Technological advancement begins with devouring.

"There is some profit to be made, but the profit margin is not as large as I imagined."

Looking at the information Babata had found, Jiang Chen couldn't help but let out a soft sigh.

The technology that Jiang Chen possesses is undoubtedly very advanced on Earth.

But in the grand scheme of the universe, it's nothing special.

Even if the 'alchemy rune' technology does not exist in this world, there are still alternatives.

As long as the effect is similar, the method used is not important.

According to Babata's research, in the star systems near 'Qiulong Star', a mech or similar technological weapon that can be piloted by a planetary-level or higher expert and can unleash combat power comparable to a ninth-tier star usually costs a little over 100 million Black Dragon Coins.

This number was much lower than Jiang Chen had expected, even far below the price of a ninth-tier stellar slave.

After Babata's explanation, Jiang Chen finally understood that puppets or other similar technological creations that did not require a 'driver' were indeed more valuable.

However, the fact that the 'Goliath Giant' requires a pilot greatly reduces its value, making it only one-fiftieth the price of a slave of the same rank.

As for the cost, if we abandon pure metals like 'Mysterious Iron Mother' and instead use alloy materials with similar performance but only about one-tenth the price, the cost of manufacturing one 'Goliath Giant' would be around fifty to sixty million.

The profit margin is around 40%, but considering the time cost of manufacturing, labor cost, and transportation cost, it's not as exorbitant as Jiang Chen imagined.

Unless, of course, the cost of materials can be significantly reduced through bulk purchasing.

The price difference between buying materials for just one or two mechs at a time and buying enough materials to manufacture hundreds of mechs at once can be as high as 30%.

"But if we purchase materials for 300 'Goliaths' at once, we would need at least 18 billion in start-up capital. I don't have that much money on hand. Even if I sold all my valuables, I still wouldn't be able to come up with it."

Jiang Chen couldn't help but frown.

Jiang Chen had already asked Babata to help investigate. Among the technologies that Jiang Chen could mass-produce and sell, only the 'Goliath Giant' was theoretically the easiest to sell and had the highest profit margin.

As for other things, many of them were made by Jiang Chen himself using materials he acquired, and the cost of these products exceeded the selling price of similar functional products in the universe.

Even if it's profitable, either the sales channels won't be ideal, or the profit margin will be too low, making it not worth wasting time on.

To make money, you either need to rely on the 'Goliath' or find a way to redevelop a suitable blueprint based on existing technology.

But even if the latter could be achieved, its value might not be as high as that of the 'Goliath'.

“Contracting out mining operations won’t work either. There are plenty of mining companies in the universe that have lower mining costs and higher efficiency than my SCV. I simply can’t compete with them…”

Countless thoughts flashed through Jiang Chen's mind.

Before entering the universe, Jiang Chen had carefully considered his 'advantages' and envisioned several ways to make money.

But after actually checking through the virtual universe, Jiang Chen helplessly discovered that all other paths were blocked, and only the 'Goliath Giant' was the only way for Jiang Chen to make money.

Even so, it's only theoretically possible to make money.

To truly achieve this, we still need to solve the problem of 'start-up capital' for the initial purchase of goods, as well as the problem of sales channels after the goods are manufactured.

Market price is one thing; whether you can quickly find a suitable buyer and sell it is another.

"The sales problem isn't too difficult to solve. At worst, we can lower the price, make a little less profit, and sell to those merchants who specialize in weapons. As long as the profit is considerable enough, there will always be someone willing to take over. The real trouble is the issue of start-up capital."

Jiang Chen thought for a long time but couldn't come up with a solution. He could only try to ask Babata for help: "Babata, I plan to make some money by relying on 'Goliath Giant', but I don't have enough start-up capital. Do you have any good suggestions?"

"Make money?" Babata paused for a moment, then immediately asked, "Do you have a specific plan? What difficulties are there in the plan?"

"I think so……"

Jiang Chen quickly revealed his thoughts without any concealment.

Jiang Chen knew very well that honesty was essential to gain Babata's help.

"Your plan is not bad. If you sell to shops like 'Rare Treasure Shops' or 'Technology Weapons Specialty Stores,' at least finding a market won't be difficult, and the profit will be decent. However, you'll need at least tens of billions of Black Dragon Coins as start-up capital..."

Babata hesitated, "I do have some valuable treasures, but they're too valuable. If you take them out and don't have a proper way to conceal them, you might lose your life if someone finds out, and I'll be implicated too. I don't have anything of just the right value..."

Jiang Chen quickly recalled some of the treasures on the 'Meteorite Starship'.

For example, fragments of the 'Red Copper Mother', or the corpse of an immortal god, etc.

These items are indeed incredibly valuable, but precisely because they are so valuable, even if Babata gave them to Jiang Chen, Jiang Chen wouldn't dare to sell them for money.

The universe has never been a peaceful place.

It would be dangerous if an enormous amount of wealth that one shouldn't have been able to possess were exposed.

"Do you still have the 'Arc Blade Disc' that you gave to Luo Feng before?" Jiang Chen couldn't help but look at Babata.

Jiang Chen remembered that the price Qibao Store paid for the 'Arc Blade Disc' was exactly 180 billion Black Dragon Coins.

“That’s all, just one. The master only planned to take on one disciple, so naturally only one set of treasures was prepared.” Babata quickly shook his head.

"Luo Feng has two weapons, the Sky-Piercing Shuttle and the Arc Blade Disc. How about I borrow one to use first, and then buy it back for him after he finishes developing his clone?" Jiang Chen suddenly had an idea.

It will take Luo Feng at least one or two years to adapt to the Golden Horned Beast's body and develop his clone.

With a sum of start-up capital, as long as the 'Goliath Giant' business goes smoothly, it will be enough for Jiang Chen to earn several times or even dozens of times his initial investment within one or two years.

"Hey, your idea is dangerous!" Babata couldn't help but look at Jiang Chen.

This guy actually coveted the treasure passed down from his old master!

If Jiang Chen hadn't given the Golden Horned Beast to Luo Feng, Babata would probably be cursing right now.

"Alright, I'll tell you a way. You might not be able to get 18 billion, but getting a little over 10 billion shouldn't be a problem. But once you make the money, you'll have to keep an eye on Luo Feng."

Babata sighed.

“Of course, Luo Feng is my buddy, so I won’t forget him if I get anything in return.” Jiang Chen asked repeatedly, “What exactly is the method?”

“Sell that Black Dragon Mountain X81 spaceship. The Black Dragon Mountain X81 is a spaceship made of pure natural metal, and with its history, it has great collectible value. Some spaceship collectors are willing to pay a high price. After selling it, buy an ordinary C-class spaceship for yourself, and you can still save at least 10 billion Black Dragon coins.”

Babata stated his thoughts, then immediately added, "Black Dragon Mountain X81 was discovered and jointly owned by you and Luo Feng. Any money you make with this money should also go to Luo Feng!"

As expected of Babata, even at this moment he doesn't forget to fight for Luo Feng's interests.

However, Jiang Chen didn't pay attention to that. Babata's words immediately made Jiang Chen's eyes light up, and he found a new idea.