Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1233: Dividing the Elemental Ore

Chapter 1233: Dividing the Elemental Ore

Managing the Jiangnan Region proves to be a formidable challenge.

Zhang Yi was well aware of this fact.

The expansive Jiangnan Region stretched wide, with Tianhai City positioned along the seaside, and due to Yuan Kongye's scheme, nearly all of Tianhai's survivors had perished.

Consequently, Tianhai City's numbers had sharply decreased, and its leadership framework had settled into stability, marked by minimal large-scale disputes.

However, this calm did not extend to other locations.

In a typical mid-sized city, survivor groups could swell to tens of thousands strong.

Factor in countryside zones rich in provisions, and isolated survivors refused to bow to the Jiangnan Region's control.

This led to the emergence of numerous factions across the land, with minor groups scattered in endless profusion.

Consider the areas surrounding Tianhai City alone: more than twenty groups of different scales operated there.

It was solely because word had spread of Zhang Yi's presence in Tianhai that nobody dared encroach on its territory.

Wherever crowds assembled, conflicts inevitably erupted. Battles over sustenance, warmth sources, and garments turned confrontations between groups into everyday events.

Moreover, certain creatures had twisted into ferocious monsters.

These primarily consisted of savage animals from hills and waterways.

Stray canines prowled distant mountain settlements, alongside transformed feline fiends.

As the overseer of the Jiangnan Region, Zhu Zheng faced a daily avalanche of reports from various sectors on his desk, each demanding teams to resolve the issues.

The highest position in this territory appeared dazzlingly honorable, yet it drained the mind relentlessly, far from a simple role.

“What you require right now is an Epsilon loyal to you,” Zhang Yi remarked to Zhu Zheng with a grin, then cast a look at Zhu Yu standing nearby behind him.

“How has your goddaughter been doing recently? Has her power seen any progress?” Zhu Zheng inquired.

“She’s matured bodily to full adult levels and started her battle drills. She’s just a single step from reaching Epsilon rank,” Zhu Zheng replied, his eyes shadowed by a hint of sorrow. “Yet that final step eludes her stubbornly.”

Zhang Yi responded mildly, “She isn’t Yuan Kongye, after all.”

Zhu Yu possessed merely half of Yuan Kongye’s genetic legacy, limiting her potential far below her predecessor’s.

Should she attempt a breakthrough, the sole viable path so far involved the Divine Source.

Naturally, Zhang Yi had no intention of aiding her.

His finest assets were reserved first for those nearest to him.

Zhu Zheng understood Zhang Yi’s nature well, so he refrained from seeking Zhang Yi’s aid. Instead, he chuckled:

“Let’s set that aside for the moment. You’ve come back triumphant from this expedition, so remain here today. We’ll share a real toast, and then you can recount in full your adventures in Shengjing.”

A lively crowd warmly ushered Zhang Yi and his companions indoors.

The feast unfolded with great formality. Leisurely, Zhang Yi drew a steaming cup of tea from his vest rather than partaking in liquor.

Zhu Zheng and his associates had grown accustomed to Zhang Yi’s wariness, displaying no hint of annoyance.

At that gathering table sat key personnel.

Zhu Zheng, Zhu Yu, Deng Yuanbo, Deng Shentong, and the operations head, Tu Yunlie.

From Zhang Yi’s group, just he and Yang Xinxin took seats.

Following courteous cheers and compliments lauding Zhang Yi and his team’s tireless efforts, they probed into the tales from Shengjing.

Zhang Yi eyed Deng Shentong and offered a brief summary.

Certainly, he skipped over details unfit for disclosure.

Such as the formidable and enigmatic Serpent-folk society they’d faced deep in the chasm.

Zhang Yi and Deng Shentong hadn’t shared that with outsiders; only his trusted allies were in the know.

Despite this, the accounts they received stirred deep feelings in Zhu Zheng and the rest.

Zhu Zheng remarked, “I never imagined such perils lurked under the Qinling. Should the Jiangnan Region one day face those horrors, how would we cope?”

He let out a heavy sigh, concern lining his features.

Deng Yuanbo laughed lightly and turned to Zhang Yi: “Fortunately, we’ve got Captain Chaos on our side.”

Zhang Yi offered a subtle smile, remaining silent.

“Dangers always pair with chances. A secret realm surfacing in the Jiangnan Region might not spell doom. Manage it right, and Jiangnan could surge to the forefront of powers.”

Zhu Zheng gave a gentle laugh.

“Indeed. Without the Divine Source and elemental ore unearthed from below the Qinling, how could Shengjing have risen to lead Huaxu Kingdom’s six great regions?”

As the topic of elemental ore arose, Zhang Yi merely smiled subtly without replying.

Zhu Zheng wisely steered away from it.

Midway through the banquet, Zhu Zheng claimed he couldn’t handle more drink and withdrew.

Yet he beckoned Zhang Yi to join his exit.

With this timing, they could finally address the core issues.

At last, the two true leaders of the Jiangnan Region prepared to converse on topics beyond others’ clearance.

Zhang Yi and Zhu Zheng stepped into a rear chamber. Once seated, a server poured hot tea and departed with deference.

The enormous door sealed shut; its insulation against noise was superb. With it closed, the outer realm seemed utterly severed.

Alone without witnesses, Zhu Zheng’s face swiftly grew grave and anticipatory.

He locked eyes on Zhang Yi and questioned, “Zhang Yi, about that elemental ore, did Qin Qigong mention when we could dispatch miners to extract it?”

Zhang Yi’s fingers drummed softly on the tea stand.

“It’ll require some delay. That clash was exceedingly fierce, and the subterranean Ground Centipedes remain uncleared.”

“Extraction demands assured security, wouldn’t you say?”

Zhu Zheng inclined his head. “You’re right.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed his visage; he had coveted that wondrous fresh asset for ages.

He raised his cup for a swallow of warm tea.

“Zhang Yi, rumors say you excelled greatly this round and secured over ten percent of the Elemental Stone deposit. Is that accurate?”

Zhang Yi affirmed steadily, “Yes.”

He raised three digits toward Zhu Zheng: “Actually, I claimed a complete thirty percent.”

Brightness sparked in Zhu Zheng’s gaze, akin to a covetous landowner unearthing a mythical treasure trove, his form inclining eagerly toward Zhang Yi.

“Thirty percent! An entire thirty percent of the elemental ore—this staggering wealth has at last landed with—” He halted, then amended: “a genius of the Jiangnan Region!”

Zhang Yi grinned wordlessly.

A fawning grin bloomed on Zhu Zheng’s countenance as he chafed his palms in eagerness and stated:

“Zhang Yi, with such an enormous haul—you surely can’t utilize it solo. Might I barter goods for some Elemental Stones?”

Zhang Yi had anticipated this beforehand.

He’d merely awaited Zhu Zheng’s initiative.

“Basic provisions aren’t an issue for us. However, you could swap weapons with me for Elemental Stones.”

Though Lu Keran excelled at weapon creation, the process of smithing depleted her stamina and special talents.

Thus, Lu Keran thrived in producing elite-grade arms, not mass batches of uniform gear.

For Blizzard City, equipped with armories and production lines, such output posed no challenge.

Author's Note