Pillar of Yita

Cuiye shrugged, unsurprised: ”It’s normal, because the original agreement was three percent, but they voluntarily increased it to ten percent — what you’re seeing now is that extra portion.”

But while he was not surprised, Fang Hong was quite taken aback. Not only was there no private deduction, but there was an active increase in the share — is this even possible?

Seeing his expression, Cuiye took the initiative to explain: ”Generally speaking, no, it’s rare. But exceptions exist. Just think, your contributions in that combat were undeniable, if it weren’t for you —”

But facing Fang Hong’s skeptical gaze, he changed his tune: ”Alright, alright, the logic is simple, and I’m not entirely incorrect. Without you, we wouldn’t have won that combat. They made a substantial profit afterward, but considering the current situation, no one wants a one-off deal. Especially now, with reinforcements from various Grand Guilds already arriving, competition has suddenly intensified, so they increased the share, naturally with the intention of continued cooperation.”

”No,” Fang Hong was bewildered: ”But we’ve already planned to leave?”

”True, but who can say?”

”You didn’t tell them?”

”Of course not, I’m keeping it confidential for everyone here, I’m as tight-lipped as ever.”

Cuiye’s words were emphatic, with a tone of absolute conviction.

Fang Hong looked at the Poet with either admiration or helplessness, as if seeing a colossal blame looming over him. Needless to say, with the increased share given to the Seven Seas Travel Group, his cut as the middleman must have risen as well, and keeping quiet surely wasn’t due to professional integrity.

If the Seven Seas Travel Group stays, everyone would be pleased. But if they leave, the blame will definitely be shifted onto them, saying they took benefits without taking action.

However, keeping the secret is indeed beneficial for the Seven Seas Travel Group. He couldn’t help but smile bitterly at his counterpart, shaking his head, unable to articulate any flaws. One can only say that this blame is definitely falling on Mr. Fang.

The Poet also smiled and said: ”Actually, staying wouldn’t be bad either, you have no need to rush out of here. People everywhere are finding ways to come to this place, underneath lies a huge treasure, doesn’t it?”

Fang Hong resented internally, would staying facilitate your continued profiteering?

Of course, if it weren’t for the awkward current status of the Seven Seas Travel Group, he might seriously consider the suggestion. The Elder Tree’s leaves are priceless to other Chosen, and it’s no different for them.

Over four thousand leaves equate to over two hundred thousand experience points, which may seem like just a bit more than a level up for him — but for someone at Level 25, gaining a level’s worth of experience is a daunting matter.

If used on Tang Xin, Tianlan, and Ai Xiaoxiao, it wouldn’t be just one level up, but several. Especially for Tang Xin and Ai Xiaoxiao, boosting them to second-tier team levels isn’t impossible. Additionally, this item isn’t just valuable to Chosen; it’s also beneficial to Natives. That’s critical since Bakins, Hilveld, and the Big Cat People have limited ways to level up, using experience items could be one of the few rapid methods to enhance strength.

But the leaves are the team’s asset; their usage needs to be collectively discussed, and it’s unlikely it’ll be used solely on one person. Nevertheless, for the Seven Seas Travel Group, they are exceedingly important and significant.

Yet, no matter how significant, losses and gains must be weighed. Since Fang Hong has decided to leave, he won’t be easily swayed. He quietly gazed at the distant dark and narrow canyon — this is the first time they’ve stepped out of this gray, withered forest in days.

Others were busy by the Beasts of Burden, even Tianlan freed up her hands to help, struggling to hand over bags of Earth Origin Crystals to the Big Cat People, who would then securely place them on the backs of the Beasts of Burden.

Hilveld was counting the numbers while Tang Xin and Xiesta followed behind her, along with Walnut’s group underground assisting.

He glanced at the pointer on his pocket watch — it’s Liming time — surface time, though the lines between time aren’t as clear underground, yet everyone still acts roughly according to their original routines.

Thus, at this moment, within the withered Forest, there remains silence, but just post-battle, few will come here.

Fang Hong closed the watch’s cover, glanced into the darkness ahead, then turned back. This time, directly bypassing the other’s inquiry, suddenly asked: ”Cuiye, do you know the situation at the Holy White Stone Guild?”

Cuiye was slightly stunned, but quickly intuited the true meaning, smiled and replied with a question: ”You actually want to hear about the Twilight Guild’s situation, right?”

Fang Hong nodded, casting a glance at the latter, having to admit the guy is indeed capable. Despite extracting plenty of profits, it’s merely everyone getting what they need — in fact, if not for this fellow, their journey might not have been so smooth.

”What can be expected?” Cuiye shook his head, ”Though various Guilds in South Nogness have formed a temporary alliance due to the sudden appearance of the Crystal Mine, those people are well aware. Just how unified is this alliance? This is truly something worth questioning.”