Farming in the Magical World

To his surprise, whether it was because the cultivation method was incomplete or because it was written by a woman and was not very suitable for men, although he had vaguely touched the threshold of the fourth level, he could not completely stabilize it and occasionally his realm would drop, which made him very distressed!

After more than half a year of hard work, he finally gained a foothold at the fourth level, the threshold of an intermediate-level mage.

But that was the end of his luck. After reaching level four, he could no longer find any hope of advancing to level five. However, he was not satisfied with this and kept trying to find ways to continue improving his realm.

But that's reality. He stayed in Berleman for more than half a year, not only without finding any hope of advancing, but also running out of gold coins. Continuing to travel was obviously impossible, so he simply bought a house in Berleman and settled down, taking on a few jobs as a mage on the side while keeping a close eye on the developments in the magical world.

It's not that he doesn't even have the money for the trip home, it's just that he doesn't want to go back, at least not like this.

His goal is to become a high-level mage and then return to his hometown in glory.

For the past two years, he had been working hard to advance his rank, but with little success. Later, he heard somewhere that communicating more with other mages might help him advance.

After hearing this, he felt that it fit his situation very well.

What is my current situation? I have obtained the intermediate-level cultivation technique. Although there are issues with compatibility and incompleteness, I have it now. The problem now is to improve the compatibility between this technique and myself and resolve the missing parts.

If I could communicate and interact more with others to deepen my understanding and appreciation of magic, I might be able to make some minor modifications and optimizations to this technique, and there's always the possibility of further improvement.

In the following days, he frequently appeared at various magician gathering places in Berleman, enthusiastically communicating with every mid-level magician who was willing to talk to him. This not only gave him a certain reputation in the Northern Magic World, but also made every magician who knew him aware of how difficult he was to deal with.

Once they start talking, it never ends; who can stand it?

Fewer and fewer magicians are willing to communicate with him. In the last six months, it has even come to the point where many magicians turn around and leave as soon as they hear his name.

Of course, some novice mages are willing to listen to his insights as a mid-level mage, but it's useless to him, and he naturally won't seek out communicators of a lower level than himself.

He did want to find a high-level mage, but they didn't think much of him, and there weren't many high-level mages in the Northern Territory, so he couldn't make any connections.

He could sense that this kind of communication did help him improve, but it was still a little bit lacking, and now it was very difficult to find a magician who was willing to communicate.

This gave him the idea of ​​returning to his hometown to try his luck, but unexpectedly he heard someone asking to buy Thunderfire Wood, which immediately piqued his interest.

According to his memory, magic or formations that use Thunderfire Wood are almost always of intermediate or higher level, which he felt was an opportunity, perhaps he could contact a high-level mage.

It's impossible for mages to be completely hostile to each other, since they're all in the same circle and have some exchanges, even occasionally trading materials, magical knowledge, and books. However, it's not easy for him to find a high-level mage who is at least two levels above him and who is willing to exchange magical insights with him.

This raises a question: although some spells used by magicians are universal, each person has different insights, and their power varies. Some insights cannot be easily revealed to others, otherwise they would be huge weaknesses that make it easy for others to target them.

“But, Mr. Eric, the buyer is a bit… far away, not in Berleman!” Ford spread his hands awkwardly, his expression full of helplessness.

Eric was also in a dilemma regarding this request. If Lanny were in Berleman, he wouldn't mind sending a message, but it would take a whole day and night to get to Caster Ridge by horseback at full speed, and he currently had no way to communicate with Lanny quickly.

“It’s alright, I can go there myself!” Eric picked up his hot drink, took a sip, and shook his head indifferently. “In Elfen?”

He didn't mind going there in person; this matter was definitely much more important to him than things like saving face.

Hearing that Eric was actually willing to go there in person, it seemed he was determined to see him, and Ford rubbed his forehead in distress.

He genuinely didn't want to expose Lanny.

If Lanny were really in Elfen, it would be fine; he could simply refuse if he didn't want to see him. Elfen is such a large place, it's not easy to find out who's looking to buy it. But he's in such a small place as Castel Ridge, so if I just mention the location, I'll expose myself even if I don't want to.

How can this be good?

Seeing Ford's predicament, Eric remained calm and sat there steadily, occasionally taking a sip of hot drink, as if he wasn't worried at all that the other party wouldn't agree.

After much deliberation, Ford finally spoke, albeit hesitantly.

“Mr. Eric, how about you give me some samples first, and I’ll ask the other party if they’re willing to accept your terms? What do you think?”

He paused for a moment, then explained, "The main reason is that I am not a magician and do not understand the affairs of your magical world. I don't know if the other party has any taboos. I hope you can understand."

Eric nodded, took a small bag from his person, and tossed it on the table. "Here, this is Thunderfire Wood. He should be able to verify its authenticity." Clearly, he had anticipated this situation and was well-prepared.

After saying that, he stood up, waved his hand to decline Ford's farewell, and turned to leave the Chamber of Commerce without any hesitation, only to hear from afar, "Remember to let me know if there's any news!"

After the other party left, Ford opened the bag on the table and found that it was indeed a very small, round piece of wood. He figured it must be Thunderfire Wood, so he summoned his men again.

"Have you prepared everything else I asked you to buy?"

Seeing the other person nod, he continued, "Get everything ready; I'll probably need it soon!"

"Oh, and send ten gold coins to Lord Eric!"

Judging by the time, the delivery date for the 20 dark-patterned swords is almost here. After this auction, the trade route issue should also be resolved. He plans to set off directly from Caster Ridge and head east along the Grumman Mountains into the Bauhinia Kingdom.

This route minimizes the passage through noble territories, greatly reducing the difficulty of coordination; this is the result of his considerations over the past period.

Of course, security must also be taken into consideration, given that it spans two kingdoms and the journey is not peaceful, with bandits, refugees, or thieves appearing from time to time.

A few days ago, his master specially sent three knights. As the pinnacle of individual combat strength, fully armed knights could handle even a dozen or so bandits without much trouble. Of course, this excludes the group of mages.

However, the dark-patterned sword he was escorting was almost completely useless against mages, and he didn't think he would encounter the already rare mages.

When he saw the glass Lanny gave him, he hesitated about whether he should go to the Bauhinia Garden himself, but after thinking it over, he decided to make the trip himself.

While it seems that Berleman or Wangdu could also handle these glasses, if we're talking about the price they can afford, then Bauhinia is naturally the best choice.

Once the trade route is opened up this time, everything will be different immediately. He doesn't have many choices now, so he can only choose to take the risks himself.

 …

June 29th

The last day of this month is also the day of the monthly auction held by the Northern Branch of the Locke Merchant Guild.

The auction was scheduled for the evening, mainly because the weather is hot in summer and the temperature will be a bit lower at night.

If the temperature is too high, the noblemen are unwilling to move. They would rather stay at home, eat some smoothies, and play with their maids than go out.

At this time, the sun was setting in the west, and the auction hall of the Chamber of Commerce had already opened its doors, with guests arriving one after another in carriages.

"Mr. Harry, welcome, welcome..."

"Ethan, you're here on behalf of your grandfather again today. How has his health been lately?"

"Haha, Mr. Baron, you look quite well today! Please come in, please come in!"

Lorenzo arrived early at the entrance of the hall, all smiles, and greeted the crowds who had come to attend the auction.

As Anthony's health deteriorates, the competition for the chapter president has become increasingly fierce. He must excel in every aspect to increase his chances of winning.

Improving one's own performance is one aspect, but building good relationships with more clients is an even more important aspect.

Otherwise, would you really think he's bored, wearing that sharp suit and standing at the door greeting people in the sweltering heat?

The main items at this auction were provided by him. Sherlock probably disliked his smug look and left the Chamber of Commerce early for another place, saying he would not return until next month.

Although he was somewhat disappointed that he couldn't confront his opponent directly, he was still quite excited to have the limelight all to himself this time.

However, thinking about what Anthony had said two days ago, a shadow fell over his heart again.

Two days ago, Anthony stayed behind after get off work to tell him that something new would be added to the auction. Although it wasn't scheduled to be the final item, he had to keep it a secret for the time being.

This is outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!

He was an executive member of the Chamber of Commerce, yet the auction items were kept secret from him? He was furious upon hearing this.

However, considering the weight Anthony's recommendation would carry for the next branch president, he could only force a smile and say that he didn't mind.

Actually, as soon as he came out of the study, he realized that the new addition must have been brought back by Ford.

He had tried to inquire over the past two days, but had not received any useful information. He could only guess that it might have come from that minor country nobleman named Lanny.

Although he didn't think this minor nobleman could have anything of value, the fact that this matter was still bothering him.

As the sunlight gradually disappeared behind the walls of Berleman, the auction began in the Chamber of Commerce's auction hall.

The earlier items were rather unremarkable, and the nobles below seemed to be dozing off, as if everyone was waiting for the final, grand finale.

"Lorenzo, this batch is no good! If all of them are like this, I'll be worried. What's the deal with that knight armor you mentioned?"

Cliff yawned, looking at the things on the stage, appearing listless.

"That's right, Cliff, I told you long ago, we might as well go for a drink and let the servants take pictures!"

Even Harry, who was standing next to him, was listless. The weather was already hot, and with so many people gathered in one hall, the air quality was naturally not good. Hearing Colliver's words, he also started to complain.

As the Duke's son, he wasn't particularly interested in such a small auction. It was only after Lorenzo specifically sent someone to repeatedly assure him that the knight's armor at this auction was exquisite and absolutely suitable as a birthday gift for the Duke that he brought Harry over.

The Duke of Burton's birthday was approaching, and he was worried about what gift to give. He was naturally overjoyed to hear this news.

After looking at the previous items, he became somewhat skeptical. Was the knight's armor really that exquisite, given its quality?

"Please wait a moment, young master. We'll be there soon, very soon. I guarantee you'll be satisfied with this knight's armor." Lorenzo had no choice but to fawn over Colliver's impatience, offering only a flattering smile.

Glancing sideways at Lorenzo, Clifton said with a hint of warning, "This is a birthday present I'm preparing for my father, so don't mess it up, okay!"

"Don't worry, don't worry, I promise..." Lorenzo naturally knew what Colliver was planning to do with the knight's armor, otherwise he wouldn't have specifically asked someone to inform Colliver.

Although Clive was considered a very approachable nobleman's son, nobles are nobles. Did they really think he was immune to temper? He couldn't afford the consequences of teasing the Duke's son.

But he was very confident in the knight's armor he had brought out, something he had spent a lot of effort to acquire.

Just as he was about to boast about the knight's armor in detail again, he was suddenly interrupted by Clive raising his hand.

"Hey, what's Ford doing up there? Did he go to the wrong place?" Clive looked at Ford, who had appeared on the auction stage, with a puzzled expression.

However, while the two were talking, Ford, the chamber of commerce deacon, slowly walked onto the display stand carrying four boxes.

As is customary at auctions, the items displayed on stage are usually by young and beautiful girls. The sudden appearance of this middle-aged man caused a stir in the hall.

"Ford, are you so old that you can't see the road clearly and have gone to the wrong place?"

"You can come up here, but at least change into women's clothes!"

"Ha ha... ..."

"That's right, haha!"

Some of the more outgoing individuals shouted from below the stage, eliciting laughter from the crowd and completely dispelling the previous somber atmosphere.

Ford remained unfazed by the ridicule and mockery from the audience. He calmly laid out the boxes he was holding on the display stand, carefully adjusting the distance between each box before smiling at the audience.

"It's not that I can't wear women's clothes..."