It was said that the banqueted guests were from the Top Ten Major Exchanges but there were far more than ten people sitting in the middle of the venue.
At first glance, there seemed to be at least thirty people. It was a rather grand sight to behold.
At this moment, some of the people sitting upright in the center were still able to suppress their temper as they watched Su Mo striding into the room with coldness in their eyes.
On the other hand, those sitting on the outer edge were not as patient.
They stood up one after another and uttered harmless words of condemnation.
They wanted Su Mo to stop his rude behavior.
When the dust settled down and Su Mo’s full figure appeared, an intimidating look of murder was seeping out of his eyes.
Suddenly, everyone lapsed into silence as though an invisible force wrapped itself around their throat, strangling them into silence.
“As expected of the top ten major exchanges, how imposing!
“I think Freedom City should no longer be called freedom, instead it should just be called Ten Directions City. What do you all think?”
Su Mo walked forward nonchalantly.
He scanned their faces—from the first person all the way to the last. Then, a sinister grimace appeared on his face.
Compared to the meaningless rebukes by these people, his words of criticism were the worst offense of all.
Obviously, the harm he caused was on a different level.
“Harl, we invited you here in good faith. Right now, I think you know better than we do about the kind of situations you’ll face in the future.
“The fact that you’re here means that you’ve guessed what we want to discuss with you. You don’t have to worry. Whether you agree or disagree with us today, we’ll help you pay off your debt.
“Consider it an apology for our lack of manners earlier!”
Harl and Turner’s loans still stood at nearly fifty thousand to this day.
A day ago, this figure was still an astronomical sum to both of them. It was so unimaginable that they thought they might have to put their lives on the line.
To pay back the money, they took the risk of getting caught by the basin and collected information frantically.
Unfortunately, Harl would never know since he was dead.
Only one day had passed but the figure that seemingly no ordinary person could ever pay off in a single lifetime was unexpectedly taken care of by someone else as an apology.
Of course, he would never know about that either.
When a person had achieved a certain level of strength, everything had been reduced to a number, whether it was money or contribution points.
In the eyes of these people, today’s Harl was worth a whole lot more than this number, perhaps even ten times more.
This was what led to the current situation.
“Very well. I feel everyone’s sincerity. I, Harl, am also a reasonable person.
“As for the purpose of my visit today… The success of the negotiation will depend on whether everyone will remain as sincere as they are now!”
News of the loan erasure had already come from the mark.
The previously pledged Level 5 thorn treefolk card, houses, as well as little bits and pieces, no longer had the word “collateral” in brackets.
After seeing a smile on Su Mo’s face, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Then, they hurriedly instructed others to make a path for Su Mo to enter the middle of the “encirclement”.
He hung the hammer behind him and sat down boldly.
As the people who previously spoke cleared their throats once again, the bystanders started to retreat slowly, leaving only thirteen people including Su Mo.
“Harl, let me introduce myself. I’m Revos, the head of the exchange with the highest turnover rate in Freedom City—Sky Dome Exchange.
“This is…”
Starting from the left, Revos began to introduce the strangers who were present to Su Mo in an orderly fashion.
It was clear that the ranking of the top ten major exchanges was not decided arbitrarily.
From the third person onwards, each person called out by Revos would sneer. However, from the seventh person onwards, they would stand up as a sign of respect.
Among them, Su Mo mainly remembered the information of three exchanges.
The Sky Dome Exchange that placed first was mainly in charge of the templates and resource trading, steadily controlling the two most important major categories in Freedom City.
The Demon Domain Exchange in the third place was mainly in charge of the weapons, defense tools, and other armaments. Even if the new world was not unified, this organization would never be lacking in huge orders.
In ninth place was the Maha Exchange.
Compared to the first few, the strength of the ninth place was not as impressive nor did it have much development potential.
However, they were in charge of what was extremely important in Su Mo’s eyes—
The imported goods!
Not only did their exchange sell bizarre items from private collections from other races but also technology items obtained from the underground ruins.
It was because of issues with their reserves that their turnover rate was not high, hence ranking ninth.
However, in terms of their potential, Maha Exchange would be able to secure a spot in the top five for sure!
“Boss Revos, why don’t you introduce me to these three?”
Revos was just about to take his seat after introducing the people from the ten exchanges. However, Su Mo smiled as he gestured with his hand at the three people in a seemingly unintentional manner.
Compared to the ten “big shots” in the room, two among the trio were highly-advanced cyborgs with an intimidating metallic sheen all over their bodies.
As for the other person, he just looked like a typical human with a round face and no other peculiar characteristics.
“Oh, I forgot about that!
“This is the steward in charge of the development of our external channels, Shi Ren.
“These two are the stewards of our branch in Light City, they’re in charge of dumping and purchasing specialties that we can’t buy.”
Misty darkness enshrouded the faces of both the cyborgs, making it difficult to see exactly what they looked like.
Shi Ren, who was in charge of the external channels, was rather straightforward.
When he noticed that Su Mo was looking at him, he imitated the rest of them and nodded his head rather kindly.
“There are even external channels. That’s brilliant! We should really push the development of external channels in Freedom City.
“Since we have a diplomatic advantage, it’s best that we expand and bring in specialties from other places as well. When the time comes, not only do we get to increase our strength but we’d get a head start in dealing with disasters as well.”
After greeting them with a nod, Su Mo withdrew his gaze almost instantly and looked at Revos.
If any of his acquaintances were here, they would definitely find Su Mo’s behavior to be strange.
To these strangers, however, Su Mo was merely acting like a “merchant” who just wanted to get to the point in a hurry.
Therefore, as the host, Revos quickly cut to the chase without questioning anything.
“Harl, I’m sure the guards promised you many benefits yesterday, right? You must know that they’re trying to reclaim the pricing power from us, the top ten, and run it themselves.
“They’ve forgotten that their military expenses, equipment costs, and templates are all fully provided by the exchanges. If they’re going to take this away too, what is it to us?”
Revos had been criticizing them from the start, not minding the possibility that his words would get out.
However, he was on the same page as everyone else here—everyone nodded upon hearing them.
“Harl, whatever conditions they gave you, the Ten Major Exchanges can give them to you too.
“It had been truly a great loss when that entrepreneurial mind of yours got buried among the common people in the old days.
“Now, we’re willing to accept you into the ranks of the top ten, which will make you the eleventh exchange in Freedom City to have pricing power. In addition, among all the categories, we’ll distribute a third-level category to you. The others will give you great convenience in this category.
“As long as you agree to remain in a neutral position during this crucial moment and push aside the guard’s demands, for the time being, we can take care of the rest!”
Finally, Revos managed to wrap his head around the workings of Su Mo’s temper.
Revos spoke frankly about everyone’s demands and the conditions that would be given.
Su Mo compared those conditions to the official offer he received. The Ten Major Exchanges put heavy capital on the table. Not only were they slicing up their authority but they were also reluctantly cutting off a chunk of meat, giving away a chicken that could lay unlimited eggs.
However, Su Mo sat in the center of attention—it did not seem that Su Mo had revealed an expression that touched his eyes.
Instead, he still kept the same smile as before, with no fluctuation in the mood at all.
Nothing happened for a moment.
It was only when the atmosphere got slightly depressing that he slowly started to talk, “Neutral position? The concept of neutrality doesn’t exist here in Freedom City—everything is part of exchanging and compromising interests.
“The guards want to retract the rights to their pricing power while everyone here wants to hold onto their benefits. How am I supposed to stay neutral in this natural conflict?”
“However, after hearing what Boss Revos said, it seems that he’s trying to force me to choose a side today. Aren’t you afraid that after losing me, Harl, the guards will seek out another Sarl, Rarl, or Varl?”
They neither agreed nor rushed to disagree.
Su Mo tapped the back of his left hand with his right as he spoke without hurry. He managed to convey his message clearly to everyone.
It was the same as what Su Mo said.
As of today, the situation had yet to reach the stage of bitter rivalry, it was very likely that this was just a mere trial by the guards.
Even without Harl and the Fire Exchange, the guards could still use the same methods to recreate a whole new exchange and a brand new “Harl”.
Then, by the time came for another attempt at a breakthrough, there was no chance that they could hold out against the officials for a long term. That was unless they allocated more parts of their benefits to newcomers to draw them over to their side, just like what they were doing right now.
“No, Harl, you’re wrong. You’re underestimating your influence and your talents.
“There won’t be another freak like you in this city, with all due respect, your marketing methods today were just… exceptional.
“We don’t need to be ruthless with the guards for a long period of time, we only need six months. No, three months. We only need to maintain the current situation for three months.
“By then, I’m sure that the guards will realize what’s right and what’s wrong!”
He pointed out the door, then pointed at the mark on his nape.
Revos did not finish his sentence; it was clearly hard for him to talk about it.
Seeing that, Su Mo did not question his behavior either. Su Mo pretended to be calm as he nodded and was soon immersed in his thoughts.
“You’re saying that in three months, there will be an… unfortunate event?”
“Yes! It would affect the whole continent!” said Revos.
“Then, how can you guarantee that they won’t use coercive military forces to demand us to…”
Revos immediately shook his head. “You can rest assured. We need the guards and the guards need us. No one is going to push each other over the edge as it’s not in any of our best interests.
“This city can do without anyone else but us—the merchants who keep the market running—and the guards who provide military force.
“You’re underestimating the actual influence we have in this city!”
After Revos finished talking, he involuntarily scanned the expressions on other people’s faces.
He still saw the same unwavering smile on Su Mo’s face.
All that could be seen on the faces of the other traders were nods of approval and affirmation.
As for the steward in charge of the external channels, as well as the two stewards who came from the branch in Light City, their faces showed that they were pretty much in agreement as well.
Nobody refuted his words.
Everyone understood what he said.
Freedom City only needed the chamber of commerce and the guards. Even the rest of them—the so-called lords—had to stand aside!
Only violence could go up against the power of massive capital!
“You’ve made a good point.
“However… I’d like to hear what Steward Shi has to say.
“Why don’t you give us an analysis of the current situation in Freedom City from an outsider’s perspective? It’s said that the spectators see the chess game better than the players.”
He nodded.
The first half of his words validated Revo’s wonderful performance. In the second half, however, Su Mo abruptly shifted the conversation to Shi Ren who emanated very little presence.
At this moment, everyone’s gaze suddenly changed direction to focus on Shi Ren’s face.
“Haha, Lord Harl seems to be putting me through a trial. I guess I’ll embarrass myself and tell you about my thoughts today.”
The crowd scrutinized him.
Shi Ren’s face quivered as he forced out a smile that did not touch his eyes. He looked a little nervous.
Then, just like what Revos had said, Shi Ren basically summed up everyone’s thoughts without bringing forth any new suggestions.
Starting from the future development trend of Freedom City, Shi Ren spoke about everything, including the importance of the Top Ten Major Exchanges.
Then, he spoke about the opening of the new world’s trading route and Freedom City’s geographical advantage.
Even after seeing that Su Mo was still staring straight at him, Shi Ren was not afraid and continued to ramble on like an endless machine gun.
“That’s enough, Shi Ren. I think everyone gets your point.
“Now, let Harl make a choice.’
Listening to Shi Ren talk about the earth-shattering changes that would happen to Freedom City two years from now stressed everyone out.
Moments after Revo’s interruption, everyone’s eyes shifted once again to Su Mo who was sitting upright in the center.
Up until now, the situation had undergone a subtle change again.
As for the crowd’s proposal, Su Mo did not strongly reject it, nor did he agree with it right away.
However, to these people, not rejecting meant that there was still room for change.
It was only a matter of sacrifices that needed to be made.
The Fire Exchange did not have a high-ranking powerhouse to assume command. As long as they got through this hurdle, the benefits handed over by the crowd would eventually be returned to them.
It was the same as giving a loan but with a change of hands and losing some liquidity.
“Well, give me a few days to think about it. It’s a big deal, so I’d have to discuss it with my brother, Turner.
“Can I get back to you after we’re done with our discussion?”
Su Mo did not agree right away. However, seeing how Su Mo was already tempted, they did not pursue anymore and let out a sigh of relief instead.
“That’s great!”
They did not have a falling out.
There was a hint of satisfaction on Revos’ face.
Then, as he clapped his hands, the fox girls who had been waiting at the door for some time began to serve trays of food in order.
Mountain-like weightlifters moved tables to the center to serve the food.
They kept eating nonstop for over an hour.
Only after the host and guests had thoroughly enjoyed themselves did everyone start to get up reluctantly and see Su Mo out with smiles on their faces.
After a face-to-face meeting, the “relationship” among the people got much better compared to when they first arrived.
Those who were overacting even repeatedly begged him to stay.
“I’ll give it some thought when I go back.
“Once I’ve thought it through, I’ll get back to everyone as soon as possible!” Su Mo shrugged.
After bidding farewell to each one of them with a nod, Su Mo slowly made his way out the courtyard gate.
The sun had set in the west.
The afterglow in Freedom City sheened most of the buildings with a golden luster.
After walking to the end of the street and making sure that the people at the main gate of the courtyard could no longer see him, Su Mo turned around and admired the distinctive antique building to his satisfaction.
“How interesting. I never expected to meet the first lord in the new world under these circumstances.
“However, to be controlled by your own people to this extent, that’s a first too.”
It was only in the sound of the morning breeze that he heard the voice of the Demon Soul clan lord.
Little did he know, once it reached noon, Su Mo heard a similar voice as soon as he entered the door.
During this period, to ensure the identity of the other person, Su Mo even took the risk of letting the other person speak. He opened up the system panel to allow his voice to play simultaneously and confirmed the change once again.
“I’m afraid it seems that the rights of the guards aren’t in the hands of Shi Ren. Otherwise, he’d certainly not be so tolerant of humbling himself to be associated with these ordinary merchants.
“Interesting. Very interesting indeed. The merchants became enemies with the guards just to defend their rights. The lord is trying to take advantage of the merchants to seize control of the city again and start a reformation. In that case…
“These guards… What is it that they want?”
They were unlike these people who had descended into the vortex.
Even now, Su Mo was still weighing in on everyone’s relationship using the perspective of an outsider.
After a moment, it was only when the Fire Exchange could be seen that he raised his head.
Moreover, as Su Mo’s smile resurfaced, an idea so bold that it could make one tremble suddenly emerged in his mind!
