Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2056: Wait to sit on that position (2)

Jie Su's curiosity was piqued. For Ye Zhongming to label something a secret, it had to be profoundly significant.

"Elaborate," Jie Su urged.

Ye Zhongming's gaze narrowed as he revealed, "I possess the ability to craft Red Condensation-grade equipment."

Jie Su nodded in understanding, then his eyes snapped wide open in disbelief.

"What?"

Jie Su was aware of Ye Zhongming's adeptness in crafting superior equipment; he recalled Ye Zhongming forging items for everyone during their time on the Novice battlefield. Though these items appeared satisfactory to Jie Su then, they were certainly not of the Red Condensation-grade.

He understood that Red Condensation-grade equipment represented the standard for mid-tier cultivators across various races and was in high demand. Furthermore, it constituted the most lucrative line of equipment for the Talos Red Dwarves' external sales. While the profit margin per unit might not rival that of Raini-grade, the sheer volume ensured substantial overall earnings.

A well-known adage among the Talos Red Dwarves perfectly encapsulated this principle: "A cartload of Ke Steel Grade is insignificant compared to a single box of Red Condensation-grade."

Within that simple declaration, Jie Su grasped the immense… peril it entailed.

Should the Talos Red Dwarves discover this, they would undoubtedly eliminate Ye Zhongming, even if it meant initiating a full-scale war. Even with the backing of the Su Clan, such an outcome would be unavoidable. In fact, the Su Clan would likely adopt a stance of non-interference.

"This secret… it's overwhelmingly terrifying," Jie Su murmured, feeling a palpable sense of dread, yet strangely, a thrill coursed through him.

"Why do you think I desired those shops within Su City? It was to safeguard this secret. Periodically, I intend to offer some Red Condensation-grade items for sale in them. Neither the Star-Eye Clan nor our own people will directly manage these establishments. You will oversee them, utilizing your own trusted personnel. This arrangement will significantly mitigate the risks. Given that both our factions have a consistent need for equipment of this caliber, the quantity released to the market will be carefully controlled. It will be precisely enough to avoid disrupting market prices and will be readily absorbed by consumers," Ye Zhongming elucidated, clarifying the strategic purpose behind his prior stipulation to Jie Su.

The extensive commercial hubs of the Su Clan catered to hundreds of millions of their own members, as well as the even vaster populations of their allied minor races. Their commercial potential far surpassed that of Dark Strip City or other similar urban centers. In the future, Ye Zhongming envisioned needing numerous sales channels, making such an established outlet incredibly advantageous.

With Jie Su in charge of operations, representing the esteemed Su Clan itself—a primary lineage clan—and by extension, even Yaohan Su personally, these shops would remain the premier choice for countless customers, regardless of competitors selling similar goods. The profitability was virtually assured.

"I can assist in placing these crafted items within the clan's retail outlets…" Jie Su began, only to halt himself, a wry smile touching his lips.

Naturally, he could leverage his connections to integrate these items into the clan's shops, mingling them with genuine Red Condensation-grade equipment produced by the Talos Red Dwarves. This would offer a layer of security. However, the revenue and profits generated would accrue to the clan. Conversely, if sold through Ye Zhongming's dedicated shop, the proceeds would be directed to Ye Zhongming, Jie Su himself, and the direct lineage of the clan leader.

"We shall independently secure the inventory for the shop. Any items you contribute are solely yours, with all profits belonging to you. Anything I procure will be considered a shared venture, with profits divided equally. Accept it as is; do not refuse. After all, you will bear the responsibilities of management, including hiring and compensating staff," Ye Zhongming stated, preempting Jie Su's attempt to decline. He added, "Furthermore, do you not require personal funds? Relying solely on the limited support from those subordinate races is insufficient. Consider this a stable income stream for yourself."

After a moment's reflection, Jie Su agreed. He genuinely lacked a viable means to generate income. His prior collaboration with Ye Zhongming on mining a resource star was partly motivated by this need, but that endeavor would require significant time before yielding any profits. This proposed shop, however, could commence operations relatively swiftly.

"Can you… craft Raini-grade equipment?" Jie Su inquired, his inquiry hinting at a potential shift in his approach to managing this matter should Ye Zhongming possess such capabilities.

Ye Zhongming offered a slight shake of his head. "Not at present. I am still in the process of fully researching it. However, grant me some time, and I believe it will become feasible."

"Additionally, I require your assistance in acquiring Raini-grade equipment. Whenever you encounter any, make every effort to purchase it for me. There are certain intricacies in its construction that I have yet to fully grasp. Deconstructing a few more pieces should provide the necessary insights."

Jie Su readily assented, finding himself unable to fully comprehend the future implications should Ye Zhongming master the art of crafting Raini-grade equipment.

By that time, discovery would be a non-issue. In fact, equipment of the Raini-grade would offer greater safety than Red Condensation-grade, given the inherent difficulty in crafting higher-tier items. Even if Ye Zhongming managed to learn the techniques, any output would be immediately seized by the Star-Eye Clan and their affiliated Su Clan, thus never reaching the open market.

"Furthermore, before my departure, I shall entrust you with two hundred 'Weapons of War.' This is the maximum quantity I could expedite. Reserve one hundred for your personal use and present the remaining hundred to Clan Leader Yaohan Su."

Keeping merely a handful of these 'Weapons of War' for himself was sufficient, as their effects possessed no stacking properties. However, employing them strategically to gain favor with influential figures or to reward subordinates would undoubtedly foster immense gratitude. Both Yaohan Su and Jie Su would find such gestures invaluable.

"Additionally, I will provide you with two thousand catties of Purple Luo Zinc. Again, the distribution will be split evenly: half for you and half for the clan leader. However, you must arrange for the clan leader to dispatch personnel alongside mine to retrieve it from a specific location. The journey may present certain perils, necessitating the selection of skilled individuals."

Ye Zhongming's personal stock of Purple Luo Zinc was rather limited. To fulfill the Su Clan's extensive demands, it would be imperative to procure it from a particular treasure vault belonging to the Changxu Water Race. Unfortunately, any easily accessible resources had already been claimed by Helsky acting alone. What remained was inherently more challenging to acquire.

The Su Clan's assistance was crucial because the chosen retrieval site fell within the territorial influence of the Huo'er Star. This formidable super race appeared to be cognizant of a nearby Changxu Water Race treasure site. Consequently, they had maintained vigilant surveillance over the area for an extended period. Accessing the resources within would inevitably involve a degree of risk.

Nevertheless, the site promised an abundance of Purple Luo Zinc, exceeding twenty thousand catties, which certainly justified Ye Zhongming endeavoring the risk involved.

Jie Su inclined his head, and Ye Zhongming continued, "I will be leaving you ten pieces of Red Condensation-grade equipment. While your personal needs are met, those accompanying you would likely benefit. The allocation of these items is entirely at your discretion. Should you require any further equipment, do not hesitate to inform me."

Standing and brushing off his seemingly immaculate backside, Ye Zhongming declared, "The formations and related arrangements have already been decided. I will transmit the details to you shortly. Furthermore, I have transferred twenty million Moonspan Gold to your account. Consider it a grant; its utilization is entirely up to you, provided it serves your benefit. Do not perceive this sum as inadequate, as I too have numerous financial commitments."

On Earth, the election of a president in certain nations incurred expenditures in the hundreds of millions of dollars. A comparable financial reality applied to the attainment of elevated positions within this realm.

Jie Su subtly rolled his eyes upon hearing this. Twenty million Moonspan Gold – who would possibly deem such a sum insufficient? He was genuinely touched by his friend's magnanimity. He understood the significance of this financial backing; it represented a vital investment towards achieving their ultimate ambition.

"Your primary focus should be on enhancing your personal cultivation and, concurrently, consolidating your influence within the Su Clan. Leave the remaining responsibilities to myself, White Robe, and the others."

"Therefore, my friend, simply await the day you ascend to that esteemed position!"