Fantasy: After transmigrating, I effortlessly became a god.

Chapter 435 All Free

As dawn broke, a brilliant golden hue slowly spread from the east, like a deity gently caressing the slumbering earth and awakening all living things.

The city walls, forged from millennia-old black iron and stardust, emit a faint glow, appearing even more extraordinary in the morning light. Atop the walls, enormous runic mirrors slowly rotate; these are not merely decorations, but miraculous devices capable of absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and transforming it into the fortress's defensive power. Each time the first ray of sunlight shines upon them, the runic mirrors seem to activate, radiating dazzling light and enveloping the entire fortress in a mysterious and powerful barrier.

Within the city, the buildings are arranged in a staggered pattern like stars in the sky. Every pavilion and every street contains hidden secrets of heaven, echoing the stars in the heavens and forming an exquisite star-studded chessboard. This is not merely a place of residence, but a testament to the supreme wisdom of human beings who have integrated the laws of heaven and earth into the architecture, making the entire fortress a living array capable of resisting external enemies and even launching a world-shaking counterattack under certain conditions.

As dawn broke, the fortress's inhabitants began to stir. Cultivators practiced swordsmanship, their blades flashing like dragons, slicing through the sky; others meditated in quiet chambers, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to further their cultivation. Children, accompanied by their parents, chased and played in the city square, their laughter echoing in every corner, adding warmth and vitality to this formidable fortress.

Zheng Qian had already finished practicing his swordsmanship, but he still insisted on starting his practice at four in the morning every day. This habit led many geniuses from the Southern Region to follow him in their practice, and they admired his perseverance even more.

"Zheng Qian, let's go, let's start blocking the door!" Zhao Mingxiu shouted to Zheng Qian from a distance. He hadn't slept all night, and he was extremely excited whenever he thought about starting the door-blocking battle and getting the Glory Medal.

"Good morning, Brother Mingxiu." Zheng Qian greeted him first, and then said, "Brother Mingxiu, we should have breakfast first, so that we will have the strength to fight the enemy. Before we go into battle, we will select the generals at the command platform and fight according to the list. It's still early, no rush."

"Oh, I see." Zhao Mingxiu nodded. He really didn't know that the Ghost Wind Rift Valley needed to select its generals before going into battle.

"Good morning, Guardian God of War!"

"Good morning, Alliance Leader!"

"Greetings, Alliance Leader! Greetings, Minister!"

The two moved through the Starry Chess Formation, and everyone they encountered greeted Zheng Qian. There was no way around it; Zheng Qian was simply too famous. Only those within the alliance recognized Zhao Mingxiu and greeted him.

"Zheng Qian, how many days do you think we can block the road this time?" Zhao Mingxiu asked as they walked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Let's do our best." Zheng Qian smiled slightly. He knew how difficult the goal-blocking battle was, as each one was full of unknowns and challenges. "However, as long as we are united and have the right strategy, we should be able to achieve good results."

When all the geniuses of the Southern Region gathered, and Zhao Mingxiu was waiting for Zheng Qian to speak before going to the command platform, Zheng Qian made a decision that surprised everyone.

"Gentlemen, Minister Zhao is going to start the gate-blocking battle today. Are you confident that you can assist Minister Zhao in completing this level eight mission?" Zheng Qian stood on the high platform and shouted to the geniuses of the Southern Region. His voice echoed through the streets and alleys, attracting many onlookers.

"Yes!" the geniuses from the Southern Region roared. They hadn't been able to participate in Zheng Qian's gate-blocking battle, but today they were determined to start a gate-blocking battle with Minister Zhao.

They knew that the person they should be most grateful to for all of this was their leader, Zheng Qian.

“Very good.” Zheng Qian raised his right hand, clenched his fist, and continued, “Gentlemen, confidence is the first step to success, but strength is the key to victory. To ensure our victory in this gate-blocking battle, I require every member of the alliance to not only be full of fighting spirit, but also armed to the teeth! Today, I want to announce an important decision: our alliance will collectively procure weapons and equipment so that every participant can fight in the best possible condition!”

“I know that the geniuses of the Southern Region are never afraid of challenges, but when facing an eighth-level mission, we need more than just courage and determination; we also need powerful weapons to rival our formidable enemies. Therefore, I, Zheng Qian, in my personal capacity and in conjunction with the Alliance’s finance department, have launched a special fund specifically for upgrading the equipment for this operation.”

"Next, we will organize a special procurement. Whether it's an incomparably sharp spirit sword, an unparalleled shield, or a rare elixir that can quickly restore physical strength, we will strive to get the best of everything that can help improve combat power!"

"At the same time, I also encourage everyone to choose the equipment that best suits their strengths and needs, so that we can work together to build an invincible elite force. Remember, every investment is an investment in our victory, and every piece of excellent equipment will be our magic weapon to defeat the enemy!"

"Now, what I want to see is that everyone not only has the belief in victory, but also the support of concrete actions. Let us join hands and use our passion and wisdom to write a legend for Minister Zhao and for ourselves! Geniuses of the Southern Region, are you ready?"

"Be prepared!" The geniuses from the Southern Region roared in unison, their eyes gleaming with an unprecedented light, as if they could already see the dawn of victory. At this moment, they deeply realized that following Zheng Qian and joining this alliance was the best decision they had ever made.

Last night, Zheng Qian arranged for the five vice leaders to gather their people here so that they could collectively purchase equipment. They were so excited that they couldn't sleep all night.

Because Zheng Qian promised everyone they could choose one Rank 3 magic weapon. A Rank 3 magic weapon costs at least 100 mid-grade spirit crystals, and the most expensive can cost as much as 500 mid-grade spirit crystals. Let alone ordinary geniuses, even the Seven Great Prodigies couldn't afford one. Each of the Seven Great Prodigies possessed a Rank 3 magic weapon, a life-saving weapon provided by their sect.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Qian let each of them choose one item. How could they not be happy?

Squeak... At this moment, the shop next door opened its door, and everyone looked over. The three large characters "Treasure Pavilion" on the door were exceptionally eye-catching.

Hu Shichen opened the door. He stood tall and straight, like a pine or bamboo, exuding aristocratic elegance in every gesture. His deep eyes seemed to see into people's hearts, gleaming with wisdom and mystery. His nose was high and straight, his lips were pale, and his facial features were well-defined, every feature perfectly proportioned, as if sculpted by nature itself.

Hu Shichen first glanced at Zhao Minghang standing behind Zheng Qian. Zhao Minghang gave him a look, and Hu Shichen immediately understood. He subtly glanced at Zhao Mingxiu, raised his hand in greeting, and walked towards Zheng Qian: "Isn't this the Guardian God of War, Alliance Leader Zheng? It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Zheng Qian walked towards Pavilion Master Hu, his eyes conveying a knowing look, but he spoke politely: "Pavilion Master Hu, today our Iron Blood Conquest Alliance is going to start a gate-blocking battle and we would like to purchase some weapons, equipment and pills. We hope that you can give us some recommendations."

Hu Shichen smiled slightly, a smile that carried a hint of cunning and sincerity. He took out a fan and gently waved it, releasing a faint fragrance. He said, "Alliance Leader Zheng, you are too kind. The name of the Iron-Blooded Conquest Alliance is renowned throughout the Ghost Wind Rift Valley. It is an honor for my Treasure Pavilion to serve you."

Zheng Qian laughed and patted Hu Shichen on the shoulder: "Sect Leader Hu, you flatter us. Our Iron-Blooded Conquest Alliance believes that brothers working together can break through any obstacle. Today's battle is not only for our own glory, but also to prove to the entire continent that the power of our emerging forces should not be underestimated."

Hu Shichen nodded, his gaze sweeping over the expectant members behind Zheng Qian, inwardly admiring Zheng Qian's ability to unite and lead them. He turned and called out loudly to the shop, "Everyone at Treasure Pavilion, today our friends from the Iron-Blooded Conquest Alliance have graced us with their presence. We must bring out our best goods so that all our heroes leave satisfied!"

As he finished speaking, the Treasure Pavilion immediately became busy. One by one, magical artifacts and weapons, shimmering with spiritual light and emanating different auras, were carefully placed on the display stand. At the same time, there were also all kinds of pills and defensive equipment, a dazzling array that was overwhelming to behold.

Zheng Qian waved his hand behind him, signaling that everyone could begin selecting items. In an instant, members of the Iron-Blooded Conquest Alliance stepped forward, their eyes gleaming with excitement and anticipation. Some carefully examined the patterns on each magical artifact, while others inquired with Hu Shichen about the effects of certain special elixirs. The entire Treasure Pavilion was filled with a lively yet orderly atmosphere.

Zhao Minghang stood aside, observing everything with sharp eyes, occasionally exchanging a glance with Hu Shichen; there seemed to be some kind of tacit understanding between the two.

“The spiritual energy is flowing, and a trace of spiritual energy has been nurtured within. These are all third-grade magic artifacts.”

"Ah, I've never touched a third-grade magic weapon before. I'm so lucky to be able to choose one today."

"It's not that you're lucky, it's that our leader is magnanimous."

"Yes, yes, Zheng Qian is so lucky to be our leader."

Zheng Qian watched as everyone selected third-grade magic artifacts, his heart filled with joy. These four hundred-plus geniuses would become the future of the Southern Region. If he nurtured them well, wouldn't he be able to roam freely throughout the Southern Region?

Summoning the seven prodigies over, Zheng Qian said with a smile, "The seven of you are the backbone of the alliance. Each of you may choose one fifth-grade magic weapon."

"Hiss." The seven gasped. A fifth-grade magic weapon costs at least a thousand mid-grade spirit crystals, so seven of them would be seven thousand. A better fifth-grade magic weapon could sell for five thousand mid-grade spirit crystals, so seven of them would be thirty-five thousand mid-grade spirit crystals. This amount of money would require several high-level meetings to discuss, let alone for them.

Zheng Qian buying third-grade magic artifacts for more than 400 people was already shocking enough, but they didn't expect him to buy them fifth-grade magic artifacts as well.

Zheng Qian, is that all the money you have?

Unbeknownst to them, Yun Youzi gave Zheng Qian 30,000 mid-grade spirit crystals as pocket money annually. Meanwhile, Zheng Qian, using Zhao Mingxiu's name, had discussed with Zhao Minghang last night with Hu Shichen that all the magical artifacts they bought today would be discounted by 20%.

With Young Master Zhao here, how can we not try to gain some benefits and repay everyone's emotional investment in making him happy?

Only Zheng Qian, Zhao Minghang, and Hu Shichen knew about this; they couldn't let it spread. At most, the higher-ups of the Radiant Legion would know, but what could they say to the legion commander's favorite son?

"By the way, don't Li Zun and the other four have a battle formation? Tell them to each choose a fourth-grade magic weapon. Third-grade magic weapons are too weak and no longer suitable for them. I'll buy them better ones after their cultivation improves. The same goes for you. I'll buy you better magic weapons after your strength increases." After Zheng Qian finished speaking, he went to chat with Zhao Mingxiu, leaving the seven geniuses dumbfounded.

They bought fourth-grade magic weapons for Li Zun and the others, and as their strength increased, they bought even better ones. But the others did the same; as their strength increased, they wanted even better ones. They were bewildered.

Zheng Qian, Zheng Qian, how much money do you actually have?

"Zheng Qian, are you really going to pay the bill?" Zhao Mingxiu asked Zheng Qian, puzzled. He had just heard Hu Shichen say that Zheng Qian had booked the entire venue and was paying the bill, and his heart was trembling.

More than four hundred people, more than four hundred third-grade magic artifacts—even the cheapest ones would cost over forty thousand mid-grade spirit crystals. Zhao Mingxiu dared not even think about such a large sum of money.

Zhao Mingxiu was of noble status and had a lot of pocket money, but he really couldn't come up with more than 40,000 mid-grade spirit crystals. At most, he could produce 4,000 mid-grade spirit crystals.

Zheng Qian smiled confidently and said in a low voice, "Brother Mingxiu, I have already prepared the money. You just need to say a few words and say that you will pay the bill. I will take care of the rest."

Let me speak, say I'll pay, and then you pay privately?

What a good person!

A flicker of surprise and curiosity crossed Zhao Mingxiu's eyes, along with a hint of anticipation, but more than anything, it reflected a reassessment of Zheng Qian's strength. He nodded. Although many questions remained, since Zheng Qian was so certain, he chose to trust this new friend, his superior, Alliance Leader Zheng. After all, in the cultivation world, someone so confident and unafraid was no ordinary person.

The two walked and talked, and soon returned to the group. Watching the busy figures of the others, Zheng Qian smiled faintly.

"Brother Mingxiu, it's getting late. Why don't we go and announce the bill now?"

Zhao Mingxiu nodded, and the two walked together to the center of the crowd. He cleared his throat and announced loudly, "Ladies and gentlemen, all expenses for today will be covered by me, Zhao Mingxiu. I hope everyone has a great time!"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the entire venue.

"Minister Zhao is a real big spender, a lucky star for our alliance."

"Minister Zhao, in a word, awesome."

"Minister Zhao, of the ten parts of the human race's generosity, you alone possess seven parts."

Hearing these words of praise, Zhao Mingxiu felt an overwhelming surge of excitement and pride. He knew that at this moment, he had become the focus of everyone's attention, and every action and every word he uttered would leave a deep impression on people's minds.

An excited Zhao Mingxiu saw Hu Shichen looking at him with adoration, his face beaming like a lackey seeing his master. He became even more excited and shouted, "Hu Shichen, I, Zhao Mingxiu, will pay for today's bill!"

Hu Shichen's smile froze, then he answered loudly, "Yes, young master."

Zhao Mingxiu did not sense any change in Hu Shichen's answer. Too many people called him Young Master. Hu Shichen was a member of the Radiant Legion, so it was reasonable for him to be called Young Master.

A few people were slightly moved when they heard Hu Shichen address him, such as Zheng Qian and Zhixing Chen Tianrui.

Hu Shichen was conflicted. He had discussed with Zheng Qian and Zhao Minghang last night that the Iron Blood Conquest Alliance would come to the store to buy magic weapons today, and Hu Shichen could take this opportunity to get to know Zhao Mingxiu. That's why he used his own methods to get a 20% discount.

Who would have thought that Zhao Mingxiu would say he would pay the bill? That was beyond his authority. He didn't say last night that he would pay the bill.

Only the higher-ups knew one thing: the Treasure Pavilion wasn't the property of the Radiant Legion and the Strategic Alliance, but rather the property of the Zhao family, specifically Zhao Huang. Even Zhao Mingxiu was unaware of this, because the Zhao family's assets were so vast, and Zhao Mingxiu had only recently arrived in the Ghost Wind Rift Valley, so he didn't know the Treasure Pavilion belonged to his family.

Hu Shichen took out the Wind Whisper Stone and immediately reported that Zhao Mingxiu wanted to pay the bill, after all, he couldn't bear the responsibility for such a huge sum of money.

"The young master's identity is a secret. Also, if the young master is happy, you can earn a fourth-level merit and have all your expenses waived." When Feng Yushi sent these words, Hu Shichen's mood instantly improved. He didn't expect that getting acquainted with Zhao Mingxiu today would actually earn him a fourth-level merit.

At this moment, Hu Shichen sincerely thanked Zheng Qian. Without Zheng Qian, he would not have been able to become acquainted with Zhao Mingxiu, let alone achieve merit.

The alliance members escorted Zhao Mingxiu to the command platform. Zheng Qian gave Li Miaoran a wink, and Li Miaoran stayed behind, looking at Zheng Qian with her beautiful eyes, puzzled.

"Settle the bill." Zheng Qian handed the spatial ring directly to Li Miaoran, then caught up with Zhao Mingxiu.

A faint smile graced Li Miaoran's face. This was her first time using a spatial ring, and she curiously enveloped it with spiritual energy. She was stunned by the mountains of living supplies, the small mountain of spirit crystals, and rows upon rows of elixirs and miraculous medicines.

Zheng Qian is really rich. He handed over all that wealth to her directly, which stirred something within her.

"Sect Master Hu, how many spirit crystals?" Li Miaoran hadn't forgotten her mission and was settling accounts with Hu Shichen.

Hu Shichen recalled his superior's words about concealing Zhao Mingxiu's identity. He was unaware that Zheng Qian had already introduced Zhao Mingxiu's identity to everyone in the alliance. Thinking he had a secret, he smiled and said, "It is an honor for Treasure Pavilion to have Alliance Leader Zheng grace us with his presence. All the magical artifacts today are on the house."

Free meal, because of Zheng Qian?

Li Miaoran had a surreal feeling, and at the same time, for the first time, she had an urge to learn more about Zheng Qian.