often heard Su Bai use these sayings. They were unfamiliar and she did not always follow them, but after hearing enough of them she found them rather charming.

 

Things like ‘乱七八糟’ messy seven and eight (utterly messy), ‘心不在焉’ heart not here, and ‘五颜六色’ five faces six colours (colourful), were among the ones Sha Lan had picked up from the Shaman.

 

“There is indeed a very fitting phrase. It’s called ‘killing the chicken to get the egg (杀鸡取卵).'” Su Bai said, smiling.

 

“Killing the chicken to get the egg? Can you explain it to me properly, Shaman?” Sha Lan looked at him with keen, attentive eyes.

 

“Put simply, there is a wild hen that lays an egg every day. On average we get one egg a day. But some foolish person imagines the hen has a whole belly full of eggs, so they kill the hen to get them all out at once.” Su Bai kept it simple, in words the cat eared girl could follow. Overcomplicating it served no purpose.

 

“Yes, yes, exactly. If they actually did that, it would be killing the chicken to get the egg. I trust they won’t be that foolish.” Sha Lan said.

 

“Still, we could let a rumour slip out. It might stir some discord among them.” Su Bai had hit on a plan.

 

“What sort of rumour? I’ll have someone carry it right now.” Sha Lan was immediately interested.

 

“Say that we won’t be taking on too many partners in this round of cooperation. Probably just two or three, depending on which Tribe makes the most appealing offer.” Su Bai tapped his finger against the teacup and continued. “Say that our Flame Dragon Tribe will be selecting the three Tribes whose terms suit us best. Tell them the goods we offer those Tribes will be very well priced.”

 

“That’s it. That way, they’ll all come to us with their very best terms, so we won’t be entirely at their mercy.” Sha Lan’s eyes brightened at once, and she continued, “It’ll break up whatever rhythm they had going. That’s a great plan.”

 

“The word has to be passed along just slightly indirectly. Not too obvious, or it will make them suspicious.” Su Bai reminded her.

 

“Don’t worry, Shaman. I’ll make sure the news reaches them before any of them sit down to talk with us.” Sha Lan covered her small mouth with her hand and laughed.

 

“One more thing. Keep a close eye on the Green Snake Tribe. Their Tribe doesn’t really have anything to trade with us, so let’s see how they react once they hear this news.” Su Bai added.

 

He was curious what this battle-hardened Tribe would ultimately decide. He hoped they would be straightforward about it. Otherwise, he would not mind the Flame Dragon Tribe’s territory expanding outward.

 

After all, the Tribes involved this time were all river-side Tribes. Once enough ships were built, a stable trade route could form.

 

If one Tribe along the way could be brought under his influence, Su Bai had no objection whatsoever. It would only help the route.

 

“Understood.” Sha Lan answered seriously.

 

“Then, let’s push their meeting back to three days from now. Let them spend more time taking in the Flame Dragon Tribe, and give me time to think through the right approach.” Su Bai finished his tea with an unhurried sip and said, “And let that rumour spread properly in the meantime. Let’s see which of these Tribes turns out to be the sharpest.”

 

He was watching all of it with the quiet pleasure of a man enjoying a very good show.

 

The main reason was simple. The Flame Dragon Tribe was about to take another step forward. That was what Su Bai had always wanted.

 

“Good. I’ll have the Tribe’s people carry the word later. They’ll be feeling very anxious, I imagine.” Sha Lan smiled.

 

“Anxious, they certainly will be. The question is how each of them handles it.” Su Bai set down his teacup and walked to the floor-length window.

 

“Shaman, I wonder whether Ah’Hua will be okay?” Sha Lan’s voice shifted, carrying a note of worry.

 

“Trust her. She’ll be fine. She can be a little bit careless, but she has the ability to cover for that.” Su Bai took Sha Lan’s hand and continued. “Besides, I gave her numerous protective Shaman Bone Tablets. She won’t let anything happen to herself.”

 

He was worried, of course he was. But all he could do was trust her.

 

“Ah Hen went along with her this time as well. I hope it manages to break through.” Sha Lan said, pressing her lips together.

 

The Peak Eagle’s current ability was equivalent to an Early-Stage Totem Warrior. It should be able to help support her.